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Category: Just for Fun

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If you haven’t yet seen the art show – you haven’t missed your chance! Stop by now through this Friday, May 10th to peruse the display of more than 40 unique items, OR, check out the digital submissions already archived online [fully digitization of physical items still upcoming]. 

Each piece has a story. To cap off the art show, we’ve curated a second collection of the artist’s in their own words. Enjoy! 

Rachel Brill's "Dinah in Yellow Robe" [Acrylic Painting]

An acrylic painting of a cat in the model of a Matisse painting, whimsically wearing a yellow robe.

Dinah in Yellow Robe is my take on Henri Matisse's work, in particular Yellow Odalisque, which I saw at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I love his use of bright colors and a mix of patterns. The unwilling model for this piece is my cat, Dinah.

Rachel Brill, Staff, Himmelfarb

Kenneth Schappelle's "Delhi at Dusk" [Photograph]

A fog covered horizon nearly suffocates a setting sun.

The day before Christmas, we were on our way to New Delhi, traveling down a rural highway from Rishikesh, which sits at the foot of the Himalayas. Rishikesh was a breath of fresh air with its blue skies and the sparkling Ganges River pouring out of the mountains. The closer we got to New Delhi, though, the thicker the smog became. As we approached the outskirts and the sun began to set, you could barely see it through the thick sky. It was disturbing and beautiful all at once.

Kenneth Schappelle, Staff, School of Nursing

Aparna Nanduru’s “Peacock in Repose” [Mixed Media]

A mixed media portrayal of a peacock proudly perched on a blossoming branch.

Adding dimension came from adding multiple types of media into my art. This included using lead pencils, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, acrylic paint, and even white-out in the piece going from top to bottom. As a nature lover, I wanted to demonstrate the ability of these seemingly different art mediums coalescing together to represent diversity and coexistence seen in the environment around us.

Aparna Nanduru, Student, SMHS

Caitlan Davila’s “How to Outrun a Dinosaur” [Digital Artwork]

An illustration of the biological systems operating in the nervous system during crisis.

This drawing exists because I was being cheeky while working through two opposing systems (bronchoconstriction vs. bronchodilation). Why the dinosaurs? That’s the wrong question, my friend. The question is:  why NOT dinosaurs?! Learning ought to be fun; working in subjects we like can make a real difference in retention. 

Caitlan Davila, Student, SMHS

Ruth Bueter’s “Wingspan” [Photograph]

A turkey vultures poses perched with full wing-span at Chiricahua National Monument.

After finishing my Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science and Parks and Recreation, I had an internship at Chiricahua National Monument in southeastern Arizona. It was an amazing experience! A couple of years later, I visited Chiricahua while driving to California. I went hiking on my favorite trail in the park one morning. As I turned a corner along the trail, I saw this Turkey Vulture stretching its wings on a rock outcropping. I was convinced the bird would fly away when it saw me, but it just stayed there watching me with its wings spread out. I managed to dig out my old first-generation digital point-and-shoot camera (with minimal zoom capacity) from my backpack and got some pictures. The bird and I stood there watching each other for 10 minutes. Eventually, I packed up my camera and continued on my hike. The Turkey Vulture was still there when I left. It is still one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had while hiking. And for it to have happened at Chiricahua, a place that has held a special place in my heart since my internship, made it even more memorable.

Ruth Bueter, Staff, Himmelfarb

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Hello all. For today’s blog post, we’re sharing a comic from one of our reference librarians, regarding quackery. Enjoy! 

