Shannon Carney for The Retriever

Fitting extracurriculars into an already busy schedule is difficult for most students, and especially for adult learners who often juggle their studies, families and full time jobs. To help reach out to this difficult group of students, OCSS created the position of a liaison to the adult learners on campus.

Joe Winters, who is an adult learner majoring in environmental science and geography and is somewhere between his sophomore and junior year, was chosen for the position.

Winters spent 13 years in the Air Force as a linguist and an intelligence analyst. Although he has long hair and a full beard now, his posture hints at his past service.

With a wife who also works for OCSS and two young children, Winters knows first hand that it can be difficult for adult learners to find the time to be engaged in anything outside of classes. Winters has a 14 year old son and an 18 year old daughter, both who are involved in their own extracurricular activities.

“We have to manage getting them to swim practice and back, school activities, PTA events,” Winters said. “There’s no shortage of activities for us that we have to schedule.”

Being a part of OCSS has helped Winters feel better connected to the university and he hopes that he can help others feel the same. The difficulty is working with people who have large time constraints.

Winters plans to bring back events from adult learner week such as another tie in with the commuter breakfasts and happy hour at Flat Tuesdays. He also thinks that alternatives such as a Facebook group or blog might help adult learners feel like they are involved in campus life, even if they’re too busy to participate in events. 

In addition to hosting events, Winters has networked with other student organizations to look into how to draw in adult learners.

“Sometimes I get the impression that the organizations are kind of directed at people right out of high school. Being part of an organization is a new experience for them, whereas people a little later in life might be part of other organizations not on campus,” he said.

Time is not the only issue in appealing to adult learners. The term covers a very broad group of people who may not all have the same concerns when it comes to involvement.

“It’s kind of hard to say here’s the magic pill for adult learners,” Winters said. “Some people have a big family, some people are 25 and are technically an adult learner but they have more time.”

Winters believes that having adult learners engaging with younger students is mutually beneficial.

“They’re bringing experience, they’re bringing a different perspective because they have more time under their belt,” he said. “By the same token, somebody my age who’s approaching 40 is learning from the millennials.”

The post Finding the ‘magic pill’ for adult learners appeared first on The Retriever.

Political Science Internships

The Political Science Department's internship programs combine academic study with practical work experience. 

The Legal Internship Program places selected interns with judges and attorneys. 

The Policy, Politics and Public Administration Internship Program places selected interns with local and state legislators, members of Congress, political parties, interest groups, think tanks, lobbyists, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Interns:

• Work 15 hours per week at their internship placement
• Take a class with other interns
• Earn up to seven (7) 400-level credits
• All internships and courses occur during the spring semester. Students receive credit for course work (POLI 438 or POLI 448), and also for practical work (POLI 401).

Juniors and seniors from all majors with GPAs of 3.0 and higher are eligible. Interested students must apply and be formally accepted into the program.

Contact Dr. Hussey for more information 

The OAS Academic Scholarship Program (Regular Program), established in 1958, grants scholarships every year for the pursuit of Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Research leading to a university degree. The OAS Special Caribbean Scholarships Program (SPECAF), established in 1983, grants scholarships for the last two years of undergraduate studies to citizens and residents of the English-speaking Caribbean OAS Member States, and Suriname. Both programs follow the OAS Manual of Procedures for the Scholarship and Training Program. 

In addition to these programs the OAS, through its Partnerships Program for Education and Training (PAEC), is able to offer other attractive scholarship opportunities for academic studies with the support of its partner institutions in the Americas and around the world. PAEC is administered in accordance with the provision of the respective corporation agreement and in line with the principles set forth in the OAS Manual of Procedures for the Scholarship and Training Program.

OPEN PROGRAMS

Working at the campus Starbucks comes with its fair share of perils, like explosive flaming cookies.

Earlier this week, Haley Hermach was preparing a cookie for a customer. A mere 6 seconds after she placed the pastry in the oven, she opened the door to find the paper aflame. She attempted to douse it with tongs without success. The cookie exploded, and a significant chunk landed on Hermach’s exposed hand. After staring in shock, she flung it back into the oven. She received first aid from a fellow employee, finished her shift, and went to class.

