Tips for starting off your semester on the right foot 

Posted on August 30, 2023 by mnur2

As someone who suffers from anxiety, I always wonder how other people feel about their level of preparedness. The first week of classes is definitely a bit jarring, especially after being on summer break for so long. In order to have a successful semester, here are some of the things I always keep in mind so that I can feel more confident about my semester and feel like I have everything organized. It helps me manage my anxiety when I feel like I’m in control.

Source: Giphy 

Thoroughly read the syllabus for your classes

This is a given, but I can’t emphasize how important it is to read through your syllabus and mark notes on important due dates and assignment criteria. I tend to print mine out because it helps to keep a physical copy so I can refer to them for assignment dates and topics we will visit in class. Plus, it’s always great to know how to contact your professors! 

Make a google calendar 

If you don’t have a google calendar (or some other app to keep everything organized), you’re greatly missing out. I highly recommend that you create one with all of your assignments, study sessions, breaks and other important dates so that you can revisit them all the time and not feel anxious about missing any key events.

Join or create a groupme 

It depends on your classes, but I think it’s useful to have a groupme for some of them. These group chats are a great way for you to get to know your classmates better and to discuss lectures, confusion about assignments, and remind each other about due dates. I know sometimes I feel hesitant to email my professors especially if the question is something simple (or I need a quick reply) groupme is a great way to get a fast response.

Lastly, this is not a tip but since the first week tends to be a little calmer, I personally think it’s better to start on some of your assignments early so that you can get them out of the way. 

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Trust Your Gut!

Posted on August 24, 2023 by shriyakoneru

In a world driven by data, logic, and rational decision-making, there exists an aspect of human intuition: gut feelings. Recently, I found myself trusting my gut on a huge life decision, and I later found out that intuition was correct. Intuitive knowledge forms a bridge between our conscious and unconscious minds, allowing us to make split-second judgments that often defy conventional reasoning.

Recently, when faced with a significant life choice, I found myself torn between options. Despite all the rational pros and cons, there was a voice within me urging me to choose a certain path, my gut feeling, and I decided to follow its advice. Months later, as events unfolded, it became clear that my intuition had led me in the right direction. And, this was not the first time such a thing had happened.

A similar sensation occurred when choosing a college – my intuition guided me to UMD. In retrospect, that choice not only shaped my education but also the friendships, experiences, and opportunities that followed. The same occurred when selecting an internship that aligned perfectly with my goals. My gut feeling helped me navigate through various options, leading me to an incredible experience that laid the foundation for my career.

Research suggests that our gut feelings are often right. Psychologists have found that these intuitions can accurately predict outcomes, sometimes even better than conscious analysis. This is because our subconscious mind has a remarkable ability to process information, and spot patterns and inconsistencies that our conscious mind might miss.

So, the next time you feel that gentle nudge deep within, don’t ignore it; your intuition might be offering you a precious gift of guidance- just as it did for me!

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Calling all bookworms!

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Ashlynn Battle

As the blog world knows, I love books a lot. 

But strangely enough, I’ve never been thrifting for books. So, this past weekend, my friend and I decided to visit as many thrift bookstores in our area as possible. Of course, I had to share my findings to the blog community, so here are the four bookstores that are definitely worth visiting! 

The Germantown Library has a small section towards the entrance where they sell donated books. I’ve been to the library several times and completely missed the sections until my friend told me it was there. So although some of you may already know about this, I had to share it. 

Wonder Books is a small store that has a large selection of used books, DVDs, vinyls, and CDs. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of books I found in this store, including the many classics that easily turn into prized possessions! This was the one book store where I was able to find a lot of newer releases from popular artists. 

Second Story is a large warehouse that has been around for a while now, selling used and rare books. This one was definitely my favorite out of the four that I went to just because of the prices. A lot of books found in Second Story run for about a dollar, and my friend was even able to get the entire Harry Potter series for $4 dollars each! These hard cover books are usually sold for about $32 dollars each! 

