Real People Profiles: Craig Berger
I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Craig Berger

Hometown: Salem, Ohio

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my first semester at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Coordinator of Campus and Civic Engagement

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: I encourage students to learn through identifying and solving common problems collaboratively.  

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A:  I enjoy listening to each student's story and observing students discover their power and agency.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A:  While I have not been at UMBC for too long yet, the most important thing I learned in college is that learning requires risk-taking; we have to be willing to put our comfort on the line in order to receive a pay-off that might not be guaranteed. It's a scary proposition, but it's necessary.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A:  blogging!

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: While shopping at the grocery store my first weekend in Baltimore, I discovered that some distant relative of mine makes amazing cookies ("Berger" cookies?) -- I picked some up on that trip, and now I'm addicted!

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.

]]> I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/real-people-profiles-craig-berger.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9583/guest@my.umbc.edu/872aae5d35f59a6b701af610d3f70387/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 31 3 true Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:04:00 -0400 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:04:00 -0400 Where I'm From Very soon I'll be traveling to my hometown.  I haven't been back in more than six years.  I'll see my family, and one or two old friends who still live within a few hours' drive, and I'll take some time to visit the treasured places where I had my life-shaping early adventures, and touch the ground, and reconnect with my long-ago self.  

Where I'm from, there are no snow days, no autumn bonfires lost to wind and showers.  The sun rises over land and sets over water, and palm trees line the boulevards.  Where I'm from, the interstate highways are never called "I-this" or "I-that," but always "the 405" or "the 5." When locals share where they're from they never mention counties or high schools, only cities and communities. There is no unifying regional cuisine, no equivalent to the Maryland crab or Old Bay seasoning, although restaurants everywhere else try to evoke the place with avocado and sprouts.

Where I'm from is the backdrop for movies and television: My high school and college appear as their generic equivalents in countless films and shows. The most famous local landmarks are known more for their appearances on the silver screen than for their history in the actual world. 

Where I'm from, the locals can seem sunny but insincere. They can attend too much to appearances; they mock the unfashionable and unkempt. Their superficiality alienates many poetic young souls, and spawns subcultures at the margins: of yearning for independence, of depth.

Where I'm from shines through me every day without my conscious thought or intention. Whether I embody its folkways or epitomize resistance to them, the me that emerges is defined in large part by that faraway place.

Where I'm from is where I'm headed for a little while: the San Fernando Valley, and the City of Angels.

Where are you from?

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]]> Very soon I'll be traveling to my hometown.  I haven't been back in more than six years.  I'll see my family, and one or two old friends who still live within a few hours' drive, and I'll take... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/where-im-from.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9574/guest@my.umbc.edu/c7b801c70057c823fe8ae7cd705c39c2/api/pixel los-angeles Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 37 25 true Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:44:00 -0400 Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:44:00 -0400 Grad Students & Postdocs: Teaching Portfolio Seminar 10/14, $2000 Teaching Opportunity! We are increasing our professional development offerings so that we can assist with preparing you for careers both within and outside of academe. As part of our “PROF-it: Professors-in-Training” program, we have partnered with UMBC’s Faculty Development Center to provide you with training for faculty positions. We also have a partnership with the Community College [...] ]]> We are increasing our professional development offerings so that we can assist with preparing you for careers both within and outside of academe. As part of our “PROF-it: Professors-in-Training”... http://promisesuccessseminars.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/grad-students-postdocs-teaching-portfolio-seminar-1014-2000-teaching-opportunity/ https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9422/guest@my.umbc.edu/0c3ba98aa28b616480b696e041ffc750/api/pixel agep ccbc-umbc-teaching-fellowship community-college-of-baltimore-county education grad-student-success-seminar gradstudents graduate-school graduate-student-professional-development postdocs postdoctoral-associates postdoctoral-fellows preparation-for-teaching preparing-future-faculty prof-it professional-development professor promise promise-marylands-agep seminar seminars teaching teaching-porfolio umbc umbc-ccbc-teaching-fellows-progam umbc-graduate-school workshops Grad Student & Postdoc Development https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gspd https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xsmall.png?1781730740 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/original.png?1781730740 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xxlarge.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xlarge.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/large.png?1781730740 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/medium.png?1781730740 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/small.png?1781730740 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xsmall.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xxsmall.png?1781730740 PROMISE @ UMBC: Support for Graduate Students 3 0 false Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:30:20 -0400 Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:30:20 -0400 Real People Profiles: Mickey Arora
I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Mickey Arora

