The Universities at Shady Grove (USG)

As the temperature begins to warm up and the days are getting longer, it’s the perfect time to step outside and immerse yourself in the season of spring. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the season and try out a new place for food, Tatte Bakery & Cafe is the perfect spot to go.

Tatte has several locations in both Boston and the Washington D.C. area. The newest addition to their list of cafes is in Rockville. In the D.C. area, you can find Tatte in popular neighborhoods such as Dupont Circle, West End, and City Center.

At Tatte, you can treat yourself with a delicious dessert, order a cup of handcrafted coffee, or enjoy a light meal. Their interior is comforting and well-decorated. Their selection of desserts include options like lemon blueberry pavlova, fruit tarts, and freshly baked goods for you to choose.

If you’re a coffee lover, you can’t miss their house latte, which includes a unique touch of halva honey. It offers a sweet and nutty flavor that’s perfect for anyone wanting to try something different.

And if you’re looking for a light brunch, one of Tatte’s signature dishes is the shakshuka—a popular North African dish made with eggs poached in a rich sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions, spiced with cumin and paprika, and topped with feta and parsley. 

So, as the season shifts and spring is about to begin, take a moment to enjoy the warmth of the outdoors. Make sure you stop by at Tatte Bakery & Cafe, where it’s the perfect place to welcome the new season!

Lunar New Year is one of the most significant traditional holidays in many Asian cultures. It is a time for families to come together and wish for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead. 

Some traditions includes giving red envelopes (紅包, hóngbāo”), dragon and lion dance, Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner with family, and wearing new clothes, preferably red to symbolize luck and good fortune. 

Each year in the lunar calendar is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, which rotate in a 12-year cycle. The 12 animals in order are Rat (鼠), Ox (牛), Tiger (虎), Rabbit (兔 ), Dragon (龍), Snake (蛇), Horse (馬), Sheep (羊), Monkey (猴), Rooster (雞), Dog (狗), Pig (豬).  I was born in 2002, which makes me born in the Year of the Horse! Below is a diagram for reference.

Each animal is believed to influence the personality and fortunes of those born in the year representing the animals. For example, people born during the Snake years are thought to be wise and mysterious.

Two of the most representative traditional foods associated with Lunar New Year are dumplings and fish. Dumplings are considered a symbol of wealth, with their shape resembling ancient gold money. Fish is served to symbolize abundance and good luck. The word for fish (魚, yú) sounds like “surplus” in Chinese, suggesting prosperity in the new year.

Wishing everyone the best of health and prosperity during this Year of the Snake!

– Tips on self-love, meaningful connections, and personal joy.

Image: Pinterest

Hi there! Ah, the season of love is upon us once again – when hearts flutter, roses bloom, and couples worldwide celebrate their affection for one another. But as we all know, Valentine’s Day can be a rather polarizing affair.

Some revel in romantic rituals, indulging in lavish gifts, elaborate date nights, and sentimental-sweet gestures. Others, however, may feel a sense of loneliness, exclusion, or even hate for the commercialized frenzy surrounding this Hallmark holiday.

Whether you’re in a relationship or flying solo, the pressure to find the “perfect” way to observe February 14th can be overwhelming.

But fear not my friends – there are ways to feel loved, appreciated, and joyful this Valentine’s Day, regardless of your relationship status.

First and foremost, remember the importance of self-love. As much as this holiday is marketed as a celebration of romantic love, the most crucial relationship you have is the one with yourself.

Take time to pamper yourself, engage in activities that bring you joy, and surround yourself with the people and things that make you feel whole.

Cultivate meaningful connections with loved ones, whether that’s your partner, family, friends, or a supportive community.

Sharing quality time, heartfelt conversations, and acts of kindness can be far more meaningful than any store-bought gift.

Lastly, embrace the season’s magic in your own way. Attend a Galentine’s Day celebration, volunteer at a local charity, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.

By focusing on what truly matters, you can transform this holiday into a celebration of love, belonging, and personal fulfillment.

So, go forth and make this Valentine’s Day your own.

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem

Pinterest

As college students, we’re constantly surrounded by high achievers, ambitious peers, and an ever-increasing workload. It’s easy to start doubting whether we belong, questioning our abilities, or feeling like we’re not “good enough.” This nagging self-doubt has a name: imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is the internal belief that your achievements are due to luck, not your abilities and that sooner or later, others will figure out you’re a fraud. It’s a mental battle many college students face, often silently. But why does it hit us so hard in college, and what can we do about it?

Growing up, I moved schools and even countries multiple times, and with every move came the challenge of starting over. Whether it was adjusting to a new curriculum, learning the unspoken social rules, or simply trying to make friends, I always felt like I was playing catch-up.

In every school, it seemed like everyone already had their place with each other—established friendships, shared experiences, and an ease that I envied. Meanwhile, I was the “new kid,” trying to fit in without drawing too much attention to myself. Even when I succeeded academically or socially, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t truly belong.

This pattern of starting over followed me into college, where I compared my journey to others. The doubts crept in again: Was I good enough to be here? Did I deserve my opportunities? These questions became a mental hurdle that made it harder to celebrate my achievements.

Over time, I’ve learned that imposter syndrome doesn’t just go away alone—you have to actively work to challenge those feelings. While I’ve made significant progress, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect. I still struggle with self-doubt from time to time, but these strategies have helped me manage those feelings and move forward:

• Recognize That You’re Not Alone
  One of my biggest turning points was realizing that I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. Many people, even those who seem incredibly confident and successful, deal with imposter syndrome. Talking to friends, mentors, or classmates about my feelings helped me see that self-doubt is a shared experience, not a personal flaw.
• Focus on Your Strengths
  Instead of fixating on what I thought I lacked, I started identifying the unique strengths I brought to the table. My ability to adapt quickly, my global perspective, and determination to succeed despite challenges set me apart.
• Celebrate Small Wins
  I began keeping track of my accomplishments, no matter how small they seemed. Whether it was acing a quiz, contributing to a group project, or even speaking up in class, I took a moment to acknowledge my progress. Over time, these small celebrations built my confidence.
• Reframe Your Perspective
  I reframed my self-doubt as a sign that I was growing. Feeling out of your comfort zone means you’re challenging yourself, and that’s something to be proud of. I reminded myself that everyone starts somewhere, and perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
• Practice Self-Compassion
  I am learning to be kinder to myself (It is still a work in progress!). Instead of criticizing every mistake, I started treating myself with the same understanding I’d offer a friend. Growth takes time, and it’s okay to stumble along the way.

No matter how often you’ve started over or how many times you’ve doubted yourself, remember this: you belong here, and you are capable of achieving incredible things. Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t an overnight fix—it’s a journey that takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself and take it slow, one step at a time. Each small step you take is a victory, and every bit of progress brings you closer to embracing your full potential.