OAAA main house
OAAA E-Weekly November 14, 2023
Mark Your Calendar
Fall 2023 Academic Calendar
Wednesday, November 22 - Sunday, November 26
Thanksgiving recess
Tuesday, December 5
Courses end
Thursday, December 7 - Friday, December 15
Examinations (Go to Exam Schedule)
Sunday, December 10 & Wednesday, December 13
Reading Days
Friday, December 16
Winter Break
OAAA Alumni Engagement
Name: Nmadinobi “Nma” Okafor
Hometown: Hampton, VA/ Lagos, Nigeria
Year of Graduation: Class of 2021
Major: Cognitive Science
Current Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Broker | Model
My advice for students would be to use these remaining years to figure out who you really are. Allow yourself to feel and make mistakes. You'll cry, get upset, get angry, feel burned out, feel excited, whatever, the most important part is that you allow yourself to feel and reflect on that experience. In the end, you'll look back on those moments and see them as your most influential factors in who you have become.
My favorite memory of OAAA was in between classes. It was a space where we would gather, eat, work, catch up, you name it. It was a moment to "take your masks off" and just genuinely be yourself while surrounding yourself with people who had your best interest at heart. Additionally, with people you would never really see on a daily basis, OAAA served as a space where the likelihood of running into them was high, which supported the cultivation of relationships.
Hometown: Hampton, VA/ Lagos, Nigeria
Year of Graduation: Class of 2021
Major: Cognitive Science
Current Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Broker | Model
My advice for students would be to use these remaining years to figure out who you really are. Allow yourself to feel and make mistakes. You'll cry, get upset, get angry, feel burned out, feel excited, whatever, the most important part is that you allow yourself to feel and reflect on that experience. In the end, you'll look back on those moments and see them as your most influential factors in who you have become.
My favorite memory of OAAA was in between classes. It was a space where we would gather, eat, work, catch up, you name it. It was a moment to "take your masks off" and just genuinely be yourself while surrounding yourself with people who had your best interest at heart. Additionally, with people you would never really see on a daily basis, OAAA served as a space where the likelihood of running into them was high, which supported the cultivation of relationships.
“Not one ounce of my self-worth depends on your acceptance of me.” Quincy Jones
Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder Vol. 14 11.13.23
Sticking to your study plans feeling a little more difficult as you prepare for the final weeks of the semester? Yes, many of us are ready for that home cooked meal as we are a bit tired of Mellow Mushroom, Bodo’s and Chick-fil-a oh and Roots too!!! These final weeks may seem challenging, but let’s not detract from the progress you’ve made thus far. Instead, we must try to stay on track during the holiday season of busy family time and celebrations. Consider these simple tips as finish the semester stronger than you started.
STICKING TO YOUR STUDY PLANS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
1. Make a Schedule (Duh.)
You’ve likely heard this nugget of advice many times: Study at a time (or times) each day when you won’t have too many distractions. This can be during your lunch break at work, on your daily commute (yay, mobile flashcards!), or later at night when things are quieter around the house. As with any study plan, do give yourself a day off here and there so you can tackle all those other errands and chores that could get in the way of your dedicated study time.
Stay organized on the GO!!!!
Traveling during the holidays? Why not keep your study materials handy and organized so you don’t waste valuable time searching for things. Remember in Vol. 4 where you made a study plan, stick to them by making the most of that train, plane or bus ride and Vol. 2 where you set your study goals…you can only accomplish them if you do them! Did someone say Mobile flashcards????
Set the Ground Rules
Tell your family and friends about your schedule and make it CLEAR about the space and time you need to stick to your study plan. Keeping everyone informed about your studies—and that it’s only temporary—will give you enough space to stick to your study plan throughout the holidays.
4. Find a Study Buddy if you can
Having a study partner can keep you on tasks and hold you accountable for your study plans. You each will be more productive and create an environment conducive to meeting your goals.
5. Take BREAKS….plenty of them!
Stick to your study plan but also make time to relax and enjoy your friends and family. This may also make you more productive during your scheduled study times.
Remember maintaining your BLACK EXECELLENCE is a constant process.
Your progress is our success”
Dean Kelly
Student Spotlight: Avery Worsham
Avery Worsham is a Third-Year student at the University majoring in Kinesiology from Baltimore, Maryland. While here on Grounds, Avery has been an active University community member. Avery is a Black Friday volunteer in the Office of African-American Affairs, a Residential Advisor (RA), and an undergraduate Teacher’s Assistant (TA) in the School of Education, while also taking on the responsibilities of being an undergraduate research assistant in the heart failure lab and a physical therapy tech. Upon graduation, Avery plans to attend medical school to become an orthopedic doctor.
Schedule a Meeting with a Dean
In addition to the cultural programs we host, each Dean is available to meet with students to provide one-on-one support (i.e., academic, social, and emotional) to all our students.
Dear OAAA Family & Friends,
I would like to give a special shoutout to the AKAS for hosting, MSC for allowing us to use their space and to the HOO’s First Team for sponsoring and honoring all First Gen students, faculty, and staff!
As the semester is winding down, please stay focused on the future, make a plan, and stick to it, lean on your support network, don’t forget to make time for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments. You are almost there. Keep pushing!
Jeffery C. Smith, II
Assistant Dean
Improving vocabulary is a valuable skill that can benefit communication, reading, and writing. Here is one practical way to enhance one's vocabulary:
Use a dictionary: Look up unfamiliar words while reading, and take note of their meanings, synonyms, and antonyms.
Word of the Week:
riposte
noun [ri·poste]
- a quick, clever reply to an insult or criticism
Remember, building vocabulary is a gradual process, so be patient and consistent in putting forth the effort.
