Success Story: From dropout to Dean’s List

December 16, 2020

Pamela SilvaPamela and Mason SilvaAsk NMC student Pamela Silva what she wants for Christmas, and the 56-year-old Traverse City resident will likely say she already has everything she could want: her children and grandchildren, good health, a job, and a 4.0 grade point average.

Her NMC instructors will say Silva’s greatest gift is what she shares willingly: the grit and perseverance that allowed her to prevail over real-world challenges.

“I feel so blessed that I get to go to school, that I get to learn, that I get to do what I enjoy,” said Silva, a one-time high school dropout. Since then, she’s navigated single parenthood, losing a kidney, cancer and a career change.

Nicole Fewins, Silva’s business math instructor, says her contributions to student forums enriched the class with value that a textbook or lecture can’t provide.

“It really makes a difference,” Fewins said.

Becca Richardson, who taught Silva for two semesters, said her maturity in the classroom— always prepared and putting forth her best effort — was welcome.

“She always made the class environment an optimal environment,” Richardson said. “She gave the other students a good example to follow.”

It was a turnaround for Silva, too, who belatedly earned her high school diploma in 1987 and briefly attended NMC in the early 1990s, but didn’t complete her degree.

“I felt like I didn’t need a Plan B,” said Silva, who then earned a good salary in retail management, and had worked hard to build back her credit and financial security after her health issues.

“When I had cancer, financially it took me under. I fell between every crack that there was,” Silva said.

But the job required constant travel between the 27 stores she managed and she found life in a corporation stressful. She changed careers, going to cosmetology school and taking over her mother’s hair salon, PS Perfect Styles. She became a grandmother. The best was yet to come, however.

Cancer had eliminated the possibility of siblings for Silva’s only daughter. Yet she became a mother again in 2015, when she adopted her step-grandson Mason.

“I was never able to have more children, and I always wanted more,” she said. She took the salon down to “extreme part-time” to focus on raising Mason. But the lesson from decades ago had stuck with her, and in fall 2019 as her son began kindergarten, she enrolled at NMC to finish what she started.

“I have this whole second chance to do it all over again,” Silva said. “It’s definitely what drives me.”

She chose accounting, a stable, good-paying, sit-down job, as one she could do as she grows older.

“Having such a young child, I had to rethink retirement and what I will be able to continue doing,” she said.

They had one normal semester before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Mason’s school went virtual. Silva considered whether she should stop out again, but decided to stick with it. Now she supervises six-year-old Mason’s online classes during the day while nannying for a two-year-old. Evenings she works in her salon. Nights and weekends are for her own classes, and NMC’s online options are key.

“I am able to fit my studies into my schedule, not fit my schedule into my studies. That’s very important for a single working parent,” she said. “I am certain that the work I am doing now will improve my son and my future.”

Success Story: From dropout to Dean’s List

December 16, 2020

Pamela SilvaPamela and Mason SilvaAsk NMC student Pamela Silva what she wants for Christmas, and the 56-year-old Traverse City resident will likely say she already has everything she could want: her children and grandchildren, good health, a job, and a 4.0 grade point average.

Her NMC instructors will say Silva’s greatest gift is what she shares willingly: the grit and perseverance that allowed her to prevail over real-world challenges.

“I feel so blessed that I get to go to school, that I get to learn, that I get to do what I enjoy,” said Silva, a one-time high school dropout. Since then, she’s navigated single parenthood, losing a kidney, cancer and a career change.

Nicole Fewins, Silva’s business math instructor, says her contributions to student forums enriched the class with value that a textbook or lecture can’t provide.

“It really makes a difference,” Fewins said.

Becca Richardson, who taught Silva for two semesters, said her maturity in the classroom— always prepared and putting forth her best effort — was welcome.

“She always made the class environment an optimal environment,” Richardson said. “She gave the other students a good example to follow.”

It was a turnaround for Silva, too, who belatedly earned her high school diploma in 1987 and briefly attended NMC in the early 1990s, but didn’t complete her degree.

“I felt like I didn’t need a Plan B,” said Silva, who then earned a good salary in retail management, and had worked hard to build back her credit and financial security after her health issues.

“When I had cancer, financially it took me under. I fell between every crack that there was,” Silva said.

But the job required constant travel between the 27 stores she managed and she found life in a corporation stressful. She changed careers, going to cosmetology school and taking over her mother’s hair salon, PS Perfect Styles. She became a grandmother. The best was yet to come, however.

