Connected Lives Series. How We Got Here: Forgetting the River

Connected Lives Series. How We Got Here: Forgetting the River

Class | Registration opens 8/31/2026 8:58 AM EDT

10/9/2026 (one day)
10:00 AM-11:00 AM EDT on Fri
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Connected Lives Series. How We Got Here: Forgetting the River

Class | Registration opens 8/31/2026 8:58 AM EDT

Registration deadline: Oct.1st 

Connected Lives is a series of lectures exploring how loneliness and isolation have emerged as the most significant public health challenges of our time. This engaging nine-part lecture series explores the science, psychology, and sociology of human connection. Students may sign up for any or all of the courses as desired. Each session is a standalone course. 

Loneliness did not appear overnight. This session examines the cultural, technological, and social changes that have gradually weakened traditional sources of connection. Participants will explore how shifts in family structures, civic organizations, neighborhoods, and intergenerational relationships have contributed to increasing social isolation. Through the metaphor of a forgotten river, this lecture considers how societies lose connection and what can be learned from rebuilding it.

Participants will learn to:
  • Identify major social changes that have altered human relationships
  • Understand the concept of social capital and community connectedness
  • Evaluate how changing family and community structures influence belonging
  • Recognize opportunities to strengthen intergenerational relationships and civic engagement

With over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, Thasia Awad is a licensed Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker who provides compassionate, individualized care to individuals and families navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Her clinical areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship conflict, self-esteem and identity, social-emotional learning, and life skills development.




  • About Thasia Awad's Connected Lives Lecture Series

    Connected Lives: Reclaiming the Waters of Human Connection
    The Science and Practice of Human Connection, Finding Community & Purpose in the Age of the Loneliness Epidemic

    Loneliness and isolation has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. Drawing on the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, this engaging nine-part lecture series explores the science, psychology, and sociology of human connection. Through research, storytelling, discussion, and practical application, participants will examine how loneliness and isolation affects individuals and communities and discover evidence-based strategies for creating deeper relationships and stronger communities. Using the timeless Yoruba story of Oshun as a guiding metaphor, the series invites learners to explore what happens when the waters of connection run dry and how they can help restore them. 
Thasia Awad

With over 17 years of experience in the mental health field, Thasia Awad is a licensed Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker who provides compassionate, individualized care to individuals and families navigating a wide range of emotional and relational challenges. Her clinical areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship conflict, self-esteem and identity, social-emotional learning, and life skills development.