List of SGA Candidates 2013 by Craig Berger

Below is a list of the students who submitted applications to run for SGA positions in next month's election.  This list is preliminary in that the names listed below may appear differently on the ballot, including their order.

Candidates who do not have listed opponents are not automatically considered elected--they must receive a number of votes equal to least 5% of the number of total votes cast in the election.  Write-in votes are permitted in SGA elections.

The election will take place through MyUMBC from Monday, April 22nd at 12:00:01 a.m. through Wednesday, April 24th at 11:59:59 p.m. The results will be released on Thursday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Organization Space on the 2nd Floor of The Commons.

More information, including candidate profiles and scheduled Election Board-sponsored campaign events, will be posted soon at www.umbc.edu/studentvote.
President (3 candidates)
Executive Vice President (3 candidates) 
Vice President for Student Organizations (1 candidate) 
Treasurer (1 candidate) 
Finance Board Representative – 5 positions (7 candidates) 
  • Seth Ofosu-Ameyaw
  • Taylor Good
  • Sara Kim
  • Ayshah Mahmud
  • Morgan Mayer
  • Daniel Rodriguez
  • Gurbani Singh
Senator – 11 positions (12 candidates) 
  • Benjamin Alkon
  • Belawoe Akwakoku
  • Bentley Corbett-Wilson
  • Mayur Darji
  • Alex Lee
  • Hayden Marshall
  • Austin Nam
  • Jack Neumeier
  • Robert Roselle
  • Kabish Shah
  • Ali Shariati
  • Truptiben Sindhi


Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.  ]]> by Craig Berger Below is a list of the students who submitted applications to run for SGA positions in next month's election.  This list is preliminary in that the names listed below may... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/list-of-sga-candidates-2013.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/26885/guest@my.umbc.edu/8251828e689538ea89b5878319612f4f/api/pixel sga-election Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 63 1 true Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:30:00 -0400 Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:30:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Lauren Tabbacchino 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: Lauren Tabbacchino

 Hometown: Waretown, NJ
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: I started working at UMBC in January 2013

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

A: Coordinator, Off-Campus Student Services

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

A: I connect commuters to resources on/ off-campus and foster engagement in campus-life.

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

A:  I am still getting acclimated to the campus, but I have really enjoyed meeting students and staff as I explore UMBC. I have particularly enjoyed getting to know the staff in OCSS and all of our Commuter Assistants! That’s one of the great things about working at a place like UMBC—there are always new folks to meet and learn about!

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

A: I'm always excited when I learn something in a classroom that I find continuing, real-world application in. One of the best lessons I learned in college is: what is equal, is not always what is fair. In one of my abnormal psychology classes, we explored the importance of accommodating students' needs through individualized instruction. Up to that point in time, I don't think I really considered that there is no definite correlation between sameness and fairness. Basic as it may be, it remains with me-- and remembering this allows me to offer others help in the way that best meets their needs.

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

A: Country Music—particularly, blasting Kenny Chesney on a summer day boat ride across the Barnegat Bay.

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 hope to have a wealth of little-known UMBC knowledge someday, but I'm afraid I have nothing fascinating to share just yet. I can tell you that my favorite spot on campus is Main Street- because I can generally pick up a free snack or tchotchke there at any given moment.

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


Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 
]]> 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... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/real-people-profiles-lauren-tabbacchino.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/26736/guest@my.umbc.edu/eb1521d557657730fda85693488ecf15/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 39 4 true Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:45:00 -0400 Your Fees, Your Programs & Services, Your Voice
by David Hoffman

Fees--and fee increases--are a fact of life in college. Programs and services cost money, and there is always an aging piece of equipment to replace or an adaptation required to meet shifting needs. Fortunately, thanks in part to good work by student leaders and members of the campus administration, at least we can talk about fees and their uses, and think together about UMBC's priorities.