Quackery: An Introduction to Fakes, Frauds, Forgeries and Other Falsehoods.
Image: A librarian, Rebecca, stands in the middle of the panel, one finger raised. She is a woman with pale skin, curly brown hair tied back in a ponytail, a pair of glasses, and she wears a purple short sleeved polo shirt. Narration: Quackery: A term that refers to the practices of fraudsters and conmen, often in the field of medicine. Rebecca, Dialogue: “And let me tell you, history has a lot of quacks!”
Image: A pop up is shown, with bright outlandish colors. The ad states “You Won! Miracle Acne Cream. Buy now!! $19.99.” A mouse icon hovers over the “buy now” text. Narration: Folks have tried to scam each other…
Image: A man with light brown skin and short brown hair wears a toga and stands in front of a sales booth. He is yelling, gesturing to his wares. The sales booth has some coins and a bowl on it, and on the front, a sign says “100% effective, no refunds” Narration: Probably as long as lying was invented. Greek Salesman Dialogue: “Plague B-Gone charms! One silver a piece!”
Image: Rebecca shrugs her shoulders, rolling her eyes, as she stands in the center of the panel. Rebecca Dialogue: “There tends to be some trends when it comes to health fraud and fakery.”
Image: A radioactive warning sign is in the center of the panel, surrounded by four objects, text and a small version of Rebecca. The text states “We put radium in everything!” The following products are shown, each labeled: toothpaste, hair cream, water (with the text “oh god why don’t” on the label”) and pottery (a small goblet). The chibi Rebecca says “I mean everything.” Narration: Trend 1: A new substance is discovered or an old one becomes trendy and someone decides to sell it for its “health benefits.” (1)
Image: Three different examples are shown. The first is the drawing of a class of water with the label “raw water” and the description: “free dysentery in every bottle.” The second is a drawing of a vaccine shot with the label “anti-vax solutions” and the description “Diphtheria: the comeback kid!” The third is a small picture of the sun wearing sunglasses with the label “types of sun bathing” and the description “skin cancer? Never heard of her.” The drawing of the sun says “aw no.” Narration: “Trend 2: Folks have been arguing that “All Natural” solutions are the golden ticket- for a pretty penny of course.
Image: A light skinned homeopath with a vest and a beard stands in front of a table with a snake and a bottle on it. The homeopath’s eyes are closed, and he speaks to the snake as if lecturing it. The snake replies. Narration: Trend 3: Some strands of quackery just won’t die even when they fail to work. Homeopathy for example, keeps on kicking. (2) Dialogue, Homeopath: “If I dilute your venom dozens of times, I can treat-” Dialogue, Snake: “Abssssoultely nothing.”
Image: Rebecca stands in the middle of the panel, looking serious. Rebecca Dialogue: “As silly as some of these remedies sound, quackery is dangerous.”
Image: Small cartoon drawings of measle viruses fill the panel. Narration: Both on an individual level; patients can die from preventable/treatable conditions. (Measles, for example, has made a big come-back in the US with the rise of the Anti-Vax movement). (3)
Image: A diagram of a cartoon human is in the center of the panel, with lines dividing their brain into different color coded sections with numbers. On the right, there is text identifying a trait to correspond with each part. It reads as follows: “1. Prophecy 2. Intimidation. 3. Immortality 4. Mirth. 100% B.S) Narration: But also at a societal level where it can uphold harmful ideas. Phrenology for example was used to uphold and codify scientific racism.
Narration: People have combatted quackery for ages and it’s easy to join their ranks. Here’s some ways to help. Image Description: A duck wearing a lab coat floats in a body of water, Dialogue, off screen: “...I don’t think that duck has a medical degree.”
Narration: 1. Be skeptical! Anyone can fall for quackery regardless of intelligence. Never assume you’re “too smart” to fall for fraud. Image: A picture of Garfield on a computer screen appears. It is just his face looking straight forward. A cursor is a few centimeters away. Under Garfield text states as follows: “you are not immune to propaganda) Narration: 2. Warn friends and family about fake treatments. Don’t shame people but be honest and clear about your concerns. Image: A women with dark hair in moon buns and brown skin speaks to a man with light skin and freckles. She looks concerned, and he looks confused, holding a tablet in his hands. Behind them is living room furniture.
Narration: 3. The modern medical system has its problems but if anyone tries selling you something that “doctors are hiding from you” it's probably quackery. Image: Rebecca wearing the same outfit as Fred from scooby doo, holds a mask in her hands. She faces a human sized duck, who is tied up and glaring at her, wearing the rest of the costume to which the mask belongs. Rebecca Dialogue: “Just as I suspected…”
Narration: 4. If you see an obvious scam online, report it! Or draw it into your comic on medical scams. In parentheses under the box, text reads as follows: “no really, this is based on a real tiktok” Image: A phone is pictured showing tiktok. On the screen is a woman with light skin and red hair hugging a large oak tree. The text says “tree vibrations for health” at the top and “health secrets at the bottom”

