Despite less than 1 percent of the U.S. population having completed a marathon, according to Everyday Health, many University of Maryland students are ready to take on the challenge.

If training to run 26.2 miles wasn’t enough, another semester of college adds to the pressure. Some students at this university aren’t letting that hold them back, like Camilla Rinaldi.

The senior environmental science and policy major ran the Marine Corps Marathon in October. This was Rinaldi’s second marathon, having run her first one last fall on the C&O Canal Towpath, a nearly 185-mile trail along the Potomac River.

Training for the marathon while balancing college life was stressful, Rinaldi said.

“Some days I’d have to get up at 5 a.m. just so I’d be done running by nine and then could go to my 10 a.m. class,” she said. “It was a sacrifice that I wanted to make in the end.”

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Katie Monahan, a senior marketing and supply chain management major, acknowledged the difficulty of training alongside academics.

Like Rinaldi, she said she sometimes struggled with motivation, especially during her grueling training sessions.

“I’d be waking up before all my roommates and running for four hours … it was hard,” Monahan said. “But it was all worth it in the end.”

Both Rinaldi and Monahan said they ultimately found the inspiration to continue pushing on, despite the hardships.

As a long-distance runner since fifth grade, Rinaldi said she still finds it thrilling.

“I always knew I was going to do a marathon. I just didn’t know it would be this early in my life because I thought it would be too hard to do with college,” Rinaldi said. “But after running for so many months, you just kind of get your schedule down.”

Monahan said her dad, who ran around 30 marathons, inspired her to try one herself.

As Monahan ran her first-ever marathon, her dad ran his 22nd and final Marine Corps Marathon.

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“He gave me a lot of advice on how to train and how to fuel properly,” Monahan said.

For students like Malia Schmelzer, these long-distance runs can become more spontaneous affairs.

Schmelzer, a sophomore philosophy, politics and economics and Spanish major, ran her first half marathon on Saturday at the Ocean City Running Festival.

She went into the half marathon with minimal training. Schmelzer wanted to get back into running and decided to try out a half marathon for fun.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into, but there were a lot of people,” Schmelzer said. “The adrenaline’s gonna get you through, even if you haven’t really run a whole lot.”

Schmelzer called the half marathon a “great experience,” with support from both runners and crowds on the sidelines.

“Families everywhere … everybody from all ages there cheering, it was just really wholesome,” Schmelzer said.

After completing her first half, Schmelzer tossed around the idea of a full marathon in the future but with more training. Monahan similarly sees herself continuing to run marathons after college. Rinaldi hopes to do one marathon every year.

Monahan said that once you start running races as long as half and full marathons, you have to keep going back for more.

“I feel like I have the bug now. It was just so much fun,” Monahan said. “And the crowd was so great that I think it’s just something that will be fun to work towards.”

Three years since their last album Dance Fever,the English band continues to explore themes of performance, release and introspection. While their music has always had a hint of gothic influence, Everybody Scream takes it to a new level.

As usual, lead singer Florence Welch’s vocals are the star of the show, as she displays her wide range and unique sound over billowing instrumentals.

The album begins with the title track, a powerful song about Welch’s relationship with her fans and performing. It opens with harmonized vocalizations that transition into crowd cheers over a steady drum beat.

Welch keeps the energy up as she sings: “Here, I don’t have to be quiet / Here, I don’t have to be kind / Extraordinary and normal all at the same time / But look at me run myself ragged / Blood on the stage / But how can I leave you when you’re screaming my name?”

“Everybody Scream” epitomizes the entire album in one song: an exhilarating celebration of music and its restorative qualities.

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The second track, “One of the Greats,” flaunts Welch’s lyricism, further playing into the album’s macabre, folk-horror undertones, all while scrutinizing sexism in the music industry.

While on tour for Dance Fever, Welch experienced a miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, and had to undergo emergency surgery.

“One of the Greats” reflects on Welch’s mortality, and, in turn, the pressure to keep performing and maintain a superstar image: “I crawled up from under the earth / Broken nails and coughing dirt / Spitting out my songs so you could sing along, oh / And with each bedraggled breath, I knew I came back from the dead.”

Through its raw portrayal of stardom and unfiltered lyrics, “One of the Greats” stands out as one of the best songs on Everybody Scream.

The album continues into more subdued backing, focusing mostly on Welch’s vocals.

She reflects on her miscarriage on “Sympathy Magic,” as she references anxiety and PTSD symptoms in the aftermath.

