The Universities at Shady Grove (USG)

Blooming Beyond the Storm

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Destiney Smith

In life, just as in nature, storms inevitably come and go. But what follows the tumultuous winds and pouring rain is the promise of a new season, one filled with warmth, growth, and renewal. As college students, we often find ourselves weathering our own personal storms – whether it’s academic challenges, relationship struggles, or uncertainty about the future. Yet, it’s important to remember that these storms are temporary, and brighter days lie ahead.

Just as flowers push through the soil after a heavy rain, we too have the resilience to emerge from difficult times stronger and more resilient than before. As we transition into a new season, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and the growth that has taken place. Here are some ways we can embrace this new phase of our lives.

Embrace Change: Change is inevitable, and often, it leads to new opportunities and experiences. Instead of fearing change, embrace it with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. Allow yourself to adapt to new circumstances and embrace the unknown with courage and optimism.
Find Beauty in the Journey: Even during the darkest of storms, there is beauty to be found. Take time to appreciate the small moments of joy and beauty that surround you – a sunrise, a blooming flower, or a heartfelt conversation with a friend. Cultivate gratitude for the present moment and find joy in the journey of life.
Set Goals and Dreams: As you embark on this new season of growth, set goals and dreams for yourself. Whether it’s academic achievements, career aspirations, or personal milestones, set intentions that inspire and motivate you to reach your fullest potential. Break these goals down into actionable steps and take consistent action towards making them a reality.

Remember, storms may rage, but they do not last forever. With resilience, courage, and a positive mindset, we can weather any storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

Posted in Academics, Life at USG, students | Leave a comment

DMV: 9 Enchanting Destinations 🌸☀️🪴

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Karen C

A tour through DMV’s splendor is calling as the seasons change and warmer weather approaches. DMV has a lot of fascinating places to visit, like luscious gardens and captivating tunnels. Come along as we reveal nine fascinating locales that offer thrills you won’t soon forget this spring or summer. Let’s explore and find the marvels that Maryland’s heart has to offer!

Discover 9 Must-See Places in DMV to Spend Your Spring or Summer

Brookside Garden: acres of gorgeous gardens, with a butterfly garden and lovely landscapes; free admission.

2. Glenstone: Free admission with arrangements in advance Experience cutting-edge architecture and art at this well-known museum and outdoor sculpture park.

POTOMAC, MD. – SEPTEMBER 6TH: Glenstone Museum photographed in Potomac, MD, on September 6th, 2018. Shown here, the water court in the pavilion. (Photo by Goran Kosanovic for the Washington Post)

3. Ladew Topiary Gardens – Commences operations in AprilDiscover the elegance of finely crafted hedges and flower arrangements in this storied garden estate.

4. Rawlings Conservatory: Explore a variety of plant habitats, including tropical rainforests and desert landscapes, beneath the historic glass greenhouse. Admission is free; donations accepted.

5. Cylburn Arboretum: Free admissionIn this urban paradise, take leisurely stroll through the quiet environment and explore an extensive array of trees and plants.

6. Butterfly Pavilion – admission is $7 for children and $8 for adults
• Enjoy the vibrant world of butterflies as they soar through a verdant indoor habitat.

7. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens – admission $11 – Enter a serene haven with breathtaking gardens, architectural details, and international artwork.

8. The Garden Maze • Adults pay $10, children $7Take on the challenge of navigating this interactive floral maze’s turns and turns

9. Luray Caverns: $17 for children, $32 for seniors, and $34 for adults; explore a subterranean wonderland and take in the breathtaking subterranean formations that have been formed over millions of years.

For operating hours and any further information, be sure to visit their websites. Have fun on your travels!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged advice, Food, fun, inspiration, life, real world, school, Student Life, the Universities at Shady Grove, USG | Leave a comment

🌸🌷🌸Flowers🌸🌷🌸

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Ashlynn Battle

Fun Fact! Did you know that the Titan Arum, also known as the “corpse flower,” is one of the world’s largest and smelliest flowers? Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, this enormous flower can reach heights of up to 10 feet! Now I may have said this same thing during Valentine’s Day, but flowers are something that is very special to my family and I. A lot of the time that’s how we show love to each other.

But flowers don’t only have to be used to celebrate on Valentine’s Day, they should be used to celebrate everyday! Especially in the springtime, because with this new season comes a rebirth of everything! Including finding new hobbies, prioritizing self care, or just hanging out with people you love! Flowers can be a symbol of that new beginning, so here are a couple of flower festivals that I plan to visit in the next couple of weeks.

