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After so many years living in the same home, living with the same family, and going about the same routine as always, college flips your world upside down. A new social structure and new expectations await you on campus. Add in the present unknowns about college amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s bound to be a lot weighing on...
Not everyone enjoys socializing. In fact, some people have great difficulty meeting or talking with new people. This can cause panic or anxiety attacks where the victim faces difficulty breathing, balance issues, a fast heart rate, and other concerning side effects. Fortunately, there are some activities one can do to avoid this and become more comfortable meeting new people....
By: Zoe Bernardi, Community Editor
The further we slip into the fourth month of this pandemic lockdown, the more I lose myself in my thoughts. Each month, a new wave of emotions and ideas flood my head. The fact that four months ago I was laughing with new friends, sipping wine and exploring the streets of Italy now seems like a...
By: Asha Tompkins, Editor-in-Chief
In an email sent Wednesday, June 24, titled “preliminary Fall update, special DoSE edition,” Dean of Students Rodney Mondor shared important information regarding learning options for USM students this coming Fall semester.
“First, USM will have a hybrid experience this fall, with some courses and student services offered in person and others remaining remote or online,” said Mondor....
Emily Zider, Coordinator of Education Abroad at USM, announced in an email on Monday that due to continuing concerns over COVID-19, USM will not be offering study abroad for the fall semester.
The decision comes from the University of Maine system, as it was officially posted on their website, stating "Due to continued concerns regarding COVID-19 throughout the world, current...
By: Cullen McIntyre, Web Editor
This article has been updated on 6/25 following more information from Christina Lowery.
In an email from Christina Lowery, Director of Housing and Residential Life, she confirmed that a resident on the Gorham campus has tested positive for COVID-19. The email, sent to current residential summer students, stated that "those initially identified as a close contact have...
By: Zoe Bernardi, Community Editor & Asha Tompkins, Editor-In-Chief
Political uprisings sprout out across the nation and in the city of Portland in order to eradicate racism in the United States. June 19, “Juneteenth,” takes its place in the spotlight. It is a day to celebrate and commemorate the liberation of those who were held as slaves in the U.S.
Chancellor...
If you’re in college, you may be lucky enough to have your own car, whether gifted from your parents or bought with hard-earned personal funds. Either way, you’re walking into car ownership green, without much experience with the weekly rhythms of maintaining one. If you are building your car knowledge from the ground up, here’s some basic car maintenance...
Now that it’s summer, racing season is underway for many amateurs and professionals. Motorcycle racing is a popular motorsport where riders hop on megaliths in the form of two-stroke and four-stroke engines on an aluminum chassis, two wheels, and tires that barrel down the track to receive the fastest time. On that note, here are some of the best...
One of the best parts of college life is driving around town. Whether you have a truck, car, or motorcycle, it’s convenient when you can travel around campus. Still, some people want to modify their rides in order to improve vehicle performance. To do that, read these tips on the most effective ways to boost engine power. Your horsepower...
By: Asha Tompkins, Editor-in-Chief
Photos: Cullen McIntyre, Web Editor
“Say his name: George Floyd. What’s his name? George Floyd.” I look around and see history being made. Hundreds, thousands gather in the streets. Their throats are strained and raw as they beg and plead with uniformed bodies. Human beings fighting for their right to live and die by the natural forces of nature,...
By: Cullen McIntyre, Web Editor
Current events in the world have resulted in protests across the globe. When George Flloyd died in police custody on May 25, 2020, protests rallying for change broke out and have yet to stop. A unique take on the call for change is a GoFundMe fundraiser titled “Collegiate Athletes For Black Lives Matter” reads “In the...
You might have frequented the campus gym back before the COVID-19 situation started, but you’ve probably been cooped up inside for a while now without access to an exercise facility, even back home. You don’t want to become physically unhealthy and give way to a completely sedentary lifestyle, though. At the same time, it can be tough to motivate...
Between research, writing, and sending your work off for approval, it’s easy to feel like your manuscript will never make it to publication. Don’t worry—while the process takes a lot of time and hard work, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Publishing your manuscript is an accomplishment that looks different for everyone. However, there are a few key tips that...
Nobody wants to get into a car accident. An accident can cause financial, medical, and moral distress. Someone could get hurt, property damage could occur, and your insurance premium may increase. Nevertheless, accidents happen—often due to poor driving techniques. Avoid erratic driving and the risks involved with these safe driving tips everyone must know.
Never Drive Under the Influence
Alcohol, marijuana,...
Summer vacation comes as a welcome respite after a long spring semester. While you’re kicking back and enjoying your time off, don’t let your well-earned laziness keep you indoors all summer. Whether it’s doing your summer coursework out in the yard or laying out blankets for an outdoor movie night, it’s important to fit plenty of fresh air and...
How often you drive your car during college depends on where you’re living. Some students drive to and from campus, while others simply have to walk from the dorms to class, saving the car for extracurricular activities. Whichever way you use your car at school, there’s one key commonality: You need to be aware of the maintenance your car...
The entertainment industry has changed many times throughout history. Films and live theater, which were once so popular, have since given way to more mobile and accessible forms of entertainment. One of the most popular media formats right now is the podcast. This type of entertainment is equally as accessible for the listener as it is for the creator...
Even if you’ve had your wheels for a while, things change whenever you own your own car. Whether you’re buying your vehicle from your parents or venturing into the world of dealership lots, there’s plenty to keep in mind once you have a car in your name. Fortunately, with a little bit of research and care, you can turn...
By: Lydia Libby, Web Editor
Celebrating 40 years of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses is not only amazing, but truly inspiring.
In late January, I sat down in my seat in my Service Learning Practicum class and realized I needed to find a non-profit to collaborate with. Luckily for me, my mother had connections with a member on...
By: Keith Danner, Counselor, LCPC LADC
Thoughts matter as they are a defining part of who we are. They are essential to survival by helping us identify risks and rewards. They can be simple or sometimes complicated and conflicting. They can be automatic and habitual, sometimes subtle. Thoughts can influence our relationships regarding how we feel about ourselves and other...
By Ryan Farrell, Staff Writer
After Easter weekend marked the release of Selah and the Spades, a new streaming title on Amazon Prime. This private high school drama sets up an interesting world, but its format doesn’t allow it to flourish properly. While there are stellar performances from the main cast, it is not enough to overlook the confusing plot.
Selah...
By: Cristina Kerluke, Academic Support Program Specialist
Final exam week is almost here. With the pivot to online learning, your final exam week likely looks different than you had originally anticipated. For some students, taking an online final exam may be a new and perhaps daunting experience. While the online environment does present some differences that warrant a bit of...
By: Asha Tompkins, Staff Writer
Some were in the Navy, some in the Army, others on aircraft carriers and submarines. These are the people who are grudgingly familiar with living a lockdown lifestyle. With such experience, they’ve provided a reassuring haven for students during Covid-19.
“The Veterans Resource Center serves to support USM students who are veterans and their dependents...