Hello all! This is Ms. Carter with the affirmation of the week:
“I don’t let my fears keep me from following my dreams.”
Upcoming UVA Events, Learning & Services
Night Owl Yoga
Mondays-Thursdays – 8:00 pm-9:00 pm – Aquatic Fitness Center (AFC) MP4
Drop into Night Owl Yoga! Classes are free for students and are open to everyone with a UVA Recreation gym membership including all UVA students, faculty, staff, and community members. For More Information Contact Name: Mai Hukuoka
Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore-Style Sessions
Mondays-Fridays – 6:30 am-8:30 am – North Grounds Recreation Center (NGRC), MP3
Join CSC's Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga classes and cultivate a meditative practice focused on your breath. One-on-one guidance and instruction is provided as needed. Come and go as you please during the classes offered. For More Information Contact Name: Mai Hukuoka
The UVA Coalition on Eating Disorders and Exercise Concerns Presents: Perfect Illusions
Tuesday, November 14 – 6:30 pm – LGBTQ Center in Newcomb Hall
Real talk about food and body image and hope for the future
UVA Virginia College Advising Corps Info Sessions
Tuesday, November 14 – 7:00 pm – Virtual (via Zoom)
Thursday, November 16 – 7:00 pm – Virtual (via Zoom)
Looking for a fun, rewarding, and dynamic public service position after graduation? The Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC) may be right for you! VCAC hires recent college graduates to serve as college advisers in high schools throughout the Commonwealth to increase the number of low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students who enter and complete higher education. These near-peer college advisers guide students and their families through college planning, application, and financial aid processes with a particular focus on helping students find their “best fit” postsecondary option – whether trade/technical, two-year, four-year, public, or private. College advisers undergo significant training and receive valuable professional development including guidance and support with career and graduate school goals. Advisers serve full-time for two years and in return receive a living allowance, health insurance, and an Educational Award upon completion of each full-time commitment. If you're interested in getting more information about our program and the opportunity to speak with our advisers, we'd love to invite you to one of our virtual sessions via Zoom. Contact Name: Ashmore Hyndman III
Application Workshop
Wednesday, November 15 – 5:00 pm-7:00 pm – Garrett Hall
Batten is hosting an Application Workshop in collaboration with the Batten Asian Alliance, Black Student Leaders in Policy, Women in Policy, and PRIDE.
2023 UVA Graduate and Postdoctoral Fall Festival
Thursday, November 16 – 12:00 pm-2:00 pm – Ern Commons
The Fall Festival is catered to all Graduate and Postdoctoral students in celebration of different cultures and customs through food, activities, and music! Come join us for a dynamic event, where you can build a network, join a community, and have great food. The UVA Fall Festival celebrates the traditions, customs, and cultures within our UVA graduate students and postdoctoral scholar communities as we commemorate the fall season through music, food, and fellowship. For More Information Contact Name: Drew Washington
Black Economic Empowerment Society (BEES): Black Business Pop-Up Shop
Friday, November 17 – 12:00 pm-6:00 pm – Lawn in front of Peabody Hall
BEES🐝will host a Black Business Pop-Up Shop! This incredible event brings together the vibrant Black-owned businesses from the Charlottesville community and UVA to showcase their products and connect with a broader audience. If you're a Black business owner, don't miss the opportunity to participate. Register now by visiting their website beesatuva.org. Registration closes on Friday, November 10th, so act fast! Questions, comments, or concerns? Feel free to reach out to @bees_at_uva or email [email protected].
A Moment in Black History
Did you know? On February 12, 1946, Isaac Woodard Jr., an African-American World War 2 veteran decorated for courage under fire, is beaten by South Carolina police until he's blind - just hours after his honorary discharge from the military. While he was still in military uniform on a Greyhound bus from Camp Gordon in Augusta, GA enroute to his home, the bus driver cursed Woodard for asking to stop to use the restroom, then pulled the bus over at the next stop and called the police. The Batesburg, SC police beat him, then jailed him and beat him to the point of blindness. Due to South Carolina's reluctance to pursue the case, President Harry S. Truman ordered a federal investigation. The police chief, Lynwood Shull, was indicted and went to trial in federal court in South Carolina, where he was acquitted by an all-white jury.
Opportunities with Deadlines.
Centering the Voice of UVA Black Male Undergraduates
Seeking Research Participants with Compensation. The goal of this work is to help make elementary schools feel like spaces where Black boys feel valued, humanized, and supported by educators. By centering the voices of Black male undergraduate students as they describe their own positive student-teacher relationships, we hope to understand how they experience their teachers and what they find powerful and impactful in the creation of these important bonds. We will use what we learn to support teachers in developing their relationship-building skills. The study is open to all Black male-identifying undergraduate students at UVA. All students who are qualified and complete the study will be compensated with a $25.00 Target gift card. For More Information. Contact Name: Aaron Blatt, Doctoral Student
Interested in Joining OSAC?
Outreach Student Admission Committee (OSAC) volunteers play a vital role in the way we engage and connect with prospective students. Events take place in both virtual and in-person formats. It is very important that the UVA's Office of Undergraduate Admission continues to reach out and connect with prospective students as they decide where they would like to go to college. We couldn't do it without your help! Do not hesitate to reach out to the Outreach team Alex Cook. We look forward to being in touch with each of you soon. For More Information.
Office of Undergraduate Admission - Outreach Team
Are you passionate about diversity and the student experience at UVA? Fill out this interest form to get involved with the HOOS Diverse Blog! Email Taína Santana at [email protected] with any questions! For More Information