Cancer had eliminated the possibility of siblings for Silva’s only daughter. Yet she became a mother again in 2015, when she adopted her step-grandson Mason.

“I was never able to have more children, and I always wanted more,” she said. She took the salon down to “extreme part-time” to focus on raising Mason. But the lesson from decades ago had stuck with her, and in fall 2019 as her son began kindergarten, she enrolled at NMC to finish what she started.

“I have this whole second chance to do it all over again,” Silva said. “It’s definitely what drives me.”

She chose accounting, a stable, good-paying, sit-down job, as one she could do as she grows older.

“Having such a young child, I had to rethink retirement and what I will be able to continue doing,” she said.

They had one normal semester before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Mason’s school went virtual. Silva considered whether she should stop out again, but decided to stick with it. Now she supervises six-year-old Mason’s online classes during the day while nannying for a two-year-old. Evenings she works in her salon. Nights and weekends are for her own classes, and NMC’s online options are key.

“I am able to fit my studies into my schedule, not fit my schedule into my studies. That’s very important for a single working parent,” she said. “I am certain that the work I am doing now will improve my son and my future.”

Dennos Mini Holiday Artist Market

Holiday Artist Market illustrationMark your calendars for the 2020 Mini Holiday Artist Market!

Please join us online this year for a mini version of the annual Holiday Artist Market.

This year has been far from normal, but the staff at the DMC is working hard to continue this yearly tradition. We’ve continued to rework our plans in response to the pandemic and the guidelines in place for the safety of our students, staff and community.

New this year, you can also shop the market online! Our redesigned website will offer free curbside pickup and $5 shipping. NMC staff and students get a 10% discount by using the code NMC10.

Visit our website for full details.

Here comes Santa Claus Dec. 10!

Santa routeSanta will be riding Traverse City’s antique fire engine through NMC’s campus and neighborhoods at the base of Old Mission Peninsula this Thursday, Dec. 10.

He will be traveling between 3 and 5 p.m. so be prepared for your Santa sighting then!

Learn more here.

Lesson of the Lark Virtual Choral Concert

Lesson of the Lark book coverTRAVERSE CITY —NMC’s Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the December 4 premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” — a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs. The piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova ,Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.

“The Lesson of the Lark,” is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name. The book, written to celebrate this year’s 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights, is a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights, told through the characters of a Girl, a Lark, and a Gardener, in beautiful prose and stunning artwork. A portion of the proceeds from the book’s sales go to the Equal Means Equal organization whose goal is to complete the ratification of the original Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution.

Sign up for free tickets to the virtual event at MyNorthTickets. Those who register for the 7 p.m. Dec. 4 performance will receive a link to view the premiere and pre-premiere talk shortly before the event. Learn more at thelessonofthelark.com.

 

Release date: December 3, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Lesson of the Lark Virtual Choral Concert

Lesson of the Lark book coverTRAVERSE CITY —NMC’s Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the December 4 premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” — a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights hosted by Jeffrey Cobb, Director of Music Programs. The piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova ,Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.

“The Lesson of the Lark,” is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name. The book, written to celebrate this year’s 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights, is a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights, told through the characters of a Girl, a Lark, and a Gardener, in beautiful prose and stunning artwork. A portion of the proceeds from the book’s sales go to the Equal Means Equal organization whose goal is to complete the ratification of the original Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution.

Sign up for free tickets to the virtual event at MyNorthTickets. Those who register for the 7 p.m. Dec. 4 performance will receive a link to view the premiere and pre-premiere talk shortly before the event. Learn more at thelessonofthelark.com.

 

Release date: December 3, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director, NMC Public Relations, Marketing & Communications
(231) 995-1019
dfairbanks@nmc.edu

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

Success Story: Christal Frost joins fellow frontliners going back to school

December 2, 2020

Christal Frost AndersonPhoto credit: FulfillamentKnown to thousands in northern Michigan as a longtime voice in local radio, Christal Frost Anderson (right) is poised to take on another identity: NMC student.

In January, Anderson, 41, will be among more than 400 students enrolled so far in classes at NMC through Futures for Frontliners, a statewide program offering free in-district tuition to community colleges to Michiganders who worked in essential industries between April 1 and June 30 but do not have a college degree. (The deadline to apply is Dec. 31 and eligible applicants can enroll anytime in 2021.)

