Harvard Swagger
My admissions letters to Harvard's Law School and Kennedy School of Government were like tickets to Mount Olympus, delivered from the mists of legend. Once I received them, it was an awkward adjustment to begin envisioning Harvard as an actual school. Admission itself had been the object of my labor and hope for as long as I could remember. Like the Holy Grail, Harvard was something to be quested after, not a place one could inhabit with a backpack and a notebook. But after one last, short summer in Los Angeles, I packed my things, boarded a plane and flew east to meet the myth.
I imagined that my classmates would be young prodigies, fluent in Latin and Greek, capable of reciting Shakespeare's plays from memory and solving the most perplexing equations with one hand while building a rocket with the other. In short, I thought they would be different from every other person I'd ever known. Yet, as it turned out, the other students did not have superhuman I.Q.'s. Oh, there were a few certified mutant geniuses, but the vast majority of the people I met seemed merely very bright--much like the vast majority of people I had known in high school and college, and much like the vast majority of people I know at UMBC.
But there was one thing that set those Harvard graduate students apart: Most of them had an above-average sense that they belonged at an elite university and were capable of greatness. I wouldn't call it pure self-confidence, because they tended to have plenty of insecurities about all of the usual things, and the Law School especially had a way of magnifying their doubts. But on the whole they really believed they mattered, and were on paths to true accomplishment, and they set their aspirations for themselves accordingly.
For many of them, this assurance seemed to come from the wealth and privilege they had experienced their whole lives. A few others seemed confident because they had overcome adversity, or just experienced enough--maybe in the Peace Corps, or the military--to have diminished their need for external validation. The rest of us probably felt validated by having been anointed by our admission letters as the heirs of tomorrow. What could ever be impossible for you, once you had been summoned to Olympus?
I wish I could take that sense of assurance, bottle it and share it with everyone. That assurance may be worth as much a Harvard degree, and it shouldn't require an Ivy League admission letter to achieve it. If you are at UMBC, you have the smarts and the opportunity to explore and hone your talents. You have what it takes to make a difference, and to fulfill your dreams. Believe it, and you make it so.
--
Of course, the car wasn't called Carter yet. That came a couple of years later, after I had developed a deep and intuitive sense of Carter's carsonality (yes, I just made up a word). Carter was a striver, but not a loudmouth; more "little engine that could" than hot rod. The name occurred to me gradually, inspired by two earnest, often-underestimated characters who always seemed to mean well: John Carter, a medical student on the popular new NBC TV show E.R.; and Jimmy Carter, one-term President of the United States.
Carter went everywhere with me. For a couple of years we made the grinding daily commute (only 2 miles, but taking up to 40 minutes) between my Brentwood apartment and my job at a law firm in Westwood. In December 1994 we traveled with my brother and all of my possessions over the Rocky Mountains, across the Great Plains, through the Tennessee Valley and up the East Coast to my new home and job in Boston. In June 1996 we headed back to California with my friend Barak, stopping in Washington DC, Chattanooga, St. Louis, Zion National Park and Las Vegas. Carter shuttled me between my apartment in La Jolla and my job as a community organizer and nonprofit manager in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, with frequent 300-mile round trips to Los Angeles to see my parents or old friends. In 2003 Carter moved my wife Sharon and I to our new home in Maryland, where I took a job with a certain Baltimore-area university still a few years from being called the number one "up-and-coming" university in America.
The years have bleached and peeled Carter's paint, worn holes in his carpeting, and faded his radio console to the point of invisibility. The hatch has a broken hinge, and the air-conditioner is almost beyond repair. Carter has no right side-view mirror, no passenger-side airbag, no CD player, no halogen lights. For the past few years, even my parents have been telling me it's time to let Carter go, to get a new model, something more functional, more appropriate to this stage in my life.
