You’re Invited

Posted on October 21, 2015 by dereknehls

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Save the date! November 7th the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md are opening its doors to the public and everyone is invited.  Are you a community college, returning or transferring student? REGISTER NOW! Are you interested in earning a high-demand undergraduate or graduate degree from one of nine top-ranked Maryland public universities? CLICK HERE NOW! If you are a high school student, parent, friend, family member, or community member interested in a tour of the cutting edge learning facilities available in your area, please don’t delay a moment more, register here for your all-access pass to explore +80 affordable degree programs.

Building III and location of check-in beginning at 9AM Nov. 7th

Building III and location of check-in beginning at 9AM Nov. 7th

Those who follow my blog since last year know that I proudly promote my campus through the Universities at Shady Grove Student Ambassadors Program.  As we approach one of the most important events of the year (we offer three Open House events yearly), we anxiously plan and coordinate our crew of ambassadors to offer the very best experience for the over 500 visitors we expect to arrive on Saturday, Nov. 7th.  To create a seamless experience for our visitors the ambassadors meet early to place balloons near the parking lot entrances (click here for directions to the campus), set up the sign-in tables located at the main entrance of Building III, and place the placards for the various information sessions and workshops infront of the classrooms on levels 2 and 3 in Building III (Download schedule of events).

All 80+ programs will have program representatives present to answer questions

All 80+ programs will have program representatives present to answer questions

Open House is your chance to learn and ask questions.  Students unsure of which degree path they want to take can meet with counselors and narrow down their choices, then they can attend a workshop to learn how to write a perfect application essay.  Parents can discover scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and learn about the many scholarships and grants offered only here at USG.  Benefit from application fee waivers and sit in on information sessions about your program.  My favorite part of Open House is leading the tours of our campus, it is a great way to get to know the USG experience from the prospective of a current student.  We meet in front of the entrance to the Priddy Library and I promise they will be the best 30 minutes of you day.

Take advantage of this opportunity by waking early on Saturday Nov. 7th and coming down to the Universities at Shady Grove.  Be the first one here, doors open at 9:00 am and wrap-up by 12:00 pm. See you there!

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My 3 favorite things about the Universities at Shady Grove (Posted on behalf of Shana Frankel)

Posted on October 19, 2015 by USG

1. Diversity

While most universities boast diversity, I have been at three campuses before taking courses here in Shady Grove, and I can safely say it has been my most diverse experience yet. The two distinctions that make it so diverse are there are so many ranging ages there, and I am often times one of the youngest in my classes, and at the age of 23 that is a rarity on a college campus. Secondly, because there are many different specialized programs that meet on the campus, I’m always meeting and interacting with people who are in totally different fields than me.

2. Tight Knit Community

Because of the size of the USG campus, it is impossible to not see the same faces and familiarize with everyone roaming around. I love this because it provides a sense of comfort and community that I never felt on the larger campuses I was on. On the same note, I think it so cool that many of the different programs share the same resources. An example of this is that my friends in the UMD nursing program and I all go to the same Center for Academic Success, and meet with the same teachers there. Although we are at different universities, we are still able to bond over this.

3. Free Parking

I have found free parking to be such a rare commodity in the Maryland and DC area, that when I found out this perk at the Universities of Shady Grove, I jumped for joy. Being from Atlanta, Georgia, paying for parking was never really something that I had to do down there. Though it seems like free parking may be just a little thing, to me it clearly made it into the ranks of one of my favorite things.

There are so many more things that I love about the Universities at Shady Grove, and many of these ways are featured in other blog posts of mine, so check those out! And, of course, how could I forget to mention my love for the geese that roam around the parking lot, always giving me a nice little welcome to the USG?

HAVE A HAPPY DAY!!!!

Geese at USG

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The National Institutes of Health

Posted on October 16, 2015 by zk16

If there was one place I would recommend anyone to intern at, it would be the National Institutes of Health. There is definitely a reason I have been interning there on and off for the past six years. Having one of the world’s leading medical research centers right at our doorstep is an incredible opportunity.

If you have not been to the NIH yet, here’s a quick overview.

On the metro, NIH is at the Medical center stop on the red line. And the metro is actually where the magic begins, check out this escalator that goes up to the NIH:

NIH 1

What’s great about interning at the NIH is that they give you some money to use the metro to work so that it is not all out of pocket.

Once you go through the visitor’s center (see below) or pass through the gate with your badge/ID, you head up to whatever building you work in.

