I’m 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: Sarah Khalife
Hometown: Larnaca, Cyprus
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my 4th semester already...!
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I am a Commuter Assistant for Off Campus Student Services! :)
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Encouraging students to get involved and to take advantage of their resources!
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: What I could simply say is that I really enjoy planning and working fun and friendly events... However, there are two things I enjoy the most. Every Tuesday morning, we have Good Morning Commuters (GMC) where we serve breakfast on Main Street for anyone who has a Gold Card (from commuters and residents to staff/faculty!) We play music, talk, eat, and try to brighten up everyone's Tuesday morning! I just love the atmosphere that's created by not only the GMC team but also the people who attend! It's so relaxing and kind of cute!
In addition to GMC, on one Friday every month, we have Commuter Connections. My coworker, Josie and I organize interesting, informative, playful, exciting, thoughtful, and enjoyable activities with a focus on commuters getting more connected with campus and the community. Planning and preparing for our events can sometimes get stressful, but with a little help here and there, with the collaboration of an awesome team, and with student participation, an event can be described as successful! My favorite part is at the end of the event after clean up when I go back to the office and I get the feeling of accomplishment. I basically love my job :)!
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: The most important thing I've learned is that you should be open minded and always be willing to meet new people. You might make new friends, or you might meet your future business partners. Don't stop there... go talk to your professors, or go to info sessions and meet some employers. A new person might open the door to so many other possibilities that you could have or maybe to experiences you otherwise would not have. You should keep an open mind and just learn from the people who are surrounding you! It opens up opportunities for you and allows you to see what is going on in the world around you. Plus, its fun most of the time!
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Summertime, traveling, meeting new people, and being busy! AND food. I like trying new and different types of food!
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: Well, one day - I think it was during my first semester or a little before school start that August - I googled UMBC and clicked on Google Earth. I realized that there was something behind the Fine Arts building, so I went for a little walk and checked it out. It ended up being a small Colosseum between the wings of the building! I just thought that was so intriguing, random, and a unique thing to have on campus!
BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.
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