The Universities at Shady Grove (USG)

Movie Night! 🎥

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Ashlynn Battle

I went to the movies the other night, and it had me thinking about how there are some good movies out right now. Movies are one of my favorite ways to de-stress for a bit before jumping into a big assignment or after writing a two page paper the night before. So if you’re looking for some downtime, check out these movies and their ratings on rotten tomatoes!

Kung Fu Panda 4 🐼

Comedy/Adventure 1h 34m

Release date is March 8th

In this movie, Po must train a new warrior when he’s chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. I loved this movie as a kid, and can’t wait to watch the new one!

Madame Web 🕸️

Action/Adventure 1h 57m

13%

Madame Web follows Cassandra Webb, an NYC paramedic who begins to demonstrate signs of being clairvoyant. I have yet to see this movie, but being a part of the Marvel universe, I bet it is amazing!

Bob Marley: One Love 🇯🇲

Biography/Drama 1hr 44m

43%

This film follows reggae legend Bob Marley in the late 1970s. He’s already nationally famous when the film begins, as he sets to play a controversial peace concert in Jamaica. I recently saw this movie and have been telling everyone to go watch it! I love his music!

Mean Girls 🎀

Musical/Comedy 1hr 52m

70%

This movie is based on the 2004 film and 2018 Broadway musical. A homeschooled teenager moves from Africa to the United States, where she attends high school and befriends two outcasts, but plans to join a popular clique. I have yet to see the new adaptation, but would love to rewatch the old one before seeing this!

Also, don’t forget if you’re a college park student, check out these movies in the Hoffman Theater for free! Have a great weekend and watch a movie! 🙂

https://www.see.umd.edu/seemovies

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

Why Comparing Yourself to Others Hinders Your College Journey

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Destiney Smith

Have you ever wondered why you’re not as far along as your friends or how you can’t seem to get good grades like your classmates? I’m pretty sure we’ve all compared ourselves to others and didn’t feel good in the end. Whether it’s grades, extracurricular activities, or social status, the urge to measure our success against others can be overwhelming. Constantly comparing ourselves to others not only undermines our self-confidence but also hinders our personal growth and happiness. In this blog post, we’ll explore why focusing on ourselves and our own journey is crucial for a fulfilling college experience.

Your Path Is Not Their Path: One of the most important things to remember is that everyone’s college journey is unique. We all come from different backgrounds, have different strengths and weaknesses, and pursue different goals. Comparing ourselves to others is like comparing apples to oranges – it’s simply not productive or fair. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, we should concentrate on our own path and what makes us happy and fulfilled.

Comparison Breeds Unhappiness: Constantly comparing ourselves to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem. We may start to believe that we’re not good enough or that we’re falling behind compared to our peers. This negative mindset can take a toll on our mental health and overall well-being. By shifting our focus inward and concentrating on our own progress and accomplishments, we can cultivate a sense of self-worth and fulfillment that isn’t dependent on external validation.

Your Journey, Your Pace: It’s essential to remember that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. What works for someone else may not work for us, and that’s perfectly okay. We each have our own timeline for achieving our goals, and it’s important to honor that. Instead of feeling pressured to keep up with the achievements of others, focus on setting realistic goals for yourself and taking steps to achieve them at your own pace.

Comparing ourselves to others is a natural instinct, but it’s one that can hinder our personal growth and happiness if left unchecked. By focusing on ourselves and our own journey, celebrating our wins, and practicing gratitude and self-reflection, we can cultivate a sense of self-worth and fulfillment that isn’t dependent on external validation. Remember, you are on your own unique path, and your journey is valid and worthy of celebration!

Posted in Academics, Life at USG, students | Tagged advice, inspiration, Student Life, the Universities at Shady Grove, USG | Leave a comment

Senioritis: Tips for avoiding it

Posted on February 21, 2024 by mnur2

Hello everyone (especially to my fellow seniors who are about to graduate this spring). I know it’s difficult to focus right now with all the changes and pile of responsibilities around you, but you’re almost at the finish line! Do you want to stay motivated this semester? Here’s a guide to help you avoid senioritis (let’s be honest, I’m experiencing it too).

Source: snagajob.com

#1 Aim for a balanced lifestyle

Amidst all the workload surrounding you, it’s important for you to maintain a balance in your life. Prioritize yourself and your needs so that you don’t overwork yourself and burn out. Find an equilibrium between your social, mental and academic life. Make room for relaxation, socialization with friends, and studying. It’s okay to worry about the future more than your current situation right now, but it’s also crucial for you to eat nutritious meals.

