PROMISE Community Building

Craig Imler & the Terra Trax Team bring the "Retreat" to the August 2011 PROMISE SSI

2011-08-12T08:02:00.003-04:00

We were unable to have a traditional retreat in the mountains this spring, but thanks to the generous sponsorship of PROMISE at the University of Maryland College Park, Craig Imler and the team from Terra Trax will be able to bring the retreat to us! There will be a "retreat-styled" activity on Friday, August 29, 2011 in the lakeside park area of Sheraton Town Center Hotel in Columbia, Maryland.

Faculty (x,y) 2010 Seminar at UMBC invites questions from Graduate Students

2010-10-05T17:28:00.002-04:00

Each year, PROMISE and the Graduate School host a dinner seminar that allows students to ask questions of faculty. This year, our 4th annual "When Faculty Say 'X', They Really Mean 'Y'" seminar will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 in Lecture Hall 4 of the Academic 4 Building. If you would like to post questions anonymously, you may post them here. To view a sample of last year's questions,

LIONS

2010-03-15T23:24:00.003-04:00

Pictures of the lions not sure if anyone added these. The retreat was a wonderful experience that helped build a lot of friendships and gave me the motivation to work hard so that I can achieve my goals of graduating. It was the break i needed from school and the insight needed to realize I'm not the only person that feels like graduate school is impossibly difficult. No matter how hard it may

Rocky Gap

2010-03-14T22:27:00.003-04:00

The Rocky Gap Retreat was definitely an eye-opening experience for me. I learned more about myself as a leader, as well as a person. I learned my strengths as well as my weaknesses, and I even had the opportunity to conquer my fears. I climbed to the top of the ladder leaning on just the trust in my peers, and knowing myself, and my lack of trust in others, it might as well had been Mt. Everest!

Photos!

2010-03-04T18:45:00.012-05:00

You guys have asked for it and now it's here! Here are some pictures from the Rocky Gap Retreat, taken by Yours Truly. Enjoy!

Exciting times at Rocky Gap Retreat 2010!

2010-03-04T11:55:00.001-05:00

Thank you Promise so very very much! This retreat was very encouraging, inspiring, rejuvenating, and fun! I think one line that I heard over and over was “You go to UMBC too?” We didn’t even know there were so many graduate students in the system, much less on our own campuses!For many of us, life as a graduate student does not naturally allow us to interact or see other students, and

Rocky Gap Retreat

2010-03-03T22:07:00.004-05:00

The Rocky Gap retreat provided a much needed break from the "monotony" of grad school. Great place to be, and even greater company. Met a lot of cool people-go Sparta!- who reminded me that grad school can be fun and I rued not having attended earlier retreats. I would definitely recommend this to any grad student. I did not attend the dissertation house this time but it is on my to-do list and

Moon Dancing by the Fire

2010-03-03T22:02:00.004-05:00

Here are the photos I promised to post taken by Gustavo. The first is the camp fire. Second one is the moon. The third one is the lake from our room window in the morning. The fourth is a moon dance performed by Nohemi, and last but not least a moon dance by Katrina.

Another Great PROMISE Retreat!!

2010-03-03T14:21:00.002-05:00

I always enjoy participating in the PROMISE Community Building Retreat, this is my second time attending Rocky Gap. It is a great way to take a break from my lab work and studies to spend time with old friends and make new friends. The outdoor activities are always fun, and they also give me the opportunity to reflect on my life and my graduate studies. It's great to have a chance to spend

Promise Retreat

2010-03-03T13:55:00.002-05:00

This event from PROMISE needs to happen every year. It was a great opportunity to meet and network with other graduate students from many different departments. The retreat was also a chance to learn more about people that you might have already known. Best of all the retreat was, it gave everyone short break from school just to socialize and have fun.The team activities that were outside and the

The only outdoor activity for DH participants

2010-03-03T13:38:00.005-05:00

So participants in DH did manage to take some time to enjoy the outdoors. On Saturday afternoon, we took to the streets and took a 45 minute walk to the bridge and back. It was beautiful. I promised to post the pictures so here they are. You can see the view from the bridge in the first, the view of the frozen lake and lodge in the second one and the mountains in third, not to mention all my