But no. Call it frugality, or loyalty to an old friend, or even misplaced affection for a mere object. Call it whatever you like. I'm sticking with Carter for as long as he will carry me, and not steering him into the sunset.
 |
| 1992 |
 |
| 2012 |
--
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: Sheena T. AfoakwaHometown: Beltsville, Maryland
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my first year at UMBC! 2nd semester freshman =]
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I'm a member of the Discovery Scholars LLC, SGA (Public Relations Board of the Communications Dept), Editor of the Creative Non-fiction section within the Bartleby Literary Magazine and, Co-chair of the Social Events Committee in the Black Student Union at UMBC.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Upbeat, Optimism, breath of fresh air, to everyone, I meet, on campus.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I really enjoy the people I meet on and off campus through the events these UMBC clubs participate in; such as community service trips, on-campus fundraisers, dances and retreats. There are always new faces to be introduced to, hold conversations with - and if not, it's always great to be around people who are passionate about their individual interests and striving to serve their community in order to achieve them.
I also love to hear what people have to say, and the stories they tell about themselves - you learn so much about the great things people can achieve... listening is really the best reward.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: Since freshman orientation last summer 2011, which was the first time I stepped onto UMBC soil as an accepted student, I was constantly reassured that I could make UMBC my home. My OPAs, Woolie, RA, advisers; all the student leaders that helped me out during my first few months here had no doubt that UMBC wouldn't become a community where I could serve, teach and learn from... it's amazing how right they were.
I learned that no matter how foreign or daunting a task seems, with time and effort you will definitely grow familiar with it - enough so that you'll one day find yourself among a group of people listening and taking your ideas and hard-work seriously, all because you've to become a respected part of their community.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Eating, STRiVE, Will Smith, Bollywood, diversity, acceptance, food, soccer, books, Shia Labeouf, fruit snacks, education, sci-fi, music, chick flicks, reading, Beauty and the Beast, tumblr, hot actors, Ryan Renolds, and Baby Jesus.
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: There's a bridge system connecting the buildings on academic row called 'sky-walks'... best invention ever. I had 7 minutes left before 4pm class started, was in lecture hall 3, had to get to Sondheim, cold rain storm outside, no umbrella, took the sky-walk, made it to class on time, happiness.
BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.
CIC conference for URM postdocs in STEM
May 31-June 2, 2012
Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU
795 Yard Street, Columbus, OH 43212
CIC member campuses are committed to recruiting and retaining diverse
faculty. The goal of this conference is to provide Postdoctoral
Scholars from groups historically underrepresented in Engineering and
Natural Sciences the opportunity to network and access information and
materials necessary for a successful transition to a faculty position
at CIC universities or similar research intensive institutions.
The conference is also designed to provide recruitment opportunities
for CIC departments and programs anticipating faculty hires in STEM
disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The
intent is to match potential faculty recruits with open searches at
CIC universities. For more information, see
http://www.cic.net/Home/Projects/Leadership/PostDocConference/Home.aspx
——————————————
This message has been sent to all AGEPs nationwide. We hope that postdoctoral scholars from our PROMISE AGEP campuses and beyond will take advantage of this opportunity. Registration is free of charge. Interested PROMISE postdocs should check with representatives from their respective campus’ office or unit of postdoctoral affairs (representatives listed below) to see if there are funds available for travel and lodging.
]]>
CIC conference for URM postdocs in STEM May 31-June 2, 2012 Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU 795 Yard Street, Columbus, OH 43212 CIC member campuses are committed to recruiting and retaining diverse...
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Transitioning to Faculty Life: Conference for Underrepresented Minority Postdocs in STEM Fields
CIC conference for URM postdocs in STEM
May 31-June 2, 2012
Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU
795 Yard Street, Columbus, OH 43212
CIC member campuses are committed to recruiting and retaining diverse
faculty. The goal of this conference is to provide Postdoctoral
Scholars from groups historically underrepresented in Engineering and
Natural Sciences the opportunity to network and access information and
materials necessary for a successful transition to a faculty position
at CIC universities or similar research intensive institutions.