Cherry blossom festival

I am sure everyone in the DMV knows about or has been to the Cherry Blossom Festival at least once! The Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event celebrated in various parts of the world, notably in Japan and Washington D.C.! It typically occurs in spring when cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, creating stunning displays of pink and white flowers. The festival often includes cultural events, performances, and opportunities for viewing and photographing the blossoms.

Tulips & Sunflowers in Burnside Farms

I have never been here, but I would really like to visit! Burnside Farms, located in Virginia, USA, is known for its stunning displays of tulips and sunflowers. Every spring, the farm hosts a Tulip Festival, where visitors can wander through fields bursting with vibrant tulips of various colors. Later in the year, typically in summer, Burnside Farms also showcases magnificent sunflower fields, offering visitors the chance to experience the beauty of these cheerful blooms.

I hope you visit one of these places, and if you don’t you can still go outside and enjoy flowers, because they’re all around us! I hope everyone has a relaxing spring break!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged flowers, fun, inspiration, life, real world, Student Life, USG | Leave a comment

4 Games to Enjoy During Spring Break

Posted on March 20, 2024 by mnur2

If you’re like me, then I know you might want to spend the rest of your spring break leisurely. Whether you’re with your family or friends, the one thing that guarantees you a fun time is a good old fashioned board game. Or just any games in general. Here is a list of the games my family and I enjoy during our get-togethers.

UNO

THE classic card game! With its simple and easy rules, this game can be followed by anyone. It’s always the first game we play, mostly because we can include everyone as players, and partially so that we don’t have to kick our 8-year-old cousin out of the game. As you all know, this game requires a lot of strategic planning, so unintentionally, we find ourselves forming teams where we trade glances and cheat our way through sabotaging other members. This definitely creates a lot of tension in the family.

Old Maid

With a little bit of a poker face, you’re assured to be the winner. I always find myself failing terribly at this game because, for the life of me, I can’t stop giggling and giving myself away to the other players. If you’re unfamiliar with this game, let me quickly give you the rundown. Basically everyone gets a certain amount of cards, and the trick is to form pairs of the same cards by trading them clockwise or counterclockwise with the other players. Your goal is to get rid of the old maid card by passing it onto the other players. This is the part I’m bad at because I always crack a smile when I pass the forbidden card to another player, which gives me away.

Monopoly

We don’t play this as often as the other games, but Monopoly is also a fun way for us to pass the time! It sparks competition all around and allows us to navigate the board by using creative thinking. It definitely gives us a thrill, especially when we manage to take away another player’s property or make them end up getting a bad deal. We could literally play this for hours.

Charades

Although not a traditional board game, I personally enjoy playing charades with my family because it guarantees us a good time filled with laughter. We love guessing each other’s terrible impressions and acting, which creates many hilarious moments and wonderful memories. I think we spend more time yelling at each other than actually guessing.

Posted in students, Uncategorized | Tagged advice, board games, family, fun, Games, inspiration, life, real world, Spring Break, Student Life, USG | Leave a comment

Navigating Uncertainty

Posted on March 19, 2024 by evelinfdavila

Does anybody else in their 20’s feel like there is so much uncertainty in life? I feel very excited about the future, but I also feel slightly anxious about the thought that I don’t know what’s next. For the past 22 years of my life, there has always been structure and reassurance for knowing what comes next. I have an idea of what I will be doing after I complete my master’s degree, but I don’t know for sure what the future holds for me. I feel as though my 20’s hold an overwhelming amount of uncertainty. If you’re on the same boat as me and you feel nervous about the future, you’re not alone.

Your 20’s are a time of exploration, discovery, and quite honestly, a fair amount of confusion. It’s a decade of highs and lows, successes and failures, and countless moments of anticipating/planning for what’s next. However, it’s all part of the journey. The truth is, most of us are winging it as we go along, and that’s perfectly okay.

Embracing the unknown can be scary, but it can also be incredibly liberating. It’s a chance to let go of the pressure to have everything figured out and instead, embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s an opportunity to try new things, take risks, and learn from our mistakes.

I often ask myself, how do I navigate the uncertainty of my 20’s without feeling so anxious? I have found that the answer is to first off, cut yourself some slack. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Take things one day at a time, and remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers.

Secondly, surround yourself with supportive people who understand this exciting time of life. Whether it’s family, friends, or a mentor, having a support system can make all the difference when you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Finally, embrace the journey. Your 20’s are a time of growth, change, and endless possibilities. So instead of worrying about what you’re “supposed” to be doing, focus on what feels right for you. Follow your passions, chase your dreams, and trust that everything will fall into place on its own time.

