Ajooba 2012

SASA

Friday, November 9, 2012

7:00pm

University Center, Ballroom

UMBC ID = FREE

General Admission = $5

Originally from Silver Spring, MD, Rebecca is a Computer Science major and an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the UMBC MAPLE (Multi-Agent Planning and Learning) Lab.

About Rebecca

When did you become interested in Computer Science? High School.

What area of Computer Science interests you the most? (Truth be told) Job Security; Feeling like a strong independent woman "fighting" for her right to be a Computer Scientist.

What is your dream job? My dream job is being a dancer or a chorus teacher (my retirement plan). My CS dream job is one where I'd be able to write programs that will make a difference in the world (either in health, education, etc.) and be able to interact with people all over the world.

Hobbies? I like to sing when no one's around to hear, dance like no one's watching, and draw.

About being a CS major

What is your favorite professor/course and why? Professor Brian Dunnigan – English 100. Off-beat class, profound wisdom. He's a cool cat. Pro Tip: You get to read graphic novels in his class (my class read V for Vendetta, which is my favorite).

What is the best part about being a CWIT Affiliate? Being exposed to all the opportunities around me. I've had a narrow path set by my family upon graduating. Thanks to CWIT, GraceHopper, and my bosses, I've learned I can do anything with my Computer Science major. Not just sitting in a cubicle, but having jobs that will allow me to travel and interact with other passionate, fun-loving people.

Are you part of any on-campus clubs, organizations, teams, or labs? I'm affiliated with UMBC's Ultimate Frisbee club, Rock Climbing club, Swing Dance club, and UMBC's CWIT (Center for Women in Technology).

Have you done any undergraduate research? I'm an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the UMBC MAPLE (Multi-Agent Planning and Learning) Lab under CE21 (Computing Education for the 21st Century) and CS4HS (Computer Science for High School) projects. We are a planning project with the goal of increasing high school computer science expertise and statewide support in Maryland for computing education. I'm responsible for all aspects of event management, including site selection, contract negotiation, proposal planning, transportation arrangements, housing, and production of meeting materials for professional CS workshops, meetings, and industry dinners.

What advice would you give to incoming students? Procrastination is death. Everyone will tell you this so take the advice: "Start your projects early." Leave the last minute panic to us oldies. Think about it: Finish a project early, eliminate stress, and go out and enjoy your life. You'll definitely be a happier person.

What advice would you give to other females entering the field? You are not alone. Really. Being an affiliate for CWIT and an undergraduate research assistant, I've been able to network with many students and professors. There are professors that truly want to push you on the path of greatness. There are students that share the same mindset and know your pain (or at least understand them). Befriend them. If you see me, say "Hi." I'll be your friend.

About life at UMBC

What is the best part about campus life at UMBC? The quaint serenity of living on a moderately small community campus. UMBC is my home, my work place, and my school. My friends are my neighbors (mainly within walking distance), my coworkers are my colleagues, classmates, and friends, and my professors are my mentors, advisers, and bosses. I have the freedom to do what I want when I want all in one little loop. Props to Campus Police and UMBC's general vicinity for making campus feel safe and cozy.

What is your favorite spot on campus? I would tell you but that would spoil its serenity.

Where can you get the best coffee/lunch/ food or beverage of choice? I'm a big fan of Fresh Fusions, Wild Greens, and Admin for healthy choices. Au Bon Pain and the Library Cafe have some pretty good smoothies. (Order a Strawberry Smoothie with whipped cream. Do it. I dare you.)

Courtesy of Breitbart

It’s official: freshmen have been banned from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Administrators have removed the word  from all official documents at the university in order to promote gender neutral language.

(Actually, the motion began in 2009. Reporter John Stossel recently brought attention to the ban while taping a Fox Business Netowkr show at Chapel Hill.)

The new politically correct term is “first-year student.” With the deletion of the the “man” in “freshman,” female students are no longer subject to gender inclusive language.

Regarding the ban, university officials stated:

“We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. Consistent with that commitment, gender inclusive terms (chair; first year student; upper-level student, etc.) should be used on University Documents, websites and policies.”

Perhaps the ban rolled off the shoulders of the  liberal-leaning student population. According to one, “a picture of Mitt Romney would offend 70 percent of residence hall students.”

And besides, replacing “freshman” with “first-year student” requires very little effort. It’s just a simple switch of words. But what student has time to think about this, especially at one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation? 

That’s exactly what Brandon Hartness, Executive Vice-Chair of the university’s College Republicans, told CampusReform.org:

 “I feel like they are making a big deal out of nothing. Girls are not going to deem the word [freshman] as sexist.”

Senior, junior, sophomore… first-year student. It doesn’t roll off the tongue as nicely as “freshman.” But if women are offended by the gender inclusive language of school grades, then the university has every right to make this change.

Yet, there was no mention of any female students petitioning the word “freshman” in the news coverage.

Others however are appalled that  people upset over the word ban. Sorrysister, who commented on an article posted by Blisstree.com said:

“You taking offense to the university using a more inclusive word to describe a group of diverse people is a slap in the face to women and feminism.”

Another poster agreed, following with:

“SHOCKING that a male student thinks it’s preposterous — get over yourself, buddy, women (ugh, they’re not “girls” if you’re in college!) are daring to expect equal treatment and vocabulary that doesn’t presume that male is the default setting!”

So, what’s the deal here? Did university officials have nothing better to do than exchange “freshman” with “first-year student” because they thought female students were offended? Or is this support of gender-neutral language another example of  our progressive generation?

What do you think?

By: Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York

Hurricane Sandy made landfall yesterday and greeted the upper east coast with punch in the eye. This “Frankenstorm” had relatively little impact on Baltimore leaving a meager 200,000 people without power.  

New York was hit hardest. An estimate 6 million people lost power as New Yorkers woke up this morning to Sandy’s aftermath. 

A wind-tossed construction crane atop one of the tallest buildings in New York City still dangled 80 stories over West 57th Street, across the street from Carnegie Hall, after coming loose during the storm.

Sandy caused devastation in its wake bringing 80+ mph wind to bear. Tragically, the storm has claimed at least 16 lives. Many others remain stranded, flooded, or stuck without power. 

Sandy wasn’t technically a hurricane when it made landfall, it was a tropical cyclone. People termed Sandy “Frankenstorm” because the she met with the cold air of a nor’easter. This created an  800 mile wide storm that produced wind, rain and snow.

Yes “Frankenstorm” not only pummeled the coast with hurricane weather it also brought snow.

Locust must be next. Do any of you have an interesting hurricane story to share?

Thanks to AOL

The recent news about Hurricane Sandy should be of no surprise to those of us on the East Coast.  The  record-breaking storm hit the Carolinas, DC, New Jersey, and New York City. So the question comes to mind, will we be able to vote next week if the East Coast is horribly impacted?

According the U.S. Constitution, all 50 states must vote on the same day. So Congress has to issue a rescheduled Election Day if Tuesday turns out to be a no-go for the East Coast.

However, fear and panic has not stopped many patriotic citizens from coming in troves for early voting pre-disaster.

The latest in the electoral votes? Obama is ahead.

Predictions on the storm? So far, power outages could last until Sunday, November 4th, but that can’t be said with certainty.

Thanks to Huffington Post