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: Vitaliy Turechykov
Hometown: Kyiv, Ukraine
Major: Computer Engineering
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: I am a graduating senior, been at UMBC since Fall 2012.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: During my first semester at UMBC, I struggled to keep up with classes. I had a part time job, lived by myself and tried my best to get the grades I wanted. That was the time when I had to re-think about what was important to me, and make a decision to give up everything for UMBC. I re-took the classes, joined organizations, and devoted all of time to my major. I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of. I realized that the only limits I have are self-imposed, and that it is possible to achieve anything if I wanted it.
Throughout my UMBC career I have realized the value and power of relationships and true friends. Their support in times of need has enabled me to progress and stay on track during most challenging times of my life.
Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?
A: I worked together with CWIT to encourage the participation and leadership of women in computing and engineering. In today's technological world, it is really important that everyone gets the opportunity to engage in and learn technical, computing skills.
Having participated in STRiVE 2014 I learned and strengthened skills that I use everyday to encourage and bring out the best in people. I really enjoy seeing someone succeed in something they are struggling with, whether it is by giving a right advice or by encouraging them.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: One of my favorite times is the beginning of every semester. During first day of classes, I love being outside of the University Center at noon. This is the time when everyone is getting out of their morning classes, meeting with friends or just enjoying being outside. This is the time when hundreds of people are walking by. This is the time when I feel most connected to UMBC, part of a big family. Walking alongside everyone creates a unique feeling and unforgettable experience.
Hometown: Kyiv, Ukraine
Major: Computer Engineering
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: I am a graduating senior, been at UMBC since Fall 2012.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I am a CWIT/Cyber Scholar, Tau Beta Pi member.
A: Member of a WaterMusic Capstone Team, a supportive friend, and a lover of everything UMBC related.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I love being part of UMBC as a whole. As a Cyber Scholar, which is part of CWIT organization, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from leading industry specialists in technology fields. I really enjoy working together with my team on the project we proposed: a hydro-powered, self charging shower audio system. It has been a very rewarding experience, through which I grew not only as a professional, but also as an individual.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: During my first semester at UMBC, I struggled to keep up with classes. I had a part time job, lived by myself and tried my best to get the grades I wanted. That was the time when I had to re-think about what was important to me, and make a decision to give up everything for UMBC. I re-took the classes, joined organizations, and devoted all of time to my major. I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of. I realized that the only limits I have are self-imposed, and that it is possible to achieve anything if I wanted it.
Throughout my UMBC career I have realized the value and power of relationships and true friends. Their support in times of need has enabled me to progress and stay on track during most challenging times of my life.
Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?
A: I worked together with CWIT to encourage the participation and leadership of women in computing and engineering. In today's technological world, it is really important that everyone gets the opportunity to engage in and learn technical, computing skills.
Having participated in STRiVE 2014 I learned and strengthened skills that I use everyday to encourage and bring out the best in people. I really enjoy seeing someone succeed in something they are struggling with, whether it is by giving a right advice or by encouraging them.
A: Learning something new every day, making lifelong connections, sustainable energy.
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.