Earlier this year UMBC created a new Student Fee Advisory Board in response to a University System of Maryland initiative championed by senior Collin Wojeciechowski. This week, the Student Fee Advisory Board will join SGA in hosting two community forums about UMBC's mandatory fees. Participants will be able to review requests from campus departments and organizations for increases to these fees for the coming academic year, hear about their budgets and plans (preview the Commons Fee and Transit Fee presentations), ask questions and make suggestions.
The forums will take place Wednesday (March 27th) and Friday (March 29th) during the free hour (noon - 1:00 p.m.), in the Student Organizations Space on The Commons' 2nd floor. Come join the discussion.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 
]]> by David Hoffman Fees--and fee increases--are a fact of life in college. Programs and services cost money, and there is always an aging piece of equipment to replace or an adaptation... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/your-fees-your-programs-services-your.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/26680/guest@my.umbc.edu/61d1367bdc1d5055fab6b95a208e3e5a/api/pixel fees student-fee-advisory-board Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 13 0 true Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:41:00 -0400 Treasured Places by Craig Berger

The thirty degree temperatures, the cold, wet flakes, and what turned out to be a long walk from my car to the restaurant had my Californian girlfriend shivering under my umbrella and me wondering how I was going to pull this off. Luckily, the snow/rain/whatever it was lightened as we approached my car. Acknowledging it was cold and less-than-beautiful out, I mentioned that Federal Hill was right up the street. "Do you want to check it out?," I asked, nervously. While she had to have thought I was crazy, she agreed. Finally reaching the edge of the hill five minutes later, I clutched the ring box in my right pocket, as she took a panoramic photo of the Baltimore skyline on her phone. I pointed out the fading Ravens logo on the side of the hill; as she stepped forward to look, I grabbed the ring out of my pocket. As I went to kneel, my umbrella in one hand, the ring box open in the other, I heard her say, "Alright, let's go," as she turned away and took a step back toward the car, shaking from the cold. "Wait," I said. When she turned to see what could possibly make me want to stay any longer, I was already down on one knee. "Will you marry me?," I asked. Covering her mouth with both hands, tears welling in her eyes, she nodded, eventually able to reply "yes."

In the couple weeks that have passed since my engagement, I have replayed this experience many different times, gradually remembering additional details from that night that my nerves had initially blocked (in writing this post, I was able to recall even more). The realization I keep encountering is how, in the course of living our lives, we sanctify certain places. We fill these hangouts, stores, parks, bars, and campuses with our experiences, our interactions with people, and through that process, we transform them--in our memories, in our everyday lives, and in the recollections of ourselves and others.

I've always realized that my view of places changes as I accumulate experiences in them, but I see now that this power to see places differently over time based on these experiences also impacts others (even people who may not yet be here). I can imagine taking my kids back to Federal Hill in a decade, pointing out the general area where the knee of my dress pants touched the cold, wet cement. I can also visualize many students here returning to UMBC in several years, walking around with significant others, their kids, or other loved ones, and pointing out where their significant moments took place: where they were when they met their partner, the place where they were when they realized what they wanted to do with their life, or even that physical piece of campus they walked by each day, always noticing something new.

I find incredible power in realizing that these places weren't consecrated in my life because of any heroic mission I completed. It is those everyday moments and my ability to be real in them that make these places important to me. Some of those moments are big and obvious, similar to my proposal. Others are more difficult to anticipate. But it's empowering to me to know that I have the ability to shape these places myself.

I'm curious: what would you consider to be "treasured places" in your lives? What makes them so?

 Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.  ]]> by Craig Berger The thirty degree temperatures, the cold, wet flakes, and what turned out to be a long walk from my car to the restaurant had my Californian girlfriend shivering under my... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/treasured-places.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25846/guest@my.umbc.edu/9edb64b288e041b73fe2b603398711af/api/pixel community craigs-personal-stories Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 44 8 true Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:10:00 -0400 Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:10:00 -0400 March 12, 2003: Departure Day by David Hoffman

My handwritten words, in a notebook: 

Wednesday, March 12, 2003, 11:40 a.m., San Diego, California.

