Now we’re gonna welcome Hannah who earned her undergraduate degree from UMBC and is now pursuing her masters in community leadership. With all that time spent as a Retriever, it’s no surprise that Hannah knows this place inside and out. And so she’s gonna share how best to take advantage of every experience, Hannah you’re up.
– Thanks, Alex. When I first came to UMBC I had no leadership experience whatsoever. Although I felt like I possessed the skills to be a leader in high school, I wasn’t pushed to achieve my full potential. That wasn’t the case at UMBC, after taking my first leadership position in the Persian Student Association, I met from all different areas of study. This led me to join Greek Life, to study abroad and to play club soccer. Working with Refugee Youth Project in Baltimore was the most fulfilling part of my college career. Through these activities, I was introduced to the Student Government Association and from there, my passion to make change motivated me to run for treasure and I won. This is where my connection to campus really exploded. I could walk into any classroom and know at least one person, whether that be student, faculty, or staff member. I expanded my network and had an incredible time doing so. I leveraged these connections my senior year to earn a part-time job as Program Assistant for Financial Literacy and Education. After graduation, I was offered a full-time position for financial literacy at UMBC. Using tuition remission, I’m able to complete my master’s degree in community leadership while staying connected to and serving the community that introduced me to my best friends and fostered an environment for my best memories. As my graduate studies come to an end, I will carry on a spirit of curiosity while pushing myself outside of my comfort zone as I continue my career in public service as a clinical psychologist, back to you, Alex.
– Amazing job, Hannah. It’s clear to see why you love being a Retriever so much. Thanks for giving us a peak at so many unique student clubs and orgs and inspiring everyone to get involved and explore every angle at UMBC, cheers.
Next up is Kara who loved her undergrad experience so much she’s now back for her PhD in language, literacy and culture. Kara was pretty much born a Retriever. Most of her family went here. So she’s got a special perspective on why students are such an important part of UMBC history. Take it away, Kara.
– Thanks, Alex. My name is Kara Seidel and I come from a whole family of retrievers. Not only did both of my parents go here, but my brother went here and works here. You may know him as the Twitter guy from UMBC’s historic run in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. After graduating as valedictorian of my class, I went on to do my masters at another institution while working full-time. Now I’m UMBack as my family called it. I’m currently doing my PhD and it’s easy to see why people come back like I did and why I missed it. Students have quite literally shaped UMBC’s history from the design of campus and how our pathways are literally paved based on where students walked to intellectually and how students dedicate and foster spaces for collaboration and democracy. We now have a Center for Democracy and Student Life created by UMBC staff who are also alum. The center engages students from all major colleges on campus. And it all started from ask from a classroom discussion. After doing my master somewhere else, I realized an even more profound level of appreciation for the student-centered culture at UMBC. Though I started my doctorate during the pandemic, there were still numerous ways for students to collaborate and stay involved. A fellow student and I formed a Graduate Student Success Committee for the Graduates Student Association, dedicated to student wellbeing. As a campus community, we center student voice in a way that empowers co-creation from students all the way up through administrators. And that’s one of the many reasons why I love it here, back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Kara, that’s true Retriever spirit. I loved hearing about your journey and how cool is it that students have literally designed elements of UMBC over the years, that is just amazing. Best of luck with studies Kara, well done.
Next up we’re heading to the labs in UMBC’s spectacular new Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building to meet Lauren, a senior biology major. She’s here to share a story about the mentorship she’s received as a student researcher and how that special faculty relationship has pushed her beyond what she thought she was capable of. It’s all yours, Lauren.
– Hey, thanks, Alex. For the longest time, I wasn’t sure where I was headed on my career path, I loved biology but I didn’t know what my options were or what my degree could let me pursue. I wasn’t aware of how many doors I could open for myself. It wasn’t until my second year here at UMBC when I started to discover my interests. I joined a research lab and got to know the professor I was working for Dr. Tamara Mendelson. She became a mentor for me and has been a strong influence and sense of encouragement while I’ve discovered my major’s possibilities. She has made me feel welcome in her lab at all times by introducing me to her colleagues and she continues to encourage me to apply to a number of different biology internships. In my most recent internship, I studied agricultural weed evolution presented my research, and now I’m on track to have my work published in a scientific paper, which is something I never could have imagined possible in my undergraduate experience. The professors and staff here at UMBC are all about mentorship, hands on research and helping their students to be the best that they can. To sum it all up, if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t stress, here at UMBC research and career building is grounded and caring and encouraging student mentor relationships. With a little help you’ll discover your passion. Good luck you guys and back to you, Alex.
