My path to UMD at USG and why you should attend USG’s upcoming Open House on May 4 (sponsored)

Guest Post: Swechchha Shrestha, UMD Info Sci student
Hello everyone! My name is Swechchha Shrestha and I am a University of Maryland (UMD) junior, currently studying Information Science at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus.

The first time I heard of USG was through my involvement in the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program, and the first time I came to the campus was back in the summer of 2018. Even back then, I knew I wanted to come to USG for many reasons, such as location (USG being closer to home), small class sizes, diverse population, cost-savings, and more scholarship opportunities.

After graduating high school and enrolling in Montgomery College, I began researching majors and services offered at USG to prepare for transfer.  I later applied and got accepted into the Terp Transfer Partnership (TTP) program, which helps transfer students with applications to UMD’s programs at USG and familiarizes them with USG resources. But for students looking to learn more about USG, one of the best places to learn about the campus and all of the programs offered here is their upcoming Open House.

USG’s spring Open House will be taking place on Saturday, May 4, from 10am to 2pm. All are welcome to come explore the bachelor’s and graduate degree programs offered by USG’s nine partner universities — all of which are top Maryland schools. During the Open House, attendees will be able to engage with program advisors and current students, receive personalized guidance on admissions, explore exclusive scholarships, and discover the extensive support services available to ensure their success. Attendees will also have the chance to learn about various pathway programs for MCPS students and exciting career readiness initiatives like “Hire U” designed to prepare students for a successful career post-graduation.

Any questions about programs and/or opportunities provided at USG are sure to get answered at the Open House! If you’re still not convinced about USG being a great option for transfer students or those pursuing graduate school, let me tell you a few more things that I love about USG…there are tons of extracurriculars, ways you can get involved and resources that have significantly enhanced my college experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am involved in the USG Student Council, a blogger on USG’s Around the Grove student blog, and part of the Information Science Student Association. I also participate in the USG Leads Emerging Leadership Program, which helps students build their leadership skills. There are many of these types of organizations and programs that exist, but USG supports students who wish to create their own organizations as well.

USG also offers many resources through its centers and programming, including:

• Center for Career Development: Provides assistance with resume reviews, LinkedIn profiles, and mock interviews. They also host events like the Federal Career Expo to connect students with internship and job opportunities.
• Center for Counseling and Well-being: Provides counseling services and offers mindfulness workshops and other well-being events.
• Center for Scholarships: Supports scholarships, financial wellness and food access programs like the USG Mobile Market and Manna Choice Market.
• Center for Transfer Access: Facilitates pathways programs and seamless transitions for transfer students.
• Macklin Center for Leadership and Communication: Offers personal, academic, and professional development through workshops and communication support.
• Hire U initiative: Fosters career readiness by improving students’ career competencies through campus activities.

Even though I have only completed my first semester here, for me, USG feels like home. Everyone I have met at USG has been so supportive, encouraging, and friendly. Choosing to come to the USG campus has proven to be one of the best decisions I could have made.

So once again, as you think about your journey to a degree, I encourage you to take this opportunity to visit USG on Saturday, May 4, anytime between 10am and 2pm, so you too, can experience the amazing facilities and community that make up this campus!