Sharon and I have lived in our apartment for a year and seven months, but today is the last day. Movers are carrying our furniture and boxed belongings downstairs and loading them onto a truck. Nearly all traces of our time here are gone. Our car is downstairs on the street, full of our things, ready for a long trip.

People have told me they think our decision to move from San Diego to Maryland is a courageous one. These comments acknowledge the sacrifices involved--of temperate weather, proximity to friends, a familiar situation--and also the risks. I'm the president of my own nonprofit organization, but ... my income is next to nothing. Once we're in Maryland, I'll have to raise money quickly and, most likely, find a job that will pay the bills. [The job I ended up finding a few months later--at UMBC--turned out to fit my interests and personality so well that I ended up shutting the nonprofit down.] We don't know that we'll like living in Maryland.

And there is a war about to start. The slow process of dismantling our apartment and saying goodbye to all that is familiar in San Diego has been matched, in time and in my mind, with the Bush Administration's eerie and unsettling, and often nutty and embarrassing, push for war against Iraq.

I really don't think of our move as courageous. It reflects a choice to live for something other than just our own comfort and convenience. My hope and dream is that my nonprofit organization ... will be able to do wonderful and valuable work from its base in Maryland. At the least, I hope to find inspiration, new ways to make contributions to the general welfare, and opportunities to hone and implement my emerging vision of a healthy, vibrant democracy in which each person feels that they are fully alive and able to change the world around them. Moving to Maryland is a no-brainer. San Diego is comfortable, but [for me, right now], it's also a place to stagnate and rot.

This apartment is where Sharon and I began our life together as a family. For that, this place will always be in my heart. But I'm certain that it's time to go.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. ]]> by David Hoffman My handwritten words, in a notebook:  Wednesday, March 12, 2003, 11:40 a.m., San Diego, California. Sharon and I have lived in our apartment for a year and seven months,... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/march-12-2003-departure-day.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25635/guest@my.umbc.edu/22809beac6393399ab9539bff8abe025/api/pixel davids-personal-stories Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 23 1 true Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:44:00 -0400 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:44:00 -0400 Campaigning While Introverted (Updated: Photo)
by David Hoffman

It was an introvert’s nightmare, and I was the introvert:

I’m standing in a public square, reaching out to the people streaming past, calling attention to myself despite seeing that most of them don’t want to be bothered. I’m engaged in an activity many of them view as the height of dorkishness.  And I am literally wearing a sign that says “Hi, I’m David Hoffman.” It might as well say “Judge me!”


When I lived this experience, all of my instincts were shrieking at me to fold up and go home. I wanted to be alone with a book, or having a quiet conversation with a few close friends. Anywhere but in that public square.

But I went to school in a place where the student government was real, not pretend; where students could make a difference on a scale I could not previously have imagined. And so it seemed to me that it might be worth enduring this bizarre ritual of campaigning and its culmination, the election (and with it the risk of losing) in order to have a shot at experiencing everything that deep involvement with such an organization would bring: self-discovery, the feeling of being a part of something larger than myself, new connections, and all the learning that could come from trying and doing big things.

You also go to school in one of those still-rare places where the student government is real; applications to run for elected positions for 2013-2014 are due later this week. And I have no doubt that there are UMBC students who are introverts like me, thinking about whether to apply, wanting to serve but not wanting to have to endure a campaign. Maybe you’re one of them, wondering whether you can stand to put yourself out there, wondering whether it would be worth it.

You can. And it would be.

Since campaigning inevitably involves reaching out to lots of strangers, it’s never going to feel easy to an introvert. But there are ways to make it less draining and more fun:
Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 

]]> by David Hoffman It was an introvert’s nightmare, and I was the introvert: I’m standing in a public square, reaching out to the people streaming past, calling attention to myself... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/campaigning-while-introverted.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25596/guest@my.umbc.edu/4c3758f74d24cf9887e91dbbcf9f71b8/api/pixel davids-personal-stories sga-election Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 47 3 true Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:51:00 -0400 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:51:00 -0400 Real People Profiles: Sam Saxena 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: Sam Saxena

Hometown: Harrisburg, MD

Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my fourth semester at UMBC.

