Thursday, Feb. 22nd, 2024

Future-Proofing Your IT Security Career with the CompTIA SY0-701 Exam

Introduction to the CompTIA SY0-701 Exam and Its Role in IT Security
In an era where cyber threats constantly evolve, IT professionals must keep pace with the latest security skills and knowledge. The CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam is a vital step for those looking to future-proof their career in IT security. This article explores the significance of the SY0-701 exam in building a robust and future-ready career in cybersecurity.

 
Understanding the CompTIA SY0-701 Security+ Certification

• A globally recognized certification in IT security.
• Validates foundational cybersecurity skills and knowledge.

The CompTIA SY0-701 Security+ certification assesses and validates the fundamental skills necessary to secure a network and manage risk. It covers critical security concepts, best practices, and the latest trends in cybersecurity, making it an essential credential for IT professionals.
 
The Evolving Landscape of Cybersecurity and the SY0-701's Relevance

• Cybersecurity's rapidly changing nature demands up-to-date skills.
• The SY0-701 exam covers current and emerging security threats and technologies.

Cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging regularly. The SY0-701 exam ensures that IT professionals are equipped with current knowledge, including an understanding of new threats, technologies, and regulations in the cybersecurity domain.
 


Career Advancements with the CompTIA SY0-701 Certification

• Opens doors to various cybersecurity roles.
• Enhances professional credibility and marketability.

Obtaining the SY0-701 certification can significantly advance an IT professional's career. It opens up opportunities in various cybersecurity roles, such as Security Analyst, Security Specialist, and Network Administrator, and enhances one's professional credibility in the IT security industry.
 
Key Topics Covered in the CompTIA SY0-701 Exam

• Focus on security technologies and tools, risk management, and incident response.
• Emphasizes hands-on practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

The SY0-701 exam covers various topics, including the latest security technologies and tools, risk management, and incident response. It focuses on practical skills and problem-solving abilities, ensuring candidates can handle real-world security challenges.
 
Preparing for the CompTIA SY0-701 Exam

• A combination of theoretical study and practical experience is crucial.
• Utilizing official study guides, practice exams, and hands-on labs is recommended.

Preparing for the SY0-701 exam involves theoretical study and practical experience. Utilizing official CompTIA study materials, engaging in experimental labs, and taking practice exams are effective strategies for comprehensively understanding the exam content.
 
The Practical Application of SY0-701 Skills in the Workplace

• Direct applicability of skills in managing and mitigating security risks.
• Enhances ability to implement robust security measures in various IT environments.

The skills and knowledge gained from the SY0-701 exam are directly applicable in the workplace. Certified professionals can effectively manage and mitigate security risks and implement robust security measures, making them valuable assets in any IT department.
 
Continuous Learning and Advancement with the SY0-701 Certification

• Encourages ongoing professional development in cybersecurity.
• Acts as a foundation for further specialization in IT security.

The SY0-701 certification is not just an end goal but a stepping stone for continuous learning in IT security. It provides a solid foundation for further specialization and advancement in cybersecurity, encouraging professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
 

 
Global Recognition and Opportunities with the SY0-701 Certification

• Worldwide recognition of the CompTIA Security+ certification.
• Enhances international career prospects in IT security.

The global recognition of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification opens up international career opportunities. It is acknowledged as a benchmark for IT security expertise, enhancing the professional credibility of IT practitioners worldwide.
 
Embracing the Future with the CompTIA SY0-701 Security+
In conclusion, the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification is a crucial step for IT professionals aspiring to excel in cybersecurity. Covering the latest security technologies and practices prepares candidates for the future challenges of IT security, ensuring they remain at the forefront of this critical and dynamic industry. As cybersecurity continues to be a vital aspect of IT, the SY0-701 certification is a crucial qualification for those seeking to navigate and succeed in this evolving field.

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Tuesday, Feb. 20th, 2024

Is It Time To Replace Your Business Sign?


