How I Want To Spend My Thanksgiving Break

Posted on November 10, 2023 by rachelfadaka

Like most people reading this post, I’m counting down the days until Thanksgiving Break. This semester has been pretty challenging, to say the least. I’ve been super occupied with preparing for my life after graduation and finishing my semester strong. Since this is my last semester of school, this is also my last Thanksgiving Break. Thanksgiving is just a nice time in general; I love this time of the year so I’m really looking forward to it. Even though the break isn’t too long, I plan on …

catching up on my homework. Unfortunately, Senioritis is still very real. I’ve been doing pretty well so far with classwork so I’d like to continue the streak. It’s been a hectic semester and although it is almost over, I still have a lot of work to do. Some of the work includes a group presentation and paper, reading textbook chapters/taking notes, and writing an essay. As I mentioned earlier, the break isn’t too long so I’m definitely going to attempt to get some of it done before and after the break. 

Source: 21st Century Cyber Charter School

doing some Black Friday shopping. I love shopping, so of course, I would also love to do lots of shopping on Black Friday. I would love to get some new clothes, shoes, anything, really. It’d also be a good chance to get an early start on my Christmas gifts, although I tend to get gifts way later than I should. Either way, I can’t wait!!!

Source: TVLine

rewatching the current season of Survivor. I love watching competitive reality TV, and binging TV in general. I’ve been keeping up with Survivor 45 but I’m planning on rewatching the season with my sisters who haven’t been watching. This season has been more entertaining than I’d ever thought it be. Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend this holiday than to spend it watching starving strangers backstab each other for a million dollars. 

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Grateful To Be A Student

Posted on November 9, 2023 by evelinfdavila

With a little over a month left of the semester and a plethora of work to be done, it can be really easy to feel overwhelmed with school and not enjoy it. Between meeting assignment deadlines, staying up late to study for exams, and feeling the pressure to excel in all my classes, I can definitely say that recently I have not been enjoying my time as a student as much. However, upon reflection, I have come to realize the immense privilege I have to be receiving a great quality education.

As a first-generation student, I grew up hearing my parents constantly remind me of the great privilege that comes with pursuing an education. Not everyone has the opportunity to access the transformative power of education, and being able to attend college and study for the career of my dreams is a great privilege. 

In moments when the semester’s demand seems like it’s too much to handle, I find encouragement in this perspective. I remind myself that I am extremely fortunate and grateful to call myself a student. This mindset shift is a powerful motivator, helping me bring on the strength and determination to finish my degree on a strong note.

As I reflect on my time as a student, I look back to when I first began this journey and realize the amount of personal growth I have had. From my days as a college freshman to now being a college senior, I realize that the journey of being a student has been transformative. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with like-minded peers who share goals similar to mine. These individuals have not only inspired me, but have also pushed me to become a better version of myself. I have also received invaluable guidance and mentorship from professors who have helped ignite my passion for learning. The support system available to me has been invaluable. I’ve been given the tools I need to hone my skills and set a course for my future, all because I am a student. 

Even though I know that learning doesn’t stop after school, I’m grateful to know that this is the time in my life when I’m soaking up the most knowledge and that’s all that is expected of me. I find it crucial for myself to appreciate the learning opportunities I have now, and to also understand that life is all about a continuous journey of learning. 

As corny as it sounds, the world is truly my oyster. With the right attitude and a positive mindset, I know that I can achieve anything that I put my mind to. The world is full of possibilities and opportunities waiting to be discovered. School allows me to gain knowledge, new experiences, and develop a valuable social network, all which help prepare me for the “real world.”

Source: The English Tree
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Daylight Saving Time…Yay or Nay? 

Posted on November 8, 2023 by mnur2
Source: freepik 

Once again, we have come to one of my most dreaded times: daylight saving. We have to go through this inconvenience twice a year and it’s still difficult to remember whether we lose or gain an hour. Despite being prepared for this to happen, I reel in shock everytime I leave the house and it’s dark out at 4 pm. Do I enjoy getting an extra hour of sleep? Yes, but the night arriving sooner is depressing and does not help my mood at all.