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

A: I am currently a tour guide in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, a member of club tennis, a member of Pre-Med Society, and the chair of the Events & Seminars Committee in Global Medical Brigades.

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

A: I am a good student and a great friend to others.

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

A:  I love just walking around campus and seeing different people I know, it gives me that community feel that I was really looking for in a school.  I like that I learn something new every day and I appreciate the diversity that UMBC has.  I also really enjoy being a tour guide because I get to share my enthusiasm about the school with prospective students. 

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

A: Sleep isn't really necessary, haha just kidding.  I've learned the importance of your mindset, as opposed to hard work on its own.  A lot of people work hard, but oftentimes they have doubt in their minds.  If you work hard, you might succeed, but if you are confident and your mind is in the right place, it will be impossible for you to fail.  

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

A: The San Francisco 49ers, and my hair.

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 think the donuts in the Pura Vida cafe in the library are delicious!  But not very many people know about them.  When I was visiting here as a high school senior, I saw a group of people set up two tightropes between the tall trees near the admissions office and try and walk across them.  It was something that really stuck with me and showed me how even though UMBC students care about their academics, they know how to loosen up and have fun.  Interestingly enough, I haven't seen them since--it must have been a sign!

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 
]]> 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... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/real-people-profiles-sam-saxena.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25204/guest@my.umbc.edu/4d25f52223d725230bf70fa91b3e2017/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 45 11 true Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:03:00 -0500 Maryland-isms by David Hoffman and Craig Berger

Old Bay, crabs, the loud "O!" during the national anthem, and professional sports teams named for dark birds. We all know the obvious Maryland-isms: the things that make Maryland, Maryland.

 But if you're from Maryland and have always lived here, maybe there are some Maryland-isms you don't even realize are unusual and not simply the way things are everywhere. The two of us are migrants from other states (David from California, Craig from Ohio), so we're going to do you the service of naming a few. 

 Outside of Maryland, it is very rare that ...
  1. People identify themselves by which county they grew up in, or which high school they attended.
  2. People use (or know) the term "Delmarva."
  3. All the place names refer to English royals, nobles and locales.
  4. Lacrosse is a big deal. (For David and everyone from Southern California, LAX is an airport).
  5. The War of 1812 is a big deal.
  6. The place you go to get or renew a driver's license is called the "MVA." (In other states it's called the Department of Motor Vehicles--DMV--or Bureau of Motor Vehicles--BMV).
  7. Counties are known by acronyms like BalCo, HoCo or MoCo. (Really, in other states nobody talks about counties!).
  8. High school student governments are called SGA's. (In other states they're called student councils).
  9. So many people know when the state legislative session begins and ends.
  10. So little travel time is required to experience so many different kinds of terrain.
  11. The state flag has four different, highly contrasting colors.
  12. So many people live in so many rowhouses.
What other Maryland-isms belong on this list?

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 
]]> by David Hoffman and Craig Berger Old Bay, crabs, the loud "O!" during the national anthem, and professional sports teams named for dark birds. We all know the obvious Maryland-isms: the things... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/maryland-isms.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25116/guest@my.umbc.edu/aa544f8576fa9d89816c445ca926eb16/api/pixel Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 185 148 true Mon, 04 Mar 2013 09:19:00 -0500 Info Sessions for Potential 2013-2014 SGA Candidates In this guest post, Collin Wojciechowski, SGA's Election Board Chair, discusses the details of the 2013 SGA Election and asks you to make a commitment to the UMBC community and yourself.

 A message from the SGA Election Board:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again. SGA Election Season!