How old is your business sign? Have you looked at it recently? Not just a passing glance driving into the parking lot but really giving your business sign a good inspection.

Even though businesses like the Denver Sign Company always deliver long-lasting and quality signage, nothing lasts forever, which includes your business sign. So, how do you know when it’s time to get rid of an old sign? Sometimes it’s obvious.

However, there are times when you may be waffling about spending the money, but this can be a costly mistake if your signage isn’t effective. Here are a few reasons why it’s time to invest in new signage.

No One Can See Your Sign
Whether it’s overgrowth from nearby trees and bushes or recent development is in the way, if your business sign isn’t visible, it’s not doing its job. Basically, you have a sign that only the local wildlife is paying attention to. Since your customer base probably isn’t comprised of squirrels and other wildlife, your sign is now a waste of money.

Cutting back the overgrowth isn’t always an option. There are regulations, typically set down by the city or county, that dictate who can cut what and when. The last thing you need is a ticket for cutting back growth designated for wildlife. Yep, it’s a thing, usually part of a city-supported green project.

So, what’s the solution? Chances are, it’s time to start budgeting for a larger sign or at least moving your current signage. However, not all types of signs are movable. For example, a heavy concrete monument sign. You’ll probably save some dough replacing the sign instead of trying to move it to another, more visible location.

Your signage may also be tough to see if it’s too small. Yes, smaller is often cheaper, but this doesn’t mean it’s better—you may actually be losing business if your sign is too small. Remember, your business sign needs to be large enough for drivers to easily see. A good rule to follow is to stand about 25 feet or so back from your sign.

If you can’t easily read the information, your sign is probably too small. Sometimes, it pays to spend more rather than less, especially when it comes to advertising your business.

Your Sign’s Out of Style
Yep, business signs can go out of style just like shoes and clothing. Why is this a big deal? Well, your business sign gives consumers their first impression of your company. If your sign’s style is outdated, consumers will also presume so is your business.

Even if you’re a resale or antique store, you want your sign to look fresh, new, and in style. Not sure what the latest sign fashion is? Take a short drive around and check out the styles other businesses are using for their signage.

A great way to let consumers know you’re business is staying on top of current trends is by using digital signage. Digital signs aren’t only for use inside. You can have a digital display on almost any type of outdoor signage.

The LED display is also energy-efficient and lets consumers know you’re taking steps to reduce your carbon footprint. Best of all, you can constantly update the sign’s message without replacing the entire structure.

The Sign’s Age is Showing
You can expect your sign to last for years, if not decades, depending on the material you choose to use. However, even brick and concrete eventually start showing their age. Weather can take a toll on your signage, along with local wildlife. Even cars zooming past kicking up dirt and gravel can pockmark and damage your sign.

Remember how your sign gives consumers their first impressions of your business? Do you really want them to think the inside of your business is in the same state of disrepair as your signage? This isn’t an effective way to drive traffic to your door—instead, you’re actually effectively driving potential consumers away.

When you can’t scrub or paint the damage away, it’s time to replace your signage; this is also a great opportunity to start thinking about adding a fresh, new message.

Your Sign is Illegal
Yep, you can get a ticket for an illegal sign. So, what makes a business sign illegal? This depends on local ordinances and can include anything from size to the brightness of the display. Before paying for a business sign, it’s always a good idea to make sure your sign isn’t illegal first.

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4 Tips to Decorate Your Yard

When a private house has already been built, all that remains is to improve the territory itself. We will give you ideas on how to improve the yard of a private house and decorate your suburban area in an interesting, beautiful, and cost-effective way. Let's figure out what can make your site look beautiful and modern.

Choose high-quality and up-to-date furniture
Start by deciding where you plan to have lunch and place a table and chairs there. You should choose quality outdoor chairs that will last. Many people prefer to order furniture from hot countries, such as the UAE, because they make furniture that is famous for its resistance to high outdoor temperatures. With such furniture, you will not worry about the chairs being in the sun and something might happen to them.
 
