Real People Profiles: Vanessa Barksdale

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 21:04:00 -0400

We're 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: Vanessa Barksdale

Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD

Major: Social Work, with a Public Administration and Policy minor

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my 7th semester of UMBC. I'm starting my final year.

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

A: Assistant Director of SGA's Diversity and Multicultural Affairs department & Resident Assistant for Harbor Hall.

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

A: I'm a social justice advocate, leader, big sister, and resident goofball.

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

A: I love helping other people grow further in their understanding of themselves, and the world around them. Not only is it exciting and intrinsically rewarding, but it also allows me to develop a further understanding of myself.

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

A: Your university experience should be a time for you to not only pursue a degree, but pursue a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. No one can tell you what kind of person you are, and no one can make you feel like your contributions to the world are insignificant. Additionally, its important not to let anyone tell you what kind of person you are, or allow an incorrect media representation of people who look like you tell you how you're supposed to be. You are not a stereotype; you are special.

Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?

A: UMBC has truly given me the opportunity to discover what I'm passionate about, and I've gotten to engage with some really wonderful projects during my time at UMBC. Still, one of my favorite events has been Polaris Night, which was an event partnering with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship to raise funds and awareness for a human trafficking prevention organization. This was one of the first events that I have ever helped to organize. While it wasn't completely flawless in execution, we raised enough money to keep a human trafficking prevention hotline running for at least a full day. As a result, many men and women will have an opportunity to seek help in escaping slavery.

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

A: Old Bay seasoning.

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: There is a part of the woods next to Commons Garage that has super cute park benches nearby it! Go stop by there. Its very quiet, very intimate, and very cute.