– What an amazing story, it was so cool to get a peek into what undergraduate research looks like at UMBC and to know how mentors can really make the difference. I love that you found your passion through that experience, Lauren, great job, take care.
Next up, we have Logan, an athlete and a senior mechanical engineering major. She spent the last two summers learning how to be a flight test engineer with the Navy. How cool is that? Logan’s gonna tell us all about it and how UMBC helped her find the opportunity in the first place. Logan, it is all yours.
– Thanks, Alex, hey, y’all. Growing up I knew I wanted to be an engineer and played Division I college softball. Going through recruiting process, many schools turned me away because of my difficult major. UMBC was one of the only schools that allowed me to do engineering and play Division I college softball. UMBC encourages exploration of all types and learning that gives students valuable experience beyond the classroom. Our Career Center and Striver Center, help students find great opportunities for service learning and internships. The past two summers I’ve had the opportunity to intern as a flight test engineer for F-18s at NAVAIR in Potomac River, Maryland. I’ve assisted in writing test plans, conducting flight tests and I’ve presented results to a group of Naval test pilots and engineers. This experience was amazing and I planned to return NAVAIR to learn more. Another great thing about UMBC is that you have so many job opportunities all around you. The campus is close to Baltimore, Washington and even Philadelphia and New York. And because of our partnerships with so many great companies, students have easy access to unique opportunities to learn their fields. Our students complete amazing experiential learning experiences all across the country, putting what they’ve learned in class to work and internships, service learning programs, site specific research, and more. I’ve seen my self mature and develop into an intelligent and confident young woman and I’m so excited to see where my future leads me as an engineer. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Logan, what an amazing experience. It seems like UMBC’s Career Center and Striver Center are both really great at helping students find experiences where they can learn while doing. You’ve clearly got an amazing career ahead of you, Logan. Thank you and take care.
Next up, we get to meet Mohamed who’s earning a masters in teaching English to speakers of other languages or TESOL. He’s gonna tell us about his path to UMBC and how he’s found a community that supports students at all stages of life. He’s so inspiring and I can’t wait for you to hear his story, take it away, Mohamed.
– Thanks, Alex, hey everyone. After years teaching English on my country, Egypt, I thought the right time had come to take my academic experience to the next level regardless my age. So I searched for programs in different universities in the States, but I found UMBC the most accommodating since I believe in education at all stages of life. The university staff helped me throughout my application process and it felt like I heard them saying, come and apply Mohamed, we want you in the family. Then I got admitted to the master’s program. The university provides program centered in helping returning and late finishers like myself complete the degrees. At UMBC you find professors who provide support and the friendly classroom environment. Even my colleagues never made me feel like an alien. They were eager to learn about my culture and let me mingle in theirs. This accommodating environment encouraged me to bring my family from Egypt and the UMBC community helped me and my family to settle and guided me to enroll my daughter in a public school. This academic and personal support made me feel home away from home. The Career Center offers career fairs where you can find employers that help you learn more about your employment chances after graduation. And when it comes to preparation for real world job and practical training, UMBC provides every possible means of support. It’s great to be part of such a wonderful community that values my experiences, throwing it back to you, Alex.
– What an incredible journey Mohamed. It’s so inspiring to hear about what you’ve experienced at UMBC and it sounds like you’ve got a really wonderful career ahead of you. Best of luck, Mohamed, that was absolutely excellent, cheers.
Let’s head over and talk with Jillian. She’s a senior who’s working towards completing an Aerospace Engineering degree. You’ve already heard about UCF’s history in helping launch a booming space industry. And now Jillian will share all of the opportunities she’s had that are truly out of this world. Jillian, please tell us about it.