Retreat @ Rocky Gap 2010: Grad Students & Life/Work Balance - Some Photos

2010-03-03T11:35:00.002-05:00

Promise Community Building Retreat

2010-03-03T08:54:00.001-05:00

This retreat was a great opportunity for me to build relationships with fellow cohorts. I am currently a first year out-of-state graduate student, and this event presented me with the opportunity to network with new people. The team building exercises were exciting, and I had the chance to apply some of the methodologies that I have obtained in class. I think one of the most notable concepts

2010-03-02T20:19:00.003-05:00

I have to thank Dr. Tull and Dr. Carter, and the entire Promise community, for a great weekend at Rocky Gap. This has been my third retreat with Promise (once at Dissertation House over the summer, and Rocky Gap last year) and what stood out for me was the way my sense of community with my peers has grown over this period. Some of us have become firm friends, more like family, and we share in

Rocky Gap

2010-03-02T19:35:00.001-05:00

Rocky Gap was an experience like no other. I had the privilege to network and fellowship with other grad students with the relief of not conversing much about school work and the emotions that are involved. This gave me an opportunity to get a way from campus and get to know my colleagues a bit better as well as meet some new folks. It was inspiring to see what new things people learned and how

Great time

2010-03-02T19:16:00.003-05:00

This was my second time at Rocky Gap. I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet new friends and reconnect with old. It was also great to meet all those who have been through the process. The Ph.D.s who were present were inspirational; not only did some present information in a formal way but those who mingled with us were also very great. I can't recall the last time I had so many Ph.D. grads

Productive Rocky Gap Retreat!

2010-03-02T16:41:00.001-05:00

I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend the Promise Community Building Retreat at Rocky Gap this year. I have recently advanced to candidacy in my doctoral program due in large part to the support of the Promise staff and student members. Completing my comprehensive exams was an exhausting and isolating experience and I am still mystified by the process. I needed an intervention of sorts

Great weekend!!!

2010-03-02T15:56:00.003-05:00

The overall experience during this past weekend retreat was very positive. I have been writing for a good amount of time during the last two months so even when it would have being useful to join the dissertation house I felt that I needed a break and go outdoors. I always feel that going outdoors renovates me and I enjoy sharing with others and confronting challenging with others as a team.

Finally Made It to Rocky Gap Dissertation House

2010-03-02T09:32:00.002-05:00

Support, Support, Support! PROMISE's Rocky Gap Community Building Retreat and Dissertation House provide support in so many ways and levels for everyone in attendance. This was my first time being able to attend the Community Building Retreat as a participant in Dissertation House. I have been trying to get to this spot since I first attended the PROMISE Commnity Building Retreat at CoolFont in

My amazing retreat from PROMISE

2010-03-01T21:19:00.002-05:00

I want to thank PROMISE and everyone participated in the Retreat this weekend. I met a lot of awesome people and had a good time. This retreat helped me to re-charge my energy and continue my battle in grad school :) The outdoor activities was not only fun, but was also meaningful in my perspective about doing research and talking classes in grad school. I learned to seek out for help, stay

PROMISE Retreat

2010-03-01T19:17:00.006-05:00

Although I wasn't able to fully participate in the outdoor activities, I believe that I received the same sense of empowerment and community building that everyone else did. I was able to participate in the most of the indoor events, which really helped me get to know new people, catch up with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile, and even re-discover myself. It really helps to be around

Lessons for Life

2010-03-01T18:06:00.002-05:00

It was such a nice experience to be surrounded by so many nice and supportive people. I was in the out door activities in a great team; bears group, I have already missed you!I experienced trust, cooperation, being patient, let it go and forgive when you feel you deserved an award but you couldn't get it.I saw myself sometimes be brave and volunteer for dangerous activities, and sometimes be the

Thank you! Promise

2010-03-01T15:22:00.002-05:00

Up to now, I still have forgotten myself in the good memory of Retreat 2010. It is my first time to be in the dissertation house. I am a totally freshman there and I believe I have learned a lot during the weekend. From 8:30am to 9:30pm, I put all of my efforts on my dissertation even though it is still a frame work. Thank you, Dr. Carter. You helped me to start my writing. It was a pleasure

Dissertation House Freshman

2010-03-01T14:48:00.002-05:00

Community, coaching, and concentration were the vital components I neededto get back on track after having serious doubts about the path of mydissertation. PROMISE was the fire I needed when I began my Ph.D. programand now at the end of my journey, it is my guiding light out. I feelprivileged to have the support and resources that PROMISE provides tostudents during this obstacle course. Thank you

