Hopebeat Weekly: February 19, 2025
Hope is a Strategy for College Students
We hope you’re having a great week! Here’s what we are sharing for this week’s Hopebeat Weekly:
- Hopelessness and Hope in College Students
- Hope is a Strategy for College Students
- Deep Dive Into College Applications and Freshman Year, featuring Rick Yang
- Navigating Severe Bleeding Disorder and Finding Hope in the Toughest Times, Featuring Dr. Christy Oaks
- Aim 4 U Ladies Podcast with Sophia Tuckett featuring Kathryn Goetzke
- Our Partner Spotlight: TASC
- Shine Hope Story of the Week
- Hope-Inspired Reads: Learned Hopefulness
- Meet Dr. Dan Tomasulo
Hopelessness and Hope in College Students
Did you know? Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for teens and young adults. Hope is a protective factor for violence, suicide, substance abuse, self-harm, and other risky behaviors. Hope produces many individual and community benefits because higher hope individuals set higher-quality goals and are better able to generate strategies to achieve their goals. Learn more about the Science of Hope here.

Hope is a Strategy for College Students
We are working hard to activate hope for college students and campuses. And we are making good progress! Our Hope work is a whole campus approach to improving mental health for college students, faculty, and the community. It is a preventative and protective approach, we aim to get students help before they need it. Whether you’re a student or work with students, our program offers valuable strategies for managing life’s challenges. Activate Hope in your campus today.

Photo: Our Community Hope Specialist, Avery Peel, activating hope at University of Arkansas
Deep Dive Into College Applications and Freshman Year, featuring Rick Yang
How does a Harvard freshman deal with the stressors of college? In this episode of The Hope Matrix on Campus, host Avery Peel interviews Rick Yang, who is currently a freshman at Harvard University. Rick shares the process of applying to college and his experience of applying to colleges in a competitive environment. His experience is insightful to anyone who is considering applying to college or someone who is currently in the process. He also shares his insights into the first year of college, how things in his life have changed, and what skills he uses to combat challenges. Hear Rick Yang’s insights on college life and applications here.
Navigating Severe Bleeding Disorder and Finding Hope in the Toughest Times, Featuring Dr. Christy Oaks
Dr. Christy Oaks joins The Hope Matrix Podcast to share her powerful story from navigating a severe bleeding disorder and medical bankruptcy to finding Hope in the toughest times. Discover strategies for cultivating Hope, managing anxiety, and turning adversity into growth. Tune in to Dr. Christy Oaks’ inspiring journey here.
Listen to Aim 4 U Ladies Podcast with Sophia Tuckett featuring Kathryn Goetzke
So grateful to join Sophia Tuckett on her podcast to share “The Science Of Hope”! Tune in when it goes live on February 27th! Discover Sophia’s work and listen to the full episode here.

Our Partner Spotlight:
We’re proud to partner with Teen Action & Support Center for the The Shine Hope Story Workshop happening this February 22nd in Rogers, Arkansas. This workshop is a unique opportunity for teens to discover the power of hope and resilience through storytelling. Discover how TASC is making a difference for teens and explore the Shine Hope Story Workshop and the impactful work of TASC here.


Shine Hope Story of the Week
Check out Anna Termulo Montances’ Shine Hope Story and get inspired to write your own! Read her full story here. Take our mini-course that offers easy-to-follow video and a template to guide you in crafting a powerful narrative. By sharing your story, you empower yourself and others to navigate future challenges. Find out more at hopecourses.com.
Hope-Inspired Reads
Learned Hopefulness: The Power of Positivity to Overcome Depression
Dr. Dan Tomasulo’s book, Learned Hopefulness, provides research-backed exercises to help you build resilience, overcome challenges, and stay motivated. Learn more about this inspiring book.

Team Talks
Meet Dr. Dan Tomasulo, one of our Advisors at The Shine Hope Company. He is a Psychologist, Professor, Speaker, Author of NYT Best Seller Learned Hopefulness Academic Director at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute (SMBI), Teachers College, Columbia University. Listen to his message about Hope and its benefits here. You can also connect with him on Linkedin!
Keep Shining Hope,
Kathryn
Kathryn Goetzke, MBA
CEO & Chief Hope Officer, The Shine Hope Company
Author of The Biggest Little Book About Hope
Founder of International Foundation for Research and Education on Hope (iFred)
Creator of Hopeful Cities, and Hopeful Minds
Creator of Hopeful Mindsets Overview, Hopeful Mindsets in the Workplace Overview, and Hopeful Mindsets on the College Campus Course
Podcast host of The Hope Matrix
Chief Mood Officer, The Mood Factory (taking a break, for hope!)