Mardi's Blog

  About Last Night: An UNforgettable Evening at the A Mind Is... Gala! by: Mardline Prevot Wow, what a night! I had the incredible opportunity to attend the UNCF's A Mind Is... Gala as a Target Scholar representing Bowie State University. This year's event was extra special, celebrating a monumental 80 years of UNCF's incredible legacy. The evening truly lived up to its name. The highlight for me, without a doubt, was listening to the powerful stories shared by the UNCF speakers. Their experiences were raw, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that my education is just the first step on an amazing journey. I found myself hanging on to every word, each story solidifying my belief that my potential extends far beyond my college years. This whole experience wouldn't have been possible without the immense gratitude I owe to UNCF and Target. The connections I made and the newfound appreciation for those who champion Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will sta...

Taking a Break in Nature: A Campus Walk by: Mardline Prevot The other day, I decided to take a break from my studies and go for a walk on my campus nature trail. The weather was perfect for a walk – sunny and warm, with a gentle breeze blowing. As I walked along the trail, I took a deep breath of fresh air and enjoyed the peace and quiet. The trail wound through a wooded area, and I was surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. I could hear birds singing, leaves rustling in the breeze, and the distant sound of a babbling brook. I saw squirrels scurrying up trees, deer grazing in a meadow, and a variety of colorful wildflowers blooming along the side of the trail. I walked for about an hour, and I felt completely refreshed and rejuvenated by the time I returned to my dorm room. I was more focused and clear-headed, and I felt ready to tackle my schoolwork again. If you're looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, I highly recommend taking a walk in nature. It...

InDesign Diaries: A New Chapter in Design! by: Mardline Prevot Hey everyone! I'm excited to announce that I'm embarking on a new adventure: learning Adobe InDesign!  For those who aren't familiar, InDesign is a powerful software program used for creating professional layouts for magazines, brochures, posters, and more. As someone who's always been interested in design (but maybe a little intimidated to jump in!), I figured it's time to take the plunge. Whether you're a fellow design newbie or a seasoned pro, I'd love to have you join me on this journey! Why InDesign? In a world saturated with digital content, creating visually appealing layouts is more important than ever·  InDesign seems like the perfect tool to up my design game.  I'm eager to: Craft beautiful and engaging layouts: From clean brochures to eye-catching flyers, I want to create designs that capture attention and leave a lasting impression. Master typography: Fonts can make or break a des...

Level Up Your Online Presence: My Experience at the Bowie State Adobe Summit by: Mardline Prevot Source: Adobe.com Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend the Adobe Summit at Bowie State University! The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning hosted the event, offering a variety of workshops designed to help faculty get the most out of the Adobe Creative Cloud. The morning kicked off with a session on Adobe Express, a great introduction for anyone new to the suite. In the afternoon, I opted for the deep dive into Adobe Portfolio. This session focused on creating stunning online portfolios, perfect for showcasing your work to potential employers or clients. While the focus was on faculty development, there were takeaways for everyone interested in using Adobe Portfolio to curate their online presence. The workshop explored the latest features and best practices for building a professional and visually engaging portfolio. Pro Tip: One key point that resonated with me was th...

Stepping into the Afrofuture: A Journey Through Bowie State's Exhibition by: Mardline Prevot Source: Bowie State University      A few weeks ago, I embarked on a journey to the Bowie State University Gallery of Art to experience "The Afrofuture: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future." This exhibition, running from February 19th to March 29th, 2024, isn't your typical sci-fi showcase. It's a portal into the captivating world of Afrofuturism, a cultural movement that shatters traditional narratives of the future by centering Black experiences, histories, and artistic sensibilities. Stepping into the gallery felt like stepping into this reimagined future – a future overflowing with creativity and bursting with visions that redefined the very concept.      While each piece in the exhibition was breathtaking, there was one in particular that left me mesmerized: "In Those Stars" by Michael Hillard. This captivating painting depicts a Black woman with an afro...