Chad Friend in London this summer.

Although you may think that studying abroad is not for you or will not benefit your major, there are plenty of options that Maryville offers during the summer. Two students that recently studied abroad this summer are Chad Friend and Leo Bassi. Both students are going into their senior year at Maryville and both had amazing experiences this summer. Chad Friend, a Marketing and Sport Business Management major spent his summer taking classes London, England. Leo Bassi, a member of the Maryville men’s soccer team is a Legal Studies major with an International Studies minor studied in Madrid, Spain.

Friend was in London from June 18 through July 9. He was accompanied by Maryville professors, Dr. Albrecht and Dr. Murray. While in London, he earned 6 credits that counted toward his majors, which were “British Business and Marketing” and also “International Business”.

After being back for a while Friend can now take in what he learned from the classes. “We were able to not only go visit different businesses in London such as Lloyds of London, Enterprise, and Harrods just to name a few places. Seeing how their day to day operations go with the city as well as other things going on around the world. The biggest difference I felt was the amount of walking you did everyday in order to get places”, said Friend.

Outside of the classroom, he had free time to explore the city with his classmates and professors. London being such a larger, diverse city always had so many things for him and his classmates to do and explore. Friend said, “We walked around daily to see different sites and try to see them while “being” someone from London. The thing we experienced that was the most memorable was going to Wimbledon and experiencing everything that goes on there during the event.”

Friend will surely never forget his 3 weeks in London as he has over a thousand pictures to remember his experience. Not only did he have a great time, but he also earned 6 credits that will count towards his major. He highly recommends students of Maryville to study abroad in London next summer, whether it be for the 3 week trip or the 6 week trip to London that Maryville also offers. “It’s a great experience in itself.  It’s something that if able to do you should go. You get to see many different things that you usually only read about in textbooks, but by going you get to see those places as well as experience the culture of the place your visiting but the other cultures that are there to visit the city”, said Friend.

Another student who had an incredible experience studying abroad this summer was Leo Bassi. Bassi was in Madrid, Spain from May 18 through June 12. Although he was only there for 3 weeks, he took 3 classes and earned 9 credits, which count toward his minor. The classes he took were “Madrid Museums and Galleries”, taught by Maryville Professor Mike Schatz, “Intensive Spanish” and “Experiencing Madrid”, which was an independent study. 

During his time in Madrid, Bassi tried as much as he could to explore the city. His “Madrid Museums and Galleries” class required him to visit some of the most famous museums in Europe and do critiques on the artwork. The Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen Bornemisza were just a few of the museums he went to in Madrid.

Soccer enthusiast Bassi also had the opportunity to see Real Madrid, one of the best teams in world play an exhibition game. “I got to see legendary players like Zidane and Figo play, so that was like a dream come true”, said Bassi. When he wasn’t in class, he also got more of his soccer fix by going to an athletic facility within the Parque del Retiro to play soccer with the locals.

Overall Bassi found the Madrid to be a true learning experience. “The adapting part of the trip I think is a huge valuable experience. My Intensive Spanish class was just like it sounds. We had class four hours a day, everyday. My particular class consisted mainly of writing compositions and speaking Spanish, with the use of new vocabulary that we would learn each week. We also learned about the type of lifestyle people in Spain have and we also looked at the history and how that history made what Spain is today”, said Bassi.

Bassi also had his thoughts about Spain and the lifestyle there, which is quite different than United States. “In my opinion, everything is Spain was different in comparison to America. From the music they listen to, the food they eat, the way they drive to the way they party. But the most obvious was the way people in Spain live their lives.  People in Spain live to enjoy their lives, while people in America live to work. Spaniards are very laidback and whenever they get a chance to just relax and enjoy the little things life throws at us, they do so”, said Bassi. 

Leo Bassi in front of the Madrid Palace.

After being home and in his normal routine, Bassi has had time to take in what he has experienced in the land of tapas and sangria. Bassi strongly recommends future students to look into studying abroad in Madrid. “It gives students the opportunity to travel outside of the United States and it is a great opportunity to practice a second language”, said Bassi. The only thing Bassi regrets is that he did not study for longer than 3 weeks. “I just felt that three weeks was not enough time. If you study abroad during the summer, I would recommend only taking six credit hours instead of nine. I just know that if I would of taken six, I would have had way more time to explore Spain”, said Bassi.

By Dr. Jesse Kavadlo,
Associate Professor of English and Humanities, Writing Studio Director, University Seminar Coordinator

“My advice to incoming freshmen and transfer students is to remember that college is about challenging yourself to think in ways you haven’t before. Don’t be afraid to engage with and be engaged by people from different cultures, people with different ideas, and people whose life experiences are different from your own.”

