5 Ways to “Get Yourself Out There”

Posted on April 11, 2022 by kallan.allison
source: pinterest.com

Have you ever been in a rut in life, and someone tells you to just “get yourself out there?” What does that even mean? As we’re still grappling with the pandemic, many of us continue to feel isolated and scared to start new things or go to new places. But, spring is here and it’s time to “get yourself out there”. Not sure how? Here are a few options:

  1. Join a new club on campus

As a college student, the easiest way to meet new people or try a new experience is to join a club! I know the semester is already halfway over, but it’s never too late to join a group on campus, or at the very least start researching clubs to join in the fall. Check out USG’s Student Organization List to see what opportunities are available on campus!

  1. Volunteer in your community

Another great way to participate in society that doesn’t require a lot of commitment is to volunteer! This could give you a chance to meet new people of different backgrounds, flex a passion or skill, and give back to your community. Depending on the organization, you’ll likely have a choice of volunteering regularly or just for special events. If you already know of an organization near you that recruits volunteers, try reaching out and seeing if they need extra help, or just search a website like VolunteerMatch to see who might need your help.

  1. Audition for a choir, play, or musical

Feel like you need to get our of your shell? Performance can be a great way to open up and express yourself, whether through, singing, acting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. If you’re not sure where to find auditions, Facebook is a great place to start, or simply search performance groups near you and see what comes up!

source: millardwestshowchoirs.com
  1. Join a hobby class

I know we’re all in school already, so maybe taking a new class is the last thing on your list. But if you want to pick up a new hobby and make some friends with the same hobby, a class might be just the thing! You could learn how to cook, knit, play guitar, salsa dance – the possibilities are endless! If you’re the kind of person that loves to be “productive” in your free time, this would be perfect for you.

  1. Attend a concert, festival, or convention
source: tripsavy.com

I recognize that this might still be out of people’s comfort zone when it comes to safety, but as the weather gets warmer there will be tons of outdoor concerts and other events all around the Baltimore-DC area. You could go see the Orioles play at Camden Yards, or catch the tail end of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Once again Facebook is a great place to find events like these, or your old pal Google can also help out.

So what the heck does it mean to get yourself out there? To me, it just means pushing through discomfort to try new things. How will you get yourself out there this spring?

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Studying while Listening to Music

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Astrid Cabrera
Source: LoFi Girl

I never understood why people would listen to music while studying, especially when it’s a genre they are fond of. I get distracted way too easily and start signing along instead of taking notes and reviewing my lecture slides. Fun fact, I am a drummer, so if I hear a great beat I will concentrate on how it was created, next thing I know I’ve spent most of my study time just ‘jamming out.’ Maybe, many of you have felt the same and have resorted to studying in silence, even though studying in silence might also get you distracted if there is a sudden sound. Reaching focus is one of the most difficult parts of studying.

So what’s the solution?

Well, If you like to listen to your favorite genre of music and you work well, then keep doing you and succeed. But, if you’re like me, then some music that you may find useful for focusing, or at least relaxing, is a genre called LoFi.

When I was in high school I discovered LoFi and I soon began listening to some excellent nondistracting and peaceful tunes, and I still do to this day.

I listen to a youtube stream called lofi hip hop radio – beats to relax/study to, by the creator, LoFi Girl

These are peaceful tracks with ‘background music’ type beats. I find it great to block out noise at busy coffee shops or annoying siblings at home. If you have heard of it, I hope you have tried, or are thinking of trying, it to study. 

When I tune in to the stream, which is 24/7 by the way, I find myself spending an adequate amount of time focused and getting my work done. I’ve written some great papers and lab reports to LoFi Girl. It’s also nice to listen to when I clean my room or just layin in bed chilling. All I do is turn on the stream and my mind is conditioned to either studying or tuning out the outside world in any situation.

So go and check out the LoFi girl or the LoFi genre to study or relax, you might be amazed by the great beats and its ability to help you focus, according to me, a very reliable source:)

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Midway Motivation

Posted on April 5, 2022 by JCpsych31
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Spring To Do List: Garden Galivanting

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Chelsea L
Sherwood Gardens – From Sherwood Gardens

As the air begins to warm, and the last chills of snow drift away on the breeze, life begins to take hold of the little areas we find relax and respite in. It is time to wander the gardens again, picking flowers and breathing in the fresh air of new dew on the meadows. It has been so long since we have all made our way from our houses though that it is a struggle to remember where one might find the best views, the brightest flowers, and the happiest spring days. I made a list of my go to garden spots to celebrate this spring, and I thought I would share them! Here is a short go to guide for where to best see the flowers bloom:

Sherwood Gardens – From Sherwood Gardens

Sherwood Gardens Tulip Display and Tulip Dig

Sherwood Gardens will always hold a special spot in my heart, as it is where I spent nearly every finals week of my undergraduate degree. Sherwood is a lovely little space nestled into a neighborhood of homes in northern Baltimore, and every spring the gardeners go to work planting thousands of tulips for us to enjoy. Free to the public, this sleepy little garden is one of the best places to picnic and enjoy the flowers (and one of the best places to dog watch too). They recommend a trip in late April to early May to see the tulips in full bloom, of which there are 27 varieties to enjoy this year.

