#012: YOU are GW Bound!

#012: YOU are GW Bound! 

 

(One of GW sports' favorite songs, played at every basketball game - "Welcome to DC")

Under 10 days. That’s less than 1.4285 weeks, less than 240 hours, less than 14,400 minutes, and less than 864,000 seconds. THAT means that the countdown to GW Bound (@GWDCBound) has begun! GW Bound is a program presented by the Center for Student Engagement (@GW_CSE) that welcomes incoming students to GW’s campus to allow them to settle in to life at GW. More importantly, these incoming students venture out before other students move in on a mission to get to know the place you’ll be living for the next 4 years and the people you’ll be getting to know over these next 4 years.

Don’t fret, though—GW isn’t throwing you out in the wild—literally (in the case of Adventure Bound!) or figuratively. An eclectic, excellent cast of GW sophomores, juniors, and seniors will serve as the guides for all of the co-curricular programs. As you probably could have guessed, I myself am a guide for D.C. Bound. In fact, I just found out today that I’ll be taking my group to a bunch of places throughout D.C., including the Newseum and other media-related destinations. My guide partners, Sophie and Emma, and I will have a grand ol’ time with incoming students as we travel around the city, representing GW and showing our new friends just some of the sources of our Hippo pride, so to speak.

That's right! Really, who DOESN'T love The Hippster?

After GW Bound, right before classes start, I will definitely post whatever pictures and video I have from the whole process, from the start of training on the 16^th to the final day of it all on the 24^th. Hopefully, whether this year or sometime in the future, I hope you get a chance to experience GW Bound. My own experience was stellar. I still have my “Experience D.C.” t-shirt, along with all of the memories from those first few days before classes.

In closing, I'll let some of the CSE staff sum it up for you! Take it away, Heather, Ellie, and Lyndsey!

Thanks for reading!

Stay spirited (and, as always, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email with any feedback or questions),

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu

Lesson #011: Your GPS will "guide" you through.

Unlike his GPS, your GPS at GW will lead you in the right direction.

Lesson #011: Your GPS will "guide" you through.

Pop quiz, readers! Ding! Corny game-show host voice:

“WHAT is a GPS? Is it…

a. A global positioning system device used to prevent you from getting lost on the road.

b. The stock symbol for The Gap, Inc.

c. German Potato Salad

d. Your Guide to Personal Success!"

… The correct answer is D! At GW, GPS is short for Guide to Personal Success (@GWUGPS) and there are dozens of them with the goal of smoothing your transition to GW your freshman year. Basically, they are students and staff who, kind of like a GPS in your car, want to help you navigate your way through campus life and the GW community, in regard to any needs at all, whether personal or professional.

With the rest of the Office of Parent Services and beside my freshman year GPS guide Rodney Johnson! In the Fall of sophomore year, I began working in his office, after getting to know him and the rest of the staff.

My GPS guide freshman year was Rodney Johnson, the Executive Director of the Office of Parent Services. He was there for me freshman year and reached out to me, even as I sought help in locating the resources I had available to me. One of my friends, Liz (who is an awesome GW STAR tour guide during the academic year!), has President Steven Knapp as her GPS and, not too long ago, I had the chance to interact with Danielle Toglia, the Regional Director for GW Admissions in New Jersey. All are incredible mentors and aid you in getting the most out of your experience at GDub.

As I just found out yesterday, I have the honor of being a GPS guide for the 2012-2013 academic year. It’s truly important to me to lend to someone else the help I had getting to this point at GW. I’ve had help along the way from various staff members and administrators, whether in big ways or small ways, so it is important to me to pass that on. I’d guess that a lot of GPS guides feel the same way. We’re here to help however we can, especially since we’ve received that help along the way and are looking to give back—so that the legacy of extending a helping hand lives on. After all, we all need somebody to lean on, at least once in a while.

Coming to GW (or any university, really) can feel like going from a tiny fishbowl to a big pond. You get there and, immediately, surrounded by all of the novelty, try to take it all in. It takes a while to adapt and see that it really isn’t all that big. GPS guides aid you in finding the path through that transition. Anyone can use one.

To request a GPS guide, visit http://ci.gwu.edu/LifeatGW/GWGPS/ to learn more and email gps@gwu.edu. Who knows, Class of 2016? Your guide can very well be me, a former Cabinet member, a rad staff member, or an exciting new mentor! The possibilities are endless. Be sure to sign-up and let your GPS lead the way.

Stay Spirited,

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu

Lesson #008: Internships and job opportunities can very well be the spice of life.

Lesson #008: Internships and job opportunities can very well be the spice of life.

Interning experiences come in all shapes and sizes.