Citations:

  1. Kang L, Pedersen N. Quackery : A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything. Workman Publishing; 2017.
  2. Dotinga R. The lethal legacy of early 20th-century radiation quackery. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/the-lethal-legacy-of-early-20th-century-radiation-quackery/2020/02/14/ed1fd724-37c9-11ea-bf30-ad313e4ec754_story.html. Published February 14, 2020. Accessed March 29, 2024.
  3. The worrying return of a nasty virus: Better awareness and access are needed to rebuild measles vaccination rates. Financial Times. January 29, 2024:22.
  4. Rogers K. Phrenology | History, Theory, & Pseudoscience | Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Published March 14, 2024. Accessed April 8, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/phrenology

 

 

 

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For a moment, let’s entertain a hypothetical. Let’s say you have an excellent paper on your hands about the impact of smoke on the lungs. Your team is about to submit it for publication: pretty exciting! When you get your paper back from the publisher, it’s mostly good news: they’re willing to publish your paper with the caveat that you add a diagram of the lungs to your paper as a visual aid of the systems impacted. The problem? You have no idea where you could acquire an image that would suit this task that wouldn’t potentially violate copyright. 

With this conundrum, one of your coauthors suggests a solution: why not generate one? They have a subscription to Midjourney, the AI software that can generate images from text. Why not give Midjourney a summary of the diagram you need, have it generate it, and then use that for your paper. After checking the journal’s policies on AI (it’s allowed with disclosure), you do just that, glad to have quickly moved past that stumbling block. 

Pretty great, right? It sure sounds like it, until you take a look at the images Midjourney generated. Because on closer inspection, there are some problems. 

Below is an image I generated in CoPilot for this blog post. I didn’t ask it to do something as complicated as making a diagram of how smoking impacts the lungs; instead I asked for just a diagram of human lungs. Here is what I got, with my notes attached.

An image of an AI generated diagram of the lungs in a human women is featured with red text boxes pointing to errors. In the upper left, a box says "nonsense of gibberish text" and a red line points to oddly generated letters that mean nothing. Below it, another box reads "I don't know what this is supposed to be, but I don't think it's in the armpit" with a line pointing to what looks to be an organ with a flower pattern in it. Below that, another box reads "this heart is way too small for an adult" and the red line points to the heart on the diagram. On the left, the top red box reads "now the stomach does not reside in one's hair or arteries" with red lines pointing to a picture of the stomach that is falsely labeled as being in the hair or neck. Below that, a new box reads "what are the gold lines supposed to be in this diagram" and it points to yellow veins that run through the figure like the red and blue that usually denote the circulatory system. The last box on the right says "I have no idea what this is supposed to be" and points to what looks to be bone wrapped around a tube leading out of the bottom of the lungs.

Alright, so this might not be our best image. Thankfully, we have others. Let’s take a look at another image from the same prompt and see if it does a better job. 

An image of an AI generated diagram of the lungs is featured with red text boxes pointing to errors. In the upper left, a box says "more nonsense text" and a red line points to oddly generated letters that mean nothing. On the right side, a box says "bubbles should not be in the lungs!" with a red line pointing to what looks to be odd bubbles inside the lungs. Below it, a red box reads "what are these small clumps/objects?" and it points to what looks to be red large bacteria and clumps on the lungs.

So what happened here? To explain how this image went terribly wrong, it’s best to start with an explanation of how AI actually works.