By Dr. Christie Cruise-Harper
Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Multicultural Programs

“Use the resources available at Maryville. We offer many support services to help you succeed and enjoy your time at Maryville. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. As much as possible, get involved on campus and spend time with other students outside of class. Try to stay on campus on the weekends and attend weekend events. You will make great friends and feel like an important part of the Maryville community.”

By Jennifer Henry, MA, LPC
Director of Personal Counseling

“–Get to personally know each of your faculty members and the staff – we are all here to help you succeed and take great interest in you as a person.
–Try things you may not normally have done before – it is when we step out of our comfort zone that we are challenged and grow
–Be open – don’t be too set in your ways that you limit your exposure to new ideas, people and experiences
–Be yourself! Be proud of who you are and share yourself with others.  You have much to offer!
–College is what you make it.  Take advantage of the opportunities presented to you and make the most of time at Maryville.  You are starting a new chapter in your life and it is up to you to write the script.”

By Kathy Quinn
Associate Dean of Students

“Put the phones down, turn off the computers, sit face-to-face and TALK with your roommate. Discuss what items are appropriate to share (if any), what is off limits and how you want to use the room: a social or study environment.
What’s okay with guests?  Is it okay for the guest to be in the room when the person they are seeing isn’t? Are overnight guests okay? Of the opposite gender?  How does the room get used on the weekend when a roommate is out of town? Can their bed be used?
Other topics to talk about:
–Cleanliness of room, bathroom, apartment
–When does trash and recycling need to be taken out
–Borrowing items
–Sleep habits – lights/music on or off
–Dirty clothes picked up”

By Kimberly Watson
Director of Residential Life

Growing up, we’ve all been asked what we’ve wanted to be when we grow up.  Perhaps you answered with doctor, teacher, nurse, writer, actor or artist when asked that question.  I am here to tell you what you may find shocking: few college graduates have followed their first thought when it comes to a chosen major.

Whenever I have been asked my year in school, I reply with senior.  Traditionally, college is four years – a typical bachelor’s degree is designed to take four years to complete.  That may be true, if you stick with the same program/major from the beginning.

In college, take classes that interest you and be open to anything. Know that it is fine to change your mind. Image courtesy of Google and Alexandra Gresick.

I’ve attended Maryville since August 2008; therefore, yes, it does make me technically a senior if you put it in the traditional sense.  However, in the “new sense,” people nowadays are not necessarily finishing college in four years.  Yes, most college-bound students fresh out of high school commonly enroll either at a two-year college or, if at a four-year college, a Bachelor degree program, but others do not.  Other students may take advantage of five-year accelerated Master’s degree programs, like Maryville’s Master of Occupational Therapy or the six year Doctorate of Physical Therapy program.  While I’m not a Master’s or doctoral student, I am not finishing a traditional four year degree in four years.

When I started at Maryville, I knew I wanted to work with kids.  I had just finished volunteering that summer after high school graduation with preschoolers and knew I wanted to make that my career.  I also loved art, so I thought, why not become an art teacher?  I proceeded to enroll in the art education program.

My younger siblings are now both in college.  My brother is an upcoming sophomore and my sister will be a freshman.  As they maneuvered through the maze that is the college search process, I reinforced my own experiences and the lessons I have learned from college.  I typically tell others new to college that college is a journey.  It is all about the experiences you participate in and about finding your inner passions; what everyone says is “doing what you love.”

When I was a new student, just like you, I began that experience.  I started those art classes and realized how demanding they were.  It led me to realize that a professional career in art probably was not for me, but that I could still do art as a hobby.  So, I decided to drop the art portion of the degree and aspire to be an early childhood teacher.  I then realized that teaching altogether probably wasn’t for me either.  I thought to myself… what am I going to do now?  It was now the end of  my junior year of college and I’m changing majors, again?

Thoughts raced inside my head.  I don’t want to be in college for another four years!  I decided to speak with the career counselor.  I discussed my interests in English and Communication.  I have always realized and been told that I have strong writing skills.  When I was in high school, I contemplated majoring in Journalism.  I decided to give it a shot.

I met with the program director last summer about a month before the start of classes.  I told her of my passions for writing and art, and she helped convince me that this could be the “right” major for me.  I was nothing short of excited.

Classes began in August, and I loved every single one.  I was amazed at all of the neat things I was doing, including writing for the newspaper and learning how to use Adobe Creative Suite digital media programs.  All of my professors were awesome, and I found that I really was happy and was doing exactly what I love.

I do not hold any regrets over my years in previous majors.  Everything I have done has helped add to my overall development, both personally and professionally.  Those experiences  taught me that I can truly do anything I put my mind to, if I just persevere.

You cannot know for sure what you want to do with the rest of your life right after you finish high school.  It is okay to go into college undecided or change your major.  College is about finding yourself.  Take a writing class, a history class or an art class.  You might find you really enjoy it, or do not care much for it.  Whatever classes you may take, be sure to make something of the experience. Everything will help benefit you somehow, whether you thought it was a boring math class or an interesting health science class.