#2 Set goals

One thing I find unmotivating is the lack of goals. Usually when I’m at the finish line for something, I become bored and tired, which causes my performance to decline. So my tip for you is to set yourself some goals. They don’t have to be huge, but aim for things that give you purpose and a sense of direction, so that you can be focused and motivated again.

#3 Stay Engaged

Yes, it’s your last semester, but end it off strong. Make a positive, lasting impression on your peers and professors. Work hard to actively participate in class and stay engaged with your classmates. Try to make new friends too! You are all setting out for the real-world and networking now can help in the long-run.

#4 Reflect

I find that reflecting on these past years about my accomplishments, setbacks, and progress is a great way to acknowledge the hard work and effort I’ve put towards my education. It’s a great way to stay motivated and further encourage yourself about the path you’re on and the future you will take. You can do this in a journal, on your phone, etc.

Posted in students, Uncategorized | Tagged advice, fun, guide, inspiration, life, motivation, real world, senioritis, Spring, Student Life, the Universities at Shady Grove, tips, USG | Leave a comment

Stay Hydrated!

Posted on February 20, 2024 by evelinfdavila

Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining focus, energy, and overall well-being. With so many options available, choosing the perfect water bottle can make a big difference in how easy and enjoyable it is to stay hydrated. Today we’ll explore a few different options to take to school.

Hydro Flask: These water bottles are built to last a very long time. I bought my first Hydro Flask when I was a senior in high school, and it still looks brand new to this day, 4 years later. They keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours, so you can store either ice cold water, or a cup or hot coffee/tea. With a wide range of sizes, colors, and lid options – including straw lids and flex caps – Hydro Flask offers so many different options to fit your needs and style.

Owala: This is my personal favorite and the one that I take to school everyday! They have an innovative design and feature the FreeSip spout, which offers two drinking methods—a straw and a larger opening for sipping. The push button lid is leakproof, which provides peace of mind when tossing your water bottle into your backpack. They also keep water cold for up to 24 hours.

Stanley: If you’re on social media, you know how popular and viral these water bottles are. They have vacuum insulation technology, which keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 16 hours. They’re stylish and offer many different options for colors.

Yeti: This brand offers durable water bottles that are double-wall vacuum insulated and built with stainless steel. They are built to prevent condensation (so you won’t get your papers or your laptop wet), and they have versatile lid options.

Time marker bottles: These are perfect if you struggle to keep up with staying hydrated. Time marker bottles are a convenient and practical way to track your water intake throughout the day. They feature markings on the side that indicate different times of the day, allowing you to set hydration goals and monitor your progress. These can really help with staying hydrated during busy school days.

No matter which type of water bottle you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Staying hydrated is essential for feeling your best. Find the water bottle that works best for you and conquer your school day with confidence!

Posted in Fitness & Wellness, students, Uncategorized | Tagged hydration, life, students, water, water bottles | Leave a comment

Understanding Eustress and Distress: What’s the Difference?

Posted on February 19, 2024 by swechchhas

Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk about something we all deal with: stress. But did you know that not all stress is bad? Yup, there are actually two types of stress: eustress and distress.

Eustress and distress are like two sides of the same coin when it comes to stress. Eustress is the good kind of stress, the one that gets you excited and motivated. It’s the feeling you get when you are challenged but still feel capable of handling the situation. For example, think about the adrenaline rush you might feel before a big game or a performance. That’s eustress at work!

On the flip side, distress is the not-so-good stress. It’s what happens when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to cope with a situation. Distress can come from various sources like exams, relationship problems, or financial worries. Unlike eustress, distress can really weigh you down and make you feel drained.

Understanding the difference between eustress and distress is crucial because it affects how we deal with challenges in life. While eustress can push us to grow and achieve our goals, distress can hinder our progress and even lead to health problems if not managed properly.

So, how can we tell the difference between the two? Well, it’s all about how we perceive and react to the situation. If you feel energized and confident, it’s probably eustress. But if you are feeling overwhelmed and helpless, then it’s likely distress.

The good news is that we can learn to manage both types of stress. Techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and talking to someone can help us cope with distress. And when it comes to eustress, it’s all about embracing the challenge and channeling that energy into something positive.

By understanding the difference between eustress and distress, we can navigate life’s challenges more effectively and lead happier, healthier lives. So, next time you feel stressed out, take a moment to think: Is this eustress or distress? And remember, you have the power to turn even the most challenging situations into opportunities for growth and success!