Anderson’s job in media — she’s worked on air for 15 years, most recently at WTCM’s AM and FM stations— qualifies. As she was interviewing someone on the air about the program, she realized it, and that after a couple “false starts” in college, the time was ripe for her.

“That’s what I love about NMC. It’s always there when you’re ready. That’s a big, big thing. It took me a long time to be ready,” said Anderson, a 1998 Benzie Central High School graduate who attended NMC immediately after high school and again in 2002 and 2006.

“I would go back, try to do a class or two, and life would happen,” she said.

But with her son now 20 and deployed in the military and her younger child in high school, it seemed like perhaps she could finish what she started. Futures for Frontliners, whose application period runs through Dec. 31, sealed the deal.

“It’s about actually accomplishing it,” said Anderson.

Futures for Frontliners logoEligible workers include those who worked in financial services, food and agriculture, health care, law enforcement, transportation and public works. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate while they continue to work. Among NMC’s 1,450 Frontliner applicants, 445 have been determined as eligible and nearly all have registered for spring semester, which begins Jan. 11. Just over half are new students while the remainder are currently enrolled but will gain the Frontliners scholarship. Most of the 1,000 who have applied but not yet been declared eligible have outstanding paperwork and could still take advantage of the scholarship.

Anderson is considering studying either criminal justice or psychology and plans to stay on the air.

“I probably won’t leave my job, I love my job,” she said. “Even if I never use the field of study, there’s something to be said about always learning.”

The bite-size approach that Frontliners offers also appeals to Anderson. Students need only enroll in six credits, or two classes, to maintain scholarship eligibility. Anderson will take her classes online, a convenience that didn’t exist when she last attended.

“You had to fit your schedule around the school. That’s not how it is now, and that has made all the difference,” she said.

She also plans to take full advantage of NMC’s many student support services. Advising, success coaching and tutoring are just a few available. Attempting to go solo factored into her previous false starts.

“I didn’t reach out for help, and therefore I ended up dropping out,” she said. “I know I need the support.”

This time, she’s already taking practice tests and practicing writing samples to prepare for an exam that would allow her to test out of an English course.

NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify for Futures for Frontliners but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.

Success Story: Christal Frost joins fellow frontliners going back to school

December 2, 2020

Christal Frost AndersonPhoto credit: FulfillamentKnown to thousands in northern Michigan as a longtime voice in local radio, Christal Frost Anderson (right) is poised to take on another identity: NMC student.

In January, Anderson, 41, will be among more than 400 students enrolled so far in classes at NMC through Futures for Frontliners, a statewide program offering free in-district tuition to community colleges to Michiganders who worked in essential industries between April 1 and June 30 but do not have a college degree. (The deadline to apply is Dec. 31 and eligible applicants can enroll anytime in 2021.)

Anderson’s job in media — she’s worked on air for 15 years, most recently at WTCM’s AM and FM stations— qualifies. As she was interviewing someone on the air about the program, she realized it, and that after a couple “false starts” in college, the time was ripe for her.

“That’s what I love about NMC. It’s always there when you’re ready. That’s a big, big thing. It took me a long time to be ready,” said Anderson, a 1998 Benzie Central High School graduate who attended NMC immediately after high school and again in 2002 and 2006.

“I would go back, try to do a class or two, and life would happen,” she said.

But with her son now 20 and deployed in the military and her younger child in high school, it seemed like perhaps she could finish what she started. Futures for Frontliners, whose application period runs through Dec. 31, sealed the deal.

“It’s about actually accomplishing it,” said Anderson.

Futures for Frontliners logoEligible workers include those who worked in financial services, food and agriculture, health care, law enforcement, transportation and public works. They may pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate while they continue to work. Among NMC’s 1,450 Frontliner applicants, 445 have been determined as eligible and nearly all have registered for spring semester, which begins Jan. 11. Just over half are new students while the remainder are currently enrolled but will gain the Frontliners scholarship. Most of the 1,000 who have applied but not yet been declared eligible have outstanding paperwork and could still take advantage of the scholarship.

Anderson is considering studying either criminal justice or psychology and plans to stay on the air.

“I probably won’t leave my job, I love my job,” she said. “Even if I never use the field of study, there’s something to be said about always learning.”

The bite-size approach that Frontliners offers also appeals to Anderson. Students need only enroll in six credits, or two classes, to maintain scholarship eligibility. Anderson will take her classes online, a convenience that didn’t exist when she last attended.

