For student-athletes, success can become so central to their identity that the pressure to perform leaves little room for vulnerability or self-discovery. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Corrine Barros, chairperson of the UFT Physical Education Committee, speaks with Kotaro Umeda, a motivational speaker, about his journey from athlete to mental health advocate. Together, they discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the importance of prioritizing process over outcome, and ways to help students develop the resilience, courage and self-awareness to thrive both on and off the field.

UFT members gathered throughout the five boroughs and on Long Island to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in October, coming together to raise thousands of dollars and awareness in the fight to end breast cancer.

The UFT hosted almost 400 students from middle schools throughout the city on Oct. 15 for the UFT Middle Schools Division’s annual Anti-Bullying Conference, where they learned how to prevent and stop bullying in their schools.

Educators across the five boroughs got all decked out in pink to raise awareness of breast cancer and show support for those affected by it.

For school-based professionals, being capable, dependable and always ready to take on the next thing can feel like a strength — but what happens when the pressure to keep it together comes at the expense of your own well-being? In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Irene Zajac, an integrative health coach and educator, and Mandy Paraponiaris, a 3rd-grade teacher in Brooklyn, explore why those who spend their days caring for and supporting others may be especially vulnerable to burnout. They discuss how to make space for rest without guilt and why making time for yourself can support your resilience and well-being.

UFT members and their families traveled to UFT headquarters to play games, make crafts – including calligraphy, lanterns and puppets – and share a meal to celebrate the Moon Festival with the UFT Asian American Heritage Committee.