Thank you PROMISE

2010-03-01T14:15:00.004-05:00

I learned a lot from the outdoor activity this weekend. It was a very great experience there that I felt the trust among team members. I climbed up to the top of the ladder and let it go. I didn't even feel fear, because I trust all the team members. I knew all my team members were supporting me.I also learned so much from the 'puzzle' activity. In the beginning, our team were trying to build a

Feeling Blessed

2010-03-01T13:56:00.003-05:00

Everytime I go to Rocky Gap, I feel so blessed to have decided to go to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. We have so much support and such a great community in PROMISE. Dr. Renetta Tull has created a wonderful community across the three campuses and I feel so fortunate to be able to catch up with friends who have been going thru this graduate school experience with me in such a

Where are all the bears！！

2010-03-01T13:42:00.008-05:00

Come on! Bears! Let's post pictures! Actually I borrowed those pictures on facebook from Veronica. Hope you don't mind. :) Miss you guys! And the funniest Mr. D!!

Saturday night is a silent, but productive night in the Dissertation House

2010-03-01T13:34:00.001-05:00

Reflections of DH

2010-03-01T13:17:00.001-05:00

This year’s Rocky Gap Dissertation Writing Retreat has been very rewarding. As I am in the writing stages of my dissertation, having the ability to work ‘non-stop’ on targeted goals to complete chapters provides me with a sense of accomplishment. Even though I could have set time aside to complete the tasks that I completed during the retreat, the prevalence of distracting

LIONS were the best!

2010-03-01T12:18:00.007-05:00

Thanks a bunch all Promise Community members...I received the confirmation email a day before moving!finding lots of new friends, learning new skills for my PhD studying, doing several exciting out-door activities, and having lots food are some out standing points I'd like to mention them!I hope Promise think on more similar programs, especially programs which are done by cooperation of other

A Demonstration of Trust among Grad Students!

2010-03-01T12:11:00.002-05:00

A snapshot of activities from Rocky Gap

2010-03-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

2010-03-01T11:05:00.002-05:00

As I said in the reflections period, I was surprised by how many UMBC graduate students I met this past weekend who I have never seen before. I was really glad to meet so people because I don't normally see very many graduate students. I think social support and a community of graduate students is very important to encourage people to finish graduate school and to maintain your motivation.

How much you can gain from one weekend?

2010-03-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

How much can you gain from one weekend? Watch two movies? Sleep more than 12 hours a day? If you go to the Rocky Gap retreat with Promise, you can gain a lot in a one weekend. I was in the dissertation house component. I could not continue my writing because I didn't know how to go on for my dissertation before I attended the dissertation house. Dissertation house mentors, expecially Dr Carter,

Great Food, Relaxation, and Fun!

2010-03-01T09:21:00.002-05:00

What else could you ask for?! :) As a first year graduate student I will admit, I was very nervous about coming to the Community Building Retreat. I didn't really know anybody that was coming and going at anything alone, as we all know, can be scary at first. But from the beginning of the bus ride until the very end of the trip I have felt nothing more than respect and cooperation with my fellow

Reflections of Rocky Gap

2010-03-01T00:49:00.002-05:00

Looking back, I had no expectations of what the Rocky Gap retreat would have in store for me. I was expecting a few icebreakers, some team building, and some exercises with ropes. In the end, I received all this and more. The experience was enjoyable and something that I feel will propel me through the rest of the semester. I am grateful to be apart of the PROMISE community and fortunate to have

DH newbie

2010-03-01T00:43:00.003-05:00

Thank you so much for this weekend! This was my first time in Dissertation House and I definately got much more out of it than I'd hoped for. In addition to making great progress on my work, I've come away motivated and inspired to get to the finish line. It has been a long hard road, and I don't know if I could keep moving without the support of the PROMISE staff and students...I know that

2010-03-01T00:35:00.001-05:00

After participating in the Dissertation House this weekend, I returned home feeling motivated once again. I was able to get so much work done and although I’m completely exhausted (mentally and physically), the experience was worth it. I would highly recommend this type of working retreat to anyone struggling with their dissertation, particularly those who are “stuck” or need an extra push to