“You had to fit your schedule around the school. That’s not how it is now, and that has made all the difference,” she said.

She also plans to take full advantage of NMC’s many student support services. Advising, success coaching and tutoring are just a few available. Attempting to go solo factored into her previous false starts.

“I didn’t reach out for help, and therefore I ended up dropping out,” she said. “I know I need the support.”

This time, she’s already taking practice tests and practicing writing samples to prepare for an exam that would allow her to test out of an English course.

NMC’s in-district tuition rates apply to Grand Traverse County residents. Those who qualify for Futures for Frontliners but live outside the district may still take advantage of the scholarship by paying the difference.

Museum Store Sunday is Nov. 29

Museum Store Sunday buttonWe’re celebrating Museum Store Sunday with extra discounts! Shop the Dennos Museum Store online Sunday, Nov. 29 and enjoy 25% off everything! Just use code MuseumStoreSunday at checkout.

The Dennos Museum Store brings you a carefully curated collection of unique, fun and functional merchandise that reflects the Museum’s collections as well as current exhibitions. We seek out art-inspired objects with a focus on great design to inspire, engage and delight both visitors and our community. Holiday decor, gifts, cards, and 2021 calendars are now available!

Find us online at shop.dennosmuseum.org.

All proceeds in the store support Dennos exhibitions and programs.

MI COVID Alert app launches statewide

Covid app illustrationAll Michiganders are encouraged to download the MI COVID Alert phone application from the Apple or Google app stores. MI COVID Alert is a free, easy to use, and anonymous app to help you stay informed and protect yourself or others from spreading COVID-19. The app was successfully piloted at Michigan State University and the surrounding community before its statewide launch.

Downloading the app provides protection going forward if you become exposed to someone who tests positive. The app uses low energy Bluetooth technology to detect phones with the app near you and send alerts for potential exposures. If someone tests positive for COVID-19, a local health department or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will provide them with a code to enter into the app. If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with someone who has COVID-19, you will receive a push notification to your mobile phone through the app.

Download the app today in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Student Health Services closed for Thanksgiving

Turkey illustrationStudent Health Services will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 and will reopen Monday, Nov. 30.

If you need medical attention after hours or on the weekend, please seek help at one of the following locations:

    • Munson Walk-In Clinic, 550 Munson Ave., (231) 935-8686
    • Bayside Docs, 501 Munson Ave., (231) 933-9150
    • The Walk-In Clinic, US 31 South, (231) 929-1234
  • Munson Medical Center, 1105 6th Street, (231) 935-5000

GVSU RISE Scholarship info meeting Nov. 24

What is it?

The Retaining and Inspiring Students in Science and Engineering (RISE) program at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is funded by the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. RISE provides a set of progressively increasing four-year scholarships for low-income, academically talented students who have identified an interest in pursuing a science or engineering major. RISE scholars will be engaged in a cohort with faculty mentors to provide a robust support network and experiential learning opportunities, including summer research and internships, which have been shown to improve retention and graduation rates through disciplinary socialization.

Is it for me?

The RISE program is designed to provide additional support (both financial and academic) to academically talented, low income/high financial need students interested in pursuing a STEM major. To figure out if the program is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I planning to be an incoming freshman at GVSU declaring a major in science*, technology, engineering or mathematics? (not medical)
  • Do I have a high school GPA that is 3.0 or above?
  • Do I have questions or concerns about going to college and how to successfully navigate this new environment?
  • Do I want to know more about what I can do with a STEM degree?

If you answered yes to those questions, then the RISE program may be just the thing for you.

In addition to progressively increasing annual scholarships for students who maintain a 2.8 GPA, the RISE program will provide you with a STEM faculty mentor who is dedicated to helping you navigate GVSU and connect you with the people and resources to help you succeed. As part of the RISE program you will be part of a small cohort of other STEM students who together engage in courses and extra-curricular activities that help you explore the many career options available in the STEM field and provide assistance with looking and applying for paid internship and research experiences.

What do I need to do to explore this opportunity?

  1. Please reach out via email to me, Dr. Tamara Coleman, Biology Instructor, at tcoleman@nmc.edu
  2. To apply for the RISE program go to myScholarships.
  3. If you meet the above criteria, we will meet virtually 7 times prior to April. I will provide mentorship and study skills, and connect you with NMC and GVSU resources and staff. We will develop a plan for your success as a student.

I will be hosting a virtual info meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. Please email me for the link.