Posted in Academics, Fitness & Wellness, students, Uncategorized | Tagged advice, inspiration, life, real world, school, Student Life, the Universities at Shady Grove, USG | 1 Comment

Have you heard about Global Game Jam?

Posted on February 15, 2024 by kristenshewan

Over the winter break, I decided to take part in this year’s Global Game Jam. If you have never heard of Global Game Jam, it’s a competition held all over the world; where current and pass students in the game design industry, get together and create a game! The kickoff event was held at USG, and it started on a Monday. I got to listen to Bruce Nesmith, retired Senior Designer, and Lead Designer for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which I thought was really cool! After his speech, we then mingled and formed our teams.

Upon forming our teams, we have a week to create a playable game. It can be either a computer game, or a tabletop game, that must pertain to this year’s theme. The theme of 2024 was “Make Me Laugh!”, so for the next week my team and I got to work, grinding away to make our game. I was lucky enough to be on a team with some other first-time jammers, so we went through all the trials and tribulations of the jam together. We pushed ourselves and pulled a lot of all-nighters, and through our blood, sweat, and my tears of exhaustion (LOL), BAM! Just like that our game “Cranky” was coming together.

Now I’m not going to lie, we did hit a few bumps along the way through our design process. We did a lot of trouble shooting together as a team. Having this type of support on certain topics I have yet to learn, was really beneficial I thought. Overall, this project was a great experience in my opinion, I learned A LOT along the way and made some new friends too. I think if you are on the game design track whether you’re on the technical art, or coding side, this is a must try! It’s a great experience and helped me certainly envision what group work might be like, being a game dev.

The week was finally coming to a close, and it was time for everyone to present their games for judging. I really liked seeing what everyone came up with, and how they interpreted what makes people laugh. The winners were then chosen, and I thought who won did a rather nice job. Fantastic work to everyone who competed this year! Shout out to my team of Louis, Amir, Shamarke, “Quote”, and our fellow blogger Gogo! You guys’ rock and I cannot wait to compete again in 2025! If you want more information on Global Game Jam, or want to see all the games that were made, you can check them out here: https://globalgamejam.org/group/116/games

I hope everyone is having a great semester so far, stay safe, and happy my friends. 🙂

Posted in Academics, Campus Activities, Life at USG, Student Event, students, Uncategorized | Tagged 2024, fun, Gamejam, Global Game Jam, Student Life, USG | Leave a comment

Love Beyond Valentine’s

Posted on February 14, 2024 by georgitsvetanskigogo

Greetings, friends!

This is Gogo I’m back for another round of blogging this semester!

First things first – to all you lovebirds out there, happy Valentine’s Day! It’s the perfect time to cozy up with those who mean your world, and show them a little extra love and attention.

But hey, here’s a pro tip: don’t limit that love to just today. Surprise them with your affection when they least expect it – that’s when it really hits home.

Now, if the whole Valentine’s hoopla isn’t your thing, don’t worry; I got you covered. And no, I won’t bore you with a history lesson on Lupercalia and the ancient sacrificial Roman rituals.

Let’s talk about the most important relationship in your life: the one you have with yourself.

This is about you, right here, right now.

Self-love – it’s not selfish. It’s essential.

Think about it: you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you wanna be there for others, you gotta start by being there for yourself.

Take care of your emotional well-being, treat yourself, heck, even spoil yourself once in a while. You deserve it!

And hey, if you need a little extra motivation, think about all those hardworking cells inside you. Sounds trivial? How about trillions of tiny heroes busting their butts day in and day out just so you can keep on living your best life. Show them some love, too!

So whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-care, remember this: love isn’t just about grand gestures and fancy chocolates.

It’s about the little things, the everyday moments, the quiet acts of kindness that make life worth living.

Until next time! Stay awesome and watch your sugar levels, sweet tooths!

~ Gogo

Posted in Fitness & Wellness | Tagged advice, inspiration, life, love, mental health, real world, science, Self-love, USG | Leave a comment

Tips To Improve Your Mental Health this Semester.

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Karina Lopez

As we navigate through different phases of the academic year, whether it’s the beginning, the middle, or the end of the semester, it’s crucial to remember that self-care is non-negotiable. To complete tasks efficiently, it’s essential to pause, take a breath, and prioritize your mental health. You matter the most, so treat yourself accordingly:)

Get Enough Rest: Prioritize sleep, no matter the workload or social commitments. Adequate rest not only prevents burnout but also rejuvenates your mind and body for the challenges that lie ahead. Remember, quality sleep is an investment in your overall well-being.

