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

4th in DC

So yeah, I know it is like two weeks late, but here are the accounts of my 4th of July experience in DC.

Amy and I on Constitution Avenue
watching the 4th of July parade

I was very excited to spend my 4th of July in DC because although the fireworks are pretty cool over the Austin skyline, nothing can match the firework show I saw over Washington. The day started with Amy, her boyfriend Kyle and I watching the 4th  parade. Amy and I were thrilled with the high school bands (since we were both in marching band in high school) and found high schools representing our home states (Wisconsin and Texas). Although it was a little warm, we found our spot in the shade along Constitution Avenue and watched the parade in relative comfort.

After a lunch and rehydrating back on campus, we split into different spots to see the fireworks. I chose to face the crowds at the National Mall to get a glimpse of the performances and, more importantly, witness the fireworks over the monuments. The experience was breathtaking and totally worth facing the crowds for. Although I have no pictures of the fireworks because my phone died, I could not have asked for a better "Boy do I love GW" moment.

This summer has been amazing and I am sorry I haven't blogged as much as I'd like to. As always, feel free to reach out to me as I am here working for the Admissions office all summer. I hope to see even more happy perspective students in August and please feel free to reach out to me with any question/concern/praise :)

Peace Love and Hippos,

Brandon
brmoore@gwmail.gwu.edu

Old Rag Mountain

Hey everybody!

Last week before the heat wave hit all of us here in DC, I took a Wednesday off and escaped to the wilderness for a bit. A friend and I traveled about 2 and a half hours south of the city to go hiking at Old Rag Mountain in the Shenandoah Valley. We arrived at 10 am and were happy to find only a few parked cars. I've hiked a couple times before but had no idea what to expect from Old Rag. I very quickly realized however, that our day was not going to be a walk in the park.

Old Rag Mountain is pretty distinct because it stands away from the other mountain chains in the Blue Ridge. After hiking up a steady incline and switchbacking for a solid 90 minutes, we reached the base of the rock scramble. From this point on there were boulders to climb over, crevasses to squeeze through and absolutely stunning views of the Shenandoah. On the left we looked over a valley with smaller hills, farmlands and houses. To the right was an endless chain of green mountains and a skyline that seemed to blend into all that was below it. At 3,291 ft we had climbed to the summit of Old Rag and took a hard earned break.

The entire loop is about 7 miles and was super challenging but so rewarding. It was an incredible way to spend a day away from the craziness that is DC and to just hang out in nature. If you like exploring and adventure, I would highly recommend this day hike. You could even turn it into a weekend of camping if you bring your tents! Just remember to have lots of water and some way to snap a few pictures of the scenery.  

Keep enjoying the summer, and go play outside! 

Alexa 

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 

Wow, July?!

How did it become.. July!?

Summer has crept up on DC at an alarming rate, with thunderstorms bringing in some cool relief from the 100 degree heat while taking out air conditioning in homes and workplaces in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. The heat index is unlike anything I've ever experienced before- I have never spent a summer outside of Oregon! My obsession with the weather also stems from the current internship position I have.

I am working at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the International Affairs Division. It has been my first experience working for the federal government and I must say that I am enjoying it thus far. Every morning, I am able to watch the Daily Operations Brief on FEMA internal television- which shows the weather patterns across the United States as well as the developing emergency management issues. I have already learned a lot about fire departments, mass care, FEMA organization during a disaster, and diplomacy through the work I've helped out with.

My office is extremely dynamic, and being a paid intern really helps me feel like part of the group. I am doing work that I know is useful and that another employee would be working on without my presence. This is a really important thing to seek out when looking for internships, because at the end, you should be experienced like any one else in the office (to a slightly lower level, but still).

The only hard part about this job so far has been working 8:30am to 5pm daily. I can't believe how tired I have become!! I am slowly getting used to it, but I think working a 40 hour week is a great experience that really symbolizes what it will be like to work in the "real world," whatever that is.

Hope everyone is staying cool!