When we think of AI, we generally think of movies like The Terminator or The Matrix, where robots can fully think and make decisions, just like a human can. As cool (or terrifying depending on your point of view) as that is, such highly developed forms of artificial intelligence still solely exist in the realm of science fiction. What we call AI now is something known as generative AI. To vastly simplify the process, generative AI works as follows: you take a computer and feed it a large amount of information that resembles what you want it to possibly generate. This is known as “training data.” The AI then attempts to replicate images based on the original training data. (Vox made a video explaining this process much better than I can). So for example, if I feed an AI picture of cats, over time, it identifies aspects of cats across photos: fur, four legs, a tail, a nose,etc. After a period of time, it then generates images based on those qualities. And that’s how we get websites like “These Cats Do Not Exist.”

If you take a look at “These Cats Do Not Exist” you might notice something interesting: the quality of fake cat photos varies widely. Some of the cats it generates look like perfectly normal cats. Others appear slightly off; they might have odd proportions or too many paws. And a whole other contingent appears as what can best be described as eldritch monstrosities.  

The reason for the errors in both our above images and our fake cats is due to the fact that the AI doesn’t understand what we are asking it to make. The bot has no concept of lungs as an organ, or cats as a creature; it merely recognizes aspects and characteristics of those concepts. This is why AI art and AI images can look impressive on the surface but fall apart under any scrutiny: the robot can mimic patterns well enough, but the details are much harder to replicate, especially when details vary so much between images. For example, consider these diagrams of human cells I had AI generate for this blog post.

A picture of an AI generated human cell. There are red boxes with text pointing out errors and issues in the image. The top box has the text "nonsense words. Some of these labels don't even point to anything" with two red lines pointing to a series of odd generated letters that mean nothing. Below that, a red box has the text "I have no idea what this is supposed to be" with a red line pointing to a round red ball. On the right side, a text box reads "is this supposed to be a mitochondria? Or is it loose pasta?" with a red line pointing to what looks to be a green penne noodle in the cell. Below that, a red text box reads "I don't think you can find a minature man inside the human cell" and a red line points to the upper torso and head of a man coming out of the cell.

Our AI doesn’t do bad in some regards: it understands the importance of a nucleus, and that a human cell should be round. This is pretty consistent across the images I had it make. But when it comes to showcasing other parts of the cell we run into trouble, given how differently such things are presented in other diagrams. The shape that one artist might decide to use for anaspect of a cell, another artist might draw entirely differently. The AI doesn’t understand the concept of a human cell, it is merely replicating images it’s been fed. 

These errors can lead to embarrassing consequences. In March, a paper went viral for all the wrong reasons; the AI images the writers used had many of the flaws listed above, along with a picture of a mouse that was rather absurd. While the writers disclosed the use of AI, the fact these images passed peer review with nonsense text and other flaws, turned into a massive scandal. The paper was later retracted. 

Let’s go back to our hypothetical. If you need images for your paper or project, instead of using AI, why not use some of Himmelfarb’s resources? On this Image Resources LibGuide, you will find multiple places to find reputable images, with clear copyright permissions. There are plenty of options from which to work. 

As for our AI image generators? If you want to generate photos of cats, go ahead! But leave the scientific charts and images for humans. 

Sources:

  1. Ai Art, explained. YouTube. June 1, 2022. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVcsDDABEkM.
  2. Wong C. AI-generated images and video are here: how could they shape research? Nature (London). Published online 2024.

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Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

When was the last time you checked your phone? (That was easy.) 

Now, when was the last time you read a poem? 

Let’s explore some places online to find poems related to health, illness and recovery, and where to find them. We’ll also take a look at some outlets you might consider sending your poems out to, if you are a poet. National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 to celebrate the integral role of poets and poems in our lives.

With healthcare's proximity to pain, uncertainty, and death – all catalysts for art – it's no surprise that many patients and doctors alike have converted their experiences into poetry. If you're craving poetry about the healthcare experience, the modern options are abundant. The Poetry Foundation's Poems of Sickness, Illness, and Recovery (a contemporary and diverse list) illustrates this wonderfully. 