Popular styles are Art Nouveau and Provence. In the first case, you can consider materials like metal and plastic, and in the second it is better to turn to wood or rattan, which has been incredibly popular lately.
 
When choosing an outdoor dining table, it is important to understand how often you invite guests to an outdoor barbecue. If your parties are usually indoors and you don't eat outside, then it's better to choose a smaller table. If you are a fan of outdoor dining, then it is better to choose a spacious table. The ideal option would be a transformable table, which can turn from a small family table into a large table for a cheerful company.

Create a beautiful yard using flower arrangements
Flowers are one of the easiest ways to add bright colors to your yard and at the same time coziness. Anyone can plant flowers and make a bright composition out of them, but to do something more original, you need to use your imagination.
 
A flower motorcycle or bicycle will look very unusual. You can easily make such a flowerbed:

1. We take an old bicycle as a basis and cover horizontal and partially vertical surfaces with a mesh filled with nutrient soil.
2. We install ready-made flowerpots. If you choose hanging flower pots with coconut shavings, then you can put a baby diaper at the bottom so that when watering, all the water does not flow out at once, but remains inside.
3. Next, we start decorating. To make the creation look more original, it is best to decorate it with climbing annual plants and low-ground cover flowers. It is better to select the following flowers for such flower beds:

● petunias,
● marigold,
● viola,
● geranium.

 
It is a great idea to decorate your home with climbing flowers. To do this, you can use both the simplest, unpretentious plants, for example, grapes, and more noble flowers - climbing roses or clematis. These plants can create a real paradise in a suburban area.
 
Remember that even unnecessary old shoes can become an original decoration for the site. Take a pair of bright children's rubber boots, make holes in the sole, add drainage, then soil and plant flowers. These will make excellent garden pots for outdoor flowers. And it’s especially nice that we decorate the yard with our own hands at no extra cost.

Install a waterfall, fountain, or pool
Splashes of water from the fountain will protect plants from dryness, and the pool will become a real salvation from the sun's rays. Children who love to splash in the water will be especially happy with it.
 
It’s very easy to make this beauty your own. Surely after construction, many will find pieces of tiles, tiles, and stones. Riverstones will look more realistic.
 
A fountain installed in the depths of the garden will look very harmonious. You can also put benches and swings for children there. This way the garden will turn into a real park where the whole family can relax and the arrangement of the yard will be complete.
 
Install a gazebo near your house
Gazebos can be different - open, closed, attached to the house. These can be awnings marquees, or tents. The most practical gazebos are made of polycarbonate. If you want to add a little romance, then it is better to choose tents with fluttering fabrics and a lot of beautiful country furniture. And lovers of the classics can choose a wooden gazebo where you can install wooden furniture, for example, an outdoor dining table.
 
These are general principles for decorating an area near your home, but you can also show your imagination and create something incredibly original and beautiful.
 

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Montana State to celebrate World Quantum Day; teachers invited to apply for free kit

BOZEMAN — Montana State University will celebrate its first-ever World Quantum Day in the weeks surrounding April 14 by supplying Montana middle and high school teachers with free kits and downloadable resources to help students at their schools learn about quantum science.

World Quantum Day is an annual event to promote public awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology, which have become a focus of MSU’s growing research.

Recently funded projects include the Applied Quantum CORE supported by the Air Force Research Lab, which will house equipment to test prototype quantum components in the extremely cold environments in which they operate, and a planning grant from the National Science Foundation’s Engines program for Montana to collaborate with Idaho and Wyoming to study key gaps in the national quantum supply chain.

Related projects at MSU include the MonArk Quantum Foundry, a collaboration between MSU and the University of Arkansas; Spectrum Lab, which bridges MSU’s research with Montana businesses; the Optical and Quantum System Program in the Department of Physics; and the Montana Nanotechnology Facility, or MONT.

