{"675575":{"#nid":"675575","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Celebrating a Decade of Explore LLC","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFor 10 years,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/explorellc.cos.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EExplore Living Learning Community\u003C\/a\u003E (Explore LLC) has provided a science-centered home for Georgia Tech students.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt\u2019s more than a place to live,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/explorellc.cos.gatech.edu\/staff\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKimberly Blaise\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Explore LLC assistant director. \u201cExplore is a community built around science where undergraduates interact with faculty, collaborate with students who share their same interests, explore career options, and enjoy social activities.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EA partnership between the College of Sciences and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/housing.gatech.edu\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Housing and Residence Life\u003C\/a\u003E, Explore members include first-year and transfer students interested in research, pre-health, or other College of Sciences-based tracks. Explore is one of\u0026nbsp;six\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/housing.gatech.edu\/living-learning-communities\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003ELiving Learning Communities\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;Students in each community are offered\u0026nbsp;opportunities to investigate an interest through experiential and academic programming while residing with students who share that enthusiasm.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe Explore LLC community has produced over 1,500 alumni since its founding in 2014,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/cameron-tyson\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECameron Tyson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, assistant dean for Academic Programs in the College of Sciences and\u0026nbsp;faculty director of Explore LLC. \u201cIt\u2019s a foundational experience shaping how students experiment with different passions and interests throughout their years at Tech. While they are in Explore and throughout their time at Georgia Tech, our students\u2019 commitment and enthusiasm for learning shine through, making them sought-after candidates for research, career, and academic opportunities.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFor the 2024-2025 school year, 200 students have signed up for Explore: 160 first-years, 20 transfer students, and 20 mentors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cMy dad always told me to surround myself with smart, hardworking, and driven people because that\u2019s the best way to grow,\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003ENicholas Amobi\u003C\/strong\u003E, a first-year biology major. \u201cI chose Explore because I\u2019m here for self-betterment and achieving my ambitions; I think the chance to network and be around others with goals in the biosciences will help set me up for future success.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELIVING\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFor the first time this fall, students will live in apartment-style housing at the Eighth Street West Apartments on West Campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EFor undergraduate student\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EMireya Ramirez\u003C\/strong\u003E, Explore feels like home.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cExplore really helped me adapt to life at Georgia Tech because I was able to start small,\u201d says Ramirez. \u201cGetting to know my roommate, my floormates, and my RA helped me feel more at ease.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe resident activities, Ramirez says, are the highlight of living in the dorms:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cMy favorite activity was when Explore hosted a month of floor vs. floor competitions. I loved the fun and silly games that helped me get to know my floormates.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ESome of the many activities in the 2023-2024 school year included outings to a Hawk\u2019s game, Battery Park, and the musical,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cem\u003EHamilton\u003C\/em\u003E, as well as an on-campus scavenger hunt, science murder mystery night, and a Waffle House food truck event before finals.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ERamirez says her social growth is the biggest benefit to participating in Explore. Throughout the year, she felt encouraged to form study groups and reach out to new friends with similar niche interests.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EShe continued building that community of support \u2014 one where she met her closest friends \u2014 when she returned as an RA for her sophomore year.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThere are so many different people who choose to do science at Georgia Tech. We are all very diverse, but by living in Explore LLC, we all have something special in common,\u201d says Ramirez.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELEARNING\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EExplore students are encouraged to enroll in classes reserved for Explore students, fostering teamwork skills and meaningful connections with professors and peers. These experiences are complemented with individualized tutoring and advising sessions in-house. Pre-health and research advising are also offered exclusively to Explore students and are led by field professionals and program alumni.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Boresow\u003C\/strong\u003E, a second-year physics student, appreciates his year in a community that shares his passion for scientific inquiry.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cI attended a variety of events where I could work with people like College of Sciences Career Educator\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/career.gatech.edu\/james-stringfellow\/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJames Stringfellow\u003C\/strong\u003E,\u003C\/a\u003E and where professors spoke about their research projects and different opportunities to get experience,\u201d says Boresow. \u201cI now have a network of other students who are taking similar classes and a support group of individuals who share my passion for knowledge and understanding.