Take note though that the tulips at Sherwood Gardens do not last all that long, as on May 28th the annual Tulip dig will commence. For 30 cents a bulb, you can dig out your favorite tulips and take them home. All proceeds go toward the garden itself, so be rest assured your money will be helping more tulips grow for years to come. A wonderful was to save the beauty of spring for yourself!

You can find out more here!

Ladew Gardens – From Ladew Gardens

Ladew Gardens’ Garden Festival

Have you ever wanted to wander through the world of Alice in Wonderland? Ladew Gardens, filled with blushing hedge swans and bright red rose trees offers a chance to feel the wild wonder of Wonderland without leaving the state. Open Thursdays through Tuesdays till just before sunset, Ladew gardens is a sprawling 22 acres topiary haven. It is a perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering, as every little hole offers something new and there are a million secret paths to explore. Entry is $15 for adults, though a student ID will knock $5 off that price.

If you’re looking to add a little bit more festivity to your spring adventures, the Laden Garden Festival is on May 7th this year. While exploring the topiaries and gardens of Ladew, this festival also allows you to get a little bit if shopping on so you can create some beautiful gardens of your own. Tickets start at $75 for the whole day of festivities and allow you access to over 30 unique vendors who want to help you make the garden of your dreams. Even better, all proceeds go towards helping Ladew host educational events for children all year long!

You can find out more here!

Soleado Lavender Farm – From Soleado Lavender Farm

Soleado Lavender Farm

Stepping outside your car, instantly the smell of soft lavender fills you with a sense of relaxation and ease. With the many lavender farms around Maryland, its a surprise that the smell of lavender doesn’t take over the whole state. Soleado Lavender Farm is only 20 minutes from the Shady Grove campus, and has 30 acres full of beautiful lavender plants and 1960s architecture to explore. While the farm itself doesn’t open till May 27th, once open, the farm boasts pick-your-own-lavender sessions as well as tours, crafts, festivals, and recipes. If you want to live out your Jane Austin dreams of frolicking in a field of lavender or reading by a small pond, this is the place to do it.

You can find out more here!

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The Musical Soundtrack You Should Listen To Based on Your Favorite Artist/Genre

Posted on March 28, 2022 by kallan.allison

Listen, musical theatre gets a bad rap – and honestly, it can be deserved. A lot of what is considered “classic” musical theatre is pretty outdated and unrelatable. But it’s 2022 and theatre isn’t dead! The genre of musical theatre has expanded to match the taste of today’s audiences, and every other music genre has made its way to stage at least once. Curious which musical soundtrack best matches your taste? Check out these recommendations below – and I promise, no jukebox musicals or overdone shows like Hamilton or Wicked.

If you like: Powerful Girl Pop (Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa)

Try: Six

Six is also a great pic if you love remixed historical content like Hamilton or Bridgerton. This high-energy pop musical brings together the six wives of England’s King Henry VIII, and imagines a world where they not only were all alive at the same time, but decided to form a band together! A little silly? Yes. But if you love powerful female voices and women supporting women, this is a short, fun soundtrack to get into.

If you like: Folk/Bluegrass (Hozier, Ray Lamontagne, Dodie)

Try: Hadestown

Another show that puts a classic spin on an old story, Hadestown provides folksy retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Persephone. The story follows the burgeoning love of a young musician and a hungry young girl, as well as the fading love of two old gods. The music originated from a concept album by folk artist Anaïs Mitchell, and has grown into a widely-renowned musical. Winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Musical, this is definitely one of my favorite shows of the last few years.

If you like: Indie-Pop (Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran)

Try: Waitress

Did you know Sara Bareilles wrote a musical?? The singer-songwriter known for hits like “Love Song” and “Brave” took her composing skills to Broadway and wrote the music for this show, based on the film of the same title. An upbeat score, a cast of loveable characters, and an unlikely love story makes this tony-nominated musical a really fun listening experience.

If you like: Rock/Alternative (Greta Van Fleet, Green Day, WILLOW)

Try: RENT

Okay, this one is older than my other suggestions, but it is a true classic and still has extremely relevant themes. With the same composer as “tick, tick… BOOM!”, this heartfelt story about everyday people trying to find love and still afford to pay rent (relatable content) during the height of the AIDs pandemic. The soundtrack is very reminiscent of 90s grunge rock, and unlike the other musicals on this list, there is a fantastic movie adaptation with the majority of the original Broadway cast!

