New blogger here!

Hey there! Greetings from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities! My name is Daisy Giles, and I am an assistant admissions counselor in the Office of Admissions at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I work specifically with students from the state of Missouri who are interested in the U of M. I'm going to be taking over this blog, and I'm really excited about it. (I hope it's okay with you, too!) I am also a current senior, majoring in Art and African American and African Studies. Throughout the rest of the year, I hope to give you inside look at campus events and a feel for what it is like to be a student here are the U of M.

I've been in your shoes before and when I first graduated from high school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. I have so many different interests and I knew that it would be hard to choose one. This is one of the reasons I decided to attend the University of Minnesota. I knew the U of M had a number of majors and courses to choose from. And, even though I entered college as an undecided student with 10 different career aspirations (no kidding!), I knew that the variety of courses offered here would work to my advantage in choosing a major. Once I got here, I found a number of terrific college advisers willing to help me figure out what I wanted to study. Turns out that I didn’t need to pick just one thing! So, if you are a student like me who is interested in studying multiple subjects, the University of Minnesota could be a great place for you.

Well, that is it for now! My finals start this week so I have a lot of studying to do. In order to graduate with two degrees, I need to pass my classes this semester. I'll be in touch and let you know how it all went next week. If you have any questions about the U of M, feel free to contact me. I'd love to assist you with any questions you might have.

Thanks, and welcome!

Daisy

Undergraduate research

Did you know that the Univeristy of Minnesota-Twin Cities is one of the nation's top public research universities? Thousands of students, faculty and staff participate in research on our campus everyday, developing and creating new knowledge that is being shared with other universities, laboratories and companies...and ultimately enhancing the lives of people around the world.

One way to get involved with research is through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Through UROP, you can help a professor with his or her research, or create your own research project. Not only will you gain valuable research experience to help prepare you for graduate school or a career--you'll also get paid for it!

Visit the UROP Web site to learn more about undergraduate research at the University and see what current students are researching.

ThanksGIVING

Every Thanksgiving I sit around the dinner table with my family expressing "thanks" for what I have. However, I am also aware that others may not be so fortunate. Even after graduating from the University of Minnesota, I still like to give back to the community by volunteering for the ALS Association, Minnesota Chapter.

It seems like Minnesota is always ranks among the top states for volunteering and community service, and that giving spirit is strong on our campus. Did you know that a student at the University of Minnesota has the opportunity to incorporate community service into the classroom? The U of M offers 63 courses that have a community service component. Students may be in the classroom one day, but are out in the community the next volunteering. Click here to learn more.

An astronaut has landed!

Recently, two University of Minnesota seniors, Cole Kazemba and Rebecca Zarkowski, were awarded the esteemed Astronaut Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to 18-20 students in the entire United States each year—what an honor! The Astronaut Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships awarded to students in engineering or the natural or applied sciences.

Cole and Rebecca were presented the award on Friday, October 23rd by Colonel Fred Gregory. Yes, a real-life astronaut on campus! You can learn more about this prestigious award at http://www.astronautscholarship.org/index.html.

Congratulations, Cole and Rebecca!

Hi, I'm Christine!

My name is Christine O'Shea Foster and I am an admissions counselor and the National Merit recruitment coordinator for the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am thrilled you are considering the University of Minnesota, and I am hoping you will find this blog helpful in discovering the unlimited opportunities available for U of M students.

I'd like to introduce myself so that you can get to know me a little better. I grew up in Neenah, Wisconsin and graduated from Neenah High School in 2003. I stumbled upon the University of Minnesota when I received an invitation to visit the campus during my senior year, and I haven’t looked back since! Campus visits are VERY important—one of my best pieces of advice for students is to take time to visit all of the colleges and universities you are considering. (If you are interested in visiting the U of M, click here or email me at oshe0015@umn.edu.)

In 2007, I graduate from the University's College of Liberal Arts with degrees in Biology, Society & Environment and Sociology of Law, Criminology & Deviance. I have always had a strong passion for the biological sciences, as well as learning about human behavior and how it influences social relations.

One of my fondest memories as a U of M student was riding the zamboni during a men's Gopher hockey game. Other great memories come from my involvement with Greek life, intramurals (soccer) and volunteering on and off campus. No matter what your passion may be or what type of involvement you are looking for, the U of M has over 600 student organizations you can take part in.

Well, that’s it for now! If you have any questions about the U of M, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at oshe0015@umn.edu or leave me a comment here. I look forward to hearing from you!