Friends of the Library Bookstore actually partners with multiple libraries around this area and sells used or donated books as well. I didn’t actually get to go inside this one, because it closed before I got there. But I had to put it on the list, because it seemed really nice. I also found a smaller section of this bookstore inside the Rockville library, where it looks like they will be resuming access August 28th!

Traveling to these bookstores was something I’ve never done before, and it made for a really fun day. I encourage all the book worms out there to check these out!

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What You Should Look Forward to this Fall Semester

Posted on August 16, 2023 by mnur2

Whether you’re a new student at USG or returning this fall, there are several aspects of the campus that you should look forward to in this upcoming semester. Here are some of mine: 

Grab & Go at the Green Grove Cafe  

The best thing ever. Whenever I’m hungry and in need of a quick snack, I rush to the Grover pantry and buy a few snacks. Sometimes, especially during midterms and finals week, I would stay in the library until late and forget to pack a lunch with me. It’s a great thing that the Grove has many selections of food items plus a microwave where you can heat up your food! It truly does make a difference while I’m studying. 

Source: @uatshadygrove 

Wellness Rooms

Did you know that USG had wellness rooms where you can take a few moments out of your day and rewind from all the stress you might’ve accumulated? When I discovered the wellness room in building 4 last semester, I was ecstatic. From the moment you enter the room, you will feel instantly relaxed. The calming music, the rush of water, and the room in the corner where a bunch of huge pillows cover the floor can be the perfect setting for a nap (I can attest to that). 

The Priddy Library

This is mainly for those that are new to this campus, but the Priddy Library is one of the most convenient places to study. There are plenty of studying rooms and you don’t have to book them in advance (well, at least I don’t because most of the time there are rooms available). But from large to small groups, these rooms are perfect for studying, especially since they seem to be sound-proofed?

USG Fall Fest

Definitely look forward to this! Usually held in the evenings, this event is great to interact with your friends and enjoy the various activities planned by the Student Leadership Advisory Council! My memory is a little hazy right now, but this was a great event and I highly recommend going to the next one. There’s food, prizes, pumpkin painting, and more! 

Source: shadygrove 

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Taking Life’s Detour

Posted on August 10, 2023 by shriyakoneru

I wrapped up my internship just last week, and I secured a full-time job offer for my dream position within the same company! I am beyond grateful and excited! The interesting twist is that the job won’t kick off until either the end of August or the beginning of September next year. Now, here’s the twist to the twist – I’m set to graduate this December. Initially, I was a bit taken aback, unsure of what to do. But what really gave me pause were the reactions from my peers. I heard it over and over again: “You’ve got the rest of your life to work, what’s the rush?” And they’re absolutely right.

I’ll admit, I was all about diving headfirst into the professional world, eager to make my mark and start earning. That was my goal. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes we just have to adjust our swing. Considering the circumstances and the fact that I’m genuinely thrilled about the position and the company, I’m embracing this opportunity.

Now, my plan might undergo a few revisions; afterall, I’ve only had a week to think about it. But here’s the initial blueprint: I’m thinking of traveling, specifically exploring Europe. It’s like my chance at a pseudo-study abroad experience, minus the actual studying part. The plan is to volunteer through a reputable organization, possibly teaching English to children, contributing to animal welfare, or participating in community building projects, such as schools or houses. In return, I’d have accommodation and meals covered. This not only makes the travel economically viable, but it’s also a chance to broaden my horizons and make meaningful connections in a new setting.

The beauty of it all is that I have this window of time to explore, learn, and contribute before embarking on the journey of my professional career. It’s a new chapter, an exciting chapter, and I’m ready to embrace it wholeheartedly!

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Get Freebies On Your Birthday

Posted on August 9, 2023 by mnur2

As students, we are frantically budgeting to meet our needs. Sometimes, even the simplest of gifts can seem like a treat. That’s why you will soon find out about the great birthday freebies that many stores provide. Hopefully some of these are new to you and they become a great help to you in the future. Make sure to snag them when your birthday approaches! 

