Real People Profiles: Chris McKinney

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:54:00 -0400
real-people-profiles

Name: Chris McKinney

Hometown: Brunswick, Maine

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: this is my fourth semester here at UMBC!!

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

A: Chair of the Leadership Consultants, Assistant News Editor for The Retriever Weekly, Assistant Director of the Office of Academic Affairs for SGA

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

A: Academic and leadership advocate for students and a conservative voice in ink

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

A: I really enjoy most by role with The Retriever Weekly (disclaimer: this was an extremely hard decision to come to...I love working with the LCs and SGA!!). I'm the Assistant News Editor, and as such, I get to edit articles submitted to the News section by our writers; and I also write weekly for the Opinion section, as the regular contributor to the sections Point/Counter-point (written with the amazing Ryanne Milani). I enjoy writing the most because it's so much fun to argue civilly -it really says something about a friendship when you can disagree completely on many topics, and yet still have lunch and enjoy each others company! That, and arguing and encouraging students and people in general to consider a different point of view is fun!

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

A: If you don't know how to say "no," learn to -it's certainly hard to say it, and you may want to do it all, but there really isn't enough time in one week to be a full-time student and do everything you may want to do!

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

A: Sleep!!!!! And taking time to relax. Everyone is always so busy studying and doing so much, and when it comes down to it, sleep and relaxing are often sacrificed. To be honest, I sleep. Lots. And I try to do something fun or relaxing each night -like watching a movie before going to bed or playing Angry Birds!

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 by far is the Fireside Lounge!! My friend Nayaba Bawa showed Fireside Lounge to me last semester, and I couldn't believe I didn't know it existed! It's easily my favorite place to study -it's so relaxing and it's got a beautiful view, and the chairs are pretty comfy too.