Hometown: MoCo, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 3 years

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Health Education Coordinator at UHS.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: I help to promote health & wellness across the UMBC campus.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A:  Interacting with different students at programs and events. Also, supervising the Peer Health Educators - they are some of the best students I have ever known and keep me motivated at work.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A:  The biggest thing I remember about my undergrad career was how involved I was. I was involved with over four different student orgs, was a Peer Educator, and also interned on campus... and I loved it! I would never have been able to meet the people I met, or know the things I know now without those experiences. I hope that all college students get the chance to become involved on their campuses, no matter how big or small; and at UMBC, I've learned that the possibilities for students, staff and faculty to get involved are endless!

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A:  frozen yogurt! :)

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: My mom always told me I should try to date someone "on my level" like at work or school, and I constantly told her I would NEVER be able to meet anyone like that at work... but after two years of knowing each other, I started dating another staff member at UMBC and it's been great! Moms apparently always know best. :)


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]]> I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/real-people-profiles-mickey-arora.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9406/guest@my.umbc.edu/b33e92b36f617aad5f88b5d4efbefbb6/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 52 9 true Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:31:00 -0400 Nicknames The first of them all was 'Little Hoffy.' I was 7 years old, and had been placed in a class full of older kids: 3rd and 4th graders, most of whom seemed world-wise and, relative to me, disturbingly large. After a playground game in which the bigger boys ganged up on me, the 4th grade girls decided to offer me some protection. I became their Little Hoffy (a play on my last name), tiny and adoring; they became my muscle. Being called Little Hoffy made me feel safe and wanted. But it was also a role I was playing: a little bit me and a little bit pretend. And of course it was socially limiting: I could never be an equal with the other boys or girls with a nickname like that.

My next nickname was given to me in 5th grade by the class bully. He handed out all the nicknames. I was new to the school and came across (at least to him) as kind of a brain, so he called me 'Poindexter,' after the glasses-wearing child scientist from the cartoon series Felix the Cat. I was grateful for this. I liked being considered smart, and a lot of his other nicknames were far less flattering: Cow, for example, or 'Where's My Shoe?' I was proud when a new student joined the class mid-year and, after we started hanging out together, he was given the nickname Poindexter II. But 'Poindexter' was like Little Hoffy: sort of affectionate yet also distancing. I wanted badly to be accepted by my peers, and the name Poindexter was more of an invitation to fulfill a 'nerdy kid' stereotype.*

There were other nicknames over the years, each implying its own combination of acceptance and distance, real and pretend.  In high school I was 'Larry,' one of The Three Stooges (my two best friends were Moe and Curly). For a while in college I was Casper, as in The Friendly Ghost, a nickname I earned by being the rare white guy to participate in SGA election campaigns for certain students of color. I remember being surprised when my friend (and SGA President) Dean Florez told his supporters to stop calling me that because he believed it unfairly pigeonholed me. "David is a friend, and a member of our team," he said. "He's not just a Casper."

For a long time after college, the occasional nickname would be thrown my way, but I rarely took the bait. I was becoming more comfortable just being me, and didn't feel so much need to play a character in order to maintain the pseudo-acceptance of my peers.

In recent years, though, another name has emerged: some SGA members and other students call me 'D-Hoff.'  The thing I like about D-Hoff is that it does not seem to encompass a subtle put-down. It names neither a character nor a version of me that is not the whole.  D-Hoff strikes me as more a statement of affiliation, embracing my preference for being addressed informally: no 'Mr. Hoffman' for me, thank you very much. It's a nickname I feel no need to outgrow. At last.

How about you: Any nickname stories you'd like to share?