See, there’s something for everyone! It’s never a bad time to expand your musical horizons – happy listening!

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Failed Internship Applications

Posted on March 24, 2022 by Astrid Cabrera

The amount of internships I have applied for and either been ignored or rejected is comical. I have felt like I am not worthy of those internships and that there is always someone better. Well though there may be someone who can be more qualified, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive to make changes to get you accepted. You are worthy, and all you may need is assistance as I did.

An internship is an excellent opportunity to make connections and boost your resume, but if you have been rejected, don’t let it get to you. Just keep applying and soon you’ll find yourself in an even better position.

As a pre-med student, a clinical opportunity is critical and I have lost track of my failed applications.

But what have I done to make myself a better applicant?

  1. The first step is to never give up!
    • Though it’s obvious, it’s also easy to forget that there are so many other opportunities out there waiting for you, keep your head up and keep looking!
  2. If the application asks for a cover letter make sure it is strong and expresses your passions
    • I’ve realized how important it is to have an updated cover letter. While comparing my past cover letter with my current one, it is clearer why my application was simply brushed over.
    • If you need assistance we have a great resource at USG at the Career and Internship Services Center, where they offer cover letters and other career support!
  3. Prepare appropriately for any interviews
    • An interview may sound easy, but with the questions they may ask, it is easy to get tripped up, nervous, or seem unprepared which, is a great way to get disqualified though you made it that far.
    • The Career and Internship Services Center also offers mock interviews and techniques to help as well.
  4. Confidence
    • The places you apply love to hear from confident individuals and I learned (the hard way) that being as confident and calm as you can be, no matter how nervous you are, can take you farther than the rest.
    • If you earn an interview always be confident and prepare with possible interview questions.

(I asked for help through ACES and if you are an ACES student don’t forget we have our coaches!! If you are not an ACES student there are still so many resources at USG!)

So don’t be afraid to ask for help and figure out what your weaknesses are, because chances are, you are an excellent student who just needs the proper guidance and support to properly express your passions through your applications and interviews. 

I finally have what ill do during my gap year with the best internships someone could ask for, so what are you waiting for, and get on that path too!

Source: Cageideas
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Opinion: The Monday After Daylight Saving Time Starts Should be a National Holiday

Posted on March 14, 2022 by kallan.allison
source: scope.scholastic.com

Let me just start by saying this is a joke – kind of. I have been a longstanding member of the group that wants to eradicate daylight saving time entirely, but as the years go on it seems like that might never happen. So, if we as a country plan on keeping this antiquated tradition around, we should at least make it a national holiday, right? One could make the argument that since the time shift happens in the middle of the night between Saturday and Sunday, that we should be all good by Monday, but be honest with yourself: if you’re reading this on Monday, how well did you sleep last night? If you’re like me, you did not sleep very well. Our wake/sleep cycle as humans is very fragile, so I think it is owed to us to get an extra day off to recuperate if we can’t agree to do away with daylight saving time entirely. Here’s my argument:

First, just a few not-so-fun facts about DST:

  • The Monday after DST starts sees an increase in “cyberloafing”, or surfing the web during work hours.
  • Many negative health events increase, including cluster headaches, depressive symptoms, strokes, and even heart attacks!
  • Car accidents also significantly increase during the week after DST starts.

Sources: factretriever.com and webmd.com

See?? It’s pretty clear that if DST is sticking around, we as a society need some extra time to adjust before returning to work. Plus, most US full-time workers don’t get a national holiday for 133 DAYS between MLK Jr Day and Memorial Day – that’s over 1/3 of the year (unless your organization observes Presidents Day, in which case it’s still 98 days). In an era where burnout is a regular struggle and our health is in constant jeopardy, I think it’s only fair that we get an extra day off.

source: reportingtexas.com

If we were to allow DST to be a national holiday, there would be many potential benefits:

  • Having more time to regulate our sleep cycle would improve our physical and mental health.
  • DST typically coincides with spring break for public schools, so a national holiday would allow parents to stay at home with their kids without missing work or paying for childcare.
  • The long weekend would allow employees to return to work more refreshed and energized, allowing for a more productive workweek.

Once again, I believe the true solution is to catch up to states like Hawaii and Arizona and get rid of daylight saving time altogether. But, unfortunately it seems like this regular time change is sticking around, so if you’re like me and struggling to stay awake on Monday morning, here are a few survival tips from Johnson and Johnson:

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Medical Marvel

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Astrid Cabrera
Source: AP News

A medical marvel passed away yesterday, March 9, 2022. David Bennet was a 57-year-old who suffered from terminal heart disease and was the first to receive a genetic pig heart transplant. This groundbreaking surgery took place in our very own University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) in Baltimore. He received this transplant on January 7, 2022, and survived for two months surpassing many expectations.