Consider Elaine Equi's "Earth, You Have Returned to Me," where the author compares her pharmaceutical experience to being on different planets with different gravities, and presumably with different flows of time – an analogy that cannot be captured with dosage information or measurement of vitals. 

Or Jane Kenyon’s “After an Illness, Walking the Dog,” which records the experience of recovery: both the awareness of life (“every pebble gleams, every leaf”) and our vast limitations.

Poetry websites aren’t the only place to find poems, however.  Did you know that poetry can be searched in PubMed as a MeSH heading? Entering the search "Poetry as Topic"[Mesh] will yield results that include poems found in journals, including JAMA, which publish poetry on a regular or occasional basis. This MeSH search will also yield poetry-adjacent studies, including intriguing investigations which are situated at the intersection of poetry and medicine.

If you are engaged in the practice of writing poems, you’re in good company. Renowned poets like William Carlos Williams – a physician and writer – have demonstrated simultaneous excellence in medicine and art. But you certainly don’t need to be William Carlos Williams to write poems. Here are some potential outlets for your work, in addition to the journals mentioned above, and additional sources of healthcare-inspired creative output:

You can find a longer list of health humanities journals here.

The next time you take a study break, grab a snack and then feed yourself with poetry. Your brain will thank you!

This post was co-authored by Randy Plym and Deborah Wassertzug.

References

Equi, Elaine. (2016). Earth, You Have Returned to Me. Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/91313/earth-you-have-returned-to-me. 

Kenyon, Jane. (1987). After an Illness, Walking the Dog. Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=36904.

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Infographic with picture of fruits, vegetables and scrambled eggs. In the center it read March is National Nutrition Month. On the right it read Beyond the Table 2024 National Nutrition Month A campaign by the academy of nutrition and dietetics.

National Nutrition Month, an annual event that takes place in March, is a time for people to learn more about nutrition, the role nutrition plays in health and how to meet their personal nutrition needs. The 2024 National Nutrition Month’s theme is “Beyond the Table” which looks at the role of food production and distribution, as well as the ways in which nutritional meals may be enjoyed outside of a traditional dining setting. Below are some ways in which you can speak with your patients about the importance of nutrition. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a valuable resource to share with patients interested in making changes to their current diet or those interested in receiving help from a registered nutritionist. The Academy’s website features information about food groups, food safety, fitness tips and recipes. The Find a Nutrition Expert database contains contact information for credentialed nutrition and dietetics providers and includes in-person or telehealth providers. Last, 50 Ideas to Get Involved in National Nutrition Month will encourage your patients to think about nutrition in new ways, educate their local community and test weekly meals and food groups that they may be unfamiliar with. 

Himmelfarb Library’s catalog has a wide range of educational materials related to nutrition and public health. The Nutrition Research Guide is a great resource for library books, journals and other professional information such as data and statistics. Library research guides are useful for quick reference or for locating a resource based on a specific subject. Our guides change over time as library staff locate new and relevant information, so be sure to check the guide’s homepage often for updated information. 

The GW Culinary Medicine Program offers an elective for 3rd and 4th year medical students as well as free courses (both virtual and in-person) for the general public. During the classes “participants will learn to cook healthy, delicious recipes and learn basic nutrition concepts such as building a healthy meal, eating on a budget, meal planning, and how to use leftovers.” (MD Culinary Medicine Program, n.d.) The program’s Culinary Medicine elective is offered during fall and spring semesters to third and fourth year medical students. The purpose of the elective is to provide “students the skills to teach patients how to incorporate healthy eating for the prevention and treatment of diseases by altering their diets, meal preparation and food choices.” (MD Culinary Medicine Program, n.d.) If you are interested in a hands-on approach to learning about nutrition, visit the Culinary Medicine Program’s website. 

National Nutrition Month is a great time to discuss nutrition in an inclusive and gentle way. For many people, nutrition is a difficult topic because of preconceived notions about healthy food, costs associated with a “healthy” lifestyle or anxiety surrounding food and food rules. By approaching these conversations with empathy and active listening, you can work alongside your patients to break down food stigma and slowly introduce healthy eating habits to meet nutritional needs.