On “Buckle,” a simple guitar riff backs lyrics of longing, confusion and remorse. Welch sings, “Falling for anyone awful who tells me I’m pretty / I blocked your number, but you didn’t notice / Oh, God, I thought I was too / Old for this.”

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Welch continues to discuss her fame and performing on “Kraken,” where she uses a kraken as a metaphor for her career. Welch sings, “Creature from the deep, do I haunt you in your sleep? / My tentacles so tender, as I caress your cheek / Did you know how big I would become?”

Like in “Everybody Scream,” “Kraken” represents how powerful and even dangerous Welch feels when she is on stage. Her comparisons to a kraken exhibit her urge to keep performing, even when she needs to rest.

While each song is unique in lyrics and instrumentals, the overall themes are cohesive. When listening to the album in its entirety, Welch’s struggles with womanhood, her relationship with performing and recovery from her miscarriage become apparent in every track.

“And Love,” the simple and breathy closing track of the album, juxtaposes the fiery nature of the rest of the songs with a soft piano ballad. Welch repeats the phrase, “Peace is coming,” a manifestation of her future.

After an album full of pain, heartbreak and chaos, Welch can surrender and find peace.

Aptly released on Halloween, Everybody Scream is a whirlwind of witch-like incantations, eerie instrumentals and, of course, Welch’s signature voice. The album is the rawest and most personal work by Florence + The Machine, solidifying Welch’s status as “one of the greats.”

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, watching a football game with friends, or just want to enjoy a fall-themed drink, from coffee to cocktails, you’ll be sure to feel the fall vibes with these recipes. 

Pumpkin butter latte – Abby Olear, video editor 

Ingredients:

• 2 shots of espresso
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin butter 
• Cinnamon 
• Milk of choice

Directions:

Coffee drinkers, this one’s for you. Olear recommends a pumpkin butter latte, putting a unique twist on the pumpkin spice classic. This latte is the perfect way to start a day, especially while walking to class in cooler weather and under changing leaves. 

Begin by brewing two shots of espresso and pouring them over a heaping tablespoon of Trader Joe’s pumpkin butter. In a separate cup, pour however much milk you prefer over ice before adding in the espresso and pumpkin butter mix. Stir and top with cinnamon. The pumpkin butter is a smooth, rich addition to your typical fall latte. 

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Apple cider spritz – Caroline Pecora, search engine optimization editor 

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces apple cider
• 2 ounces vodka 
• 4 ounces prosecco 
• Splash of vanilla extract 
• Splash of aperol (optional)
• Cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions:

This combination of sweetness of apple cider with the classic taste of an aperol spritz is a must-make from Pecora. You can serve it at a Halloween party or a Thanksgiving dinner. 

To make this drink, pour apple cider, vodka and prosecco (if over 21) over ice. Top it off with a splash of vanilla extract and an optional splash of aperol if you have it. Pecora recommends garnishing it with a cinnamon stick to add an extra fall touch. 

Apple cider mimosa – Caroline Pecora

Ingredients:

• One part apple cider
• One part prosecco

Directions:

If you’re looking for an easy cocktail with a fall twist, this drink is for you. This apple cider mimosa is perfect for a fall or Halloween-themed breakfast or brunch. 

Instead of a typical mimosa with orange juice, use apple cider and top it with an equal amount of prosecco. Feel free to serve it with or without ice. 

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Lemon drop of horrors – Stella Garner, tabloids editor 

Ingredients:

• One part lemonade
• One part sprite 
• Lavender or rose syrup 

Directions:

Throwing a Halloween party this weekend? This “lemon drop of horrors” is the perfect spooky mocktail to serve. 

Garner’s drink is served with equal parts lemonade and sprite and topped with either lavender or rose syrup. Use rose syrup for a sweeter flavor, lavender for floral notes. After trying it with rose syrup, the final mocktail was the perfect mix of sweet and tart.

The gala included food and dance performances in Stamp’s Colony Ballroom and featured keynote speaker Katty Huertas, a designer and art director at the Washington Post. The gala was the final event hosted by the coalition in Stamp’s Latine Heritage Month events, which took place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. 

Circular tables lined the sides and back of the room, with lollipop and chocolate favors at every seat. The large space in the center of the room was used for performances and dancing throughout the night. 

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The coalition’s theme for this year’s heritage month was “Juntos Bajo el Sol y la Luna,” which translates to “Together Under the Sun and Moon.” 