There was an on-going debate about making daylight saving time permanent. While the bill passed through the Senate, it came to an abrupt halt in the House of Representatives, therefore losing its momentum. 19 states have voted to end Daylight Saving, voicing their concerns over its negative effects. Although the concerns barely moved those in power, states are still actively trying to reinforce a standard time for all year.

Personally, I do not think it is beneficial in any way for us to have daylight saving time. Keeping a permanent time throughout the year is helpful in numerous ways. Changing the clock not only ruins my sleep schedule, but it forces me to get up an hour early. Nationally, I have heard many reports of how daylight saving time (when the clock goes forward one hour) increases vehicle accidents and hospital visits for individuals. Plus, having the sun leave early gives us the illusion of it being late in the hour and that stops our activities.

The biggest ick of daylight saving time in November is that I hate thinking it’s night when it gets dark only for it to be like 5 pm. I like things to be “orderly” and I am obsessed with having a set routine. Having daylight saving forces me to change that routine and gives me a feeling of uneasiness that I don’t find comforting. Also, as I mentioned earlier, it makes me depressed and anxious when I leave my class and suddenly it’s dark. It’s true what they say that the environment around us really interferes with our personal well-being and I can attest to that. 

What do you guys think? Should we keep daylight saving time? 

Source: Medcan
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It’s Wintertime

Posted on November 6, 2023 by swechchhas

This is the first full week of November, and the weather is cold. In the last few days, the commute to the campus has increased by 5 to 10 minutes. In addition, walking the short distance from Student Parking Garage/Lot to Building 4 feels like a difficult journey in this harsh weather. 

Irrespective of your feelings toward winter, here are some tips to help you endure its harsh conditions:

Commute: As a commuter campus, most students either drive or use public transportation to reach USG. Winter commutes can be difficult, so it is crucial to monitor weather forecasts and adjust your schedule accordingly. I highly encourage all my peers to allocate additional time for your commute and explore alternative routes in case of road closures or public transportation disruptions.

Source: Google

Stay Organized: Winter can make it challenging for students to maintain order in their lives, leading to increased stress. To lessen the stress, students should use a reliable planner or smartphone app to manage their class schedule, assignments, and important deadlines. This organizational strategy provides flexibility to cope with unexpected challenges brought by the winter season.

Source: Google

Self-Care: Like many students, I find self-care challenging, but it is essential, especially during the cold and harsh winter months. Whether it means getting lost in a good book, enjoying a relaxing bath, or practicing mindfulness exercises, prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being during the winter season.

Source: Google

Depending on the person, wintertime can be fun or challenging. The tips above can help you make the most of the winter season and ensure that your academic journey remains a rewarding one. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can find valuable moments even in the cold.

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Mental Health

Posted on November 2, 2023 by shriyakoneru

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how we perceive and discuss mental health. The negative stigma surrounding this topic is slowly fading away, and people are more open to addressing mental health issues. In that spirit, this blog post is dedicated to providing tips to improve mental health. This topic is prominent on my mind right now, because I took a mental health day/ physical rest day today. Furthermore, this point in the semester tends to be extra stressful, which can impact our mental health more.

Improving mental health is a complex process, and it’s important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. However, here are some general tips that can help in fostering better mental well-being:

Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care is important. This means setting aside time for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and a sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a long bath, or practicing mindfulness, self-care rituals can significantly improve your mental state.

Physical Health: There is a strong correlation between physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep can all contribute to improved mental well-being.

Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness allows you to focus on the here and now, while meditation can provide a mental reset.

Social Connection: Building and maintaining meaningful relationships is vital for mental health.

Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. They can provide guidance, therapy, or medication if necessary.

Limit Stress: Identify sources of stress in your life and work on managing or reducing them. Techniques like time management, setting boundaries, and practicing relaxation can be helpful.