Thank you PROMISE Program

2010-03-01T00:12:00.004-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I would have never imagined that I would be climbing a vertical ladder held up by ropes (that were held by friends) while being harnessed and supported by friends, yet this is exactly what I did.A couple of years ago, I would have never imagined that I would be in a PhD program, yet here I am. I love it when we get the opportunity to accomplish goals that we haven't even

2010-02-28T20:53:00.003-05:00

Wow...Simply amazing

2010-02-28T20:40:00.004-05:00

The community retreat was amazing. I met so many new people who attended not only master's institution (UMCP) but also my current doctoral institution (UMBC). I strengthened the bonds I currently have and am sure I have developed lasting friendships.I really enjoyed the Ropes Course and appreciated the support from my team members.One experience in particular was during the ladder/rope/

LIONS 2010 PROMISE Team at Rocky Gap

2010-02-28T20:10:00.002-05:00

Again, we rise! When I think of this year's retreat at Rocky Gap, I think of the poem by Maya Angelou:Still I Rise You may write me down in historyWith your bitter, twisted lies,You may trod me in the very dirtBut still, like dust, I'll rise.Does my sassiness upset you?Why are you beset with gloom?'Cause I walk like I've got oil wellsPumping in my living room.Just like moons and like suns,With

Teamwork and Winning

2010-02-27T17:33:00.005-05:00

This weekend was a blast! My crew was awesome. Our teamwork seemed unmatched and although we had a few (very minor) conflicts within the team, this experience taught me something I hope I never forget.Every one's different. I, personally, like to joke/play around and I tend to be very competitive. Those are some of the few reasons why I knew I would enjoy working in the group I was with.Many

A Very EXCITING Experience - The Rope Experience @ Rocky Gap during 2010 PROMISE Community Building Retreat

2010-02-27T17:29:00.007-05:00

Today (2/27/2010), we are at Rock Gap for our Annual PROMISE Community Building Retreat, which is similar to what we have done last year. However, there is definitely something DIFFERENT: the ROPE experience. Yeah... I must admit that when I first heard about that, I told myself that I should not try that because it sounds like so scary even by the name itself.However, when I was there this

Flurries are white, our ride was blue

2010-02-26T23:13:00.002-05:00

So it snowed on the way here. A very nice two hour drive. Snow flurries falling as our Coach bus drove up and down the mountains. We watched a movie called the Island on the bus. Ironic, since we were heading towards our own version of an Island; our oasis, a retreat from everyday hustle and bustle. We did the usual stuff at first; checked in, went to our separate rooms, and ate. The rooms are

99 gaps in rocks on the road 99 gaps in rock... la la lala la

2010-02-26T09:44:00.004-05:00

The time is 9:44am. Merely hours before we set course for the Rocky Gap retreat. I just looked at the directions to the site on "google maps" and it is supposed to be a 2 hr drive. That I like. So driving by myself is definitely out of the question. Now to see what books to read on the bus and what homeworks to bring along. The wind right now is ferocious, hopefully it is much better at the site

Grad Student Community Building Retreat at Rocky Gap - Coming Feb. 26-28. Application online now!

2010-02-10T16:42:00.003-05:00

Despite the snow, we are still planning for our annual PROMISE Community Building Retreat for graduate students. As promised, the application for the 2010 retreat is now online:https://sites.google.com/site/thepromisearchive/community-retreat-at-rocky-gap-2010.We have 100 slots. Interested faculty and staff are invited to attend! To continue our tradition, the 2010 Community Building Retreat

Excited About Rocky Gap 2010!

2010-01-30T15:30:00.005-05:00

Oh my God! When I received the Facebook message about the Rocky Gap Retreat applications for 2010, I stood up and did a "Holy Dance!" I am not kidding. I am one of the recipients of this program and I am ectastic that the Federal Government has not dipped into retreat spending. I still have a chance! Yay! I also thank God that my letters and email to Congress, President Obama, and Senators has

PROMISE Community Building Video

2009-12-04T22:36:00.002-05:00

This video highlights a key moment from the Sept. 2009 UMBC PROMISE Opening Meeting. PROMISE graduate students, postdocs, and faculty came together for a community building workshop with guest speaker, Dr. Derek Greenfield. Dr. Greenfield, an Assistant Professor at Shaw University and an adjunct faculty member at North Carolina State University, was recommended to PROMISE after one of our

PROMISE is invaluable

2009-12-04T20:28:00.002-05:00

I can't begin to put into words how much PROMISE is an asset to our graduate community. The program has provided us with resources that enable us to succeed in our academic and professional pursuits. The PROMISE leadership has also given us moral support during trying times and helped us build relationships that we will cherish forever. I've found that the PROMISE staff has fortified me on

I really love PROMISE....