NIH visitor's center/gateway. Retrieved from: http://www.twc.edu/twcnow/blogs/student/12418/fourth-july

NIH visitor’s center/gateway. Retrieved from: http://www.twc.edu/twcnow/blogs/student/12418/fourth-july

In my case, the building is Building 50. And again, who would not want to work in a building that looks like this:

NIH 3

The NIH has an amazing summer internship program that lasts for a minimum of 8 weeks. You get to work very closely with some of the top scientists in the world. The internship really helps high school/college interns not only gain research experience but support with career development as well. They hold numerous workshops for interns and post baccalaureates as well (another great program you can look into). Here is a link for the different events they have held in the past: https://www.training.nih.gov/events/prior

And yes, if you scroll down enough through all the premed and graduate school workshops, you will see the “Get Cool and Get Connected” Popsicle event- because they know how to have fun too!

Also, as an employee of one of the leading research centers in the world, you have access to a plethora of resources, facilities, and technologies.

At the end of the summer, they hold a Summer Poster Day for interns. It is a great way to network with other scientists in the community as well as meet other interns.

Presenting at Summer Poster Day this past summer!

Presenting at Summer Poster Day this past summer!

The NIH has so many opportunities available for everyone. Personally, I have gained and learned so much by working there- whether it was attending the Graduate school fair and meeting one on one with admissions officers, perfecting research and presentation skills, getting published, or gaining extremely supportive mentors. I am thankful for the opportunities I got and hope that everyone considers applying for an internship at this outstanding research center!

Posted in Academics, Work Experience | 1 Comment

Poverty is not just for the Poor

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Christine

This week, I want to share about an inspiring event that I’ve been a part of. Maybe this will inspire you too!

The Universities at Shady Grove, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and University of Maryland School of Nursing, hosted a Poverty Simulation this past Tuesday.  Participants were given the opportunity to role play a month of the lives of low income families and experience the realities they have to face daily.

This was my third time being a part of it. I was a participant my first time, and a volunteer last and this time. Participants’ roles are the low income families and volunteers’ roles are service providers, such as supermarkets, social services, school, and health clinics. As a part of role playing, participants were put through activities such as work, school, and healthcare visits, which also include many complications and unexpected circumstances. Some people were evicted, some became sick, and some ended up in a life of crime. Through this experience, participants were able to learn the difficulties and frustration of managing complex life situations.

Christine Thinn at the Poverty Simulation

Christine Thinn at the Poverty Simulation

My role was a Community Health Care Manager and a Doctor. Most of the low income families couldn’t come see me because they didn’t have insurance or out-of-pocket money to pay for my services. It’s so sad to see how people have to choose to live with their health problems because they can’t afford medical care. This role play definitely gave me a different perspective in life.

I am so thankful that I got a chance to experience this. As a Graduate and current staff of the Public Health Science Program, I was so proud to see our faculty and students be a part of this eye-opening opportunity as well. The highlight of the event for me was to see our program’s Poverty Affluence & Families professor, Damian Waters, role play as a 13 year old girl who became involved with the criminal justice system after trying to obtain resources for her family. He was excellent in portraying his role, which lead him to meet the wrong sort of people, steal money, deal drugs, and spend a lot of time in juvie. This provided a great example of how a participant can come to understand how children or adults in low income families might be feeling.

Professor Damian Waters's role play character Olivia was sent to juvie

Professor Damian Waters’s role play character Olivia was sent to juvie

Poverty is not just for the poor. It is everyone’s problem. As a community, we have to gain insight into the situation and help eliminate disparities. This is the only way we can integrate our health and welfare. The Poverty Simulation not only provided me a chance for personal reflection, it also made me want to make a commitment to social change.

If there are health and social welfare issues you’re passionate about, please feel free to share with me! I’d love to learn more about it and maybe even feature it on my blog.

Posted in Campus Activities, Faculty & Staff, Life at USG | 1 Comment

Home Remedies for Autumn Sniffles

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Roni Zelivinski

https://www.google.com/search?q=snuggle&biw=1536&bih=777&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIwMuwwYjCyAIVDHY-Ch3SHw4o#imgrc=dgXY0n9TJKb0IM%3A

If you are feeling sniffly or have a tickle in your throat, try out some of these home remedies! They may  help you feel better before rushing to the doctor’s office.

