Real People Profiles: Atib Siddiqui

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:07:00 -0500
real-people-profiles

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: Atib Siddiqui

Hometown: Columbia, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Spring of Sophomore year.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: Currently, I am a staff member of the SGA's Office of Community and Governmental Affairs (OCGA), a participant in the Rebuilding Manhood group, and a STRiVEr.

Finally, just as a sneak peek, you should expect to see my name floating around throughout the semester for various reasons.

Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?

A: I play the role of helping others enjoy the wonderful UMBC campus.

Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?

A: I mostly enjoy just being sociable with people, and helping them see that UMBC is a very sociable, friendly environment, and that the campus is full of people who are willing to make the effort.

Interacting with different students and faculty outside of classroom settings gives you a chance to really get a feel for them, and their life. It is also the quickest way to meaningful friendships, which enhance your UMBC experience.

Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?

A: The most important thing I have learned from UMBC was a direct result of STRiVE, the UMBC winter leadership retreat.

All of the lessons I have learned from it directly impacted how I viewed UMBC, and the general culture of it. It just makes you appreciate everything about your college even more, and gives you a greater sense of calling UMBC your own.

I guess the main point I'm trying to make here is to embrace UMBC as your own, and just grow with it, and the people that attend it. Your college experience should be meaningful, and only you have the ability to make it count. ""The ball is in your court; are you going to shoot it, or pass it off."

As a wise person once told me, "It's not about what you do in life, It's about how people remember what you did," so make your mark on your campus. UMBC is yours, just as much as it is mine.

Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"

A: Acoustic music, and especially acoustic covers. Acoustic music is much more intimate to the ears for me, and also showcases the voice of the artist, and the outburst of emotion comes off stronger from the song with an acoustic vibe.

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: It's not that I don't have any UMBC stories, I just have way too many. From awkward encounters, to jaw dropping funny experiences, it wouldn't be fair to single out only one story. Just know that every potential moment with me can end up into a story.

Some of my favorite spots on campus are the Fireside Lounge during a wintery night, the grass in Patapsco courtyard during the spring/summer, and of course, the pond ledge near the Financial Aid Office is amazing in the spring time.

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.

[Video]