Quantum mechanics is the science of atoms and particles – the tiny building blocks of the universe, according to the U.S. National Quantum Initiative. “Using quantum mechanics, scientist and engineers have created revolutionary technologies that impact our everyday lives,” the website states, listing as examples lasers, LED monitors, the inner workings of smartphones, MRI scanners in hospitals and the GPS system.

MSU’s Science Math Resource Center, which leads education and workforce development for Applied Quantum CORE, is curating World Quantum Day resources for teachers and will give away 25 kits for middle and high school teachers who wish to celebrate World Quantum Day with their students. No previous quantum experience or knowledge is required, as QCORE will provide an online professional development workshop that includes a short overview of quantum science, MSU’s research in the emerging field and how to use the kit’s resources. All activities will also be posted freely online. Teachers are encouraged to think about how they can share the resources with students who have been historically excluded from science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields.

Similar to Pi Day, which is celebrated on March 14, aka 3/14, in reference to the first digits of that number, World Quantum Day is celebrated on April 14 in reference to Planck’s constant, a number relevant to quantum physics.

To learn more about World Quantum Day at MSU or to apply for an educators’ kit, visit montana.edu/smrc/quantum. The deadline to apply for an educators’ kit is March 16. For more on World Quantum Day, visit worldquantumday.org.

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Friday, Feb. 16th, 2024

New hunting, fishing and conservation license year begins March 1

HELENA – The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2024 hunting, fishing and conservation licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1.  

Applications for most species – deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat, bison, bear, turkey – can be made beginning March 1. 

A new online feature this year is the option for applicants to reapply for the same offerings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications.

Hunters and anglers can buy licenses and apply for permits on the FWP website beginning at 5 a.m. on March 1; click on “Buy and Apply.” Most FWP offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

Click here to watch a video tutorial for Montana residents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online. Click here to watch a video tutorial for nonresidents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online.   

The licensing call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 1; after April 1, the hours will return to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 406-444-2950. 

This year FWP produced clearer information for hunters on bonus points and how they are used. Remember: 

  • A bonus point is an extra chance for a hunter to draw a license or permit in a Montana drawing.  

  • Preference points are used only for drawing Nonresident Combination Licenses. Preference points move you ahead in line for the drawing. If you are a Montana resident, preference points don’t apply to you.  

  • For more information on bonus points, preference points and other important licensing topics, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses

Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. To create a My FWP account, visit the MyFWP login page.  

 

Tips and reminders 

  • Don’t wait until the last day to apply. 

  • If you’re applying for a special license or permit, you will need to have a valid email address.

  • Make sure to doublecheck the regulations before applying. Some permit/licenses have changed. 

  • The Online Licensing System is available from 5 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. 

  • Everyone 12 and older needs a Conservation License to access most state lands, including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and wildlife habitat protection areas (WHPA). Montana State Parks do not require a Conservation License.  

  • A separate and rotating moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat SuperTag lottery for resident hunters will be conducted annually. Montana residents will receive one free chance in the lottery for every General Elk or General Deer License purchased. 

 

Application deadlines  

  • Smith River Super Permit – March 22 

  • Paddlefish (white tag) – March 22  

  • Deer and Elk

    • Special Permits – April 1

    • Special Licenses – June 1  

  • Bighorn Sheep – May 1  

  • Bison – May 1  

  • Moose – May 1  

  • Mountain Goat –May 1  

  • Antelope – June 1  

  • SuperTags

    • Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Deer, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat, and Mountain Lion –July 1  

  • Mountain Lion Special Licenses – July 22  

For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses

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City of Bozeman Schedules Special Meeting, Places City Manager on Administrative Leave

UPDATE - On Monday, Feb. 12, Bozeman City Commission adopted the following motions: a motion to ask the City Manager to resign by Wednesday, Feb. 14; and a motion to direct the City Attorney’s office to draft an ethics complaint. We tabled a motion to initiate an external investigation into the City Manager’s conduct. The Commission may take this tabled motion up at a future public meeting.