- Marisa

National Air and Space Museum

After exams ended, some friends of mine who were graduating and leaving the DC area in a few short weeks really wanted to experience the National Air and Space Museum over by Dulles Airport. They had been to the one located on the National Mall since it is located so close to us, but they really wanted to see the new edition of the Space Shuttle Discovery that was just flown across the country a few weeks earlier to the Dulles location. So, we borrowed my sister's car and drove over there, since you cannot metro over there. You might be able to bus over there or find another way, but I am not sure (I have only every driven there).

The museum is actually called the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and according to the website was "named in honor of its major donor, and features the large Boeing Aviation Hangar in which aircraft are displayed on three levels. Visitors can walk among aircraft and small artifacts in display cases located on the floor, and view aircraft hanging from the arched ceiling on elevated skywalks. Many engines, helicopters, ultra-lights, and experimental flying machines are on display in a museum setting for the first time. Among the aviation artifacts on display are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the world; the Boeing Dash 80, the prototype of the 707; the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay; and the deHavilland Chipmunk aerobatic airplane."

I have been there a few times previously and each time I find it completely fascinating. It is very easy to spend several hours just walking around mesmerized by the beautiful planes and learning about ones you know nothing about. It is quite a large facility as it is actually a full sized aviation hanger, complete with a separate wing for space aircrafts and a restoration area. There is also an IMAX located within, which shows a variety of films related to aircraft and space, including one about NAVY fighter pilots.

If you are in the area, have the transportation, and have a few hours to spend, I would definitely recommend visiting this museum. Here is their website if you want more information: http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/

For your enjoyment, I have plenty of pictures!

My favorite, the F-14 Tomcat

another view

an old Army medevac hellicopter

the newest edition to the museum, the Space Shuttle Discovery

the restoration area

Feel free to email me with any questions! cbgraf@gwmail.gwu.edu

-Christie

Lesson #010: "See you at CI!"

Fun fact: This is the CI logo. What is it, you ask? One hint is that it is not a G and a W, as some have speculated. Ask your small group leader when you come to Colonial Inauguration.

Lesson #010: "See you at CI!"

Hey, buff and blue Colonials! In case you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, I’ll tell you: I’ve been at Colonial Inauguration (@GWCI on Twitter)! Let’s back up a little bit…

At some universities, mom and dad pull up in their minivan three days before classes and drop off their students, at which point students are forced to sit in auditoriums and classrooms, learning about university services. Boring, right? I concur. At GW, we have our own brand of orientation and it is called Colonial Inauguration or CI.

Dozens and dozens of professional staffers and student staffers work for over a half year to put the pieces in place for a 2 ½ day spectacular. Chris Kim and Lauren Cattano, the 2012 CIHQ (Colonial Inauguration Headquarters) team, could better explain what it’s all about!

Colonial Inauguration is not only for students but also for the whole family. The siblings program is an opportunity for Future Colonials to get to know the place their older sibling will be living for the next 4 years (in fact, it is so impactful that about 10% of the Class of 2016 is made up of siblings of previous Colonials!). Parents also have an opportunity to get in on the action and learn to adjust to their child going to college, not only for their own purposes but so that they can be there as a resource for the student they are shipping off to a city that could very well be an eerie place had GW not had this orientation every summer.

In working with the Office of Parent Services, I get to witness the wide-eyed parents, students, and siblings as the Colonial Cabinet, CI Staffers, CIHQ, and administration “perform” an award-winning orientation. I can see the excitement in their faces! Even still, I will never forget my own CI experience back in 2010 with my group leader Aubrey, who actually inspired me to minor in creative writing! At CI, students gain resources, knowledge, and friends. I know this first-hand and, honestly, wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.

If you are a member of the class of 2016, be sure to look out for Alyse, who is one of our wonderful admissions bloggers and an excellent addition to the thirty-four member Colonial Cabinet. If you still have yet to come to GW, I don’t want to spoil all of the surprises, but, if you visit www.ci.gwu.edu, you can see for yourself just what CI has in store!

We’ll see you at CI!