“We work in collaboration with other [organizations] … that’s the mission of CLSO,” said Katherine Beza, the coalition’s co-president and junior fire protection engineering major. “Having these events is a way of connecting with my community and giving back.” 

Beza said she experienced culture shock coming to the University of Maryland as a freshman, even with the knowledge that it’s a predominantly white institution. 

She said she went to the coalition’s heritage month events her first year and became a part of the organization after finding out they planned a variety of events to celebrate the month.

Beza said the attendee numbers were smaller after the pandemic, but have grown every year. She said the increase is a testament to the work the coalition has done to “cultivate this community.”

Despite their large scale, Beza said all the organization’s events are free for attendees. 

“[The events are] not exclusive for Latinos, either — it’s for anyone who’s looking for a community who wants to celebrate our heritage,” she said.   

Many attendees at the gala were members of the 13 organizations co-sponsoring the event. Brianna Acosta Citala, president of the Latinx Student Union, said she and other students were looking forward to the event because of how much work is put into it.

“Hosting events … means bringing the Latino community on campus, even though it’s small, to unite together and become bigger throughout it all,” the senior psychology major said.

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Acosta Citala said many of the events hosted by the coalition and other organizations are also attended by faculty and local community members. 

Bianca Gutierrez, a senior public policy major, is a member of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc., another co-sponsor of the gala. 

Gutierrez said although many people that come to events like the gala are Latino, she hopes people who are not are able to get a sense of the community. “I personally really appreciate Hispanic Heritage Month, and I think with everything going on now, it’s really important to spread that awareness and spread that culture,” Gutierrez said.

I’ve been a Lorde fan for as long as I can remember, and I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see her sing live. The Ultrasound World Tour is in promotion of Virgin, the most recent album by the New Zealand singer.

From running on a treadmill barefoot to walking right through the general admission crowd, Lorde’s Sunday night show displayed a passion and authenticity that was unmistakably hers.

After openers Chanel Beads and The Japanese House, the unsettling synth beat of “Hammer,” the opening track of Virgin, erupted. Lorde appeared in a red T-shirt and jeans and her distinct raspy vocals rang through the room as she sang, “There’s a heat in the pavement, my mercury’s raising.”

On every chorus of the song, white strobe lights went off as Lorde danced along. The screen behind her showed a camera view of the audience, which only added to the unbeatable atmosphere.

As Lorde welcomed the crowd, she warned everyone would be leaving “a puddle of sweat and tears,” which was met by roaring cheers and applause from the crowd. I can confirm she was absolutely right.

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Throughout the night, Lorde sang every song on her newest album Virgin, while sprinkling in her hits from past projects.

Lorde’s performance of “Supercut,” a staple track on her 2017 album Melodrama, was heart-pounding. A song I have held close to my heart since it was first released. Hearing it live was invigorating.

In the final chorus, Lorde hopped on a treadmill on the stage and walked barefoot to the beat, eventually speeding up to a run as the song closed out.

Channeling her single cover for “Man Of The Year,” Lorde performed the song in nothing but jeans and duct tape covering her chest. The track, along with Virgin as a whole, explores themes of gender fluidity, femininity and rebirth. Her clash of vulnerability and confidence perfectly encapsulated the themes of Virgin.

Lorde picked the energy back up with “Team,” a classic to fans and casual listeners alike and one of her earliest hits. The audience put their hands up on the lyrics, “I’m kind of over gettin’ told to throw my hands up in the air,” and immediately broke out into dance during the chorus.

Toward the setlist’s homestretch, security parted the crowd with a white line of tape on the ground as Lorde made her way through the venue.

Standing around the white line the entire concert, I had an up-close experience of Lorde walking through the crowd performing the emotional closing track “David” of Virgin. Roughly inspired by Michelangelo’s David sculpture, the song is an ode to rebirth and independence. Being so close to her in such a powerful moment was unforgettable and solidified Ultrasound as my new favorite concert experience.

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Lorde ended the concert at the back of the pit for a cathartic encore.

The whole crowd erupted the moment she announced she was playing “A World Alone,” a track that hasn’t been played at every show, and the energy didn’t stop until I was out the doors of The Anthem.

Seemingly every member of the audience belted in unison with Lorde: “Raise a glass, ’cause I’m not done sayin’ it / They all wanna get rough, get away with it / Let ’em talk, ’cause we’re dancing in this world alone / World alone, we’re alone.” The palpable liveliness of the pit, with everyone jumping and singing along, was unforgettable.