*Incidentally, Poindexter II (my friend John) wrote the movie Anonymous, about the authorship of Shakespeare's plays, which you'll probably see advertised quite a bit in the next few weeks.

]]> The first of them all was 'Little Hoffy.' I was 7 years old, and had been placed in a class full of older kids: 3rd and 4th graders, most of whom seemed world-wise and, relative to me,... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/nicknames.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9352/guest@my.umbc.edu/e90f31158fbd3691166620a732449ce6/api/pixel personal-stories Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 55 45 true Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:29:00 -0400 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:29:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Joshua Day
I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Joshua Day

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 2 years

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Finance Board Member, Student Government Association; Advertising Committee Member, Relay For Life; Fundraising Chair and Brother, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated; Representative, Student-Athlete Advisory Council (Cross Country, Track & Field)

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: a unifying factor among different groups on campus

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A:  meeting new people and simply talking with them because communication is one of the greatest joys (not to sound corny lol)

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A:  College and everything it encompasses is a business and they will rob you of your money if you don't speak up and take matters in your own hand

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A:  people who never give up

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A: Back in the day we used to have 2 gyms...and we had parties that were like that on campus lol...attracting people from different colleges/universities. Also no matter how long you've been here you can always find something new if you go exploring.



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]]> I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/real-people-profiles-joshua-day.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9270/guest@my.umbc.edu/558250d508b17abd6352bb35cb944225/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 26 4 true Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:01:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Lindsey Mitchell
I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Lindsey Mitchell

Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Since July 2011

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Coordinator of Student Events
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus? 

A: I advise the Student Events Board to help provide quality campus programming

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A:  So far I've met such an amazing group of students and staff members who have blown me away with their creativity, passion and innovation. It's been an inspiring place to work!

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A:  When I first went to college I wasn't involved at all and really didn't enjoy my college experience the first two years. I ended up transferring to another school and got a job on campus my first week there; it completely changed my perspective on what college should be. If I were to share the single most important thing that I learned from college.. it's to get involved! Your four (or five or six...) years in college can be an amazing time in your life if you intentionally complement your academic experience with other extracurricular outlets.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A:  Road trips :)

Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?

A:   I'd have to say my favorite moment so far at UMBC was when I walked into my new office and there was a huge welcome banner that the SEB students made on my first day of work. What a great way to feel welcomed! I'm looking forward to meeting many of you around campus and seeing the amazing programs that SEB will put on this year.

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.




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]]> I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/real-people-profiles-lindsey-mitchell.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9222/guest@my.umbc.edu/63a367e2950a9ff5de472df9534ab3cd/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 31 6 true Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:33:00 -0400 Odd Jobs The summer after my freshman year in college, I worked at the local mall in a shop called The Laminators. It was basically a framing shop, but instead of putting people's diplomas and photos into frames, The Laminators turned them into plaques--at least, when it didn't accidentally shred or burn them.  The shop was too small to house the actual lamination works; I never saw the factory.  It was basically just a counter and a small display room, from which we sold posters and prints that already had been plaque-ified.  We didn't do a lot of business, and I almost always worked alone.

In order to earn my minimum wage, I accepted customers' orders, worked the register, and struggled to answer their questions about the posters for sale, most depicting very expensive cars or military hardware.  But my most memorable customer didn't buy a thing; he showed up with something to return--a damaged plaque The Laminators clearly hadn't sold him (it was the wrong color and lacked the signature beveled edge).  He was a big guy in a muscle shirt, and he seemed to sense that I was alone and not very self-confident. Our interaction went something like this:

Customer: You guys sold me this piece of crap and I didn't notice it was already damaged until I unwrapped it at home.  I'd like a full refund.

Me: I'm sorry. I think you might be mistaken. We don't make plaques like this one. Could you have purchased this from a different store?

Customer: You don't think I know where I bought this? Look, I'm in a hurry. This cost me $110, and I'd like it back. Now.

Me: I'm sorry, sir. We don't issue refunds once our products leave the store. We never wrap them before the customer sees and accepts them. And like I said, I don't think we made this plaque. Do you have a receipt? If you like, I can get in touch with the manager . . .