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EAdditional career-building events during the 2023-2024 school year included resume and interview workshops; a co-op and internship overview with the Georgia Tech Career Center; and networking opportunities with alumni mentors.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECOMMUNITY\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ETen years is an impressive accomplishment, but Explore LLC leadership views the past decade as just the beginning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cIt is our goal to make the program better year after year,\u201d says Blaise. \u201cThis year we are introducing Explore students to apartment-style housing\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;which is not normally an option for first-year students\u0026nbsp;\u2014\u0026nbsp;and growing the program with the addition of transfer students. We\u2019ve spent the summer preparing for the year ahead and have exciting activities lined up like our annual retreat, Young Physicians Initiative, and social activities to get our Explore students engaged in their community.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EBlaise believes Explore\u2019s fun activities, professional growth opportunities, and home-away-from-home atmosphere will continue to make a strong impact on student success at Georgia Tech\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EExplore students definitely agree:\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWhat\u2019s not to love? Apartment-style dorms, gaining connections with other pre-med students, meeting teachers, career preparation, and the dorms are even close to the Campus Recreation Center, Explore has it all!\u201d says\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003EBharath Susarla\u003C\/strong\u003E, a first-year environmental engineering major.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cExplore made my first year at Georgia Tech one of the best in my life; the transition to college was easier than I ever expected due to having such a supportive community around me,\u201d sums up Boresow.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn a break from tradition, Explore students will live and learn in apartment-style dorms during the 2024-2025 school year. The Eighth Street West address will be new, but Explore\u2019s mission to provide a\u0026nbsp;science-focused hub where students thrive through academic support, career exploration, and engaging social activities remains unchanged.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"The Eighth Street West address will be new, but Explore\u2019s mission to provide a science-focused hub where students thrive through academic support, career exploration, and engaging social activities remains unchanged. "}],"uid":"36607","created_gmt":"2024-07-23 19:42:40","changed_gmt":"2024-08-07 20:56:33","author":"ls67","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2024-07-25T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2024-07-25T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"674446":{"id":"674446","type":"image","title":"Incoming Explore students and their new home for the 2024-2025 school year: Eighth Street West Apartments provides two-, four-, and six-bedroom two-bath residences with a shared living room and kitchen.","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIncoming Explore students check out Eight Street West Apartments, their new home for the 2024-2025 school year.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1722273732","gmt_created":"2024-07-29 17:22:12","changed":"1723064278","gmt_changed":"2024-08-07 20:57:58","alt":"Eight students standing in front of a brick residence hall.","file":{"fid":"257962","name":"Explore LLC 2024.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/29\/Explore%20LLC%202024.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/29\/Explore%20LLC%202024.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":6269545,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/07\/29\/Explore%20LLC%202024.jpg?itok=2CKjsq6S"}},"674423":{"id":"674423","type":"image","title":"Fun activities are scheduled throughout the year for Explore students to build community and get to know each other.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EExplore students attended a Game Night to meet other Explorers and view their new home.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1721910869","gmt_created":"2024-07-25 12:34:29","changed":"1722261853","gmt_changed":"2024-07-29 14:04:13","alt":"Two young men play ping pong.","file":{"fid":"257931","name":"Explore playing pingpong.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/25\/Explore%20playing%20pingpong.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/25\/Explore%20playing%20pingpong.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":2326871,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/07\/25\/Explore%20playing%20pingpong.jpg?itok=EDEMxGjb"}},"674424":{"id":"674424","type":"image","title":"Explore students are encouraged to take advantage of networking and other career opportunities.","body":"\u003Cp\u003EExplore students are encouraged to take advantage of networking and other career opportunities.\u003C\/p\u003E","created":"1721911457","gmt_created":"2024-07-25 12:44:17","changed":"1721911457","gmt_changed":"2024-07-25 12:44:17","alt":"A man dressed in a coat jacket and button-down shirt addresses a group of four students sitting at a round table.","file":{"fid":"257932","name":"Explore network.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/25\/Explore%20network.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2024\/07\/25\/Explore%20network.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":701525,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2024\/07\/25\/Explore%20network.jpg?itok=B-HfC2k-"}}},"media_ids":["674446","674423","674424"],"groups":[{"id":"1278","name":"College of Sciences"}],"categories":[{"id":"42901","name":"Community"},{"id":"42911","name":"Education"},{"id":"134","name":"Student and Faculty"}],"keywords":[{"id":"167141","name":"Student Life"},{"id":"193309","name":"Explore Living Learning Community"},{"id":"114841","name":"dorms"},{"id":"4896","name":"College of Sciences"},{"id":"192259","name":"cos-students"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"39541","name":"Systems"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EWriters: Laura S. Smith and Amy Kim\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["laura.smith@cos.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}