While the vast majority of customers present no problems, baristas at the campus Starbucks face all sorts of uncomfortable situations: flaming cookies, being misgendered and working with very impatient students.

“[Rude customers] are so few and far between [that] it’s not that bad. It’s usually something we laugh about…We don’t really get upset about it,” said Hermach.

Hermach, a sophomore INDS major studying earth and space science, works as a supervisor despite being the youngest staff member in the entire University Center. Hermach works 40-45 hours per work while taking classes as a full-time student.

Not all of the Starbucks employees are students, however. Baristas Coriander Canterbury, 21, and Miranda Feazell, 22, have known each other since attending middle school together in Fort Meade. Canterbury previously took classes at UMBC, but started working full-time in August. Feazell applied for a full-time position from outside the University and has been working since June.  The two are engaged to be married and have lived together in Catonsville for three years.

They do not have specific plans for the wedding, though Feazell has purchased their dress. Canterbury, however, is still in pursuit of a tuxedo. “There’s talk of closing Starbucks for the day, because everyone wants to go,” said Hermach.

Employees also expressed regret over confusion regarding their gender identity: “I’m agender. I have they/them pronouns. People refer to me as ma’am,” Feazell said.  “It just makes me sad because there’s a lot of people that don’t understand they/them pronouns.”

It’s not just the pronouns, though: Some coffee-drinkers are just plain unappreciative. Employees described a situation in which a customer became frustrated as Canterbury struggled to hear their order. Once he finally figured it out, he wrote the wrong name on the cup after hearing him wrong. The customer said, “No. You know what? I don’t have time for you.” He left immediately.

Of course, the good balances out the bad.

“Some people that come in that are really stressed avoid looking at us or talking to us, after a while of coming here, we become familiar, they’re actually open up to us,” said Feazell. “They’ll be more friendly and they’ll actually converse with us and they’ll feel connected to us. It’s nice to have that connection.”

The post The secret life of a campus barista appeared first on The Retriever.

Kristina Soetje for The Retriever

The Student Events Board has done it again. The UC Ballroom was ordained in black and gold last weekend as a flood of culture infused the room. In keeping with a UMBC tradition, the annual Homecoming Talent Show, put on by (seb), played to a standing room only crowd containing over 400 students, performers and family members.

(seb) gave out a myriad of free swag including light up bracelets, calendars of free upcoming events and UMBC refrigerator magnets. The crowd appeared grateful as (seb) also gave out 2016 Homecoming Cups that changed color when they got cold.

UMBC’s student body clearly has the courage that it takes to get up on a stage in front of hundreds of people and perform their talent. The crowd behaved admirably by supporting individuals who struggled with their performance.

Anyone who attended the event could witness the love, support and accepting nature of UMBC students who sang along and waved their hand in the air from left to right, greatly encouraging performers.

The acts ranged from solo performances, dance routines and original poetry performances to a student who played an ukulele and sang while her partner juggled tennis ball.

One student performed an original piece of poetry where he utilized math terminology and equated said terminology to a failed personal relationship. The crowd actively listened as they received the reading with exuberant joy. Words dripped like the sound of rain falling softly on the top of a tent; first softly, then followed by a bombardment of emotion filled lyrics that caught the crowd’s attention and never let go from start to finish.

Standing out from the other performers, was a dance group who called themselves the Island Gyalz. They performed in concert with a back-up group who called themselves the Yaad Boyz.

Captain, and co-captain, Gehnet Rose and Najah McDonald of the Gyalz, worked in unison with the captain of the Yaad Boyz, Naseem Redmond to choreograph a highly energetic island dance routine that glued the audience to the edge of their seats, leaving everyone wanting more.  

Another obvious crowd pleaser performed a traditional style of belly dancing. Meghan Vu enchanted audience members as she utilized a blue scarf in her routine. Vu’s performance ebbed and flowed with grace and beauty that was unparalleled. Vu moved upstage and downstage, spinning her scarf in such a way that the audience could not help but become entrapped with the dance.

The evening concluded with an all-male group that sang oldies in acapella style. Their heavenly voiced serenaded the crowd as the climax of the night fell upon all.