Customer: What?? No, you little @$%!#. Don't play games with me! Don't call your manager! Can't you think for yourself? I am a customer and I'm showing you that you sold me damaged goods. I want my f%$@# $110. Now!

Me: Well, I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not authorized to give it to you. Please, just let me put you on the phone with the manager. He can explain . . .

Customer: You f%$@#! Stop being such a p%&*!@! Look, if you can't use your tiny little brain to process a $%@#! simple refund, I can f%$@#! do it for you! Now open that f%$@# register and give me my g@!d@%$# $110! NOW!

Me: F%$@# you, sir!

For ten seconds, we stared silently at each other, me paralyzed with fear: not that the man was going to take my head off (a distinct possibility, but I could live with that) but that I was going to be fired for cursing at a customer. Then the man turned around and stormed away. Two minutes later I had my manager on the phone, and he absolved me of blame. He was just glad I hadn't given the refund.

So what "interesting" jobs have you had? Any good stories?

]]> The summer after my freshman year in college, I worked at the local mall in a shop called The Laminators. It was basically a framing shop, but instead of putting people's diplomas and photos into... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/odd-jobs.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9176/guest@my.umbc.edu/0e65f6961dfb9d953a6d81aa0d0bfe6a/api/pixel personal-stories Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 23 12 true Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:00:00 -0400 “When Faculty Say ‘X’ …” — Ask questions, hear from faculty. Dinner seminar Monday, 10/17 Each year, PROMISE and the Graduate School host a dinner seminar that allows graduate students to ask questions of faculty. This year, our  annual “When Faculty Say ‘X’, They Really Mean ‘Y’” seminar will be held on Monday, October 17, 2011 in the Library, 7th floor.  It is important to note that faculty often say [...] ]]> Each year, PROMISE and the Graduate School host a dinner seminar that allows graduate students to ask questions of faculty. This year, our  annual “When Faculty Say ‘X’, They Really Mean ‘Y’”... http://promisesuccessseminars.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/when-faculty-say-x-ask-questions-hear-from-faculty-dinner-seminar-monday-1017/ https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9174/guest@my.umbc.edu/021ff04792e14be0425c89a4b332f279/api/pixel agep grad-students gradstudents graduate-school graduate-student-professional-development promise promise-marylands-agep seminars umbc-grad-school university-of-maryland-baltimore-county workshops Grad Student & Postdoc Development https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/gspd https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xsmall.png?1781730740 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/original.png?1781730740 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xxlarge.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xlarge.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/large.png?1781730740 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/medium.png?1781730740 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/small.png?1781730740 https://assets3-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xsmall.png?1781730740 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/066/4b2a0ea3017d894b96de7bd4a45729d5/xxsmall.png?1781730740 PROMISE @ UMBC: Support for Graduate Students 2 0 false Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:26:57 -0400 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:26:57 -0400 A LATTE to Energize Student Leaders Later this month, the Office of Student Life-trained student Leadership Consultants will facilitate the annual Leadership and Teamwork Training Experience (LATTE), a two day, off campus retreat for student organization leaders.  About 35 participants will build a peer network, learn about their leadership styles, discover helpful campus resources and take away new ideas for sustaining their energy and building their organizations.  Past participants have given the retreat great reviews, so don't miss your chance to be a part of it.

LATTE will take place from Saturday morning, October 22nd through Sunday afternoon, October 23rd at the Skycroft Conference Center in Middletown, MD (bus transportation provided from UMBC).  Participation is free.

Here's a link to the application: www.tinyurl.com/umbclatte2011app.  The application deadline is this Friday, October 7th.

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]]> Later this month, the Office of Student Life-trained student Leadership Consultants will facilitate the annual Leadership and Teamwork Training Experience (LATTE), a two day, off campus retreat... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2011/10/latte-to-energize-student-leaders.html https://my3.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/9162/guest@my.umbc.edu/39176b285037c55b5a62f5e96a982ec4/api/pixel leadership-education opportunities Co-Create UMBC https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 12 1 true Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:23:00 -0400 Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:23:00 -0400