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: Rebecca Postowski
Hometown: Edgewood, MD
Major: Environmental Studies and Political Science
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my third year.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Nobody really talks about how difficult transitioning from high school to college life can be, especially when I thought I knew exactly who I was at 18. I remember looking at Real People Profiles when I was a freshman, sitting alone in my room, and thinking, wow I want to be this person, they are so involved and making a difference. In a way, I was idealizing these people, but in reality, they are students just like me; real people whom I encounter on a daily basis. These are the people I have classes with, pass by in commons, see studying in late hours in the library, those who open doors for each other. I hope anyone who is reading this realizes these profiles are students just like you. The opportunities are endless, and it just takes a little perseverance to leave your mark at UMBC.
Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?
A: In my position as Outreach Coordinator for Just Food UMBC, I am working to amend Chartwells' contract in 2017 to incorporate local foods in our system as well as inform students about health and nutrition. I was part of the group that first advocated for The Garden in 2014, which was a Prove It! winner. My vision is to continue UMBC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and promote local food options on campus.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Look up the Chartwells dining hall staff profiles on their website. The staff is very creative and one chef has even cooked dishes for Tiger Woods and Dick Cheney! Another little-known fact is the library has lockers available to students to store projects/books for the day, which is super helpful for commuters. Be sure to check out The Garden located near the police station; students can apply to plant a lot and grow their own veggies.
Hometown: Edgewood, MD
Major: Environmental Studies and Political Science
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my third year.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: UMBC Undergraduate Admissions Fellow, Campus Information Center Desk Attendant, and Outreach Coordinator of Just Food UMBC.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Sister of Delta Phi Epsilon, environmentalist, undergraduate fellow, researcher, intern, leader.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I really enjoy my position as undergraduate admissions fellow. I have the same responsibilities as an undergraduate admissions counselor but able to give a student prospective in the process. I love sharing my experiences at UMBC and meeting with prospective students and families.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: Nobody really talks about how difficult transitioning from high school to college life can be, especially when I thought I knew exactly who I was at 18. I remember looking at Real People Profiles when I was a freshman, sitting alone in my room, and thinking, wow I want to be this person, they are so involved and making a difference. In a way, I was idealizing these people, but in reality, they are students just like me; real people whom I encounter on a daily basis. These are the people I have classes with, pass by in commons, see studying in late hours in the library, those who open doors for each other. I hope anyone who is reading this realizes these profiles are students just like you. The opportunities are endless, and it just takes a little perseverance to leave your mark at UMBC.
Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?
A: In my position as Outreach Coordinator for Just Food UMBC, I am working to amend Chartwells' contract in 2017 to incorporate local foods in our system as well as inform students about health and nutrition. I was part of the group that first advocated for The Garden in 2014, which was a Prove It! winner. My vision is to continue UMBC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and promote local food options on campus.
A: Hummus, iced coffee, unicorns, omelet guy at dhall, maps, political debates, RAC group fitness classes.
Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?
Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from UMBC Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.
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