After the performances were complete and the swag given out, students exited the theater. One might ask, if UMBC has got talent. Judging by the talent on stage… Yes we do.

The post Students showcase diverse talents at homecoming appeared first on The Retriever.

Photo courtesy of Universal Music

Usually, when you are going through your music updates every week it could be a hit or miss. Sometimes, all your artists will be releasing tracks left and right, while some weeks random artists you’ve never heard of release hard passes. Thankfully, it is not that week. From Bruno Mars to Empire of the Sun, musicians this week have come out with new singles in anticipation of their new albums. If you’re over all the depressing music, do not worry, Bruno Mars, Mo, Empire the Sun and Lady Gaga got your back.

“24K Magic” – Bruno Mars

Known for his charismatic charm and upbeat choruses, Bruno Mars provides nothing less. Diverging a little bit from his usual style, Bruno Mars specifically references ’90s RnB in this Bobbie Brown-like song. His smooth vocals melt into the lyrics making this song perfect for a night out. Along with jazz beats, it will be hard to not dance to this track. For the past couple of years, Bruno Mars has been on a hiatus and despite this, Bruno Mars re-energizes fans.

“Million Reasons” – Lady Gaga

Taking on acoustic rock, Lady Gaga is changing her stereotypical art pop that is usually expected. Her soulfulness and passion with her vocals creates a connection with fans and intimacy with her music. Even if you are not a fan of her rock, her acoustic music weirdly connects to your soul. Either the mellow chorus lyrics or the ethereal vibes that she portrays with her new track, this is a knock out for Lady Gaga. Whether you are a fan or not you are bound to be dragged into her music.

“To Her Door” – Empire of the Sun

In their most recent song, instead of dance pop which they are known for, Empire of the Sun changes it up with folk undertones. From the beginning of the song to the end of it, the band continues to show that their music is forever engaging for all listeners. With more overwhelmingly exciting acoustics, Empire of the Sun entertains you the entire way.

“Blended Family” – Alicia Keys ft. A$AP Rocky

“Blended Family is probably one of the best songs released by Alicia Keys so far. She uniquely sings about the stepmother-stepson relationship showing her unconditional love for her stepson. Though this topic may not relatable on familial basis, her love and passion is truly captivating. A$AP Rocky in the end pulls the entire song into a symphony like composition that flows the beats and the lyrics quite well together.

“Thick of it” – Mary J. Blige

Unfortunately, any break up is painful whether you have been together for one month or for 12 years (in Mary J. Blige’s case). This strong and fierce ballad intertwines with modern day hip-hop creating a softer blow for fans going through a break up. Blige’s honesty and power throughout the track is so personal that it gives fans insight in the singer’s life. Though it is unfortunate that her music has come out from pain, this is Mary J Blige’s best single yet.

Whether you are a fan of these artists or not, they have all exemplified great work this week. If you are going through a break up like Mary J. Blige or you just want to have a fun night out with Bruno Mars, these singers provide from start to finish. Each of their songs captivate energy or any sadness you may be feeling, whatever you are feeling each of these songs are listening to for every second.

The post Top Singles for the week of October 10th appeared first on The Retriever.

South Park just aired the fourth episode of their 20th season and this season is living up to be exactly what has come to be expected from the animated series. Elements from pop culture are still relied on heavily for many jokes and overall plot.

However, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone keep the series fresh by bringing back an overarching narrative that links episodes from this season together from last season. While they are re-using the idea from the previous season, this is something that isn’t seen a lot and feels refreshing when compared to other adult cartoons.

Upon watching the first episode, it was clear that this season would be unimpressive. The same elements that had been used in the series just seemed to be reused. There seemed to be no originality in the plot with everything just being plucked from pop culture and forced into an episode. Even the Giant Douche and Turd Sandwich were irritating, one of the few original elements that the writers could come up with was just reused from a season eight, episode, “Douche and Turd.”  

Overall, it was sad. A show that I’d watched in middle school as I was just beginning to get more into adult television was just down the toilet. I was mad that the writers had just run the show into the ground. I thought it was shit. I was so mad I decided I was going to write an article and tell UMBC how bad this show had become.