Finals have come to an end. Commencement on the National Mall (Brian Williams, famous for his roles as a journalist and for his frequent cameos on 30 Rock) was less than 24 hours ago. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors have largely filed out in preparation for summer vacations laden with sand, sleep, and sun, while seniors are putting their final preparations on a little thing called “life” as they ready themselves to “leave the nest” of GW’s campuses and classrooms. Meanwhile, scores of individuals in suits file into Foggy Bottom.

There is a stereotype about GW students that they can leave their residence halls in business attire and not stand out. While this is not entirely true, it does speak to the fact that GW students are the ones “suiting up” to take advantage of the opportunities DC and the GW network have to offer. GW’s career centers deserve a ton of credit for providing hundreds of opportunities to students from thousands of employers. On the other hand, GW is in a place that makes professional growth readily possible and is quick to establish those “links for life” for students, bridging any gaps between the University and the District, as well as the world community.

Non-Colonials also take advantage of these opportunities by coming to GW and DC during the summer. For these past few days, I have heard more about summer internships than ever before. From Capitol Hill to U Street and from the Pentagon to the White House, visitors are taking advantage of opportunities that GW students have year-round. I, for one, will continue my internship at an organizational by the name of No Labels (@NoLabelsOrg). Interestingly enough, through GWork (our online professional network), the organization found me--- and I love it there so much that I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon!

This picture was posted on the No Labels Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/NoLabels) for 184,000+ people to see. Obviously, I was ecstatic! On this day in particular, me and another intern went door-to-door, telling everyone about No Labels and the available internship opportunities.

In my internship, similar to the experiences of countless other Colonials, it is not about coffee runs and making copies. It’s about getting life experience as well as professional experience and growing from that—as you get to see your contributions make a difference. During our fall, spring, and summer sessions, we Colonials can take advantage of the District of Columbia (and we do!). In general, the vast majority of GW students do! In fact, I have met someone who has had 9 internships in her four years here! Live a little!

The No Labels team of staff and interns!

Looking to kickstart your career or just test the waters in a field you are considering for a career? At GW, look no further than the businesses and organization surrounding you in the beautiful capital city! You'll come out of it with great experience as well as fantastic friends and endless memories that you will never forget.

Stay Spirited,

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu

Lesson #007: Finals success is only a Vern Express ride away.

Lesson #007: Finals success is only a Vern Express ride away.

The semester has ended. Summer is on its way. The only thing between you and that trip (or nap) you’ve been looking forward to is something known as “finals time.” As we all know, final exams always have and always will stand between students and absolute relief. “Finals time,” for many, means sleepless nights being replaced by study-filled days in the library and unabating stress. While most students crowd into Gelman Library, I would like to suggest an alternative: the beautiful Mount Vernon Campus.

If you need a place to focus and clear your head, the Mount Vernon Campus (commonly referred to as “The Vern”) is the place to do that. Its picturesque views stand in stark contrast to downtown D.C. and the comfort level is significantly higher than Gelman, from West Hall to Ames Hall and even Eckles Library. 

 

If you’re not “feeling” the indoors, don’t worry. Feel free to grab a spot on the balcony over the softball field, on the field itself, by the soccer field, at the tables in front of West Hall, by the fountain at the quad, or virtually anywhere within the 25-acre campus. On the other hand, rumor has it that Eckles gives free food to students during finals time (while hot chocolate and coffee are always available in the intimate student lounge if you bring your own cup!).

Just a few weeks ago, I began to truly embrace the Vern, where I’m actually writing this blog. The ride from Foggy Bottom to Mount Vernon, and vice versa, can be rather relaxing and, once you get here and get comfortable with your textbooks and study materials, you don’t ever feel like leaving.

While I haven’t lived here in my years at GW, I recognize that the entire Mount Vernon Campus, from pillar to post, is a one of a kind sanctuary. Sure, there are tennis courts, a pool, various exercise facilities, and up-to-date housing and classroom options, however, when you just want to take a break from all of the resources on both GW campuses, I believe that the Vern is the place to sit back and unwind.

Stay spirited,

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu

Lesson #005: Sometimes you just need to de-stress with some chalk and an empty street.

"Art Therapy" coats H St., in the heart of GW's campus.

Lesson  #005: Sometimes you just need to de-stress with some chalk and an empty street.

Good morning, Colonials and future Colonials (I’m looking at you, Class of 2016, Class of 2017, and Class of 2018)!

One of the coolest qualities about GW is that, even with annual traditions, for one reason or another, while you may miss an event the first time around, you can just as easily witness that event. This past Tuesday, the GW Chalk-In proved to be one of those events that I was lucky enough to catch this year that I simply overlooked last year.

Take a look at this video of last year's Chalk-In!