Enjoy your time in college.  Talk to your adviser and professors.  Take advantage of Maryville’s Center for First Year Experience and the Career Services departments; they are here to help you succeed.  Remember: while you can’t know what to do for the rest of your life right after high school, you can know that you are capable of doing anything you put your mind to; and it’s fine to try different things and make changes.  I did, and I know you can also.

Best of luck at Maryville.

Internships are something that employers almost expect to see on your resume when you’re looking for that first job out of college. Some majors, including Communication and Art & Design, require an internship credit to graduate.  Many would say this is a positive requirement because it helps students gain knowledge and job-related experience that they can connect with their coursework.

“Internships in college have been linked to positive outcomes such as greater confidence in career decision-making, the acquisition of new job relevant skills, a reduction in the reality shock of full-time employment, improved ability to secure a job and higher job satisfaction,” states the Maryville Communication Internship website.

To help prepare for an internship, it is recommended that students take COM 223: Professional and Organizational Communication.  This course helps students from any major prepare for their chosen careers by encouraging them to network with professionals in their field as well as develop a professional portfolio for interviews.

Internships are one of the most important and valuable experiences you can do in college. Image courtesy of Google and Alexandra Gresick.

One of the course requirements is to conduct an informational interview with a professional.  This assignment encourages networking in the “hidden job market,” where so many job opportunities are found.

“Ten percent of resumes get an interview while 80 percent of informational interviews get a job or internship interview,” said Dr. Leilani Carver, assistant professor of communication.

That assignment helped me connect with a communication professional from a leading healthcare organization.  I later found out that organization was looking for a summer intern and I applied for the position.  I interviewed with the professional and some of the other professionals from the department and then got the internship.  I believe my initial information-gathering interview helped me gain that intern position.

My internship has been a wonderful experience so far.  I have had such a great time working on the various projects such as news releases, marketing materials, editing, and evaluating various materials.  It has been a rewarding experience.  I encourage every student to seek some sort of internship experience, whether you are an communication, psychology, art or health professions major.  It will help you connect what you are learning in your classes with real world experiences.

You might be wondering where to look for internship opportunities.  There are several resources on campus that can help you find an internship.  These include the Maryville Career Education Career Connections website, the Communication Internship blog, the Graphic Design internship blog and your professors.  Your professors are some of the most networked professionals in their career field and are a great resource to find internship and job opportunities.

No one can know for sure exactly what they want to do right after high school.  You may find that after participating in an internship in your current major, you do not feel you would be successful in that field.  The earlier you network with professionals and participate in internships, the better chance you have of finding out what the career really entails.  Then you can change your major if needed before it’s too late.

The best advice is to start looking for internships and jobs now.  Look at the options and see what the requirements are.  Build yourself up to these requirements and do not overlook anything.  Talk with your professors and network with professionals in your major.  Build your resume with experience like writing for the school newspaper or taking a student government or activities position.  The more experience you can offer an organization, the better chance you have of gaining an interview and hopefully landing that dream job one day.

Approaching my final semester at Maryville, I had thirteen credit hours to complete, and with it being the summer semester I received no grants. I was faced with the question, “How will I be able to afford this?” I contemplated just waiting until the fall semester to complete my degree until my advisor mentioned taking a CLEP test. A CLEP test… “What’s that?”

CLEP, College-Level Examination Program. Something I had been unaware of until now. If only someone would have told me about this sooner, I could have saved both time and money.

By passing a CLEP exam, you earn college credit without even attending class, and let me stress this: It will save you a substantial amount of money!

To take the test here at Maryville it is $100, then as long as you pass the test you only pay $20 per credit hour posted to your transcript. Maryville offers nearly 40 of these CLEP exams.

For more information about the CLEP exams, click here.

** I took the Analyzing & Interpreting Literature exam and studied for only three hours and passed. I received 6 credit hours on my transcript and save thousands of dollars!

Believe it or not!  Faculty, all faculty, are very excited to have students in class.  We like to share our expertise and show you how you can take your learning and really apply it immediately and into the future.  I  know that some courses are necessary and you may not REALLY want the course. Make the best of it and you will see how it fits into your future!

So, I wish you knew that that one course could be the best you have ever taken. When you graduate you will be asked about all courses you have taken. Typically, and most likely, interview candidates for jobs will share that one course outside of their area of expertise and or major. It is about what you learned outside of your comfort zone. Share the things that challenged you the most!  Learn the stuff you didn’t know you would like!

So, arrive to your class with an outgoing attitude and give your instructor a chance to get you involved.