Since then, City Manager Jeff Mihelich has offered to resign on the condition he be provided full severance as stated in the Employment Agreement. At this time, the City Commission is not inclined to accept resignation with full severance.

We currently anticipate an ethics complaint being presented for consideration at the March 5, 2024 City Commission meeting. Commission may decide to authorize the filing of the complaint at this meeting. More information on the ethics process can be found in the Bozeman Municipal Code at Chapter 2, Article, 3, Division 4 (2.03.460, Bozeman Municipal Code).

BOZEMAN, Montana (Feb. 2, 2024) — Bozeman City Commission has scheduled a Special Meeting to discuss a video that surfaced on social media on Tuesday evening of a meeting between the City Manager and an employee. The Special Meeting will be held on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 121 N Rouse Ave, and online at https://www.bozeman.net/departments/city-commission/meeting-videos. During the meeting, Bozeman’s elected body will address next steps for the City Manager.

Additionally, as of Thursday, Feb. 1, City Manager Jeff Mihelich is on paid administrative leave. Assistant City Manager Kira Peters has been appointed to act as City Manager until Assistant City Manager Chuck Winn can assume the Acting City Manager role on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

“We hope residents know that we are taking this event seriously and are committed to communicating through it,” Mayor Terry Cunningham stated. “This is not reflective of the organization that we are trying to build and of the many employees who dutifully and respectfully serve the public every day.”

City functions continue as normal, including the Feb. 6 Commission meeting. This meeting will include the ratification of Mihelich’s administrative leave and no other discussion on the video or items related to the Special Meeting will occur.

The video occurred earlier in January after a leadership meeting that is routinely recorded for internal notetaking purposes wrapped up. The two employees stayed on after the meeting and the recording continued. Upon review, the City has determined that no outside breach to gain the video content has occurred.


Those interested in submitting public comment to the Bozeman City Commission regarding this issue or any other can do so by emailing agenda@bozeman.net.

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HRDC Announces Formation of Park County Advisory Council


Southwest Montana continues to experience a growing population and a significant increase in the cost of living. Park County is no exception. Housing prices have increased by more than 100% since 2019. Rental rates, fuel prices, and the cost of food continue to rise creating intense pressure for households while the community’s most vulnerable residents have been hit the hardest and are experiencing real crises.

To better understand and address escalating needs, HRDC is forming an advisory council for Park County which will provide direct input and advice to HRDC’s Board of Directors. This group will be composed solely of Park County residents and will meet regularly to discuss trends and changes in the county, especially those which impact residents who are struggling to make ends meet. 

“We’re seeking a wide range of perspectives for this council to ensure we’re hearing all Park County voices. Lifelong residents, new transplants, leaders from education, healthcare, and business, folks active in civic groups and local government, those who live in rural areas, and Livingston-proper residents are all invited to join. This includes all income levels, all ages, and those representing the full span of our racial, cultural, and gender spectrum. In other words, we seek the most comprehensive representation of this county we can assemble,” expressed Dean Williamson, HRDC’s Economic Development Director.

The newly formed council will work in tandem with HRDC to help tailor the agency’s Park County strategies, resources, and solutions. While separate from the Park County Housing Coalition whose purpose is solely focused on housing issues, the two councils will work in conjunction with one another. 

HRDC hopes everyone will consider joining this effort to serve the needs of Park County and to support a healthy, safe, and vibrant community. Council applications are available at thehrdc.org

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in Southwest Montana and has actively served the residents of Park County since 1975, the year the agency was formed.

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Bozeman Symphony to Perform Brahms Symphony No. 1 & Composer-in-Residence Scott Lee’s World Premiere of Inner Life

BOZEMAN -- The Bozeman Symphony’s fourth classical concert of the 2023/24 season, Brahms Symphony No. 1 in late March, will also include the world premiere of Inner Life, Composer-in-Residence Scott Lee’s final commission for the Bozeman Symphony.