Gratitude and Positive Thinking: Cultivating gratitude and focusing on positive aspects of life can shift your perspective and enhance your mental well-being. It may be difficult to do sometimes, but I personally try my best to take note of 3-5 things every day that I am grateful for.

Journaling: Keeping a journal can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help you gain clarity, process emotions, and identify patterns in your life.

By dedicating this blog post to mental health, I hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation. It’s essential that we continue to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and provide practical advice to help individuals on their journey towards better mental health. Remember, taking a mental health day, like the one I chose today, is a form of self-care and the recognition that mental well-being is a critical part of a fulfilling life.

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Life after Midterms Season

Posted on November 1, 2023 by melanyclaros

Midterms season left me completely drained, and to say it took a toll on me would be an understatement. As a senior, you’d think I’d have it all figured out by now, but this semester brought unexpected challenges. Balancing a load of undergraduate midterms and an additional set of graduate midterms, all while staying committed to my extracurricular activities and obligations, turned out to be far more challenging than I had anticipated. For five grueling weeks, I barely had any free time to call my own. However, the good news is that it’s finally over! I conquered my last midterm this past Monday, and now I’m eager to focus on some much-needed self-care.

First and foremost, I’m looking forward to recharging by spending quality time with the people I care about. I plan to make the most of those little breaks between classes, and grab lunch or dinner with friends. Additionally, I’m making a conscious effort to allocate more time for my family, as my usual routine has kept me isolated in my room doing homework or attending virtual meetings.

Reconnecting with my love for reading is high on my post-midterms agenda. Reading has always been one of my favorite ways to practice self-care, and there’s something particularly soothing about delving into a good book during the chilly fall season. The cozy atmosphere and the rustling leaves outside make it the perfect time for this pastime.

Lastly, I’m eager to start journaling more frequently. Writing out my thoughts and feelings will not only serve as a means of reflection but also a way to keep track of my emotions during different moments. By doing so, I can better understand how I was feeling at various points and use that insight to hold myself accountable and extend more grace to myself moving forward.

As we wrap up this journey through life after midterms, it’s clear that this period of recuperation and rekindling our passions is essential for our overall well-being. Midterms may have taken their toll, but they’ve also reminded us of our strength and resilience.

Remember, life is about balance. It’s about conquering challenges, celebrating successes, and nurturing our mental and emotional health. As you embark on this post-midterms chapter, prioritize self-care, reflection, and reconnecting with your passions. It’s not just about surviving but thriving in your academic journey.

So go ahead, seize the opportunity to recharge with friends, family, and a good book. Journal your thoughts, set new goals, and continue to be the amazing student you are. Embrace the beauty of life after midterms, and remember, you’ve got this! Here’s to a successful, balanced, and fulfilling rest of the semester.

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USG events happening now!

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Ashlynn Battle

Last Friday I had the opportunity to be a student speaker at the Smith School Dean’s Board meeting, and it reminded me about why I decided to join extracurriculars and everything that makes USG special. I wanted to remind my fellow peers that part of that specialty starts with a sense of community through the many student run clubs! 

Want to get involved? Check out these USG events happening this week and next week!

The first two events are for Smith students, so if you are interested (and a Smith student), mark these two dates in your calendar! 

  1. AMA Q&A event (Smith Students)

Interested in Marketing and how it can be implemented around school in everyday student life? Come to building two on the second floor right outside the office, and enjoy speaking with the members with cookies! This event will be very casual, and I encourage anyone interested to stop by, even if it’s just to introduce yourself!

  1. Smith Alumni Event (Smith Students)

Interested in networking with past alumni who now work for big corporations like Amazon, Morgan Stanley, and PepsiCo? Come to this event next week to practice pitching yourself like you would in the corporate world!

  1. Food truck (Anyone)

This one is not an event, but if you haven’t heard, USG brings a food truck every Tuesday to campus for students and faculty to enjoy delicious food from local vendors! Last week I had the opportunity to get birria tacos from the La Poblana truck that came to USG, and the food was amazing! TODAY’s truck is African Chop Better!