  1. Chop up some garlic and make a piece of toast on pumpernickel, rye, or heck, a baguette! bread. spread some butter on the bread for taste and sprinkle the garlic on top. It really helps clear up your sinuses (you can always add other veggies for taste if you’d like)2. BUY VICKS VAPOR RUB and apply it all over. Especially on your feet. Make sure to keep your feet warm at all times, so rub it on when they get cold and put on some thick woolen socks 🙂 there is also a great Chinese rub named “tiger balm” which works similarly, if not stronger
  2.  If you can, purchase some “Sunbreeze” oil. It is fantastic- and place it on the bottom of your nose and on top as well. It is extremely tingling and sharp so it rejuvenates clogged sinuses
  3.  Make some warm, hearty soup. Complete with noodles, and thick vegetables and maybe some seafood or chicken for taste
  4.  Be sure to drink plenty of liquids! Water especially, but also chamomile and ginger teas. Add some ginger, honey, and lemon- both yummy and medicinal
  5.  Stay very comfortable. Dress down and remember that being cozy will make you feel warmer, happier and better
  6.  Boil some potatoes and find a thick towel. Place it over your head and INHALE the steam. Take lots of deep breaths. To bump it up a notch you can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil (available at whole foods stores) to help extinguish bacteria
  7.  Boil hot water and add two tablespoons of table salt or part table salt, part baking soda. Mix the rinse together and then repetitively inhale the water separately with each nostril. The mucus will separate out due to heat and salts. This rinse can also be used to cleanse an itchy, painful, or dry throat
  8.  This trick may sound a little bit on the more adventurous end,  BUT, it has been proven to work magic by years of manifestation in cold Russian winters and American flu seasons. Purchase raw honey, or the Russian creme, “oxolin” if available to you. You will place the viscous liquid onto two ear cleaners and then stick them up your nose- yes really! Spin them around until the insides are unbearably ticklish-causing you to sneeze. All of the sneezing paired with successive nose blows will noticeably clear clogged sinuses…mmm, breath.
  9.  Boil two eggs, eggs are phenomenal heat-retainers. Once they have cooled just a little, wrap them up in one or two paper towels, however many you need to protect your fingers and face and then lying down on your bed or couch gently massage your nose from the center outwards using both eggs. Essentially picture the mucus being melted and flowing out and away from the clogged sinuses. The eggs can also be placed at any tense sinus centers- at the third eye, above the eyebrows, at the temples, by the sides of the jawline. Heat will do no harm for a stuffy face
  10. Buy some fish oil and vitamin C tablets, boost that immune system (but if you’re experiencing a sore throat, avoid acidic foods!)
  11.  Sleep, babies. a lot. or at least lie in bed and let your body melt, relax and release tension
  12.  If you are of age, indulge in shot of warm liqueor, irish cream, rum, whatever you like, in your tea or hot cocoa to foster some internal heat and kill germs!
  13. Remember to stay happy and only think about getting better! “mind over matter.” Friends TV Shows, old reruns of Full House, and snuggly pajama times are completely essential ❤

big love always,

~roni

P.s. and of course, email me or message me with any questions at all!

ronit.zelivinski@gmail.com

**I am not a licensed nurse, doctor or holistic nutritionist. Most of these remedies are practiced in my home and some are recommended by homeopathic doctors, acupuncturists etc. Listen to your body always

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Something To Talk About

Posted on October 13, 2015 by M

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It is recruiting season for us business students, which means you are most likely on the internship hunt. You might be spending a ton of time filling out tons of applications, attending pre-interview reception events, networking with company employees, and perfecting every single little thing to distinguish yourself from the other candidates.
However, getting an interview is only half the battle. The way you present yourself and demonstrate your value is what will allow you to attain that goal of acquiring the internship position. One key factor that plays a significant role throughout this process is your level of involvement.
There are so many reasons why you, as a student, should become involved, whether it is in your school, community, etc. So what are some of these so called benefits?
  • Build your resume to get rid of any extra white space
  • Develop essential skills that are transferrable to every profession
  • Network with professionals and other peers
  • Give your time to make a positive impact in the community
But there is one benefit that stands out to me the most: It gives you something to talk about.
Picture this: You’re called into the room for your interview. You’re nervous and anxious from not knowing what to expect from the interviewer sitting in front of you. The last thing you want to do is not having anything to talk about when they ask:
Besides your coursework, what else do you partake in?
How would you characterize your leadership style?
Tell me a time when you had to resolve a team conflict.
What is the proudest accomplishment you have on your resume?
The more involved you are outside the classroom, the more confident you can feel about answering these questions without searching deep in your mind for answers or feeling the pressure of concocting a story up.
Now is your chance to get involved and share it proudly.
Posted in Campus Activities, Work Experience | Tagged | 1 Comment

Don’t let a bad exam get you down!

Posted on October 12, 2015 by John Arthur

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Last week, USG held a discussion series about a recent TED talk by Brené Brown. The title of the talk is The Power of Vulnerability. As with many TED talks, there is good story telling, humor, and an encouraging message or insight.