The conference is also designed to provide recruitment opportunities
for CIC departments and programs anticipating faculty hires in STEM
disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The
intent is to match potential faculty recruits with open searches at
CIC universities. For more information, see
http://www.cic.net/Home/Projects/Leadership/PostDocConference/Home.aspx
——————————————
This message has been sent to all AGEPs nationwide. We hope that postdoctoral scholars from our PROMISE AGEP campuses and beyond will take advantage of this opportunity. Registration is free of charge. Interested PROMISE postdocs should check with representatives from their respective campus’ office or unit of postdoctoral affairs (representatives listed below) to see if there are funds available for travel and lodging.
]]>
CIC conference for URM postdocs in STEM May 31-June 2, 2012 Hyatt Place Columbus/OSU 795 Yard Street, Columbus, OH 43212 CIC member campuses are committed to recruiting and retaining diverse...
https://promiseagep.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/transitioning-to-faculty-life-conference-for-underrepresented-minority-postdocs-in-stem-fields/
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Real People Profiles: Josh Azer
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.
Hometown: Lawrenceville, NJ
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: Athletics' Coordinator Club Sports & Recreational Programs
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Helping students become successful on and off the playing field
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: Showing students that club sports can help teach valuable life lessons that will allow these student-athletes to succeed in the real world once they graduate from UMBC
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: That no matter how big the problem there is always a solution
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
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: I have learned that Humans vs Zombies is probably more popular than I ever would have imagined in my entire life.
BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.
--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.
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my 5th semester at UMBC after transferring from HCC.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I'm the SGA Executive Assistant of Office Affairs. I also have the unofficial title of SGA Baker.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: I help SGA members work together and boost their morale with food.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I just enjoy being involved. Since my official position affords me more free time than others do, I get to jump into whatever projects I'm interested in. So whether it's helping out with something like Prove It! or working with our awesome (seb) friends for an event they're having, I get to work with a ton of amazing people all around campus. There's always something going on that I'd love to give my time to.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: I've learned it's important to take a step back sometimes and gauge how important something really is. It's really easy to get caught up in a single exam or single assignment and stress out over it, but at the end of the day no one thing will make or break you. So when I start getting stressed out over anything, I've learned it's important to step away, get together with some friends and get away from whatever's stressing me out. Even if one assignment or exam doesn't go my way, I know that at the end of the day I won't be too burnt out or stressed to keep moving on. Stepping away can even help me get a fresh perspective on whatever I was doing and improve it. As important as academics are, morale and mental health are important too.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: Witty t-shirts, watches, sports, fantasy sports, crosswords, all kinds of music, and of course FOOD!
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: A tradition a few friends and I have is wearing eye-black for finals week. It's the most stressful time of the semester, so we like to add a little humor to the week. When people see you walking down academic row with eye-black on, they can't help but do a double-take. Something about it also puts you in the right mind state to go into your final and dominate it.
BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.
--
--
]]>
UMBC students have a wide variety of opportunities to make a difference on this campus. SGA's Prove It! competition is special because it provides significant funding and support for students'...
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Real People Profiles: William Klotz Jr.
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: William Klotz Jr.
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I am currently the National Communications Coordinator for UMBC's Resident Student Association. What that means is that at regional and national levels I am the sole representative of all UMBC resident students. I am the treasurer of The Hispanic Latino Student Union as well as Queers United Mobilized and Bringing Change (QUMBC). I work for Residential Life as the West Hill Community Director's Assistant. I was also a Woolie this year.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: I am a leader and the overly involved student.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I like putting on big events that showcase what my organizations have to offer and this brings all kinds of different people together. Seeing that the students are having a great time in something that I was a part of creating is a great feeling.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: College is not just about studying and grades. It is about all of the experiences you have as a whole. These experiences create who you are and what you want to do in life. If I was never a Woolie or the National Communications Coordinator I wouldn't have thought about a career in Student Affairs.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
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: UMBC is a really awesome school and I am very happy I came here. If it were not for this school I would not be dancing nor discovered my dream dance company (The Paul Taylor Dance Company). I wouldn't have gone to STRIVE, which is the best leadership conference I have ever been to, or all of the many Residential Life conferences that I did not even know existed. I clearly made a great choice in coming here.