The Chalk-In is an event where the University shuts down the block of H Street in front of Kogan Plaza and Gelman Library shut down for no other reason than to give students the opportunity to write on the street in chalk.

The occasion serves a purpose: provide a stress-free zone for students to escape to in the midst of final exams and the end of the semester. Anyone, students in particular, have the opportunity to write and draw to their heart’s content, often as music plays and as some of the University’s top performance groups set the mood in Kogan Plaza with some light-hearted entertainment. It is certainly a sight to behold, especially in a city, where running to catch the next metro train or speeding off in a cab are more commonly seen than students sitting in the middle of the street with not a care in the world.

Here are the two other pictures I took of Chalk-In 2012:

I happened to take this picture and didn’t even realize until after that the Twitter handle of GW’s most notorious Tweeter, Dean of Students Peter Konwerski, was right there on the sidewalk. He really IS everywhere.

The Chalk-In is University-provided self-expression at its finest, making way for a temporary H Street art-gallery composed of works by the GW community alone.

In the words of Dr. Seuss: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Truer words have never been said and the Chalk-In is one of the many annual opportunities to get your mind off of work for long enough to just "be" carefree.

Stay spirited & stress-free,

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu

Lesson #004: The world has the Grammys. GW has the Excellence Awards.

Disclaimer: This picture is in no way a depiction of the events discussed in this piece. That is A-list actress Claire Danes. However, one day, that can be how you feel once you do win an Excellence in Student Life Award here at GW.

Lesson #004: The world has the Grammys. GW has the Excellence Awards.

Good evening, buff and blue Colonials! One week ago to the day was the 27^th Annual Excellence in Student Life Awards. It was my first time attending the awards, but, beforehand, I had consistently heard it referred to as the Grammy’s of The George Washington University. That may sound ridiculous at first thought, however it’s a good comparison.

You will definitely be hearing more about my affinity for Capital Funk (@CapitalFunk), performance group of the year, within the week, since this Sunday is the annual Capital Funk Showcase!

For one, there are performances, by groups like Capitol Funk and the Voice Gospel Choir.

Secondly, the glitz and glamour of the event are unparalleled, as students, staff, and faculty came together, all dressed in business formal attire, to celebrate the individuals who have improved the student life experience.

Colonial Army (@GWColonialArmy) won Student Organization of the Year in years past (and we're going to win the same award next year!)

Organizations and individuals all across the board were nominated. In fact, at the 20^th Annual Excellence Awards, Colonial Army picked up a notable victory for Student Organization of the Year. This year, however, I was attending with GW Students Against Sexual Assault, which has consistently put on sexual assault awareness programming across campus, including popular events like Take Back the Night and Walk A Mile in Her Shoes. When the final award, the Pyramid Award for Student Organization of the Year, was announced, Colonial Army and GW Students Against Sexual Assault were among the many organizations nominated.  The winners were then announced: Active Minds at George Washington University, the South Asian Society, and GW STUDENTS AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT!!!

Supporters of SASA, as well as CADE (the Center for Alcohol and other Drug Education), as well as GWise, broke out in celebration of the win for GW Students Against Sexual Assault, being that the organization, led by CADE advisor Ivonne Ramirez, President Emily Rasowsky (who also won an individual award), and Vice-President Jane Markowitz, has worked tirelessly to provide programming to the GW community regarding sexual assault. I was shocked when I realized I had to stand up with the rest of SASA to accept the award. I could not remove the grin from my face if I tried! I was smiling uncontrollably, all the while trembling with disbelief and excitement that our hard work paid off. I felt like a real part of it all, especially since I’d been Member of the Month just last month.

Afterwards, we took pictures with the Dean of Students, Peter Konwerski, as well as the presenters of the award. In fact, I just got my hands on the pictures from the reception afterward. Believe me when I say that I could not get rid of that smile all night!

(L to R) Me with SASA's graduate advisor, Ivonne Ramirez, and senior Summer Newman.. and of course the award!

Me with my former House Proctor, Courtnay Oddman, and with our respective awards. She won a spot on the Wall of Fame.

When you come to GW, you too can become "Excellent", whether alone or with a group. Whether you or a friend are nominated, one thing is sure: the Excellence Awards are a "can't miss" event happening once a year on campus. The GW stars come out and, if the stars are aligned, you'll come walking out with an award just like SASA and the other individuals and student organizations honored that evening!

Stay classy, future Colonials. Whether in your buff, your blue, or a suit and tie, don't forget to Raise High!