2009-12-04T12:44:00.007-05:00

This semester has been one of the hardest ones yet. Trying to get a doctoral degree is like climbing a mountain and the closer you get to the top, the steeper the climb feels, the wearier your muscles, the weaker your resolve ("WHY did I decide to do this again??"). But PROMISE has been there for me the whole way, and even though I've been cutting back a lot on a lot of things, the program

"World is becoming flat" by PROMISE

2009-12-04T02:01:00.005-05:00

"We need PROMISE, we support it!"I am a foreign student from Beijing, China and coming here to study by myself. Everything seems so unfamiliar to me when I just landed on USA, walked into UMBC campus last year...Graduate study life is stressful, and being alone here is terrible, until I found "PROMISE", everything has changed... By "PROMISE", I get to know lots of friends who are just like me,

The PROMISE Network

2009-12-03T13:28:00.002-05:00

Whether it is on this blog or on Facebook, I just wanted to say I grateful I am to my PROMISE network for motivating and encouraging me to stay the course. To my friends that have recently defended or about to defend (a shout out to L. Kee and MC Unal)you are an inspiration!

Dedicated to my PROMISE family

2009-12-03T08:21:00.002-05:00

The PROMISE family has been a source of huge inspiration and support during my doctoral education. It is hard enough grinding through the wilderness years of a phd with plenty of soul searching by oneself. I like to refer to PROMISE as one's "promise Land" where we all share in the trials and tribulations of each other.Events such as the Fall Harvest, seminars and retreats have all brought us

PROMISE Evaluation Week - Thoughts & Comments

2009-11-17T08:55:00.002-05:00

This week, November 16-20, 2009, PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP will participate in site visits, focus groups, and online surveys as part of the National AGEP Evaluation. We realize that all of our students and faculty will not have a chance to participate in these activities, so we would like to provide an opportunity for you to post your thoughts and comments. Please click "comments" and post your

Fall Harvest Dinner - Friday, Nov. 20,

2009-11-09T20:55:00.004-05:00

Please plan to join us for the annual PROMISE Fall Harvest (Pre-Thanksgiving) Dinner! This is always a great event. Delicious food(turkey, cakes, pies, etc.), good conversation, and great opportunities to connect with one another! Families are invited, however, you must R.S.V.P.by registering (see below).Location: Colony Ballroom, Stamp Student Union (#044)Directions: http://www.union.umd.edu/

Bridge to the Doctorate Fellows and their PROMISE Peer Mentors at UMBC

2009-11-09T20:16:00.005-05:00

The new cohort of Bridge to the Doctorate Fellows has been participating in their BD meetings and activities as well as some of the UMBC and PROMISE Tri-campus activities. The UMBC and UMCP Bridge to the Doctorate Students came together with their PROMISE Peer Mentors at the "When Faculty Say X, They Really Mean Y" Seminar on October 9, 2009.The BD Fellows participate in PROMISE events with their

Grad Student & Faculty Community Building: When Faculty say 'x', They Really Mean 'y'

2009-09-30T19:44:00.003-04:00

All Graduate Students welcome!"When Faculty say 'x', They Really Mean 'y'"A seminar that connects grad students and faculty.Friday, October 9, 2009, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.Students from all of our AGEP partner campuses are invited.Location:UMBC's Campus Public Policy Building Room 105. (1st Floor lecture hall)DINNER WILL BE SERVED!There is no cost for this event.This announcement is mirrored on: http

PROMISES!

2009-09-20T13:39:00.005-04:00

PROMISES Blog, September 6, 2009Asha’s invitation came quickly and repeatedly: “I have something tocelebrate! Let’s meet up for a potluck tonight” was the message in myFacebook account, voicemail, and text screen. A collection of abouttwelve of us sat around her kitchen table and couches until after midnightplaying Uno and a Battle of the

Looking Forward to Spring 2010 Retreat

2009-08-29T00:51:00.002-04:00

I hope and pray that the Federal Government does not cut the funds PROMISE needs to fund the retreat. Although I work part-time, I still find it very difficult to save any "extra" money to fund activities like the Rocky Gap Retreat I attended last spring.I will be sending letters to various branches of the government between now and next spring in hopes of getting their attention to this very

New PROMISE Video Channel on YouTube

2009-07-27T07:42:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/PROMISEagep

Dissertation House Online! July Challenge -- Do SOMETHING on your Dissertations this summer! Join us online!