  1. International film screening (Anyone, Intenrational Club, Tau Sigma Honor Society)

Want to chill and watch a movie during this chilly Halloween day? Join the international club TODAY for some fun! When I initially saw this flier, I thought what a fun experience, especially after all the midterms I’ve had the last week. I plan to tell all my friends about this and get together to go to this event, and eventually possibly join the club!

  1. Mindfulness workshop (Anyone)

This workshop is something I attended the first semester of my time at USG, and actually even at my time attending Montgomery College. I no longer have the time to join because of class, but this was really valuable to my mental health and helped me structure my schedule better with everything going on as a student. I encourage others to take a small portion out of their day and slow down to join one of these meditation classes, because you will not regret it!

At the board meeting, I discussed how it’s difficult for students to juggle everything in their lives. Especially at USG, with students being commuters, it’s easy to just go home after a long day. But after the experiences I had, I want others to know that if they attend one event, meeting, or join one club, it will provide them with a valuable experience that they will be able to take with them for the rest of their life! The two years at Shady Grove go by fast, so don’t delay the enjoyment! 

Let’s BOO this! Be safe everyone! 🙂

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TESTUDO JOINS USG!

Posted on October 30, 2023 by georgitsvetanskigogo

Hello there, friends!

Big news for all you Terrapin fans out there – Testudo, the iconic diamondback terrapin and UMD’s beloved mascot, is crawling its way to the Universities at Shady Grove!

Image Credit : Se NC

Today, on October 30th at 1 pm, the USG community is coming together to celebrate the arrival of our shelled friend.

We’re marking this exciting occasion with an unveiling and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share some of the behind-the-scenes details and inspirations that went into making this happen.

First things first, who is Testudo? Well, Testudo is the Mediterranean tortoise, a species found in North Africa, Western Asia, and Europe. Fun fact: it’s actually legal to have one as a pet, and they’re known for being fairly docile.

Just watch out for their nippy side if they feel threatened!

Now, over at UMD’s main campus in College Park, there’s a charming tradition where students rub the Testudo statue’s nose for good luck before exams.

They also leave all sorts of offerings, from coffee to textbooks, bananas, chairs, and even microwaves. Testudo is quite the collector, it seems, and students go all out to ensure their academic success.

Testudo at UMDCP

Going back to USG – the UMD at USG CPSE program, in collaboration with the UMD at USG Department of Communication and the Undergraduate Communication Association, embarked on a mission to create Testudo from scratch.

Now, speaking from my role as the Vice President of the UCA and as an intern at CPSE, I can tell you it was an exhilarating experience but also a significant responsibility.

At CPSE, it took us weeks to 3D print both the turtle and its base. 3D printing requires patience and a lot of attention, but the results are worth it.

Once the 3D printing was complete, the UCA opened the doors to all USG students for the underpainting of the 3D print.

It was a collaborative effort that involved everyone from all institutions on campus.

I then had the pleasure of collaborating with the talented painter, Jennifer Cueva. Together, we breathed life into Testudo by adding colors, texture, high-end finishes, and a touch of magic.

No other Testudo is like this, I promise you this!

This entire initiative was an absolute delight, especially for someone who holds the USG community close to their heart.

I can’t wait to see students, just like those at the main campus, rubbing Testudo’s nose for good luck. It’s fantastic to bring this cherished tradition to USG.

Whether you need an extra dose of luck for your upcoming exams or just a boost in your everyday life, remember that Testudo is here for you on the fifth floor of Building 3 at USG.