Posted in students | Tagged advice, life, real world | Leave a comment

My Spring Break Adventures: A Blend of Work and Fun

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Karina Lopez

Spring break is just around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited about the mix of plans I have lined up. It’s going to be a whirlwind of activities, celebrations, and a bit of preparation for the next chapter of my academic journey.

First on the agenda is a trip to New York with my best friend. We’ll be spending two days exploring his new full-time job establishment and scouting out some cool hangout spots for future visits. It’s a great opportunity to catch up and get a feel for the city vibe.

Next, I’ll be joining my fellow public health enthusiasts for a fun-filled day at TopGolf. We’re celebrating reaching the halfway mark on our thesis paper, which calls for some well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie. As we near the end of our undergraduate journey, there’s a mix of excitement and nerves about transitioning to full-time master’s students next semester.

Of course, family time is a must during spring break. I have plans to hang out with my siblings, including a bowling night to celebrate my brother’s recent passing of his provisional driving exam. It’s moments like these that make memories to cherish.

Speaking of celebrations, my best friend’s birthday falls during spring break, so that’s another day filled with good company, delicious food, and laughter. It’s a chance to unwind and enjoy the company of close friends and family.

Amidst all the fun, I’ll also be dedicating some time to catch up on school work. With a late-starting class waiting for me post-break, staying on top of things is key to a smooth transition.

Lastly, I’ll be diving into the world of internships and shopping for graduation dresses. As the end of my academic journey approaches, it’s time to set my sights on future opportunities while also savoring the present moment.

Whether your spring break involves adventures or relaxation, I wish everyone a fantastic break filled with joy, accomplishment, and well-deserved rest. Here’s to completing another successful semester!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Food, fun, life, real world, Student Life | Leave a comment

AYCE at K-pot continued

Posted on March 14, 2024 by kristenshewan

On this week’s trip to K-pot in Germantown we went for their hot pot lunch. Their lunch pricing is 19.99 per person and it’s all you can eat! Once you arrive to your table, you can choose from a variety of hot pot soup bases. We went with the spicy Thai Tom Yum, and the Miso soup bases this time, both broths were really rich and flavorful. K-pot also has an extensive drink menu, and their beverages are reasonably priced. I went with the apple mango soju, and it was delicious. Next, we went to the sauce bar to load up in whatever sauces we wanted to dip the cooked foods in. They have some hot bar items too that they offer such as, spring rolls, sesame balls, and even chicken nuggets!

Now it was time to order everything to cook in the soup; there were so many options to choose from. We tried the beef, pork, lamb and chicken, as well as the fresh vegetables, different styles of noodles and my two favorites the gyoza, and the shumai dumplings. You can order more food items easily from the provided iPad on the table, you just have to wait 5 minutes between orders. They also have some dessert items to choose from while you’re there as well. After many rounds of food, we were finally feeling full.

All in all, this was yet another successful trip to K-pot, and my group and I left feeling satisfied. I cannot wait to go back for more, and I hope you check them out soon! Where should I try next? Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite hidden gems around town. Also, I hope everyone has a great spring break! Stay safe and I’ll see you soon 🙂

Posted in Campus Activities, Fitness & Wellness, students | Tagged Food, fun, life | Leave a comment

Keep It Brave, Keep It Bold

Posted on March 13, 2024 by georgitsvetanskigogo

Greetings, friends!

I’m here to chat about something super exciting yet formidable – starting your own business.

But hey, this isn’t just for the future CEOs among us. It’s for anyone who’s got a dream so big it kinda scares you.

So, here’s the deal: Dreaming big is fantastic, but acting? That’s where the magic happens.

I’ve been there, dreaming about launching my very own 3D printing gig. Yep, creating cool figurines was my jam, but it felt like a mountain too high to climb. The thought of figuring out all the bits and pieces was downright terrifying.

But then, I shook off the fear and started mapping out my ideas. I reached out for advice from folks who’ve been there, done that. And guess what? Things began to click into place.

Hitting roadblocks? Totally normal. They’re actually super helpful. They let you spot problems early, so you can get your ducks in a row. Planning ahead saves you a ton of headaches later on. It’s the biggest investment – time.

And time is the most expensive thing there is.

My mentor dropped a truth bomb on me: selling just to individual peeps wasn’t gonna cut it. I needed to “think bigger” – companies, celebs, sports teams, you name it.

Here’s a cool way to think about entrepreneurs: they’re like scientists for the business world. They experiment, test out ideas, and dive deep into their projects, all in the hustle and bustle of real life.

