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: Michael Fell
Hometown: Blacksburg, VA
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my third semester at UMBC.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I am a Service Peer Educator, secretary of UMBC College Democrats, treasurer of the Gender and Women's Studies Council of Majors and I am an IHU Peer. I was also an orientation peer adviser over the summer and was also a member of the SGA Election Board.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Passionate psychology major who loves UMBC and is always learning.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A:I love the opportunity to talk with other students and learn about their experiences, interests and viewpoints on different subjects . One of my favorite things about being an orientation peer adviser over the summer was to convey my passion for UMBC to the incoming students and to let them know about all the amazing opportunities that are available here. In turn, I learned a lot about the diversity of the incoming freshmen and transfer students, which helped me grow in my appreciation for our awesome university.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: I have learned that there are always great opportunities available to you, but that it it is up to you to find them and advocate on behalf of yourself. There really are so many amazing groups, clubs and research opportunities at UMBC, but they won't fall into your lap...you have to be brave and take a few chances that may seem a bit intimidating at first. I have also come to appreciate that one of the best things you can do in the classroom is to speak up and get to know your professors--they are really interesting people and want to hear what you have to say!
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Music, psychology, people, UMBC and learning new things.
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: UMBC is a great place to get involved and meet so many new and interesting people. I entered the university as a transfer from community college, and never dreamed that I would be so involved in so many different areas of campus life. Everything at UMBC is open to anyone who is interested in taking part. I encourage everyone to try new things and meet as many different people as you can--talk to people in your classes, go to clubs that sound interesting or get involved in a club sport that you've always wanted to try. You never know when you'll meet your next best friend, or the individual who will connect you with an amazing opportunity!
BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.
Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
