How has everyone’s first week back to USG been? Are classes going well for you? If so, wonderful, keep staying strong as you have been. If not, that is perfectly fine too! Make sure to check in with your advisors as they are here to help you, as well as looking at resources that most benefit you. For instance, at UMD College Park, there is a schedule adjustment period where you can add/drop courses to best fit you. Perhaps there’s a class that just isn’t working for you, or you want to rearrange your schedule a little bit for new work hours, etc. Whatever the case may be, USG is here to help you in your path for academic success.

Regardless, the first week back leads to many changes from winter break, with assignments already piling up and the syllabus listing many more. It can be anxiety inducing many times, with worries stacking on top of each other. For me, it is the same way. I print each syllabus, look over it and worry about how everything will be done in what seems like such a short amount of time.

During winter break though, I had been able to visit the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington D.C. And the best part is, admission is free, with the garden only being a metro ride away from Shady Grove! It was a small part of D.C. but a memorable one. Being able to walk around the garden and immerse myself in it gave me a lot of peace, and looking back on the photos I took then now, give me comfort. It’s a small thing to take comfort in, but still just as important regardless. What I want to suggest most to students is to find something, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem, that you find comfort it. That something can be the anchor you need to get through the semester.