Then I re-watched it. Giving the show another watch, season twenty started growing on me. The seemingly lazy insertions of pop culture into the world of South Park, Colorado, while still used very heavily, are done well. They aren’t just done well, Parker and Stone do pop culture better than most other shows partly due to their last minute production of every episode allowing the current episode of the show to reference events that may have only happened a few days earlier.

The laziness that was perceived on the first run-through was replaced after re-watching the episode. I now realized that the pop culture references that we see on any other television show are given a twist and play off both each other and other jokes made in the show to create a new, fresh commentary on social issues.

For instance, Clinton and Trump’s presidential debate is a main plot line of the episode. Rather than Trump running against Hillary, South Park’s own Mr. Garrison in the Republican nominee making more of a statement about the qualifications needed, the nature of the support of Trump’s supporters (Mr. Garrison is blindly followed despite numerous blatant attempts to sabotage his own campaign.)

Also, the return of the title, “Douche and Turd”, returning from season eight parallels the current presidential candidates to these characters. Furthermore, every single person in South Park’s America realizes that the candidates are just a douche and turd but yet does not even mind and just accepts this as their norm.

Episode two and three however contain much more original content than episode one and this makes them the stronger episodes thus far in the season. Member berries, a fictitious super fruit sold at Whole Foods, for instance, are an interesting recurring theme in the show that represents people’s desire to relive what they look back at as the good old days where things are better but then come to realize weren’t all that much better than what we have now just with different problems.

Overall, I am enjoying the commentary that South Park is providing us with this season. While we might not see the same type of random, crazy, misadventures that we saw back in earlier seasons I anticipate a good season that will definitely create laughter. 

The post You guys! It’s South Park’s 20th season… sweet appeared first on The Retriever.

Many people, upon hearing the name Regina Spektor, do not know who the songstress is. For audiences familiar with “Orange is the New Black,” Spektor is famous for providing the opening song for the credits of the show. This indie pop singer is back with her new album, “Remember Us to Life.” In this new album, she does not fail fans with her feel good music that comes with her bubbly voice.

The album opens up with “Bleeding Heart,” an ode to anyone who has had their heart broken. This encouragement to pick yourself up flows quite well with Spektor’s simile lyrics. Her light drumming and electric keyboard background creates the ethereal and comforting vibe that Spektor is known for. As the track continues to mellow on, the song has a rock ‘n’ roll ending that makes Spektor’s vocals sounds quite similar to Karen O’s of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

It is inevitable that you will grow old and Spektor will not let you forget that in “Older and Taller.” The is a reminder to fans to enjoy their youth and not try to rush through life. Spektor sings about her own personal experiences with growing older, bringing a more humanistic approach to aging. 

Most of the songs off her album will be correlated with soft pop. However, Spektor changes this up with “Small Bill$.” She creates a picture for listeners as if they were in a boxing club for singers. She changes up her vocals with more upbeat and hip-hop oriented beats. In the chorus, her echoes truly set up this vibe for listeners. You will feel like you are at the boxing ring of artists with Spektor.

“The Light” is a message to Spektor’s young son. It is a love song to remind her son that he should be hopeful no matter what because the sun will always rise in the morning. This is an absolute feel good song. Spektor reminds listeners that when the sun shines in our eyes, everything will be okay.

In 2016, the world has become ever more complex with racial tensions and the lack of job opportunities for millennials. In “The Trapper and the Furrier,” Spektor’s soprano background critiques “the strange world we live in.” Her story will transform listeners into a scene where the listener experiences the tension with her. Her tense vocals, with the simultaneous violin and cello background, create a transforming scene. Spektor critiques the state of the world for the mass production and tensions within it. Whether you agree with Spektor or not, her music is something all listeners can connect with.

No matter if you’re happy or sad, Regina Spektor has got your back. Her words of encouragement will reassure you and help you get through any tough times. Her relatability and quirkiness alongside her classical background will be a fit for anyone who is a sucker for soft pop similar to Ingrid Michaelson and She and Him.

remember-us-to-life-small_1469235342955.jpg

The post Regina Spektor brings back her feel good music for fans appeared first on The Retriever.