Real People Profiles: Sameera Syed

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:41:00 -0500
real-people-profiles

Name: Sameera Syed

Hometown: Burtonsville, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: A little over three years.

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

A: Currently just a member of a few different orgs; previously a First Year Ambassador and Senator in the SGA.

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

A: Elusive creature that lurks the halls of PuP.

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

A: Being a student. I finally began to savor my undergraduate experience after my sophomore year, in which I pulled a 180 by making a drastic change of major. Since then, I have been able to understand what it means to truly love academia. By switching my field to one that actually fascinates me, I have come to enjoy the simplest of school related things, such as attending classes and being in the presence of my professors and classmates.

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

A: Don’t be afraid of changing the entire direction of your life in order to reach your fullest potential. If you genuinely believe that there is another pathway out there that will give you greater fulfillment, pursue it. The short-term ramifications resulting from your decision may seem insurmountable, but the true value of such a change will be seen in due time.

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

A: 30 Rock. Love the witty jokes and ridiculous situations that the characters find themselves in. It’s like a celebration of absurdity, awkwardness, and nerdyness… what more could you want?!

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: As an incoming freshman, I remember coming across discussions on Facebook in which new students defended their decision to choose UMBC over other more prestigious universities. It was as if coming to UMBC required a really good explanation... as if “u must be crazy” to have enrolled here. Now that I’m nearing the end of my time here, I’ve realized how baseless this notion is. I’ve developed a great deal of respect for my professors and have met students who will one day be the movers and shakers of tomorrow. I’ve been able to build a strong foundation for my future academic and professional pursuits and have enjoyed the process of doing so... I guess those who reject a school, idea, or concept just have yet to gain from the very thing they’ve dismissed.