So, come by, say hello, and give Testudo a friendly pat for good fortune. 🐢🍀

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Celebrating The Small Wins

Posted on October 27, 2023 by Destiney Smith

We’ve reached the halfway point of the Fall 2023 semester! This means that the hard work, long nights, and probably Starbucks has gotten us all pretty far. Think about it. We’ve had group projects, exams, essays, and even smaller assignments that still seemed quite demanding. On top of all of that, we just took several midterms. Oftentimes as students we’re caught up in completing the next assignment, but fail to give ourselves credit for what we’ve already done. As we’re on track to successfully complete that remaining half of the semester, I want to emphasize celebrating the “small” wins. Below is a list of the accomplishments many students may not celebrate.

  1. Friendships: Whether this is your first semester or you’re a returning student, it’s likely you’ve made a friend or two! Building friendships while in college can sometimes be a challenge but it’s definitely rewarding. Reflect and be proud of those you surround yourself with.
  2. Life Balance: Is being a college student always easy? No. It’s common for us to have other responsibilities outside of our academic life. Some of us have jobs, family responsibilities, or other general commitments. Not to mention, it’s always a fun time to hang out with those we love. Give yourself credit for being able to manage everything you have going on in your life. 
  3. Time Management: Managing time is a true skill that not everyone is equipped with. As students, our time is crucial and we have to make the right decisions in order to plan effectively. One thing we tend to overlook is our ability to meet deadlines. Did you submit your quiz on time although you had to work a long shift? Did you finally not hit the snooze button on your alarm and make it to class on time? Whatever your situation tends to be, be proud of your commitment to meet the deadlines and be on time.
  4. Cherish Being a Student: Did you know that many people in the world aspire to be where we are and doing the things we’re doing? Being a college student is a win that we tend to think is normal. Everyone can’t go to college due to various reasons but we’re blessed to be able to do so. Although there are many stressors that come with the title, sit back and appreciate the journey you’re currently on. Remember, some would give up anything to be in your position.

I hope this list sparks gratitude within you and helps you to better reflect on the “smaller” wins in life. Don’t forget you’re where you’re supposed to be and your timing is the perfect timing.

Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels.com
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Midterm grades, fast accelerated classes, procrastinating, overthinking… what is next?

Posted on October 25, 2023 by Karen C

I know some of you guys just have finished midterms. And how do you feel about it? Do you think you did good enough? Or did you struggle to study more? Do you expect to get a better grade than you have now? Or just overthinking what comes in the half of this semester? I know you have been working hard on each side of your life. Today, I bring you some tips for self-esteem as a student we are! And how to improve our empowerment as students or just keep going!

  1. Have a routine: having a routine is important, I know it is very difficult to maintain it but being consistent is key. Spend 15 to 20 minutes prioritizing your goals for the week, if you can, before each Monday. This means taking notes on how many meetings you have in the week, your assignments, quizzes, paperwork, projects, etc. Consistency in your routine can lead to better time management and reduced stress, which can lead to procrastination.
  • Creating a weekly study schedule to set up your routine, classes, study hours, etc.
  • Using digital tools like; calendar apps or task management to set reminders and create routines.

 Source: Google

2. A place to study: Finding a comfortable, quiet, and focused place is essential. Places like the library, a study room, your office, your room, etc. Choose the right place for effective studying. Focus on what is most important, don’t forget to stay away from your distractions. And avoid your burnout by not studying more than necessary.  

Source: Google

3. Studying without breaks: I know that some classes can be more demanding than others, but if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can become anxious or even get sick. When you have established your class hours and study hours, remember to nourish yourself with your favorite snack, meal, or water, a nap of 15 minutes, and don’t forget to pamper yourself –– you deserve it! Balancing our approach to our goals is essential.

Source: Google

4. Losing sleep to study: I know sleeping at least 7 or 8 hours per day could be difficult. But remember, sleep is so important when it comes to getting good grades because it helps forge memories and strengthen learning. Feeling your best helps you do your best!

Source: Google

5. Comparing yourself with others: Believe in yourself and remember that everyone always overcomes obstacles; some learn faster than others. Take your time and focus on your goals.

Source: Google

Quote: A little progress each day adds up to big results.

Source: Google

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