"The Hardy Personality in Theory, Research, and Practice,"
	A Passport to A Hardy Life - Tyra Demateis, McFadden Intermediate
	My participation in the eight-week seminar offered by the UCI-Santa Ana Teachers Institute, a demonstration site of the Yale New Haven Teachers Institute, on "The Hardy Personality" afforded me the opportunity for some very introspective thinking. For the first time in almost twenty years, I had the luxury of being a student with the freedom to explore and integrate knowledge on a subject I was intrinsically interested in. How could I enhance and further develop my skills to reduce the wear and tear on my body that I was experiencing both physically and mentally? Because of my age, profession and life experience I was bringing to the class personal issues of concern about the seminar topic. Furthermore, I had a strong desire to benefit and be enriched by the knowledge, research and practical applications presented by the professors. Stimulating presentations, insightful readings, longitudinal studies, lively group discussions and practical assignments in the form of exercises, personal assessments and record keeping enhanced the experience. Specific follow-up tasks were performed during the week to assist me with applying the empirical knowledge to my own life. Because I am working with students who are actively engaged in helping others, I found myself returning to the classroom from the seminar and asking them, "What are you doing to take good care of yourself?" The template of a passport to present the material as "a journey of learning" is the perfect vehicle for developing this curriculum unit. Additionally, for this unit to be successful, it must allow for plenty of opportunity for social interaction. Unlike their teacher, who brings her intrinsic interest in self-improvement and stress management to the learning of this material, my students would not pursue the acquisition of insight into this subject on their own accord. However, with plenty of activities that involve social interaction with their peers, I will keep them engaged in the discovery of new skills and attitudes. The hook I will use to capture their interest will be a green and gold stamped passport with the embossed seal "A Hardy Life" presented on the cover. A journey to five distinct destinations will allow each student to incorporate the content of "Hardiness Training" into his own life. In this curriculum unit each student travels to "The Country of Coping," "The Society of Social Support," "The Nation of Nutrition," "The Resort of Relaxation" and "The Place of Physical Activity." As each component is visited, a specific area of lifestyle improvement will be examined. Three specific exercises emphasizing commitment, control and challenge will be performed at each location with the student receiving a stamp in his passport upon their completion.