Story by Rose S. Talbot and Photography by August Selckmann

The recent economic downturn convinced Jacqueline Quan of Lusby that she should be able to provide for her family as much as her husband does. But as a young mother of two toddlers, she wanted an opportunity that would allow her to work close to home and still maintain a balance between work and family. When she learned about the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Nuclear Engineering Technology (NET) associate degree program, she thought, “What a perfect opportunity.”

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian

When it comes to summer camps in Southern Maryland, children and teens have a smorgasbord of opportunities. From the traditional outdoor activity camp to a creative arts camp, kids and their parents may have a hard time choosing just one.

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian and photography by Ed Mann

Horseback riding is a fun and physical activity for many Southern Marylanders, but for others who have various disabilities, it can literally seem like a lifesaver.

Darlene Adams, a La Plata resident and retiree from the University of Maryland, did something last year she hadn’t done since she was ten years old: take piano lessons. The mention of music lessons may bring to mind images of children being coerced into practicing or dressing up for the big recital, but many empty-nesters and retirees find they finally have time to pursue interests they postponed due to work or family, and one interest they frequently turn to is music.

From ballet to belly dancing and square dancing to hand dancing, Southern Marylanders both young and old are taking to the dance floor. As singles or couples, and in groups, they are expressing themselves through movement and reaping the physical and mental benefits that dance brings.

Many years ago in Southern Maryland, obtaining a higher education locally was possible, but a student’s options were limited.  The then-Charles County Community College and St. Mary’s College of Maryland primarily offered ways to obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree, but for those who wanted to go on even further to obtain graduate degrees, a trip to College Park, Md. (to the University of Maryland), or to one of the many universities in Baltimore was where the road to a master’s degree or doctorate often began. Today, things on the Southern Maryland higher education scene are much different and, indeed, much better.

Wouldn’t we all like to keep it simple? No tiny home repair that morphs into major remodeling; no job description that expands yearly; no juggling family, job, home and community. Well, Laura Allison of Keep It Simple can’t solve all our problems, but she can keep one thing simple: the technology training we all need to cope with our jobs and our lives.

Ever since Chris McDaniel was a boy, he said he was fascinated with how things worked and he liked putting things together, like Lego. Now, at 20 years old, he’s got a mechanical engineering career mapped out-and it’s all been paid for by the U.S. Navy.

Every now and then, it’s easy to fall into a rut. Wake up. Go to work. Come home. Eat dinner. Go to bed. One day you realize you’re exhausted and it’s not even 10 a.m. You need to try something new; break out of your box; recharge your batteries. And as nice as it sounds, heading to a day spa for a pampering session does not have the lasting effect your mind craves.

Pastry Chef Amanda Granados knew the value of a quality, hands-on education upon entering the work force and where to find it. Similar to many students attending a career and technical school in Southern Maryland, she knew what she wanted to do and was able to get a head start during high school.