Meditate: Believe me, taking just 2-5 minutes for meditation can work wonders in calming your mind and enhancing focus. Whether it’s a quick breathing exercise or immersing yourself in music, fostering mindfulness, even briefly, can provide the mental boost needed to tackle the following task with clarity and composure.

Create a Routine: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed balancing studies with social, personal, familial, financial, and other commitments. However, stability can help you start your day with consistency; establishing good habits of self-control and discipline are vital skills in and out of school.

Set Goals: When done realistically, goal setting is an effective stress management tool. Challenge yourself enough to stay engaged and interested, but ensure your goals are attainable. Setting achievable objectives keeps you accountable and provides opportunities to celebrate your successes, big or small.

Nourish your Mind and Body: When the semester is in session, it can be easy to forget your body needs proper nourishment to keep trailing away. Nourish your body with foods that will help it function at its best. Even exercising, whether going to the gym or just taking a walk, can help you feel more energetic and focused so that you’re more productive in your work and studies, thus less likely to feel stressed.

As someone graduating this spring semester, I know it’s a long road, but the end goal is here! Stay focused and be optimistic because the end goal is near for you, too!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged advice, inspiration, real world, Student Life, USG | Leave a comment

Embracing the Love Season

Posted on February 13, 2024 by melanyclaros

As Valentine’s Day approaches, love is in the air, and my heart can’t help but swell with excitement. As a hopeless romantic, this time of year always fills me with joy to see love expressed and celebrated in countless ways. With just one day left until Valentine’s Day, the anticipation is palpable, and I can’t wait to bask in the warmth of this love-filled season.

One of my favorite aspects of this time of year is the way people come together to express their love and affection for one another. Whether it’s through heartfelt gestures, thoughtful gifts, or simply spending quality time together, there’s an undeniable sense of warmth and connection that permeates the air. It’s a time when even the smallest acts of kindness and affection are amplified, reminding us of the importance of love in our lives.

For me, one song that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this season is “Love, Love, Love” by Donny Hathaway. Its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics never fail to tug at my heartstrings. Whenever I hear it playing, I can’t help but smile and wish I could’ve experienced the moment this song came out in 1973.

Love, Love, Love by Donny Hathaway

As Valentine’s Day approaches, my hope is that this time of year brings joy and happiness to everyone, whether you’re celebrating with a romantic partner, friends, family, or even just taking the time to show love to yourself! After all, love knows no bounds and comes in many forms, and it’s important to cherish and celebrate it in all its manifestations.

So as we prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s take a moment to appreciate the love that surrounds us and the people who bring joy and warmth into our lives. Whether it’s through a simple act of kindness or a grand gesture of love, let’s embrace this season with open hearts and open arms, knowing that love is truly the greatest gift of all.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged fun, inspiration, love, real world, Self-love, Valentine's day | Leave a comment

Need space, time, and place to study effectively?!!

Posted on February 12, 2024 by Karen C

Establishing a Productive Study Space: It’s critical to remember that time is money and that we should manage it well. This entails scheduling study sessions, naps, and hang out with friends while maintaining a focus on our primary responsibilities, which is education. I’ll include one of my strategies for succeeding academically this semester below.

Choosing the Ideal Time to Study: Plan your study time using your preferred tool, such as an actual planner or an iPad, laptop, phone, or sticky notes. Consider the classes you’ll be taking, go over your syllabus, and use a calendar—either Google Calendar or the one on your laptop that syncs with your phone—so you can see your to-do list at all times and from any location. This might assist you in reviewing your ideal schedule for the coming week and beyond in advance.

Selecting the Ideal Study Location: From personal experience, I can tell you that I’ve had trouble making this choice in the past. I made an effort to concentrate and finish my schoolwork at home, but I was unsuccessful. This can be a little challenging because I suggest visiting your local library, your school library (which is open until 10 p.m.), or your favorite coffee shop if you can concentrate in a noisy environment and you know yourself well. But I strongly advise making use of the resources available to us on campus. There are breakout rooms located throughout the school. As a fun tidbit about me, I really enjoy using the ones with views in Building IV. Remember to reserve your breakout spaces as well. Go to the OIT desk, which is situated adjacent to the elevator on the second floor of Building III, if you need assistance.

Establishing a Study Routine: It’s important to have consistent study habits. I am aware that everyone has objectives for their academic career. Persist and never give up! As I previously indicated, check your to-do list for the upcoming week using Google Calendar, notes, or your preferred tool. This is when it’s critical to apply your time management abilities. Go to the Macklin Center and ask at the front desk if you need assistance with it. Professional staff and resources are available to help. Additionally, you can use appropriate software to stay on course.