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Close of picture of a purple flower.
“Summer Beauty” by Dana Bolsteins (2022 Art Show submission, photography)

Calling all artists! Do you have a painting, print, or photograph that you'd like to share? How about some needlework, pottery, or hand-made jewelry?  

Himmelfarb Library is excited to announce its 2024 Annual Art Show, which will run from  Monday, April 15th through Friday, May 10th. This event, now in its 36th year, is open to all students, faculty, and staff of the SMHS, GWSPH, and GW Nursing. Join us for an opening reception in the library on Monday, April 15th, from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.

Key Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: April 11, 2024 (Thursday)
  • Opening Reception: April 15, 2024 (Monday), 4:00pm - 5:30pm
  • Art Show Dates: April 15, 2024 (Monday) - May 10, 2024 (Friday)

We are accepting submissions through Thursday, April 11th. Please drop off your artwork at the first floor Circulation Desk. Digital copies of your work can be included in our Virtual Art Show, by sending the file(s) to himmelfarb@gwu.edu. You can submit exclusively to the Virtual Art Show if you prefer.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact us by email at himmelfarb@gwu.edu or by phone at (202) 994-2850.

If you need some inspiration, enjoy these submissions from previous years. Check out more prior submissions in the Himmelfarb Library Annual Art Show collections in the Health Sciences Research Commons! 

Painting of a Faerie Queen with two women playing woodwind instruments looking at her.
“The Faerie Queen of New Prague” by Basil Considine (2023 submission)
Picture of a 3D printed knee joint with red wax resembling blood dripping from the joint.
Picture of multiple submissions.
Picture of multiple fabric art submissions.
Picture of multiple submissions.
Photographs by Frederick Jacobsen, MD, MPH (2023 submissions)
Picture of a crochet submission of staph infection with smiley faces.

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Promo image for Basketball Toss event

This Thursday, the Himmelfarb Library is proud to host a Basketball Toss event! This joint fundraiser will take place Thursday 3/14 from Noon to 4:00 pm. All proceeds will go to the GW Healing Clinic. 

Methods of payment will be cash and VENMO. The VENMO link will be provided onsite. 

Each paid participant will receive one free practice shot. We will be setting up a two-level scoring opportunity, with two different lines to toss from. The first line will be closest to the basket, generating two (2) points for each shot made. The second line, which will be further away from the basket, will generate three (3) points for each shot made. 

Participants may start and leave the event without losing their score. In the event of a tie, there will be a showdown to determine the winner. The two tied participants will receive three (3) tosses from the second line. This will continue until a winner is determined. There will be only one winner!

The winner will be determined at the end of the event day. The player with the highest cumulative score will be the winner! The 1st place prize will be a $75 gift card to Tonic and will have bragging rights for an entire year! Other prizes will be presented to the 2nd and 3rd place winners. 

The cost to participate is as follows:

1 shot for $1.00

3 shots for $2.50

5 shots for $4.00

10 shots for $7.50

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The image shows 3 women sitting in front of flowers. They are all wearing jeans and are sitting outdoors.

March 8th is  International Women’s Day! What a fantastic time to appreciate not only the women dear to us, but also to applaud the many women who have made progress in the field of Medicine. To discover more about the timeline of Women who made history in medicine, AMA has a brief timeline to illuminate those who helped to make the field of medicine what it is today.

Today, women continue to excel in all areas of healthcare, from clinical practice to research and academia. Female physicians, surgeons, researchers, and educators continue to make significant contributions to their fields that drive innovation and the improvement of patient care. Their dedication and expertise inspire the next generation of medical professionals.

Unfortunately throughout the world, women continue to face bias, discrimination, workplace pay inequality, and a lack of protection. A recent study from the World Bank reveals that the gender gap between men and women is wider than ever before. Moreover, women of color and those from underprivileged backgrounds often encounter additional barriers to advancement and recognition.

