I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty and staff, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.
Name: Clare Greene
A: Last year, I served as a Learning Partner for the Day in the Life poverty awareness activity through the Alternative School Breaks program here at UMBC. At the end of the day, we had to explore possible forms of “shelter” here on campus. Much to my surprise, the students in our group introduced me to the underground tunnels that run between several campus buildings. It was like stepping into a new portal!
Name: Clare Greene
Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my 3rd year at UMBC and my 2nd year in the Service-Learning program at The Shriver Center.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Place students in service-learning experiences and encourage connections between their service and their learning.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: Meeting one-on-one with students and talking with groups on campus about service opportunities that can be a match for their interests. There are so many ways to be engaged in sustained service that will be a benefit both to you and the community in which you are serving.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: Most memorable thing that I learned in college: I received my undergraduate degree at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Before I left for school my freshman year, I remember my dad telling me that most of my learning would take place outside of the classroom (but, he cautioned, I still needed to go to classes and do my homework). It turned out he was right, on both fronts. Throughout my time in college, I took service-learning classes that challenged me to take the theory from our texts and apply it to what I was learning through my service. I also participated in service immersion trips where we traveled outside of the Philly area to volunteer and learn about the social issues facing other communities. These activities are my most memorable ones from life as an undergrad because they made me think about things in a new way. Now, life has come full circle and I am helping to facilitate these service experiences for students here on this campus. UMBC has the same great opportunities available through programs like Service-Learning (The Shriver Center) and Alternative School Breaks (The Office of Student Life).
Most memorable thing that I have learned at UMBC: In addition to working in The Shriver Center, I am also a part-time graduate student in the MA Teaching program here at UMBC. As a grad student, I have realized three important things that I never quite took the time to learn years ago: 1) Figure out your work and study style, and stick to it. 2) Anything worth doing is worth doing well. 3) Success in school is as much about good grades as it is about participating in your own learning. Take part in class discussions, challenge ideas, and learn from others.
Q: Complete this sentence: “I am a big fan of __________”
A: Project Runway. I learned to sew in 6th grade and I love watching the designers draw inspiration for their collections from such random items as grocery store produce and mop tops.
Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?