Mr. Bennet was a ​​patient at UMMC since October 2021, where he was bedridden and placed on a heart-lung bypass machine, called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), to remain alive. Due to the severity of his condition and less than optimal health, he was ineligible for a conventional human heart transplant. The team at UMMC suggested a very experimental procedure to receive a heart from a pig that had undergone gene-editing to remove sugar in its cells that are responsible for the hyper-fast organ rejection. Though it was a hit-or-miss situation, Bennet was ready to take that risk. Bennet knew that if he didn’t get the transplant, he would die and that if he did get the transplant, there was a chance he could still die. Therefore he decided to take the risk of this experimental procedure with unknown outcomes.

On December 31, 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration granted an emergency authorization for the surgery in the hope of saving his life. And on January 7, 2022, David Bennet underwent the transplant, the first of its kind. He was living a decent life in the hospital, receiving rehabilitation, physical therapy, and spending extra time with his family.

Though his condition began deteriorating several days before his death, all of the data received and the capacity the pig heart had in keeping Bennet alive will be used to further advance the genetically modified animal organ research. The long-term goal is to one day provide successful and useful organs to aid in the organ shortage and help those on the organ waiting list.

Though his death affected the family, his death was still noble and helped research enter uncharted medical territory.

To me, this is an amazing story, and though it leads to the death of David Bennet, his will to live and become the person to test this theory is astonishing. This transplant also means a lot to me, as a UMD student and a Maryland resident, to have Maryland and UMMC on the map as a place where groundbreaking research and surgeries are done. There is still so much research to be done and I hope it motivates us to become those researchers or doctors who cross those boundaries and save lives.

Source: Ux Planet
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The Slingshot

Posted on March 8, 2022 by JCpsych31
Photo by Gustavo Rangel on Pexels.com
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Spark of Spring

Posted on March 7, 2022 by Chelsea L
Amaryllis – easytogrowbulbs.com

I have a flower in my office, or at least I did. When I brought it in back in February, I was so proud of it. The small buds it had just sprouted had just began to grow, just began to bloom, and its stem had to have been at least a foot long. That little flower hadn’t had the easiest growth; it had been knocked over and spilt on the floor too many times to count. But here it was blooming anyway, a spark of bright green and fluorescent red against the sterile white walls of my office.

People would come in daily and smile when they saw my little flower behind my desk. With winter still in full swing, I imagine my little flower was the first spark of spring warmth they had seen in a while. When my flower bloomed, people smiled and laughed, and applauded my skill for being able to have such a beautiful flower in February. And when that bloom began to wilt, like all flowers do, people would come in concerned for my little plant; “does it need water? What can I do to help?” Raising my flower had become a community event, one I was proud to bring about.

But now it is March, and it has been awhile since the blooms on my flower have faded and crumbled away. Now the strong stalk leaves it boasted are starting to brown and whither, and bugs have begun to gather. I know I need to cut away all that remains of my flower; that is what I was instructed to do once the blooms go away. “It will bloom again,” I am told. “Another month and you’ll see blooms again. You just need to rid the plant of its current cycle so it can begin anew.” This is something I need to do, for the plant’s health, but I can’t seem to put my shears to the task.

When my little flower entered the office, I was proud of it, but now I am attached. A whole community looks after it now. People take turns giving it water, giving me advice, helping me raise my little flower back to its blooming prime. Slowly the advice and the hope of others has begun to trickle away, but my little flower’s satin leaves still stand, and with them so does my hope. Maybe if I don’t cut it, it will still grow. Maybe if I wait it out, she will be okay. I don’t want to start over from scratch. Part of me feels like that is failure, and I worked too hard for that.

I tried to cut off some of the browning leaves, just to see what would happen, but they seem to mock me from the trash bin every time I enter my office. Sturdy and tall, they stand as green as ever among the rubbish. “Too soon” they echo. “Too soon,” I can hear my little flower plead. I hope they take the trash out today, before my guilt overruns me.

I need to take a break. I need a breather. I need some time to look at my little flower, truly look at my little flower, and let go of what I had. All that is left of her is the memories she created; the spark of spring in winter. And now that spring is almost here, I need to give space for new memories to grow. I can’t hold onto what was until all that is left is browning crisps, and I need to let go of my desire, my selfishness, so that my little flower can be what she was again.

She sits behind my desk now, the dirt in her pot still as fragrant as it was the day I brought her in. Her leaves still stand stark and tall, but where her blooms once were are a withered stalk, slumped and browning against the desktop. My scissors sit beside her, and I watch them from time to time, hoping they’ll do my task for me while my back is turned.

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