Real People Profiles: Carmen Ortiz

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 11:15:00 -0500
real-people-profiles

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: Carmen Ortiz

Hometown: Calvert County, MD

Major: I am double majoring in History and Business Technology Administration.

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This will be my junior year at UMBC.

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

A: I am an intern for the SUCCESS program through the Shriver Center and a Diversity Education Intern through the Mosaic Center. I am also a blogger and student assistant in the office of undergraduate admissions and orientation, as well as Vice President for the Hispanic Latino Student Union.

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

A: A resource for dance lessons, promoter of diversity and giving smiles.

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

A: I really enjoy the diversity amongst all my roles at UMBC. With each organization I work with, I am surrounded by a different population. This diversity allows me to learn new things all the time and to continue to grow as a student.

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

A: The most important thing I have learned at UMBC is that anything is possible. UMBC has allowed me opportunities to get jobs, meet people from all over the world, go to the white house, meet Michael Oher. Things, I never even dreamed of were able to happen through the opportunities given by UMBC. If I can do all those things, I know I can achieve my dreams with the resources provided by UMBC. It is amazing to see those dreams begin to come true.

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

A: Chocolate and a band called McFly.

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: One of my favorite memories at UMBC is when Ira Glass came to give a talk during one of homecomings. I have always been a fan of the journalist and his radio show, This American Life, so being able to put a face to the voice I had heard for so long was really exciting. My dad and sister, also fans of the show, came to UMBC to hear him speak too. His speech was very moving and inspiring. He said to never doubt our dreams, to keep our confidence, because we would be able to make our dreams a reality one day so continue striving towards our goals.