2. Arrive to class. Even if you miss a class or two or three talk with your instructor and or advisor and get back on track. Do not just give up.  Everyone is really here for you and we need and want for you to be successfully.  Do not get the attitude that anyone wants you to fail. As a faculty member I believe that it is my job to make sure you succeed.

3. Arrive on time!  If you cannot be on time, then be early!  Talk with students you do not know! We are all different so make sure you get to know everyone in class. Get the names and e-mail addresses of as many students as you can.  When you have to miss a class you can contact them for notes and updates.

4. What drives faculty crazy?  Sending us an e-mail when you miss a class and calling us to ask us what you missed is the wrong direction! You missed class!  Remember, call a class peer and get your work. Come to the next class, apologize and get back on track.

5. During the first week of class make sure you get to know those in front of you, behind you and next to you! Look around the room and notice your peers. Then, when you are in the cafeteria you will have someone to sit with and have lunch or just talk!

6. What I Wish You Knew!  Call home and tell your parents how much you like things. Don’t complain.  They like to know that you are trying to make things work.

7. If you are working and going to school you will need to balance a lot more. If you are in sports and juggling school you may need some help!  Ask for it and we will be there for you.

5. Make sure you bring your book on the first day! Bring paper and a pen!  Nothing is worse than not taking notes on important information!  Bring an extra pen for a friend.

6. Make sure that your instructor knows you name. After the first few classes walk up and share something you have learned.  We want to get to know you and to know everyone in class.

7. Get involved on campus so you can learn all about all of the Maryville events and opportunities!

I wish I would have recognized more clearly what a big world and what a small world in which we live.  What I mean is that the world is a big place with people who are both very different from me (culture, ethnicity, beliefs, values, life experiences, etc.). At the same time, my fellow human beings are very much like me in that they have the same basic needs (physiological, safety, love and belonging, self-esteem, self-actualization, etc.).

I wish I had been more curious and more courageous in my willingness to explore and learn about the world outside of my own experiences and knowledge (read/watch/listen to the news; follow world events, politics, etc.). I also wish I had been more focused about how I could use my gifts and talents to make the world a better place.

Now more than ever, everything we do in our little corner of the world affects other people in other parts of the world. From what we eat, wear and buy to the pollution and waste we create, we are all connected.

When I was a student, I wish I knew how to connect with International Students and increase my global awareness and intercultural skills.  At Maryville, we have several programs to help American students connect with international students and experience studying in a different country:
·         iPal (International Buddy) program
·         Community Partners program
·         Study Abroad programs
The goal of the iPal (International Buddy) program is to build a strong connection between American students and international students through cultural and language exchange in an informal setting. The Community Partners program connects families with international students for culture sharing, holiday celebrations and more!
The Center for Global Education coordinates an array of Study Abroad programs from nine days to a full academic year. Students experience living and studying in a different country while enjoying a connection with other Maryville faculty and students.
Participants of the iPal program, Community Partners program, and Maryville Study Abroad programs will be able to:
*Enhance intercultural communication skills
*Improve foreign language skills
*Learn about other cultures
*Experience the world while making life-long friends
*Meet someone from another country                                                         �
Contact the Center for Global Education for more information about these intercultural and Study Abroad programs.
studyabroad@maryville.edu Tel: 314-529-9503.
Welcome to Maryville!

Pawprint is Maryville University’s student newspaper. Image courtesy of Maryville Pawprint.

Pawprint is the Maryville student-run online newspaper.  Pawprint has served the Maryville community since 2004 and features sections of news, features, arts & entertainment, sports and opinion.  Our paper has a circulation of 3,500 and is read by students, faculty, staff, and community members.  While we may be tucked away in the Annex building, (adjacent from the library and art and design building) we proudly represent the Maryville community and want your help!

Maryville Pawprint publishes new issues weekly every Tuesday during the school year and monthly during the summer.  If you would like to submit an article, news story or other newsworthy piece, email it to us at pawprint@maryville.edu.  We’re always looking for submissions from readers.

You may not think it will benefit you, but I encourage you to get involved with the newspaper, especially if you are an English or communication major.  If you read my other piece about changing majors, you know that I am only a year into the communication program.  In the communication field, writing is everything.  I have participated in Pawprint for three semesters so far.  I have found that my experience writing for Pawprint greatly aided me in the internship search.  If not for Pawprint, I would not have as much of a portfolio after only two semesters into the communication program.  Being a staff writer has helped me gain experience writing a variety of news articles in feature, entertainment, sports and more.  Plus, it has helped better acquaint me with the Maryville community, in general.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste; so my advice to you is to get those creative juices flowing – consider submitting articles to Pawprint.  Contact us anytime with questions.  Stay tuned for upcoming issues every Tuesday during the semester.

Advice from Pam Culliton – “Nurse Pam” 

Nurse Pam Culliton provides Maryville students with confidential care free of charge. Image courtesy of Maryville University.