Free of theatrics, Lorde’s performance felt raw and unfiltered. She was down-to-earth, a rare quality from a megastar. Her performances often felt like a giant, liberating dance party, and her emotion radiated through the venue. It was a concert experience unlike any other.

Hosted at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Sagal’s appearance was part of a larger event called “Humor, Hope, and the Humanities: Why Creativity Matters” within the Dean’s Lecture Series. 

Their lively discussion served as a formal launch of the arts and humanities college’s new five-year strategic plan, a roadmap to increase creativity, growth and engagement in the humanities.

“We wanted our attendees to leave having engaged with the conversation that I had with Peter Sagal, having engaged with the music that we presented on stage and come away understanding this is where the arts and humanities has been, and this is where the arts and humanities will go further,” Shonekan told The Diamondback. 

As a long time listener of Sagal, and with his background studying humanities, Shonekan knew he was a guest who could help the audience understand the importance of the arts and humanities in the context of current events. 

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The conversation dove into Sagal’s career, hitting on highlights such as his passion for theater and performing, working as a playwright and screenwriter and his journey to becoming the host of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! in 1998.

In 2013, Sagal hosted the PBS documentary Constitution USA with Peter Sagal, in which he traveled the country investigating the U.S. Constitution’s role in modern society. Sagal and Shonekan discussed the importance of the Constitution to Americans and the ways it’s interpreted.

“For one of my classes, we just read the Constitution,” said sophomore English major Rebeca Ventura. “Hearing him talk about it was very interesting because he was saying that most Americans don’t know the Constitution … that’s something that I definitely felt when discussing it with my class.”  

Shonekan called the timing of his visit “serendipitous,” because this university’s First Year Book selection this year is the Constitution.

“With the Constitution as our First Year Book and the fact that he’ll be on campus, I thought what a wonderful part of the event to have him talk about something he cares deeply about,” Shonekan told The Diamondback.

Shonekan closed the discussion by naming each department within the arts and humanities college and asking Sagal to say the first word or phrase that came to mind. Sagal was his typical witty self, responding with jokes such as “learn it before they take it away” to history and “I don’t understand” to communication. 

Juliana Messinger, a sophomore immersive media design major said she had “no expectations” coming into the conversation but enjoyed hearing Sagal speak.

“I’ve listened to Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! since I was a kid. So when I saw Peter Sagal was coming, I really wanted to hear what he had to say,” she said. 

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Shonekan wanted Sagal’s appearance to invite all attendees to reflect on how the arts and humanities interact with American society.

“With so much technology around, with the rise of AI, we are, at the end of the day, still human beings who have really wonderful histories and cultures and worldviews,” Shonekan said. “It’s the arts and humanities that reminds us of our humanity, and so my conversation with Peter Sagal was really very much about that.”

We all love some pumpkin gnocchi and spiced cider, but Trader Joe’s has more to offer with its variety of fall items. The Diamondback reviewed some underrated items at Trader Joe’s that are perfect for getting into the fall spirit.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

A Trader Joe’s fall staple, its pumpkin cream cheese spread perfectly blends sweet and savory.

Its smooth texture allows for the natural pumpkin flavor and the richness of regular cream cheese to flourish. I paired it with an English muffin, but this fall spread would work with any bagel or toast.

Gluten Free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

If I hadn’t known these were gluten-free when I bought them, I would have had no way to tell.

These pumpkin streusel muffins were tender and velvety with a flavor that was just right. The pumpkin wasn’t overbearing, yet it was present in every bite combined with cinnamon and the spiced streusel topping.

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Fall Leaf Corn Tortilla Chips

Somewhat of an unlikely item, these tri-color tortilla chips are shaped like different leaves. Instead of using artificial dyes, these chips get their color from ingredients such as beet, carrot and pumpkin powders.

I dipped these in Trader Joe’s guacamole and buffalo-style chicken dip, and the chips’ saltiness and kick of the dips paired extremely well.

If you’re having a football watch party or fall get-together, these chips definitely match the season.

Maple Flavored Fudge

If you’re a lover of all things super sweet, this fudge is for you.

This maple-flavored fudge was rich, crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth smooth. But I could only eat one bite before getting a sweetness overload.

I would recommend this fudge for anyone with a big sweet tooth, especially with its unique maple fall twist.

Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs

An unassuming combination, maple syrup powder and molasses coat these corn puffs — and it surprisingly works. The typical corn puff flavor combined with sweetness was unusual at first, but it began to grow on me.

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Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

Although one of the more well-known fall items at Trader Joe’s, I don’t think it gets the credit it deserves.

The ravioli was so flavorful to the point where I only used butter and no sauce when I made this meal. The colorful pasta adds even more fall vibes — one ravioli is dark orange and the other a more amber color.

Salted Maple Ice Cream

Ending it off on a sweet and salty note, this salted maple ice cream is my new favorite Trader Joe’s dessert.

This dessert is flavored with real maple syrup, making it decadent, rich and buttery smooth. Its maple flavor swirls throughout the ice cream, adding a sugary touch to the delicate balance of sweet and savory already present.

Burtons Grill & Bar

Burtons Grill & Bar in Riverdale Park is a staple higher-end American restaurant to try when guests are in town. It has a relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere and a variety of menu options. My favorites are the chicken Milanese alfredo and the California chicken sandwich, but any meal at Burtons is definitely worth the visit.

The Greene Turtle

The Greene Turtle is one of the newer additions to the College Park restaurant and bar scene, located on Route 1. It has countless food options for a quick lunch with your family. I’m a big fan of the blackened chicken caesar wrap and Bavarian pretzel sticks. If you don’t want to go when it’s super busy, be sure to steer clear during Maryland’s football game.

Lake Artemesia

The Paint Branch Trail, which runs about four miles around College Park, leads walkers, runners and bikers to beautiful Lake Artemesia. Nestled just east of campus, the lake is a daily destination for many students and locals. While your family is in town, Lake Artemesia is a must see and the perfect place to spend quality time.

Rally House

Rally House, which opened in 2024 on Route 1, is the spot for anything and everything Maryland-themed. Whether you’re from Maryland or an out-of-state student, it’s likely your family will want to sport some Terps merchandise, and Rally House is the place to get it.

GrillMarX Steakhouse & Raw Bar

Conveniently located in The Hotel at the University of Maryland, GrillMarX Steakhouse & Raw Bar is a popular spot for an upscale meal in College Park. GrillMarX offers a variety of dining options, from brunch on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to seafood, steak, burgers and other options for dinner guests. If you want to stay in College Park but are looking for a nicer restaurant to go to with family, GrillMarX is the ideal choice.

The University of Maryland Golf Course 

During select times throughout the weekend, golfers of all skill levels are welcome to practice on the driving range at the University of Maryland Golf Course. The course is offering a free medium bucket of balls to guests with Family Weekend wristbands on all three days of events. If you or your family members are golfers, a visit to the course is a great way to spend some time together. 

No matter what you decide to do while your family is in town, College Park offers countless opportunities for fun and quality time with loved ones this Family Weekend.

Love him or hate him, Sheeran has held his own in the music industry for more than a decade. From his 2011 debut album to Divide, the worldwide best-selling album of 2017, he’s held the attention of millions of listeners with his smooth vocals and wide range of artistry.

But Sheeran’s recent music doesn’t seem to connect with listeners as well as his earlier releases.

Since Divide, Sheeran has released No.6 Collaborations Project, Equals, Subtract and Autumn Variations, with the latter two being more cathartic and subdued. Subtract specifically dives into the grief and fear he experienced at the time after the death of his best friend and his wife’s cancer diagnosis.

As a longtime fan of his, I almost stopped listening to his music entirely during the Subtract era. Whether it was the intensely personal nature of the album, or the lack of singles and music videos for Autumn Variations, Sheeran’s popularity took a nosedive after the major success of Divide.

Sheeran’s eighth studio album released Friday attempts to reclaim his status as a pop icon. With catchy beats and cultural influences in multiple songs, Sheeran channels feelings of freedom and playfulness throughout Play’s runtime.

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But he fails to match the iconic status of his earlier albums.

The new album is a mostly upbeat counterpart to his recent laid-back and introspective releases. It feels almost too airy and lighthearted, especially knowing how intelligent of a musician Sheeran is.

“Sapphire” incorporates vocals from Indian artist Arijit Singhand seamlessly blends English and Punjabi lyrics. An infectious and energizing track, it features a beat and energy that is hard to get out of your head.

The next track, “Azizam,” continues this peppy trend as an ode to dancing and being careless with someone you love. “Azizam” is a Persian term meaning “my darling” or “my dear.”

