Introduction

My name is Alex Gwizdala. I’m a freshman Biochemistry major and am also part of the Honors College. I’m a certified Biotechnician and am actively seeking research opportunities in addition to volunteering with Retriever Essentials

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

I got involved with Retriever Essentials as a way to connect with campus during my first year. I believe that programs that give to the community are a great way to foster an environment where people can connect and succeed. I’m excited to help share the generosity of this amazing campus community and hope to continue volunteering throughout my time at UMBC

What is your favorite food?

Cheese

Introduction

Hi, my name is Stephen Isabell, and I am a freshman biology major. Besides Retriever Essentials, I am a Meyerhoff Scholar and a member of the Pre-Med Society. 

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

I got involved with Retriever Essentials because one of the issues I am passionate about is world hunger. I feel as though as a member of the UMBC community, I should do all that I can to make sure everyone on campus has food. With our busy and demanding schedules, it is important that everyone has the proper nourishment to succeed in their classes. 

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is ice cream!

 Introduction

Hi, my name is Natalia Johnson, I am a freshman Biology Major here at UMBC. I am also a Meyerhoff Scholar and Honors Student.

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

I am interested in working with Retriever Essentials, because I believe that every college student should have the necessary resources that they need to succeed. College is an expensive time and there is always someone in need of food. Retriever Essentials is unique to UMBC and I love that I am able to be directly involved in the community. 

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is mangoes.

Introduction

Hello! I’m Stephanie Koshy and I’m a freshman who’s majoring in Biological Sciences. In addition to Retriever Essentials, I’m also a part of other organizations like UMBC Adaa, Global Brigades, and Pre-Medical Society.  

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

I’m an individual who’s very passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. In high school, I participated in the canned food drive where we fundraised and collected food donations. Eventually, towards Christmas we would deliver the food and presents to underprivileged families in Howard County. I absolutely loved it and I learned a lot from the experience. Thus, I joined Retriever Essentials so that I could continue to help others and to serve my community.

What is your favorite food?

Pizza

Introduction

I am Zara Mahmood, a freshman Bioinformatics Major on a pre-dental track. I am currently only a part of MSA, Pre-Dental Society and UMBC sailing.

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

I am serving with Retriever essentials because it was a requirement for my FYS course, but I chose this service site in particular because I like the cause. Throughout high school I was heavily involved in our Canned Food drive which was a donation collection for the less fortunate during the holiday season. I feel like this is a great opportunity to be involved with the campus lifestyle. Also, I hope to meet new people.

What is your favorite food?

Lasagna

 Photo Credits: Victor Omokehinde

Introduction

I’m Elijah Mugabe, a freshman majoring in Chemistry in the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program and I am serving Retriever Essentials.

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

As a freshman in a new area, I am interested in interacting with the campus community and seeing the deeper connections that go on within the campus. I also want to meet new people and gain a better insight on how UMBC is helping people inside and outside the community. I don’t have too much experience doing community service, so it’s a good opportunity to expand my views. 

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is chapati, an African flatbread that can complement many different sauces and food

Introduction

Hello! My name is Josephine Oshagbemi. I am a freshman with a Mathematics and Economics double major. In addition to volunteering with Retriever Essentials, I am also a Meyerhoff Scholar, a member of the Honors College, and secretary of SUS Community Council.

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

There are people in my life who have struggled with food insecurity growing up but received help from organizations that helped provide them with meals and groceries. Organizations like Retriever Essentials is a resource everyone should have access to, and I am proud to work with a mission that is working on igniting change within the campus community.

What is your favorite food?

Pounded yam with efo soup

Photo Credit: Winston Zhou

Introduction

I’m Madeline Ross, a senior studying Political Science with a minor in Writing and a certificate in Public Administration and Policy. In addition to serving with Retriever Essentials, I am also a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar and a member of the Honors College. I am also an active member of UMBC Hillel, and a former Alternative Spring Break trip leader.

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

As a member of the UMBC community for three years now, I have seen how we strive to live the ideals of grit and greatness. This includes initiatives such as Retriever Essentials, which was formed through the actions of students, staff, and faculty and continues to thrive. Retriever Essentials exemplifies how the UMBC community comes together, to support one another. I am excited to see how this program continues to develop in the future.

What is your favorite food?

Pasta!

Introduction

I’m Zoe Smith, a freshman studying Computer Science. In addition to serving with Retriever Essentials, I am also a member of the Shriver Living Learning Community, a CWIT Affiliate, the Communications Director of UMBC College Democrats, and a member of the Environmental Task Force.

What motivated you to serve Retriever Essentials?

In high school, I helped out with my church’s food pantry. Food insecurity is a major problem in all parts of the world, and it can be hard to feel that you are making a difference. By serving in a local food pantry, I am able to see first-hand the efforts that I contribute can make a big difference to the people we are helping.

What is your favorite food?

Beef stroganoff

Compiled by Deaira Lloyd