The following discussion by attendees was multi-variable. The USG campus has students and faculty from many different walks of life, and so it wasn’t surprising to see where discussion led: the stigma of getting counseling or psychiatric help; the feeling of inadequacy in relationships; parenting and putting too much pressure on children; people having cultural and personal differences on views of vulnerability and perfection.

The meeting related to me personally with my studies. As a student of nursing, pharmacy, and medical programs, you are constantly being pushed to the limit in terms of amount of material that has to be learned in a short amount of time. Bad grades, regardless of the amount of studying put in, can hurt your ego. Just recently, I walked into an exam on Chronic Kidney Disease thinking I had thoroughly studied. I received a mid C, which killed my day.

But one bad grade (or even two or three) is par for the course with college. As a student, you have to step back and have confidence in yourself. You won’t know everything. As much as you want to leave school and drown your sorrows in alcohol down the road at Union Jack’s, part of getting through school is playing to your strengths, knowing your limitations, and learning to let go of a bad grade or a bad test.

Confidence in yourself is key to being an effective health care provider, or whatever else you want to be in life. At the end of the day, you learn what you can, get through your courses, and you learn more on the job.

You know more than you think you do.

Posted in Campus Activities, Fitness & Wellness | 2 Comments

A Different Kind of Friendship: Study, Work, Progress

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Layla.Katharina

I remember  about a year ago around this time, I noticed Sophia Migabo sitting in one of my classes at USG. Sophia and I knew each other in Montgomery College, however we lost touch for a couple of years until that first day of classes at USG. After class, Sophia introduced me to her friend Amelia Ross who was also a Communication major.

Photoshoot 1

Layla Katharina Mahgoub Amelia Ross , Sophia Migabo – three friends doing the impossible.

Continue reading →

Posted in Life at USG, Work Experience | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Food for Thought

Posted on October 8, 2015 by rsafferman

With all the craziness that encompasses the academic year, it’s easy to feel like something’s gotta give. Between exams, clinical rotations, and lectures, very few hours remain for sleep, exercise, or relaxation. As students, nutrition is often the last thing on our minds. However, food is the very thing that propels us to excel in all our ventures, big and small!

As nursing students, nutrition plays a central role in the recovery and rehabilitation of our patients. So why should we neglect it in our own lives? Last night, some fellow nursing students and I decided that enough is enough!

Together, we prepared edamame pasta alongside some freshly roasted cauliflower and broccoli (We were so excited and hungry that I forgot to take pictures). It was simple, yet delicious! The best part? We actually SAT down, relaxed, and ENJOYED our meal (and each other’s company too)!

Now, I’m hooked. I am already planning the next meal we can cook together. Perhaps this can be a monthly (even weekly) tradition? Wishful thinking? I think not!

All you aspiring cooks (or Pinterest lovers), I would love your input! What should be on my next menu? Definitely some food for thought 🙂

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USG 2018 and beyond

Posted on October 7, 2015 by dereknehls
A second "Green" parking garage

A second “Green” parking garage

For those of your taking the shady grove road entrance, you must have encounter this ominous looking building bearing down at you as you make your commute to campus.  Heck, just a couple of months ago that area was all trees.  This structure is the beginning of our expansion plans to add yet another academic complex to our campus. From three buildings to four, the addition of the 220,000-square-foot Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Education Facility will not only serve an additional several thousand students more, but add other academic programs in the STEMM fields.

If you look at the history of the Universities at Shady Grove you will see how the campus has served our partners in business, government, healthcare and education of the Montgomery County region with the workforce needs of today and tomorrow. Its through this collaboration that the campus has grown to what it is today, offering over 80 academic programs to over 4,000 students.  The mission at USG is both to enrich its citizens with knowledge and to provide the region with the best prepared workforce possible.  Trust me, this works to our advantage because every degree has a direct application for the jobs offered in our area, and will set us up for a successful and rewarding careers after graduation.

The ground has been broken, the new green garage will provide another 700 parking spots at a cost of around $20 million.  It is simply the first step in the process, in the next two years we will see the beginning of construction on the building housing these additional programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical science (STEMM).  The building will be ultra high-tech, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories, active learning classrooms, clinical training facilities. academic offices, and will most likely see our office of student services currently located in building three moved to the new building four, which will happen as soon as the Fall of 2018 when construction is completed.

To think when I return to my little campus in Rockville, MD in twenty years it might be a sprawling complex of many building, totally unrecognizable. With the rate we have been growing I can almost guarantee it.

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