I look forward to exploring this opportunity with you!blog

Library moves to remote services starting Nov. 18

UPDATED: In accordance with the college transition to virtual learning on Wednesday, Nov. 18, the NMC Library will move to remote support services and curbside access to materials and technology.

ACCESS: The physical library will be closed from November 18 through January 3. We will resume face-to-face service hours on January 4. NMC librarians will be accessible Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., throughout the transition to virtual, as well as for remote consults and curbside pickup times scheduled outside the regular work day. Visit the website for our contact information.

TECHNOLOGY, CIRCULATING TEXTBOOKS and PRINT COLLECTION: All regularly circulating items may be requested using the Request Materials & Equipment form. To accommodate a variety of schedules, patrons will reserve a pickup time that is most convenient for them. They will be met in the lobby of West Hall with the requested item(s) at the time they specified. Materials for spring semester will be available on January 4.

RESEARCH ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS: Services to support students remotely will be expanded from November 30 to December 16. Students can access library support by scheduling an appointment via Zoom or phone with an NMC librarian, accessing 24/7 live chat reference or emailing library@nmc.edu.

FACULTY SUPPORT and LIBRARY INSTRUCTION: Available remotely as requested by faculty. Additionally, the recently redesigned library website offers easy-to-find curricular support at the NMC Library Teaching and Learning page.

RETURNS: Patrons will be able to return print materials to the blue drive-through dropbox in Birch Lot 24/7 or to the return box in the west entrance of the West Hall Innovation Center during open building hours. Technology must be returned to the Welcome Desk in West Hall Innovation Center during open building hours.

PRINTING: Available on the first floor of West Hall during open building hours.

NMC Food Pantry Curbside Pickup Update

NMC Food Pantry logoDue to the new campus restrictions related to COVID-19, the NMC Food Pantry will move to curbside pickup for orders starting Thursday, Nov. 19. Orders can be picked up before then in the Osterlin Building at the Testing Center Monday (today) until 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When new restrictions go into place Wednesday, pickup will then be twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays, from noon to 4 p.m. Orders can be picked up at the Osterlin testing center door by the powerhouse and Tanis Building. Please check your NMC email for further details regarding pending orders.

For questions, please contact Student Life at (231) 995-1118 or foodpantry@nmc.edu.

New COVID-19 restrictions on NMC campuses

TRAVERSE CITY — Last night Governor Whitmer announced new restrictions designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan. The new epidemic order from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will have the following impact at Northwestern Michigan College from Wednesday, November 18 through Tuesday, December 8.

  • All classes, meetings, testing and student services must be delivered virtually (with the exception of some law enforcement and health occupations courses).
  • The Testing Center will be closed to in person testing.
  • All employee work that can be done remotely, must be done remotely.
  • Lobdell’s restaurant will be closed.
  • The Hawk Owl Cafe will offer food for take out only.
  • The bookstore and Health Services will have limited service.
  • The library will offer virtual services.
  • Building access will be limited.
  • Residence hall students will have the option of staying in NMC housing. Further communication will come from the Office of Residence Life.

This is an evolving situation. We will continue to monitor it and communicate with you. Students, please contact your instructors if you have questions about your coursework. You may also use the feedback form for other questions related to the college’s response to the pandemic.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, NMC has remained committed to keeping our students and employees safe, while limiting the disruption to learning as much as possible. We appreciate your commitment to those goals. Please stay safe and continue your work to limit the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses, within our community and with your family. For the latest information on NMC’s response to the pandemic, including resources for students and employees, please visit nmc.edu/coronavirus.

 

Release date: November 16, 2020

For more information:

Diana Fairbanks
Executive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
dfairbanks@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1019

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE

Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination

The Foundation and Alumni Relations Offices Are Moving!

The NMC Foundation and Alumni Relations offices are moving to the Schmuckal Building on NMC’s beautiful University Center Campus!

While we continue to work remotely, we are thrilled to announce the location of our new offices, and look forward to inviting you to visit when it’s safe to do so.

Please note that while the location of our physical offices has changed, our mailing address and contact information remain the same:

Our office location has changed:
The Arthur M. and Mary E. Schmuckal Building, Ste. 100
NMC’s University Center
2200 Dendrinos Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
(off Cass Road between 14th Street and South Airport Road)

Our mailing address remains the same:
NMC Foundation
1701 E. Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49686

Our contact information remains the same:
Phone: (231) 995-1021
Email: foundation@nmc.edu