2009-07-10T06:33:00.004-04:00

This week, many grad students in Maryland and at other schools around the country are participating in the Online Dissertation House! Students in Maryland have a chance to participate in person since we have one session at UMBC (ending this week), and another session at UM College Park that will take place in two weeks. The deadline for participation in the in-person/on-campus versions of the

Community Building - shares joys as well as sadness

2009-06-19T08:57:00.003-04:00

A community shares! In PROMISE, we share happy times like our experience on the retreat, but there are times where we also share in the sorrows of others. This spring, Julia Major, the mother of one of our UMCP PROMISE Peer Mentors, David Major, passed away. Most recently, we learned that the son of UMCP PROMISE Peer Mentor Asha Williams, Sekai Ayinde Williams, also passed away. Both Asha and

PROMISE Celebration of Grads, Celebration of Dr. Davis (PROMISE Founder)

2009-06-01T13:18:00.003-04:00

In addition to the outdoor Community Building Retreats, PROMISE has a number of campus-based events. May 2, 2009, we celebrated our Academic Year 2008-2009 Master's and Ph.D. graduates! We also expressed appreciation for Dr. Johnetta G. Davis, Associate Dean at UM College Park and one of the Founders of PROMISE.Enjoy this slideshow!Four UMB students were later featured in the News:http://

My Status

2009-04-30T15:28:00.002-04:00

Well, my dissertation proposal defense is June 2nd. I have to get the hard copies of my proposal to my committee members in just 1 1/2 weeks. I'm a little panicky, but I have a good adviser and I know that I'll make it. I should take Dr. Carter's suggestion and plan a "treat" for myself after I finish my proposal and after I defend. In June, I'll be applying for a doctoral symposium at the ESEM '

Approaching My Proposal Defense Date!

2009-04-30T15:02:00.003-04:00

I can't tell you how much the Rocky Gap retreat meant to me. My dissertation proposal defense is June 2 and I'm actually looking forward to it. I chose the dissertation house option at Rocky Gap. Just being in an isolated spot, having time, and having people that actually cared (and helped) my progress provided the push that I needed. When you're there, you feel like, "I can't believe that people

Survival

2009-04-29T13:30:00.005-04:00

The lessons that I learned at the PROMISE retreat in Rocky Gap in February 2009 have became embedded within me. I have transferred the skills that we learned about fire, shelter, water and food into my educational experience. Attending the retreat and learning survival skills showed me that I can survive grad school because I already have what it takes to complete it. What I learned is that I

Promise Retreat After Effects

2009-04-29T13:00:00.002-04:00

It has been 2 months since I participated in the Promise Retreat at Rocky Gap. I still think about this retreat for a few reasons: - Every time I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with school work, I think about how much fun I had at the retreat and how fun it was to learn new things even if it was hard. As a result, I try to keep that mindset as I'm plowing through countless/endless articles and

eye-opening experience

2009-03-19T10:36:00.003-04:00

The Promise Retreat to Rocky Gap could be described as tremendous learning experience for me, not only because of the outdoor activities, but also for the opportunity to meet and interact with students of various majors and cultural backgrounds. If I were to look back 4-5 years and ask myself whether or not I could see myself attending a weekend where I am in an unfamiliar atomosphere with

2009-03-13T09:56:00.002-04:00

Hi!I just want to thank everyone for the great weekend at Rocky gap (even if it is a little late)I had so much fun and it was a wonderful experience meeting you all!It is good to know that if something happens we know what to do and not to panic in order to survive.Again thanks againA big hug to all of youNanda

wonderful experience

2009-03-08T14:07:00.002-04:00

HiThe Promise retreat'09 was a great experience and a good way to connect with other graduate students .It was a welcome break from the everyday routine of studying ,TA work or research and as a first year student it was very encouraging to meet other people who are going through the same things as me. A big THANK you to the organizers :) .