– Thanks, Alex. And hey, everyone. Growing up right here in Orlando provided me a unique vantage point of being able to watch the space shuttle skyrocket into orbit from my own backyard. It was this early exposure to engineering brilliancy, which fueled my passion for space exploration to this day. And it’s something very few get to experience in their lifetime. UCF has not only propelled my opportunities to participate in space-related research and internships, but they’ve supported me in my astronomical pursuits along the way. My experience at UCF has provided me with both the direction and skills necessary to pursue the career I’ve always dreamed of, becoming an astronaut. During my time here, I’ve also co-authored a paper that proves how water evolves on the surface of the moon due to solar radiation. And my most recent project was interning at the Florida Space Institute where I provided engineering support on spacecraft hardware for a sensor that launched on a real rocket. Through every part of my journey, UCF has helped me find the specific niche of space exploration that fits with my unique skillset. As an engineering student, you’ll develop industry sought out skills. This involves participating in projects like building and launching cube sets into space or even conducting research on a zero gravity flight. The Senior Design Capstone Project is also a great way to take what you learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world problems for entities, such as Boston Whaler, Coca-Cola, Mitsubishi, the Orlando Utilities Commission and Steelcase. There are even opportunities to participate in global programs like working with the German Aerospace Center to conduct advanced research on the next generation propulsion capabilities or hypersonic suborbital vehicles and reusable space vehicles, which I’m currently participating in. Right now, I’m tailoring my resume to fit the needs of a NASA astronaut program. Understanding how I can contribute to the mission is the first step in becoming an expert on it. Here at UCF, the opportunities are boundless and some might even say out of this world. That’s all for me, Alex, over and out.
– Copy that, Jillian. From your hands-on opportunities with local industry leaders, to taking part in innovative research projects, your story shows firsthand how UCF programs go above and beyond for its students. You are well on your way to achieving your dream of becoming an astronaut. That is so impressive. Cheers, Jillian.
Let’s head over and talk with Jillian. She’s a senior who’s working towards completing an Aerospace Engineering degree. You’ve already heard about UCF’s history in helping launch a booming space industry. And now Jillian will share all of the opportunities she’s had that are truly out of this world. Jillian, please tell us about it.
– Thanks, Alex. And hey, everyone. Growing up right here in Orlando provided me a unique vantage point of being able to watch the space shuttle skyrocket into orbit from my own backyard. It was this early exposure to engineering brilliancy, which fueled my passion for space exploration to this day. And it’s something very few get to experience in their lifetime. UCF has not only propelled my opportunities to participate in space-related research and internships, but they’ve supported me in my astronomical pursuits along the way. My experience at UCF has provided me with both the direction and skills necessary to pursue the career I’ve always dreamed of, becoming an astronaut. During my time here, I’ve also co-authored a paper that proves how water evolves on the surface of the moon due to solar radiation. And my most recent project was interning at the Florida Space Institute where I provided engineering support on spacecraft hardware for a sensor that launched on a real rocket. Through every part of my journey, UCF has helped me find the specific niche of space exploration that fits with my unique skillset. As an engineering student, you’ll develop industry sought out skills. This involves participating in projects like building and launching cube sets into space or even conducting research on a zero gravity flight. The Senior Design Capstone Project is also a great way to take what you learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world problems for entities, such as Boston Whaler, Coca-Cola, Mitsubishi, the Orlando Utilities Commission and Steelcase. There are even opportunities to participate in global programs like working with the German Aerospace Center to conduct advanced research on the next generation propulsion capabilities or hypersonic suborbital vehicles and reusable space vehicles, which I’m currently participating in. Right now, I’m tailoring my resume to fit the needs of a NASA astronaut program. Understanding how I can contribute to the mission is the first step in becoming an expert on it. Here at UCF, the opportunities are boundless and some might even say out of this world. That’s all for me, Alex, over and out.
– Copy that, Jillian. From your hands-on opportunities with local industry leaders, to taking part in innovative research projects, your story shows firsthand how UCF programs go above and beyond for its students. You are well on your way to achieving your dream of becoming an astronaut. That is so impressive. Cheers, Jillian.
Next, we’re going to chat with Sergie. He’s an alum who will share his story on how UCF prepared him for success outside of the classroom and in the real world. He’ll provide insight on how UCF faculty and staff and even other classmates help ignite his passion for innovative ways to clean waterways. Take it away, Sergie.
