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: Ben Davis 

Hometown: Finksburg, MD

A: 3 years.

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

A: Service Peer and Relay for Life: Event Chair.

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

A: Empowering people to help other people and themselves. 

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

A: The relationships with other people you establish, and hold throughout your life can be more important than your job, the knowledge you carry, and the money you make. You can learn so much from the relationships you have throughout your life, they can be a safety valve when times are tough, and they can be a voice of reason when you are struggling to cope with life. Relationships, whether they be friends, family, co-workers, etc., can also provide you with a lot of happiness and fun!

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

Name: Donique Lewis

A:I’m currently holding the position of Executive Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

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

A: My role is to provide executive level support to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and to work with our student assistants.

A: I really enjoy the opportunities for personal/professional growth afforded you in this division. If there’s something you’re interested in, all you have to do is ask.  I’ve recently expressed my desire to work more with the budget in my area, and without hesitation I was given a much larger role.

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

A: I have learned how important it is to make your presence known and not fade into the background.  Many opportunities may come your way, just by letting others get to know you.

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

A: Football   “GO RAVENS”

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: The “Red Flag Campaign."  I have really enjoyed participating with this event and being able to bring more awareness to the warning signs of relationship violence.  It’s my hope that at least one student may be helped by this campaign.

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: Alison Rohrbach

Hometown: Towson, MD

A: 5 years.

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

A: Assistant Director of University Health Services.

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

A: I am so proud of the work done by the UHS Peer Health Advocates.  These students are some of the most amazing people I have ever worked with, and I could never thank them enough for all of their hard work and contributions.  I also really enjoy the connections and friendships I have made with staff members at UMBC.  From day one of working here, I have felt welcomed by so many people. 

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

A: The most important thing I learned in college, that has been reinforced during my time at UMBC is to embrace the diversity that is around you. Growing up in a small town, I was not exposed to a lot of diversity. After going away to college, I met so many people from different cultures, religions, etc.  Being at UMBC has made this experience even greater for me.  I feel very fortunate to work somewhere that has so much diversity.

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

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Name: Faryal Khalid

A: I am a Leadership Consultant, Secretary of the Commuter Student Association and an SGA Sustainability Intern. I am also on the Art Staff of Bartleby and do some design work for different student organizations. I enjoy all these so very much.

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

A: Encourage student leadership and school spirit through creative design work. 

A: I enjoy running around campus (*laughs*). I keep myself quite busy and I love it that way. People who say there isn't much to do on this campus, just need to look around. There is something for everyone and that is what I enjoy most about my roles. Through my involvement in different student organizations I can meet many different people and its amazing how much I learn everyday from the variety of experiences and talents, they bring to the table.

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

A: One thing I learnt at UMBC is that it is great to be different. The campus is ever so open to change and uniqueness. There is no wrong way, just a different way and if you follow your passion you can't really go wrong. It was this lesson that encouraged me to change my major to Graphic Design, even though I come from a predominantly science background and I have never been happier. UMBC gave me a chance to follow my passion.

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

A: Photography. There is something so gratifying about capturing beautiful memories, embarrassing moments and taking a piece of someones story with you. One of my greatest pleasures is to bug people with my camera!

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 have numerous favorite spots on this campus. I love the first floor of the Fine Arts building. Even though I have all my classes there and I shouldn't like it so much but the simple white walls and the warm lights help me relax and clear my mind of everything, so I can focus on the task at hand. Another great spot is the lake near the Research Park. There is a lot of quiet and peace in that area, and you get to go through the tunnel where a lot of UMBC students, over the years have left parts of their stories. Its a definite spot to check out!

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: Dustin Hogenson 

Hometown: Grand Forks, ND

A: Just over one year now.

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

A: Graduate Coordinator of Volunteerism and Service.

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

 A: To not be afraid to make mistakes.  If there is anytime when this acceptable (and I would even argue encouraged!) behavior, its in college/graduate school.  You don't truly know who you are unless you know your own limitations and learn to grow and improve from that knowledge.

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

Most of these ideas also have been written about by other people, but my understanding of them is the product of personal experience.

Once you've browsed the list, please post your own life lessons as comments.  Let's help each other figure things out.

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: Stephanie Ward 

Hometown: Easton, MD

A: 2 years.

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

A: Mosaic Center Cultural Peer, W.I.L.L. Co-leader, SGA Student Advocate.

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

A: I get to meet a lot of awesome people and help fellow students find their niche and passions. This is especially important to me, because many other students have helped me define my own goals.  It is really fun to learn about the experiences of other students and I find that I discover new interests with every conversation I have.

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

A: I’ve learned to engage in things that I do not expect to directly contribute to my future career plans.  By signing up for a student organization or activity on a whim, I have found many new things that are very important to me and they have influenced my career plans.  I’ve learned the importance of being involved with my community, advocating on the behalf of my peers, and participating in activism.

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

Don’t be afraid to change your major!  I have gone from being pre-med/biology, psych, math, HAPP, art history…and many more…before I settled on Gender and Women’s studies.  Hopefully, you’ll find your passion without as many steps, but do not settle if you are not absolutely happy.