Music fans are invited to watch Music Director Norman Huynh’s passionate interpretation of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, a work of exceptional depth and complexity considered one of the masterpieces of the symphonic repertoire. With his musical vision and profound understanding of the work, Huynh manages to capture the very essence of this breathtaking composition, conveying intense emotion through every note.

Brahms Symphony No. 1 presents a well-crafted musical structure, highlighting the virtuosity of the orchestra, powerful melodies, and rich harmonies to create an unforgettable musical experience. Brahms skillfully combined classical traditions with a touch of modernity, creating a unique musical language of his own. Nearly 20 years in the making, the work that premiered in 1876 is noted for its amazing lyricism and thematic unity and remains one of the greatest examples of the Austro-German symphony to this day.

In his latest work Inner Life, Lee takes us on a journey of self-discovery. From the first kernel of an idea in Take Shape, the work’s first movement, through the exploration of that idea inAstray, the second movement, and finally, finding the meaning in it and coming to the journey’s end in the third movement, You Are Here, the listener is taken through the composer’s tumultuous inner journey. The piece’s three movements flow uninterrupted from one into the next, with the music and rhythms representing the inner thoughts and process of discovery as the composer makes the journey from chaos to synthesis and closure.

Performances are Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 24, at 2:30 p.m., atthe Willson Auditorium, 404 West Main Street in downtown Bozeman. These concerts would not be possible without the support of sponsors Cal and Tricia DeSouza and Prof. Rob Maher and Mrs. Lynn Peterson-Maher.

Individual tickets are available at https://www.bozemansymphony.org/normanconductsbeethoven.html or at 406-585-9774. Adult tickets start at $29 and discounted student tickets (K-12 and college) are available.

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Montana State student wins civic engagement scholarship for volunteer work on campus


BOZEMAN
– Montana State University junior Sophia Adams says her childhood experiences as the younger sibling of a brother with autism shaped her wish to serve people living in difficult circumstances.

“I felt a responsibility to look out for other people,” said Adams, an aspiring medical doctor and Honors College student majoring in biochemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Letters and Science. “I like the idea of being a safe space in medicine and being able to hold that space in a world that’s kind of scary for some people.”

But Adams isn’t waiting until she finishes medical school to make a difference. Since coming to MSU as a freshman from her home in Maple Valley, Washington, she has devoted her time and talents across campus. For that, she was recently named one of 10 Montana college students to be awarded a $1,000 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship Award by the nonprofit Montana Campus Compact.

“These students represent some of the amazing college student leadership we see at our campuses every day,” said Haven Gourneau, chair of the organization’s CEO Council and president of Fort Peck Community College. “It’s because of students like these and so many more that college presidents have faith in the future of our communities and state.”

As a sophomore, Adams began volunteering at the MSU VOICE Center, which provides confidential services and information for people impacted by sexual assault, interpersonal violence, relationship violence, harassment and stalking. This year, Adams was hired as a paid student staff member in the center. It’s work she describes as “the most impactful thing I’ve done in my college career.”

She has volunteered since her freshman year at the Empower Student Center, located in Norm Asbjornson Hall, which provides support, tutoring and other resources to underrepresented minority students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, as well as undergraduate women in engineering and computer science. She also volunteers with the MSU student organization Students Against Sexual Assault.

“I believe people should be generous with their resources to the capacity they have,” said Adams, adding that one of the biggest lessons she has learned at MSU is that she needs to take care of herself in order to maintain that capacity. “To sustainably give back in the long term, you need to help yourself first.”

VOICE Center Director Anna Slown said Adams stands out because of her “incredible energy.”

“She jokingly describes it as ‘small dog energy,’ because she is willing to fight for what’s right,” Slown said. “She’s talked about the importance of doing this work and learning all that she can in this office and taking it into her future professional job, whether that’s in the medical field or something else. She’s getting it in her head that she can fight for other people and use her voice to uplift others.”