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from not only the community as a whole but also medical schools and hospitals. Consider encouraging Initiatives that promote diversity and equality and encourage a more supportive and inclusive environment for women in medicine. GW’s very own Clara Bliss Hinds Society is a powerful and inspirational task force that hosts workshops and events to promote Women in the industry.

Let us not forget that tomorrow matters. As educators and mentors, we have a responsibility to empower the next generation of Women in Medicine. It may be beneficial to study and highlight the achievements of female role models in medicine and sharing their stories can inspire students to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles. Representation matters, and by showcasing diverse role models, we can challenge stereotypes and broaden perceptions of who can succeed in medicine.

Further reading can be found at Himmelfarb:

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Picture of a dragon at a Lunar New Year parade.

The Lunar New Year is upon us! During this time of year, families worldwide awaken to the dawn of a new year, one that holds promises of prosperity and joy. Also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, this is a time of great significance for many across the globe. 2024 ushers in the year of the Dragon, which is a symbol of power, strength, courage, and good fortune. 

From February 10th to the 16th, activities will be held across the globe that are filled with ancient customs and modern revelry. If you would like to participate in or see such festivities, DC has its very own Chinese Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, February 11th!

In China, preparations for the Lunar New Year often begin weeks in advance as families clean their homes to sweep away any traces of bad luck from the previous year. This tradition, known as "spring cleaning" is believed to invite good fortune and prosperity into the household. Vibrant red decorations adorn doorways and windows, symbolizing luck and protection from misfortune into the new year. 

From dawn until dusk, throughout the Lunar New Year festivities of traditional meals, parades, and fireworks, intertwine with modern celebrations that create a tapestry of cultural richness and diversity that brings many together. 

For many, this occasion is not only a time for celebration but also a moment of reflection and renewal. It's a time to set intentions for the coming year, express gratitude for blessings received, and embrace the many opportunities that come our way. 

From the Himmelfarb Library, we wish you a safe and joyous Lunar New Year, while welcoming in a new chapter filled with promise and possibility, especially to those who celebrate! 

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Welcome back, GW family! As we embark on a new year filled with endless possibilities, it's the perfect time to reflect on where you are now, and where you’d like to be at this time next year, and set some powerful resolutions or goals to help you get there. If you are still trying to figure out where to start or have not made goals before, it might not be a bad time to reflect on the past year. 

Begin by acknowledging and celebrating your achievements from 2023. Take note of the challenges you overcame, and the skills you acquired. Ask yourself: What did I learn last year, and what do I want to learn now? Reflecting on your journey will help you to set realistic and achievable goals. 

When it comes to setting goals or making resolutions, specificity matters. Try to stay away from goals like “publish more.” While a vague goal may be a great starting point to create a roadmap, you will be less likely to accomplish said goal if you leave out precise details such as “submit three research papers to top tier conferences” or “complete data collection for my thesis by August.” Specific goals help to provide a clear path and make it easier for you to modify and track your progress. Remember, if you do not make the deadline you set for yourself, you can always reschedule. 

If your goal is substantial in size, break it down into manageable steps. Large goals can be overwhelming, especially when viewed as a whole. Categorize specific tasks into categories and prioritize them as you see fit. Consistency and building new habits will help that much more when it comes to achieving your goals. 

Don’t forget to be realistic and accountable. If you are uncertain about a specific goal or are feeling overwhelmed, it might help to share your vision with a peer or a mentor who can offer support on how to keep on track. If you need to, schedule check-ins or progress reviews that can also help to keep you focused. 

One of the best ways to achieve your goals is to find and use tools to help manage and track your progress. Task organization matters, no matter if it is digital or kept in a journal. Keeping your workspace clean, and your planner or goal notebook nearby and well-maintained can be a big help!  

Lastly, understand that setbacks happen and that they are all part of any journey. Instead of viewing them as failures, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Use setbacks as an opportunity to revisit your goals, adjust your strategies, and move forward with a newfound resilience! 

We can’t wait to see all of you succeed in 2024. Welcome back, and let’s make the best of this year together. Raise high! 

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