So I just moved to Maryland from beautiful sunny California, and not just any part of California but San Diego (CRAZY RIGHT!).  That’s not all. I was born in Los Angeles (L.A) California, where all the “hipster” (contemporary subculture) live and moved to San Diego (S.D), after living in Hawaii (Hi) for six years. Growing up in L.A was exciting, and I loved every second of it but my love for adventure drove me to explore various states and cultures. My ability to travel enabled me to meet great people in awesome communities like that of The Universities at Shady Grove (USG).

I have been living in Maryland for eight months now, and have heard many stories from a diverse group of inspiring people. The weather in Maryland is cold compared to California but “Marylanders” are the complete opposite. After a couple of days in Maryland, I spoke with many individuals from diverse cultures and different backgrounds who populate many communities in Maryland. Individuals specifically at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) exhibit traits that inspire me to become a better version of myself. Since at USG, my consideration for others has grown due to the strong connections I have made with my friends in Maryland.

My time in Maryland has been very enlightening as I gained solid friendships and learned lifelong lessons. At the end of the day no one will remember materialistic gain but what they will remember are your actions and how you make them feel. The Universities at Shady Grove, has provided me with the great opportunity to be part of a community that caters to various cultures. I do miss my home by the beach but don’t regret my decision in attending a program at USG. How can you not be happy when you have nine different universities on one campus? The people are phenomenal and the community is inviting. USG will enable you to be a well-rounded person, motivate you to be the best you, and connect you with a diverse network that will change the trajectory of your future.