In addition to her other commitments, Adams works in the laboratory of Emma Loveday, assistant research professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and MSU’s Center for Biofilm Engineering. Loveday describes Adams as an enthusiastic student who has “never shied away from doing anything that’s a little tough.”

“She’s a fantastic student and I’m really proud of her for receiving the scholarship,” Loveday said.

After she graduates next year, Adams says she will take a year to gain clinical hours and experience then apply to medical school. She may specialize in women’s health, sexual health, or obstetrics and gynecology, though she says she also has developed an interest in virology and infectious diseases through her work in Loveday’s lab.

She credits Loveday, Slown, Empower Program Director Susan Kelly and the VOICE Center staff for giving her the tools she needs to effectively serve others.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at MSU – I’ve met really great people here, and I have great mentors,” Adams said. “My ability to give back is because of what they’ve given me.”

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Thursday, Feb. 15th, 2024

5 Budget-Friendly and Unusual Travel Destinations in The USA for Students


Students often gravitate towards well-known destinations like New York City or Los Angeles when planning a budget-friendly and exciting trip in the USA. However, plenty of hidden gems across the country offer unique experiences without breaking the bank. Here are five unusual travel destinations in the USA that are perfect for students on a budget. 

1. Portland, Oregon

Portland offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, urban culture, and sustainable living in the Pacific Northwest. Explore the city's quirky neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District or Mississippi Avenue, where colorful murals adorn the streets and independent boutiques line the sidewalks. With affordable accommodation options like hostels and budget-friendly eateries serving local fare, Portland is a haven for student travelers seeking an eclectic and wallet-friendly experience.Amidst the allure of these exciting destinations, it's crucial to keep your academic duties in mind. If you're overwhelmed by deadlines and wonder, “Who can write my college paper for me?” don't hesitate to seek assistance with your tasks. Ordering a paper from a trusted service can help you enjoy your travels without the stress of unfinished assignments.

2. Austin, Texas

Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin is a vibrant city bursting with energy, creativity, and Texan charm. Dive into the city's rich music scene by catching a live show on legendary Sixth Street or exploring the eclectic shops and eateries along South Congress Avenue. For outdoor enthusiasts, Barton Springs Pool offers a refreshing respite from the Texas heat, while the nearby Hill Country provides endless opportunities for hiking, swimming, and exploring natural wonders. Austin welcomes students with open arms and plenty of Southern hospitality.

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Tucked away in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville beckons with its bohemian spirit, vibrant arts scene, and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the city's eclectic downtown, where historic buildings house galleries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table eateries. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of hiking trails, scenic drives, and waterfalls. Asheville offers students a laid-back and budget-friendly escape into the heart of Appalachia.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

Step into the lively ambiance and rich heritage of the Big Easy by embarking on a journey to New Orleans. Navigate through the vibrant streets of the French Quarter, where the melody of jazz fills the air and colorful Creole cottages grace the sidewalks. Treat your taste buds to the culinary wonders of the city, from savoring the iconic beignets and chicory coffee at Café du Monde to relishing mouthwatering po'boys and gumbo from local food trucks. New Orleans welcomes students to bask in Southern charm and savor an unparalleled cultural escapade.

5. Sedona, Arizona

Escape to the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona, where towering red rock formations, crystal-clear streams, and lush desert flora await. Hike among the stunning rock formations of Red Rock State Park, explore the ancient ruins of Montezuma Castle National Monument, or embark on an off-road jeep tour through the rugged desert terrain. After a day of adventure, unwind in one of Sedona's affordable campgrounds or cozy motels with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, urban exploration, or cultural immersion, these offbeat destinations promise an unforgettable student adventure filled with discovery, adventure, and lifelong memories. So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on the ultimate student getaway to these hidden gems across the USA!

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News Comments

This is so typical of a sign in, which we should not have to do to check if we or some one in our party got a permit. I have been working or "creating an account" for 30 minutes and just get the same ...

Smith River permit drawing results available

Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024