“Azizam / Meet me on the floor tonight,” Sheeran sings. “Show me how to movе like the water / In between the dancing lights.”

While these songs are well written and a representation of the joy and freedom Sheeran intended for the album to emit, they lack the emotional depth that so much of his prior work is known for. They sound like any other typical pop song on the radio, not having the standout melodies and lyrics that his songs such as “Perfect” and “Photograph” so notably do.

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The first track of Play, fittingly titled “Opening,” better reflects how Sheeran has worked through his recent hardships and is ready for the future. Beginning with a subdued guitar backing and soft vocals, he then picks up into a rap sequence toward the end.

Sheeran sings about picking himself up after grief and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. He is remarkably candid, airing out his vulnerable experiences to the listener.

“I have cried tears at my brother’s grave / I have shaken hands with my wife’s surgeon / I spent weeks inside the darkest cage / But now the day bursts wild and open,” Sheeran sings.

Toward the end of the album, Sheeran regains his typical sound and lyricism in the soft ballads, “In Other Words,” “Slowly” and “The Vow,” all love songs seemingly written for his wife. Sheeran also showcases intricate riffs and vocal ability on these tracks, which remind me of why he is the best of the best.

“Heaven,” arguably one of the best songs on Play, closes out the album and incorporates an electropop backing that is unusual for the typically acoustic Sheeran. The song begins acapella and with Sheeran’s voice layered, then picks up as he sings about “falling in love all over again.” I found it to be an unexpectedly enjoyable track reminiscent of Taylor Swift and Lorde’s electropop beats, yet still uniquely Sheeran’s sound.

A blend of introspection, nostalgia and optimism, Play is a powerful response to the contemplative nature of Subtract and Autumn Variations. But while the album is certainly not weak, its inconsistency makes it not as strong a popstar comeback as Sheeran may have hoped for.

This university’s on-campus workplaces range from Stamp Student Union to dorms, but some students opt to get their paycheck off-campus.

Kayla Nophsker has worked as a server at The Greene Turtle since its opening last fall. Nophsker said she normally works two to three shifts a week, totaling about 16 to 20 hours.

Balancing a part-time job, academics and social activities can be tricky, but for the junior criminology and criminal justice major, it’s anything but.

“It’s pretty easy for me because I’m a really organized person and I’m good at time management,” Nophsker said. “But definitely for some other people, it’s hard when there’s an exam the next day and you’re scheduled to work the day before that.”

Campbell Stein, a senior criminology and criminal justice major, started working at RJ Bentley’s this semester as a server. A hotspot for upperclassmen, RJ Bentley’s is a staple weekend hangout.

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Like Nophsker, Stein doesn’t have much trouble managing having an off-campus job and her academics.

“Now that I’m a senior, I know how to manage my time better,” Stein said. “I think they’re really good at scheduling you based off your school schedule, and we have a good balance with academics and social life, which is nice.”

The majority of Stein’s coworkers are also students at this university, which she said is one of her favorite parts of the job. Stein enjoys being able to see people she knows at the restaurant while working, especially on Friday nights.

While the nearby off-campus bars are major destinations for student employment, the job field in College Park isn’t limited to serving or bartending.

Shop Made in Maryland, located in the College Park City Hall building, is a cafe and store that sells items made by local artisans. Phoebe Kaplan, a junior family health science major, is a barista there and works at most 10-15 hours per week.

“The management at Shop Made does such a great job with understanding that we’re all students, and they’re really flexible,” Kaplan said. “I put in my classes and my manager will never schedule me during class time and when I have my extracurriculars with my sorority and things like that.”

Kaplan also has little issue managing her time while having a part time job. While working at Shop Made in Maryland, she said she has always had a good balance between work, school and getting to see her friends.

Despite the friendly environment at The Greene Turtle, Nophsker said the hours can sometimes be a little tough.

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Especially on the weekends, she said she often works until 2 or 3 a.m., which is difficult when she still has homework to do after a shift. Nophsker said she has had to miss social events, such as birthday parties and hanging out with friends due to work.

Off-campus jobs provide a sense of community away from this university, but still allow for meaningful relationships with fellow students. Establishments such as The Greene Turtle, RJ Bentley’s and Shop Made in Maryland offer students the opportunity to engage with each other outside of classes and campus activities.

“My favorite part probably is all of the people I’ve met and all the connections that I’ve made,” Nophsker said. “I’m always making friends there.”