DIssertation House

2009-03-06T13:18:00.002-05:00

Participating in the Dissertation House gave me a better perspective on the dissertation process. It was encouraging to see so many of my colleagues motivated to finish...by any means necessary. Dr. Carter imparted valuable knowledge to us all and gave us the encouragement and advice we needed to press on...15 min at a time.

Promise 2009 - Learning basics on survival

2009-03-06T07:46:00.005-05:00

We learned the four basic priorities in a survival scenario. These are how to get Shelter, Water, Fire and Food. Learning what's what we should care for and what are the priorities will maximize your chances of success in a outdoors survival scenario . In the same way, in the day to day problems, being able to identify what are your real needs and what is the relative importance of each

Rocky Gap- wonderful trip

2009-03-05T13:59:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to thank the PROMISE staff and all those who made this experience possible. The trip was a great way to detox from all school related matters and meet others who are feeling a little demotivated from graduate work too. It is great to know I am not alone in that aspect. I really enjoyed networking and spending time with so many talented people. I will never forget the discussion

This is living

2009-03-05T12:45:00.009-05:00

The PROMISE retreat was exactly what I needed: an opportunity to work effectively with my Dissertation House coach and peers' help, to have fun with and catch up with people I hadn't seen in forever (or with new friends that I'd just met), and to get away to a beautiful place and eat regular, balanced meals and get up on time. Lol.

2009-03-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

The Joy of Learning

2009-03-04T15:57:00.002-05:00

Rocky Gap was nothing short of amazing from start to finish. Not only was the retreat just good ol' fun, this retreat also brought out the kid in me. Do you remember being a child and when you did something that was great, you couldn't wait to go home to show/tell someone? That was the feeling I had at this retreat. As soon as I got a moment, I ran back to my room to call my parents to tell them

An experience at Rocky Gap

2009-03-04T12:43:00.005-05:00

As with many students, the stress of going trying to obtain a graduate degree can be overwhelming and you may feel isolated and alone in all your struggles.I was near a stress point when I found out about the retreat and knew I had to go. Though at first leery about participating in an outdoors survival type course( in this weather??) I soon found that the skills that I learned were not only

A Wonderful Experience!

2009-03-03T16:32:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful experience to get away from it all and at the same time make significant progress towards writing my proposal defense. No "What's for dinner, Mom?" or other distractions. Just Dr. Carter's "Get your butt moving, Susan!" (I can deal with that!) I feel privileged to have been invited to participate in such a community-oriented event. One of the biggest mistakes I've made since I've

Dissertation House

2009-03-03T13:49:00.005-05:00

The Promise retreat was amazing and productive...providing the much needed time, resources,space and support to work on completing dissertation goals.Dr. Tull, Dr. Carter, and Gloria, I cannot begin to thank you enough for absolutely everything that you did to make it possible to be there!!You are incredible and inspirational!!PS Writing blessings to all of the dissertation house family & best

2009-03-03T12:32:00.002-05:00

Thank you for the great time at the Rocky Gap Retreat!This weekend was excellent and helped me to refocus on my dissertation. Thanks so much for providing great accommodations and the opportunity to focus on my dissertation, meet with my advisor, spend time with friends and make new friends. Thanks Dr. Tull, and Gloria, Dr. Carter and all others for making Rocky Gap possible.

Promise Retreat

2009-03-03T11:22:00.002-05:00

The retreat was a very inspiring and empowering experience. I enjoyed learning all the outdoor survival skills. I believe they that I will need at least one of the skills in the future. The Polar Bears were a fun group to work with and we work so well together. The most empowering station was around shelter. It took me back to my childhood days when I used to play in the mud. Johanna,

2009-03-03T10:36:00.006-05:00

Hello all,I am so glad and refreshed after going to the retreat. It was amazing.The week after the retreat had been very severe for me, and I was having quite a difficult time. It was truly a blessing to find myself amongst such great people, and to find that I was assigned an angel for roommate (Patricia from UMBC). I am not much of a writer, so I will be brief, but I wanted to thank Dr. Tull,

Dissertation House and More

2009-03-03T09:57:00.004-05:00

Dissertation House was nothing short of a blessing!! I came to Rocky Gap with an idea for my dissertation, but no research question, no hypothesis and no direction. By the time the weekend was over, I formulated a research question, developed two hypotheses, started working on my problem section and found direction (due to my discussions with Dr. Carter). Although I greatly appreciate the