Cafe Rio

This is one of my favorite go-to restaurants. After signing up on their app and putting in your information, wait for your birthday to get $5 off on your next meal! I usually get the salad entrée with extra chips on the side. 

Source: Cafe rio

Panera Bread

Funny that as I’m writing this I’m taken back to when I visited Panera just yesterday. It is the perfect place to bring your laptop, study and enjoy a free birthday treat or pastry while you get in the mood to study. I recommend going in the evenings because it’s not too busy then.

Source: Panera Bread

Sephora 

Before you start, I know that this is one of the popular ones. I mean, who doesn’t know that Sephora hands out cool birthday gifts?? Actually, I had a vague idea that they gave cute mini essentials but had no clue how legit they were. I can now confirm that it’s true and you should totally sign up for it.

Source: Google Play

AMC

Movies and theaters have been all the rage this summer. Everyone must have heard about Barbie, right? But did you know that on your birthday AMC theaters gives you a free popcorn bucket while you are enjoying the movie? Take advantage of it now! 

Source: Business Insider

Baskin Robbins 

Are you craving something sweet? Is it too hot outside and you need something to cool off? Try signing up for a Baskin Robbins account to get a free scoop on your birthday! 

Source: Baskin Robbins

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As Summer Slowly Comes To An End……

Posted on August 8, 2023 by Ashlynn Battle

With summer slowly coming to an end. I’ve started to prepare a bit for the upcoming semester, and I know there may be some things that my fellow peers totally forgot about over the summer, so I am here to remind you! 

Check your class schedule If you are anything like me, you probably signed up for classes before the spring semester, closed Testudo, and never looked at it again. I decided to check my schedule, make sure it’s the classes I wanted, and also make sure my fall schedule outside of school still corresponds with the hours. I even pulled out my planner and wrote down the sections, so it stays refreshed in my mind as it will be coming up soon! 

Buy your parking pass If you’re a commuter to USG, you probably need to renew your parking pass. It’s best to get it out of the way, so you won’t be too stressed the first week of school (although your pass may still work a couple of days into the semester). 

Check your email! I know there may not be much in your email right now, but USG Weekly does still operate, and you don’t wanna miss any events or important information! I even took the time to clean out my email inbox and computer files to make space for this semester to have my computer run to the best of its ability. 

Do the thing you wanted to do this summer! If you’re still debating on planning that one trip or starting that new hobby. There’s still time to do all the things you maybe didn’t get to this summer! Enjoy the bit of free time and take the time to reset from that internship or summer job. 

I hope you guys had a great summer! Time to prepare for the best semester yet! 🙂

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Reflections on My Internship Journey

Posted on July 27, 2023 by shriyakoneru

As I sit here, typing my final blog as an intern, I am filled with mixed emotions. The last ten weeks have been a whirlwind of learning, growth, and pure enjoyment. As my current internship comes to a close on August 4th, I can’t help but look back on this transformative experience and the valuable insights it has given me. I’ve discovered the importance of a nurturing company culture, unlocked my passion for data engineering, and learned more about myself and the beauty of embracing diversity.

Throughout my journey, one thing became abundantly clear to me: I prioritize and need a workplace with a strong company culture. I know it’s a cliché for companies to boast about fostering a certain environment, but for me, it’s about the certainty that such a culture truly exists. A good company culture not only encourages a healthy work-life balance but also ignites a genuine desire to learn and grow. Luckily, I found exactly that this summer, and it has made all the difference in my experience as an intern.

Having dabbled in various fields during my four previous internships, it was during this summer that I unearthed my true passion: data engineering. The joy and fulfillment I felt while working in this field were unparalleled. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as I made this realization just a semester before graduating. If there’s one piece of advice I’d like to share, it’s this: if you have the opportunity, try your hand at everything that interests you as early as possible. Understanding what truly ignites your passion is crucial for building a fulfilling career—one that you’ll love for countless years to come.

Beyond the technical skills, this internship has taught me valuable lessons about myself and how I interact with others. The team dynamics here are diverse and unique, and the experience of learning and growing with my colleagues has been truly eye-opening. Meeting new people and embracing their perspectives has always excited me because I believe that each encounter shapes us as individuals.