Here is your chance to be a part of the nationally recognized UMBC Student Government Association. An elected position in the SGA gives you the ability to have an amplified voice on campus issues, be involved in campus wide movements like BreakingGround, and represent your peers before everyone from Dr. Hrabowski to Governor Martin O’Malley.

But, maybe you’re still thinking, why should I (yes, you) run for SGA?

Being part of a student organization is the first step in getting involved and taking action on campus! You know how to engage your peers about important issues. You can plan events that inspire and dazzle the campus community. You know what it takes to be involved while still performing academically. You know how to budget time and run a budget. You know how to make your voice heard.

You are ready for this next step.

In all, there are 20 positions to run for in SGA. In April the student body will select 11 Senators, 5 Finance Board Representatives, a Vice President for Student Organizations, a Treasurer, an Executive Vice President, and a President. Any one of those could be you!

The application to apply to run for a 2013-2014 position is up and ready to go at our website umbc.edu/studentvote along with all the information you would need about each available position and its requirements. All applications are due before Spring Break, on Friday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m.

You can also find the latest candidate information, election events, and giveaways on our pages at facebook.com/umbceb and twitter.com/umbcelections.

In addition, the Election Board will be hosting three information sessions, each featuring a current SGA leader so that prospective candidates can ask questions and see what its really like to be involved. The sessions are as follows:
If you can’t make the sessions, the Election Board will also be on Commons Main Street Wednesday, March 6, from Noon-2PM to answer any additional questions.

Everyone has the potential to have an impact: So Make UMBC Yours and Run for It!

Remember all applications are due before Spring Break, on Friday, March 15th at 5:00 p.m.

 Sincerely,

Your friendly neighborhood Election Board ]]> In this guest post, Collin Wojciechowski, SGA's Election Board Chair, discusses the details of the 2013 SGA Election and asks you to make a commitment to the UMBC community and yourself. A... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/03/info-sessions-for-potential-2013-2014.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/25091/guest@my.umbc.edu/37df01fb5a137ea3da5bdd324afc6109/api/pixel sga-election Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 20 0 true Sun, 03 Mar 2013 19:15:00 -0500 Real People Profiles: Frank Salah 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: Frank Salah

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD

Major: I am double majoring in Information Systems and Political Science.  I am double minoring in Judaic Studies and International Affairs.

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my 4th year and final semester.

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

A: I am a Campus Entrepreneur Initiative Intern and a Tzedek (Social Justice) Engagement Intern for UMBC Hillel.

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

A: I network, connect people, and do Interfaith work.

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

A:  I enjoy meeting new people, learning about them, and connecting people with other students and opportunities.  

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

A: The most memorable thing I learned at UMBC was that getting involved on campus in some way, shape, or form allows you to meet new people, have a great time while at UMBC, and helps you to grow professionally.  If I had not become involved with AEPi, UMBC Hillel, and the Jewish Student Union (JSU), I would never have gone to Israel or done professional training in St. Louis.  I would still act the same way I did my first year at UMBC, go to class, go home, and go to sleep.

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

A: Dr. Who, Puerto Rico (the board game), Settlers of Catan, The Martirx, and so much more.

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 I refer to it as "the J spot."  It is typically a spot on the couches in the Commons, across fro Au Bon Pain.  There have been days where I just sit there all day and don't do anything.  It is a great spot because everyone walks by there, so it is never dull moment and I get to talk to everyone I know.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter. 
]]> 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... http://cocreateumbc.blogspot.com/2013/02/real-people-profiles-frank-salah.html https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/24902/guest@my.umbc.edu/210865f7c80a998b5b3fbbdf20d627a3/api/pixel real-people-profiles Co-Create UMBC https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/co-create https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/original.jpg?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xlarge.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/large.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/medium.png?1499890363 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/small.png?1499890363 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xsmall.png?1499890363 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/000/002/5b8f025dafb56cb8d3088b7259aadcfb/xxsmall.png?1499890363 Co-Create UMBC 67 16 true Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:08:00 -0500