The Women’s Center was excited to see four of the Returning Adult Learners scholarship recipients graduate at the end of the Fall 2024 semester! 

Returning Adult Learners are identified as undergraduate students over 25 seeking their first undergraduate degree. The Returning Adult Learners Program at the Women’s Center offers monthly workshops and programs focused on the academic, personal, and professional aspects of life as returning students. Newly this semester the Women’s Center also hosted community-building programming in partnership with the Division of Student Affairs Adult Learners Office including two adult learners mixers with breakfast and lunch! 

The experience of being an Adult Learner is unique. Many adult learners navigate the challenges of academics along with the responsibilities of families and full-time employment. One of the graduates shared “My journey at UMBC as an adult learner has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Balancing the demands of school, work, and family life has pushed me to my limits, but it’s also been a transformative experience. I’ve had to overcome obstacles that tested my resilience, yet every challenge has made me stronger and more determined… Being at UMBC has been more than just an academic pursuit—it’s been a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. I’ve found a supportive community that recognizes and values the unique perspective of adult learners like me. The lessons I’ve learned extend far beyond the classroom, shaping me into a more compassionate, driven, and empowered individual…While the road hasn’t been easy, the sense of accomplishment I feel, knowing I’m paving the way as the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree, makes every late night, early morning, and sacrificed moment worth it. It’s a journey I’m proud to call my own, and one I hope will inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the challenges.”

This semester’s graduates included Asjad, Matthew, Maria Eligio, and Ayanna Martin (some last names are left out for anonymity). They studied Media and Communication, Geography and Environmental Studies, Spanish Language and Linguistics, Latin American History, and Management of Aging Services. One graduate, in addition to her BA, also received a certificate in intercultural communication.

The graduates of this semester shared some of their advice for other Returning Adult Learners: 

“Don’t be judgmental, you were also a mess when you were younger… Don’t follow the majority’s example and just exist through your classes. Lead by example and be involved, participate and build relationships with your professors…”

“Don’t forget why you started. The journey can be rough, but it will make the rest of life easier…I had a lot of hardships during my time in college. Life doesn’t just stop. Make sure you have a strong support system or something else to help you drive or it will be too easy to give up.”

“My experience as an adult learner was a rollercoaster. I struggled to keep myself motivated and I had to juggle [with] many other responsibilities. Although it was tough I know this has shaped me into a better person… You only fail if you don’t try and you have to believe in yourself.”

“To current returning adult learners, my advice is this: embrace the journey with courage, patience, and faith in your abilities. Returning to school as an adult is not easy—you’ll face challenges that test your resilience and time management skills. But remember, your unique life experiences are your greatest strengths…Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Build a network of professors, advisors, and peers who support your goals. Take advantage of every resource your school offers, whether it’s tutoring, counseling, or career services… Be kind to yourself. Juggling school, work, and family is tough, but every step forward is a victory. Celebrate those small wins and remind yourself of the bigger picture: you’re doing this to build a better future for yourself and those you love…Above all, don’t give up. Your presence in the classroom proves that it’s never too late to dream and achieve. Stay focused, trust the process, and know that your hard work will pay off in ways you can’t yet imagine. You’ve got this!” 

The Women’s Center is very proud of the graduates as they embark on journeys toward graduate school and employment. We also look forward to deepening our relationships with the Returning Adult Learners still seeking their degrees as we move into the Spring semester!

For more information about the RAL Scholars program reach out to the Womens Center at womenscenter@umbc.edu. 

RAL Scholars meeting Dr. Freeland, Interim Dean and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs during the Fall Orientation

Maryland Public Service Scholars Programs offer paid internships/fellowships and leadership development opportunities for students of all majors to explore careers in government and nonprofits while making a difference in Maryland. Each program includes full-time placement at a nonprofit or government agency under senior-level mentorship, orientation, seminars to deepen understanding of public service, and networking events with Maryland leaders. Fellows also engage in social justice and equity reflection activities and collaborate on projects that apply their skills, culminating in presentations to stakeholders. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, grow as a leader, and create positive change in Maryland!

Programs Offered:

• Governor’s Summer Internship Program (GSIP)
• Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program (SNLP)
• Maryland Dept. of Transportation Fellows Program (MDOT)
• Sondheim Public Service Law Fellows (this application will open later in Spring 2025 for current law students)

Eligibility:

• GSIP/MDOT: be a rising junior/senior; SNLP: be a rising junior/senior or current graduate student
• Attending a Maryland institution OR a current Maryland resident attending an out-of-state institution

• GPA 2.7 or above
• Available May 27 – August 8,  Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Participation Includes:

• Internships at government/nonprofit agencies (hybrid, remote, or in-person)
• Seminars, reflection, and career exploration
• Networking events and mentorship opportunities
• Real-world projects and skill-building activities
• $5000 stipend for GSIP/MDOT/SNLP

To Apply and to Learn More:  publicservicescholars.umbc.edu

Deadline: March 1, 2025

For Questions: publicservicescholars@umbc.edu.

Follow: 
Instagram: @mdpublicservicescholars
LinkedIn/Facebook: Maryland's Public Service Scholars Programs

On Wednesday April 16, 2025, Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) will feature research, scholarship, and creative work carried out by UMBC undergraduates. Student work will be shared through oral presentations, posters, artistic exhibits, performances, and film. Over 300 presenters participate annually. Researchers work with faculty mentors on independent research, or research that is part of the mentor’s on-going projects. They are from all disciplines, and can be working on a thesis, capstone project, part of a scholars or honors program, or they can be unaffiliated. This campus-wide celebration of achievement affirms UMBC’s commitment to the twin goals of research and a distinctive undergraduate experience.

All current undergraduates who have conducted research, scholarship or creative work in the last year may apply to present their results at URCAD. Mentors, fellow students, friends, family members, high school teachers and students, graduate school recruiters, and the general public are invited to attend.

To learn more about UMBC's Summer 2025 Faculty-led Program in South Africa, come to an information session hosted by the program director, Jessica Cook!

The session will be held Friday, January 31st from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in Public Policy 354. We will be discussing the course content, in-country activities, details about the cost of the program and more. We hope to see you there! 

For more details about this program or our other faculty-led programs, check out our program page!

For questions about the session, please contact the program director, Jessica Cook, at jrcook@umbc.edu.