To all aspiring interns and future professionals, I encourage you to seek out opportunities that align with your values and interests. Embrace every chance to explore, learn, and grow; because, through these experiences that we truly discover our purpose and passion. As I step into the next chapter of my journey, I carry with me the cherished memories and valuable lessons from this summer – a summer that has transformed me both personally and professionally!

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Cozy Summer Switch Games

Posted on July 25, 2023 by Ashlynn Battle

One of my favorite downtime activities is to play on my Nintendo Switch Lite. I am not a huge gamer, but I definitely recommend the Lite if you enjoy entertainment on the go. In this blog, I wanted to share a couple of games that I enjoy on my switch! 

  1. Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing is a social simulation game that requires players to build a town and community. I know a game like this can be annoying to some players, because it’s not something that is finished in one sitting. In fact, the game will actually take you months to progress. But it is satisfying when tasks are completed throughout the game, and is customizable to your own desire! This game is once again great to play in increments, but don’t be fooled, because you might find yourself stuck on this game for hours! 

  1. Mario Kart 

I know Mario Kart is super basic to put on this list, but I enjoy this game and I know a lot of people do too. Mario Kart is a series of racing games and a spin-off of the Mario Franchise. This is definitely great to play with others, because you can compete as many clubs at USG have showcased before! But it is fun to play alone, especially in tournament style. This is most enjoyable in small increments of free time, or long car rides! 

  1. Mail Time

Mailtime is a cottage core game set in a mystical forest where you are asked to deliver mail. I personally don’t have this game, but I have heard so many great reviews about it. As well as Cozy Cottage, which is a similar concept. I recommend this one, because I hope to buy it soon. Now this once again may not be a game for everyone, because it is set in story mode with some adventure. But if you want to relax on the beach this summer, this is a game for you! 

Although the games and consoles are more on the expensive side, it is a great investment if you are looking for a new hobby. Not to mention that it can act as a tablet, because you can download apps such as YouTube. My range of games is not wide whatsoever, but I would love to get new recommendations! So if you want to relax after a long day at your internship, job, etc. I highly recommend you revisit your childhood and play a game!

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Therapeutic gardening and motivation to start your own

Posted on July 19, 2023 by mnur2

Something that my mom has started doing within the past couple of years is gardening. She was going through a period of depression, and a relative had recommended that gardening would help her find her passion.

Although it might be a tad bit late to start gardening, I’m going to try my best to share our story and provide some helpful tips. Most of these I have observed from watching my mom start her garden, so I hope that they inspire you to follow your own!

My mom begins planting her vegetable seeds around March/April and keeps them growing in little containers and empty bottles. She places them near areas in the house that can provide plenty of sunlight, and observes them as they grow. 

When she first began her journey, she didn’t know how to organize her garden so the soil she used to start the first batch didn’t stay resourceful for the following year. Slowly, she started to understand how her garden worked and she divided the area with a brick outline, built her own trellis, etc. 

Usually, by the end of May, the seeds grow into plants of about 1-2 feet in length and that’s when my mom slowly transfers them into her garden outside. She’s always careful with this step because finding the right time to plant them outside depends on the temperature. One year, she transferred the plants to her garden too early when the weather was still unpredictable and a cold frost had killed all of her plants. She was devastated and vowed to not do gardening that year at all. 

After setting up everything in her garden outside, she waters the plants everyday and checks the weather app to see if it would rain (so the plants didn’t get too much water and she wouldn’t waste any). She puts a lot of nutrients in the soil to help the plants grow.

Additionally, she regularly monitors her plants to ensure that no bugs or insects eat them. She’s very careful about that. She also mulches off the sides so that unwanted weeds wouldn’t be able to grow and affect the vegetable plants. 

In mid-July, we see the first signs of vegetables in our garden! Last year, we harvested eggplants, cucumbers, okras, etc. with pumpkins sprouting later in the summer. 

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