– Thanks, Alex. I’m an aerospace engineer by trade and have now put those skills to use in my role as an entrepreneur. The roadmap to success is oftentimes not easy. However, with passion, persistence and ingenuity, anything is possible. Our company ecoSPEARS is committed to solving challenging needs in public, private and government markets. Early in my career, while working at NASA Kennedy Space Center, I was fortunate enough to work alongside the inventors of the SPEARS technology. Recognizing the global impact of this technology in the environmental sector, I partnered with a NASA Technology Transfer program and founded ecoSPEARS, a company dedicated to cleaning up contamination in our waters. During my studies at UCF, I was immersed in a dynamic community where everyone aimed to find the next breakthrough that would change our world. I was challenged to think creatively and stretch my skills while having the chance to be mentored by faculty who are still active in the industry, which allowed me to learn the different aspects of entrepreneurship that has brought me to where I am today. The support I received from UCF faculty taught me how to be a good mentor to others. UCF doesn’t just prepare students to succeed in the classroom, it sets them up to be high achievers in the workplace and have their own companies. The more students take advantage of all UCF has to offer, the better their odds of being a force of influence in their field. From partnership programs with local companies, such as the Lockheed Martin Work Experience program to resources the university provides, like the Business Incubator program, which has helped more than 350 local startups over the past 20 years. UCF can help you take charge of your career before you even graduate. While entrepreneurs constantly adapt to industry changes and challenges, I know the foundation that UCF has given me will allow me to overcome anything that comes my way. Back to you, Alex.
– Great story, Sergie. I love how UCF helped students take charge of their future no matter what industry they choose to go into. And the innovative ways Knights are impacting the globe, that’s amazing. That’s what really matters. Thanks again, Sergie.
Okay, everyone. We’re now heading over to UCF’s Rosen campus to meet Kathy Li. She’s in junior majoring in hospitality management. You are on, I’m excited about this one. Please take it away.
– Thanks for that, Alex. What’s up, everybody. When deciding on which colleges to apply to, I wanted to ensure that wherever I ended up would best prepare me for the industry that I’m so passionate about, while also including an inclusive and diverse community within the student body. In my search, I found the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF, and I instantly fell in love with it. When my mom and I were participating in the college search process, she was actually the one who suggested we take a tour of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. All I said afterwards was, “As long as we get to go to Disney.” UFC’s hospitality students can easily access different internships, professional opportunities and networking experiences in one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world. As a hospitality student, I know that I’m getting the highest quality education I can at Rosen because the college has been consistently ranked among the best top five in fact, for years. We’re currently number one in the US and second in the world for hospitality and tourism studies. And with the colleges, 97% job placement rate after graduation, I will be able to immediately start my career with the confidence and skills I obtained from the incredible faculty with real world industry experience. Beyond Rosen, strong academics led by amazing faculty, unbeatable location and our community partnerships, I found that the people here have a strong commitment to celebrating culture of diversity, equity and inclusive excellence. What makes Rosen stand apart is its ability to deliver an education with a global perspective on every aspect of the hospitality industry. From event and entertainment management, to restaurant, food service and lodging. I can’t wait for the opportunity to apply everything that I’ve learned here in my experiences at the Rosen College and apply it to my professional career that I know I’ll be successful in. That’s all for me today. Back to you, Alex.
– What a story. So impressive. Great job. And thank you for taking part of the college tour. Take care.
Now it’s time to hear from Cierra who’s studying business. With a focus on earning an affordable degree, she knows just how important philanthropy is to the campus culture at UCF. She’ll share how scholarships and financial aid were easy to access and have helped her during her time at UCF. Cierra, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, guys. The power of philanthropy can truly be life-changing for a college student. It certainly was for me. 50% of first time and college students at UCF graduate with no educational debt, which is far better than the national average. Access to scholarships and financial aid are a big reason why UCF remains an exceptional and affordable university. In my time at UCF, I’ve been able to join many student organizations, connect with mentors at the College of Business, interact with top Orlando business leaders and gain impactful marketing internship experience. None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the financial support I received from UCF and the donors who help ensure our success. One of the tenants of the UCF creed is community. And that is embodied in the backing that our students receive from their own classmates, our 335,000 alumni, and from our biggest supporters from companies like EA who help endowed a scholarship to encourage inclusion in gaming, to a facility funded by Lockheed Martin dedicated to training the next generation of cybersecurity programmers, to record-breaking gifts, resulting in transformational impact. Every year, UCF distributes millions of dollars in scholarships, and on our annual day of giving in the spring, we see the impact that every donor and every dollar can have. By opening doors and removing obstacles through philanthropy, we empower our students to rise to their potential and achieve their dreams. I believe in community and supporting those who support me. One day, I plan to give back to UCF as a tribute to those who helped me achieve my goals. Thanks for listening. Now back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Cierra. You did amazing. It’s great to see how UCF instills the importance of giving back and paying it forward in its Knights and how the emphasis provides students with the support to succeed. Thanks again, Cierra.