The promise of PROMISE

2009-03-03T08:59:00.002-05:00

The PROMISE family just returned from another wonderful session at Rocky GAP. I know all of us have shared in the creation of some amazing memories. I wanted to start a small thread on people's view of the PROMISE program.Personally I view the program as more than just retreats and the chance to get together. The program carries with it a sense of belonging. It gives hope that "we will never walk

Videos and photos/Melissa Browning

2009-03-02T22:10:00.006-05:00

Great Time at the Rocky Gap Retreat

2009-03-02T20:17:00.004-05:00

I had a wonderful and productive time at the Rocky Gap Retreat this past weekend. I participated in the Dissertation House (DH) and finished a poster that I will present at a conference next week. I received feedback on my research from my fellow DH participants, and good advice from the Dissertation Coach, Dr. Carter. I enjoyed spending time with my old PROMISE friends and making new ones.

Dissertation House

2009-03-02T19:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend was excellent. Thanks so much for providing great accommodations and the opportunity to focus on my dissertation for the whole weekend. Dr. Carter, as always, you are the best!

Memorable retreat moments

2009-03-02T19:27:00.030-05:00

The PROMISE retreat was an amazing experience for me- awesome new friends, the great outdoors, and time for introspection. Quick countdown of my most memorable moments of this weekend.1. The hilarious and most interesting introductions in the ballroom on Friday evening. I thought it was a great idea to not give us name tags and have us learn names. Initially, all I could remember was the

Dissertation House

2009-03-02T16:07:00.002-05:00

I really appreciated the time I was able to spend focused on my dissertation. It's incredibly difficult to work on the weekends when I'm already so tired from the rest of the week. Thanks for creating a space dedicated to getting us out!!!

First Year PROMISE Protege Enjoys Rocky Gap Retreat

2009-03-02T15:59:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone,It is indeed a pleasure to be able to address all of my current and newfound friends this glorious day. I really dislike snow days from school, because they just make professors rearrange the syllabus and reconstruct an already difficult reading list into a more profound one. BUT! As I reminisce about this past weekend, my soul cries out, "Hallejulah!"Although I am not an outdoor

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2009-03-02T15:24:00.002-05:00

To anyone who was involved in organizing this trip thank you! I don't know whether it was being in a new place, or being separated from email, phone and other stresses in my life or whether it was just being somewhere in nature or whether is was just having some one on one time with Dr. Carter (although I have it with her regularly at school and don't make as much progress as I did this weekend).

Rocky Gap

2009-03-02T14:31:00.002-05:00

I had such a great time this weekend despite the many coughs and sneezes. The atmosphere was beautiful and the skills learned during the survival ourdoor activities can definitely be applied to life as a graduate student. I met so many new people and I had a lot of fun. Even though I had my butt kicked in the card game of Spades I am going to be ready to win at the next retreat. I really

It was wonderful!

2009-03-02T14:10:00.003-05:00

I truly enjoyed my trip to Rocky Gap this past weekend. I participated in the dissertation house and completed a chapter. Dr. Carter was instrumental in my completing and submitting my dissertation chapter. I sincerely thank her for her tough love and commitment to my success! I'd also like to thank Gloria Anglon and Ranetta Tull for all of their hard work this weekend. It wouldn't have been

2009-03-02T13:58:00.002-05:00

It was an excellent opportunity to meet nice people.... learn survival skills, teamwork, getaway, have fun etc. I enjoyed every single moment. Thank you PROMISE for organizing such a nice retreat.

2009-03-02T13:55:00.002-05:00

2009-03-02T13:36:00.000-05:00

2009-03-02T13:12:00.000-05:00

The Monday after and Awesome Weekend!!

2009-03-02T11:01:00.004-05:00

Well...today is a snowy Monday. As I reflect back on the weekend, I can't believe how wonderful and productive it was! It seems that my experience at the Retreat gets better and better each year. It was great to see all my old friends and meet new ones. The saddest realization during my reflection is that this will be my last retreat, as I plan to graduate this year:( My experiences with my

Fun Experience

2009-03-02T10:10:00.003-05:00

Thank for all the support and encouragement during this retreat which I think made everyone more optimistic to pursue their goal toward graduation. I had the opportunity to consult with Dr.Tull and other people which were very helpful. Dr.Carter is so supportive and she helped me to create a timeline to hopefully gradate by Dec 2009. This was a wonderful fun event to get connected with other