Sincerely,

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu

#Summer2012

Hey y'all

This past week on Monday I began my marketing internship at GlobalGiving. With a mission that "catalyzes a global market for ideas, information, and money that democratizes aid and philanthropy" I know I can feel good about my work everyday. At our downtown DC office I'll be posting to Facebook, Tweeting, and blogging for our project leaders while also learning more about the interntional development sector. The work enviornment has been fantastic so far with 17 other interns, ice cream socials, and free t-shirts! I'll make a special photo post about the GG office soon.
My job this summer is in the GW School of Business as an Admissions Assistant for MBA Programs. With nearly 3 years of experience in the Office of Undergraduate Admissons it's a very different experience now working with graduate students. This offers a new perspective on the University and has provided me with a great insight into what it takes to be a successful candidate for grad school.

While I do have my days planned 9-5 Monday through Friday I'm pysched to be spending my time in our nation's capital! I'll be able to explore the city more freely knowing that I don't have essays or reading to be done. And with all the interns coming from across the country it's great to meet new people who are doing amazing things at other schools. But most importantly the most energy will be coming in three day spurts from all the CIs! This time of year is always special as our next class of eager Colonials learn what G dubs is all about while also experiencing the mass volume of free food that is GW. I'll take some pictures of the CI session 1 that is this week to show y'all what it's like!


All the best,
Oscar
@myworthynotes | oscarn@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Paddleboating in the Tidal Basin

A few weeks before school ended, two of my friends and I were able to cross off an item from our spring semester bucket list: paddleboating on the Tidal Basin! We came across them when we were taking in all of the cherry blossoms and wanted to do it then, but they were closing for the evening. So, we decided to come back another day, but life kept getting in the way. It took a month, but we finally found the time on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to head down there and finally do it. It was a lot of fun! Tiring of course (they rent them out by the hour), but so much fun. Since there were 3 of us, we had to take a 4 person boat. From in the Tidal Basin we had the perfect view to take in the scenic sights of the surrounding monuments. If you are in the area and have time, I would definitely recommend checking this out. Here is the website for more information: http://www.tidalbasinpaddleboats.com/

And, like always, I have pictures of the outing!



Washington Monument

Me in front of the Jefferson Memorial

Oh no, she's "falling in"

taking a much needed paddle break

On another note, I am staying in DC all summer, interning, taking classes, and exploring the city, so I’ll keep you guys up to date on what I’m up to over the next few months!

Feel free to email me with any questions! cbgraf@gwmail.gwu.edu

-Christie

1st Ever Georgey Awards

So you know how professional sports have an award show named the ESPY’s? Well, this year GW decided to host their own version, honoring the best of GW athletics. And so, everyone in the athletic department, including the athletes, coaches, administration, and academic support donned their best semi-formal attire and traveled over to GW’s Lisner Auditorium for an evening of fun.

It was strange seeing all of the other athletes dressed up in dresses and suits because you rarely see them dressed in something other than athletic clothing. Everyone looked wonderful and the evening was rather enjoyable. It started off around 6:00pm with pictures outside, followed by appetizers in the lobby and basement of Lisner. Finally, at 7:00pm, the main event of the night began. The awards show was hosted by a member of the women’s soccer team and a member of the men’s baseball team. The awards being given ranged from Mr. and Miss Colonial and Community Service Award to Colonials' Best Moment of the Year. My volleyball team and I were actually nominated for the Colonial Best Moment of the Year for our phenomenal comeback and victory versus Georgetown in the DC Challenge, but ultimately lost to Men's Golf for setting a scoring record to earn their program's first-ever A-10 Championship.

Those who planned it put a lot of effort into it and it paid off. The event was a hit and we all can’t wait until next year’s ceremony. And of course, I have some pictures from the evening.

GW Volleyball Team (I am in the front row on the far left)

Roommates!

Georgey Award Statue *photo courtesy of gwsports.com

*photo courtesy of gwsports.com

*photo courtesy of gwsports.com

3 of my teammates presenting an award

Feel free to email me with any questions! cbgraf@gwmail.gwu.edu

-Christie