I’m 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: Kelly Cyr
Hometown: Millersville, MD
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my 6th semester at UMBC
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I am the Service-Learning Intern for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS). I'm also secretary of the Equestrian Club, which not many people realize we have.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: I encourage students to get involved in service-learning, especially at BARCS.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I enjoy knowing that I was able to create an intern position for BARCS, and that because of that more UMBC students are able to get involved in volunteering there. BARCS is doing a lot of great work to improve the welfare of animals in Baltimore City, and I like knowing that I'm helping them do that by bringing volunteers there. I also really really like getting to spend my Saturdays playing with dogs. It's an incredible mood booster.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: I have learned a lot about stepping outside of my comfort zone. I'm kind of an introvert, and getting involved in things at UMBC has helped me deal with that.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Pitbull Terriers and anyone working to improve their image/prevent Breed Specific Legislation from being passed.
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 definitely the floor I live on (the Shriver LLC). I love living with people who are very service-minded. I also like the sense of community I get living there, everyone seems to know everyone and we hang out a lot. And our RA, Brian Stevens, is probably the best RA on campus. Just saying.
Note: The photo is of me and a BARCS dog named Paprika, who has since been adopted. It was taken by Steve Harmon,who volunteers at BARCS.
