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: Fritzie Charne-Merriwether
Hometown: Queens, NY
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: My total history here at UMBC has been roughly 4 years and one semester. I was a Community Director from 2003 to 2005. Returned to UMBC in 2010.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: Special Assistant to Vice President for Student Affairs.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Parent liaison; administrative & program management support to the Vice President & the Division of Student Affairs.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: Working with the Parents of our UMBC students has been a real joy. I truly enjoy connecting with them and getting them connected to UMBC. Navigating a University system as an outsider can be extremely frustrating. I am glad I can assist parents with that process which in turn provides support to their students as well.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: I have learned at UMBC that to be the best you have to consistently challenge yourself and those around you. That you must always assess not only your strengths but also your weakness. That being a leader means you lead even when you think no one is watching.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: My two beautiful children, Kaelyn (6) and Mason (5). I truly believe I have the best babies in the world. They are amazing to me and I cheer them on every day.
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 just a special place. When I arrived here back in 2003, I fell in love with this place, the students and staff. I was sad to leave in 2005, but I was a military spouse and we had orders to Germany. Even after moving on, I stayed connected to UMBC through the students and colleagues I have connected with during my tenure. I was blessed with the opportunity to come back in 2010 and I couldn't be happier. There is something to be said about a place that even after you leave you still feel connected and want to come back. But that is what is so special about UMBC!
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.
