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: Vania Dienzo
Hometown: Oxon Hill, MD
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my fourth and last year at UMBC.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I am currently part of two amazing organizations on campus. I am the Recruitment Chair for Alpha Sigma Kappa- Women in Technical Studies, a social and academic sorority. I am also the President of FASA, the Filipino-American Student Association on campus.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: I help others become outgoing and excited about ASK, FASA, and UMBC.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I enjoy planning and hosting events with my organizations. I work with awesome members and it’s great to see general members and the UMBC community having fun with each other. It makes long meetings, numerous e-mails, and phone calls worth it.
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: At UMBC, I learned to just be myself. I know it’s cliché, but it doesn’t benefit anyone, you or the other person, to act like someone you’re not. Just staying true to yourself and others can make life less complicated. In being yourself, you can use your talents and skills to help others; it just might inspire someone.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: MAJOR DEFINITION - UMBC’S HIP HOP DANCE TROUPE, and THE UMBC MAMA’S BOYS ;)
Major Definition exposed me to a fascinating world of dance I knew very little about. It allowed me to become more confident, not just on stage, but in life. And for UMBC Mama’s Boys…I just love …a cappella groups! Before I entered UMBC as a freshman, I looked up both hip hop and a cappella groups to join, and I chose the hip hop route.
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: One of my favorite spots on campus is the area of tables underneath the flags of nations in the Commons. There, I’ve had hundreds of conversations and meals with the most interesting and different kinds of people. I also love that just by walking through; one can see the diversity UMBC is known for.