Diversity on the Field

Hey Y'all,

Last week I had a rather typical "THIS is why I go to GW" moment.

After a day of doing good at my marketing internship at GlobalGiving, I jumped on my bike to go play soccer with a group of guys I've been meeting up with since late May. But not until this time had we actually discussed their backgrounds. Below is the breakdown of my pick up soccer team who are all G Dub grads:

• Wassim is from Lebanon and now works for the International Monetary Fund 
• Ante is from Serbia and now works for the World Bank 
• George is from Romania and now works for a financial consultant group 
• Gianluca is Italian and now works for an clean energy start-up 
• Mahmoud is Egyptian and now works for the World Bank 
• Ali is Turkish and has a year left at GW 
• Fredrick is German and works at Lufthansa 
• I'm a Nicaraguan who grew up in Texas and I have a year left at GW 

It's powerful to think that we all come from such diverse geographic areas from across the world but that we A) share the fact that we chose GW for undergrad and B) we share a deep passion for soccer. These two drives brought us together as a group and I know that even when I'm not in classes or even on campus I still appreciate what GW has done for me.

All the best,

Oscar

@myworthynotes | oscarn@gwmail.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