Starting over can feel like staring at a blank canvas, but that’s the beauty of creation. Building something incredible often means stumbling, learning, and trying again. Ever heard of the book “Fail Fast, Learn Faster“? It’s all about embracing those hiccups as part of the journey.

Remember, patience is key. Your dreams can definitely become reality.

Recently I got some wise words from my professor, Dr. Clemons, during a chat about my business dreams. She shared this quote from 50 Cent that really sold me: “Don’t get comfortable with fear.” It really struck a chord with me and I hope it does with you too.

It’s all about facing those fears head-on and stepping out of your comfort zone, especially when you’re about to do something as awesome as starting a business.

Stay brave, keep pushing, and let’s turn those big dreams into even bigger realities.

Cheers to making it happen!

~ Gogo

Posted in Uncategorized, Work Experience | Tagged advice, be brave, Business, Business Minded, Entrepreneurship, inspiration, life, real world, the Universities at Shady Grove, USG | Leave a comment

Embracing the Time Change

Posted on March 12, 2024 by melanyclaros

The recent time change has left many of us feeling a bit groggy and disoriented as we adjust to springing forward. Waking up to darkness and dragging ourselves out of bed can be quite the challenge, especially when we, or I, have early morning commitments like opening the studio at Orangetheory Fitness. The struggle to open the studio at 4:30 a.m. for the first workout class at 5 a.m. has been real.

I’ll admit, it’s been tough to shake off the sleepiness and muster up the energy to start the day. The temptation to hit the snooze button and stay cocooned in blankets is strong, and the thought of facing a rigorous workout class at such an early hour can be daunting. But amidst the fatigue and initial reluctance, I’m reminding myself of the silver lining – longer days lie ahead!

As I groggily stumble through the motions of getting ready, I’m holding onto the promise of brighter evenings and the opportunities they bring. Instead of dwelling on the drowsiness, I’m choosing to focus on the potential of these extended daylight hours. With the sun setting later, there’s more time to enjoy outdoor activities and soak up the warmth of spring.

Today, despite the fatigue, I’m determined to make the most of the day ahead. Despite the early morning start, I’m planning to go for a nice walk later on, taking advantage of the rising temperatures and the beauty of the outdoors. It’s a small step, but it’s a conscious effort to embrace the change and find joy in the simple pleasures that come with it.

So yes, the struggle to wake up early and fight off sleepiness is real, especially in the aftermath of the time change. But as I sip my morning coffee and prepare for the day ahead, I’m choosing to greet the challenges with optimism and a resolve to make each day count, one step at a time. After all, with longer days ahead, there’s plenty of brightness to look forward to – both literally and figuratively.

Posted in Uncategorized, Work Experience | Tagged advice, determination, real world, USG, work | Leave a comment

XCAL: Your Next Adventure Awaits!🤩🙌🏼

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Karen C

Hello, comrades in adventure! Look no further than XCAL Shooting Sports and Fitness if you’re searching for an exciting experience that blends fun and fitness. Tucked away in [XCAL], XCAL is the ultimate entertainment venue for thrill-seekers. I knew I was going to be in for something unique the moment I walked into XCAL. This place, which is owned and run by a dedicated family, takes great delight in providing guests with an exceptional and memorable experience.

Among the first things that caught my attention was the friendly attitude. The welcoming staff helped me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived by walking me through each step of the procedure. Everyone may join and have a great time at XCAL because it is designed for all ability levels, regardless of experience level. Let’s now discuss the biggest draw: the actual shooting process! With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, XCAL provides you with a large assortment of weaponry to pick from. There is a firearm for everyone, ranging from handguns to rifles. You can also feel secure and comfortable the entire time you spend at the range because there is professional instruction available.

Admittedly, I was a little nervous at first, but as soon as I found my groove, all of my worries vanished. In addition to being thrilling, shooting at XCAL is surprisingly simple to learn. The personnel looked out for my comfort and gave me useful advice on how to get better at aiming. Because XCAL places a high priority on safety, don’t forget to bring identification or a driver’s license as evidence of age. While participation requires you to be at least 21 years old, once you’re in, get ready for an incredible journey! My experience was extremely inexpensive in terms of price. I had almost two hours of nonstop excitement, practicing with various weapons, and improving my skills for about $35.

In conclusion, XCAL Shooting Sports and Fitness is the only place to go if you’re searching for an exhilarating sport that guarantees pleasure and excitement. You won’t soon forget the experience, I assure you. So get your buddies together, put your ID in your bag, and go to XCAL for the greatest adventure!

Until next time, stay adventurous!!