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: Laila Shishineh
Hometown: Severn, MD
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: Two and a half years.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: Collegiate Success Institute (CSI) Program Coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Education.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: I help new students have a successful transition to UMBC.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: My favorite part of my work is meeting and getting to know new students during their first year at UMBC. I find it particularly rewarding when I can help students overcome some of the obstacles they face as they transition from high school to college.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: I learned very early on in college that it is OK to ask for help! After a rough first semester, I found a mentor and got my act together. This is a lesson I try to teach all my new students at UMBC: don't be afraid to ask for help when things get tough and know that there is always someone there who can help or support you!
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Cats and home improvement projects!
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: My favorite spot on campus is Starbucks...but I try really hard to not go there too often!!
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.