Sincerely,

Matt
mtscott@gwu.edu

Lesson #002: Colonial Army is one way Colonials showcase their Colonial Pride. #gwulove

Lesson #002: Colonial Army is one way Colonials showcase their Colonial Pride. #gwulove

Good day, buff and blue Colonials! On Tuesday, I was given the superbly unbelievable news that I will officially be the Colonial Army Vice-President of Marketing and Outreach for the 2012-2013 academic year! I’m sure you’re wondering what Colonial Army is. In short, between November and February, it’s essentially my life (on top of academics, sleeping, and breathing). My boss at the Office of Parent Services, the Senior Executive Director Rodney Johnson, jokes that it’s an alternate life of its own, taking me from professional, focused office student assistant to loud, screaming, energetic GW athletics fan.

This past year's Co-President, Courtnay Oddman, poses for a picture in some of her buff and blue gear beside the Colonial Army banner in the Smith Center.

Whenever I come in contact with people and tell them about Colonial Army, I tell them about the 1,000+ new members we have each year. I tell them about the tailgates, t-shirts, and road trips. More than anything, I tell them about the Colonial family, face paint, and front-row fun! In the past 2 years, I've had terrific times with CARMY and, in particular, my fellow Colonials. Even administrators get in on the fun; Associate Dean of Students Tim Miller (easily followed on Twitter at @GWTimMiller) sat front row with Colonial Army this past February and President Steven Knapp is one of the more notable fans, though Wolf Blitzer, Kerry Washington, and the First Family have been known to make the occasional appearance.

(In the thumbnail: President Obama shakes hands with current GW Basketball star Dwayne Smith.)

Whether volleyball or basketball, swim, squash, or soccer, I've been in attendance, proudly sporting my GW paraphernalia, in the presence of classmates, residence hall neighbors, and GWU brothers and sisters.

Regardless of personal interests, Colonials come together through Colonial Army (@GWColonialArmy), GW Sports (@GW_Sports), enticing events put on by The Residence Hall Association (@gwrha) and Program Board (including Spring Fling this Sunday), and an endless assortment of events which bring us together as products of the storied city of the District of Columbia as well as of the legacy of George Washington himself.

The First Ladies Dance Team, Colonial Brass, and others, including me in the tri-corner hat, cheer on the GW Men's Basketball team as they exit the metro following the massive metro ride the team took with Colonial Army members, coaching staff, and others to their BB&T Classic game at the Verizon Center.

Colonial Army is just one of a number of ways GW students showcase their Colonial Pride, as you'll see in my blog posts in the coming year. I definitely can't wait for you to share in it (I'm talking to you Class of 2016!).

In the interim, continue to "RAISE HIGH"!

Stay spirited,

Matt

Lesson #001: You're Not in [Insert Hometown Here] Anymore...

Lesson #001: You’re not in [insert hometown here] anymore.

Hello, buff and blue Colonials! I am Matthew Scott, a sophomore in The George Washington University School of Business, majoring in business administration and concentrating in marketing with a minor in creative writing! This is my very first blog and it is absolutely exciting.

Aside from blogging and being a GW student, I am a STAR! STAR is an acronym for Student Admissions Representative so, in short, I give tours. On Twitter, Peter Konwerski (follow him at @GWPeterK—voted the best administrator with Twitter on GWU’s website!), the Dean of Students, once tweeted me with the hashtag “#alwayswalkingbackwards” in reference to the agility and balance of STARs moving in reverse. This is completely true, except when walking down stairs, which can be rather dangerous if not a seasoned STAR, as pointed out by one of my tour participants earlier today.

Typically, once a week, I stand before a crowd of people telling them who I am in a brief structured phrase. I take a handful of those people and tell them more about my day-to-day life at GW as a sophomore in the School of Business majoring in business administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in creative writing. It’s all too often, however, that I forget that I am a 19-year old from the standard suburban township of West Orange, New Jersey, a far cry from the streets of the GWU campus and the shadow of President Barack Obama and the storied White House he calls “home”. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy soon came to realize she wasn't in Kansas anymore and, in the same sense, GW students aren't in wherever we each call home anymore.

One of the very first pictures I took with my friends freshman year, on the steps of the one and only Lincoln Memorial!

A city full of history and novelty, the District of Columbia has a lot to offer. GW is different in that it interacts with the city in its own unique way. As a blogger, as a STAR, and as a GW student, I feel it is my personal mission to share how a normal student interacts with the environment afforded to GW students. I am a Colonial Army spirit ambassador, a Residence Hall Association event planner (in short!), and, among many other activities, a connoisseur of all things buff and blue, as only GWU could provide.

Through my blogs, I plan to take you for a ride with me as I experience life as a GW student and recall day-to-day life, as well as some of the most heart-stopping, unbelievable, #onlyatgw moments. Life at GW is anything but boring and, in my blogs, you’ll see just that! Let's begin this journey together.

Setting sail, your tour guide,

Matt