Meet the Peer Advisory Team
As current UMBC-Shady Grove students, members of the UMBC Peer Advisory Team (PAT) serve as a critical point of contact in the successful and seamless transition of students transferring to UMBC-Shady Grove from other institutions. PAT members undergo extensive leadership development and work closely with UMBC-Shady Grove administrative staff, faculty, and current students to reach out, serve, and create meaningful connections with prospective students through a variety of formal and informal recruitment and retention events. We are proud to be UMBC!
Connect with us!
Godwin Aizenofe: Translational Life Science Technology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I’m a TLST major.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
Close proximity to my home.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
This is my first semester at UMBC-Shady Grove, however coming spring I will be an intern at UMBC assisting Professor Friar.
What are your plans following graduation?
Get a job and then a PhD.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Do not underestimate any class, give your all + extra. However, do make time to go out and socialize. This is the prime of your youth, never have the “it is what it is” mindset, it would very much hinder your progress.
Katherine Angel Beltran: Psychology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am a twin and I have a pitbull named Rambo!
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC-Shady Grove because of its diversity, affordability, and convenience. I find it extremely rewarding to be able to learn from incredible students and faculty with unique backgrounds, while also connecting to individuals with similar backgrounds as me. Additionally, its small class sizes, proximity to home, cost-effectiveness, and student support all make it that much more worthwhile.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I am a member of the Tau Sigma Honor Society, the Peer Advisory Team, and the Psychology Student Association. I am also a member and student worker for the Achieving Collegiate Excellence & Success (ACES) program at USG.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I plan on visiting at least 5 different countries with my best friends. I am so excited to make new memories and meet new people. 🙂
What is your advice for prospective students?
I encourage prospective students to practice self-care. When school gets overwhelming, it is important for students to prioritize their well-being so that they are better equipped to succeed in their academic, work, and personal life. I recommend attending the social events at USG, practicing mindfulness, dancing, taking a nap, absolutely anything! Just find something you enjoy! When you care for yourself, you can handle stressful times better. A healthy balance between schoolwork and self-care is essential.
Hyojin Choi: Psychology and Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I used to be a nursing major, and I did an internship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Also I am an avid tennis fan 🙂
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC-Shady Grove in order to stay close to home, and because of the smaller class sizes. It allows me to get to the know my classmates more, develop friendships with them; and it allows for a more personal relationship with professors.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
None, this is my first.
What are your plans following graduation?
I would like to take a year off after I graduate and work in the field as a social worker, as well as hopefully find some time to travel to places I have not been to before. I would like to travel to New York City because I have only been there a handful of times, and I don’t remember it too well. I would also like to go to Puerto Rico, as well as just travelling around DC more. Also I would like to learn tennis.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Try and do as many classes on campus as possible (If it is possible to). The campus is beautiful, and it really helps to have that in-person connection with other people.
Kaitlyn Davis: Translational Life Science Technology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I have an identical twin.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC-Shady Grove for the specialized TLST program and because of how close the campus is to my home.
In what internships or extracurricular activities have you been involved at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I am the communications officer for the Biotech club and I was a USG ambassador last semester.
What are your plans following graduation?
I plan to gain experience in the workforce and after a few years I might consider starting a Masters program.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! College is intimidating but with time it can become like a second home. Also, really think about why you want to attend college and if a degree is what you need to succeed in your career path.
Nichel Griffin: Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am a Puppy Parent to an 8-month-old Yellow Labrador Retriever named Mark, he is a Service Dog in Training (SDiT) for Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). I have nine brothers and sisters.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC- Shady Grove because they have a great Social Work Program. The campus is close and the classes are smaller. This past year I have been able to connect with students who are also Social Work majors like myself, which has been nice. I have made some friends with a dynamic group of people. We all bring a different view to the table. The professors take the time to get to know you and they ask questions to engage you.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I am the Vice President of the Social Work Board, I did an 8-week internship with the Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County Academy (HOCMC).
What are your plans following graduation?
Get my master’s and hopefully be working with an agency, hospital, or school.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Merryll Kallungal: Translational Life Science Technology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am a trained dancer. I started dancing when I was 5.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I choose UMBC-Shady Grove because it was convenient and close to home. Also because it was affordable as well for me and the major I was interested in was offered here.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I am currently the Vice President of the BioTech Club and also I will be interning for Professor Friar during the summer.
What are your plans following graduation?
My plans after graduation is to go into the work force to gain some experience and then go to graduate school to pursue my Master’s Degree.
What is your advice for prospective students?
One of the best advice I can give to prospective students is that ask for help, whether it is academic or not. There are so many resources that available to students at USG so many the most use of them. Reach out to you professor when need, it is an easy way to make that connection and also to make the transition smoother. Get involved in student organizations and go to the events that held throughout the semesters, it is one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends.
Ludivine Kom Liapoe: Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am trilingual (English, French, ASL). I love people. I am a full extrovert. Being around others makes me happy. It makes me who I am.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
UMBC-Shady Grove is a great place to be. It gives me a chance to make friends because Shady Grove is a small campus. UMBC main Campus is a huge place.
In what internships or extracurricular activities have you been involved at UMBC-Shady Grove?
Zeta Sigma
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work in my career field as a social worker.
What is your advice for prospective students?
I advise prospective students to CONSULT with your academic coach about the classes you are taking. Some classes from your previous school might transfer and you would have the possibility of graduating earlier than expected. I also urge them to start taking 200 level classes in psyc/socy/etc as soon as you are able because then you will be able to only need to focus on your social work classes mostly. Whatever minor you decide to pick, pick it before heading for your BA and always work hard to succeed! NEVER GIVE UP and Remember, the SKY IS YOUR LIMIT!!!
Ciomara Matamoros: Psychology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am a mom of three children and am a full time student and a full time mom and love it!
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
Coming from a small college campus I loved that UMBC-Shady Grove had that same small college community feel to it.
In what internships or extracurricular activities have you been involved at UMBC-Shady Grove?
This is my first semester and PAT would be my first extracurricular.
What are your plans following graduation?
Graduate School for student counseling.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Don’t be scared to take that leap of faith and apply, because at UMBC-Shady Grove you’ll find that not only will you fit in but you will also find your dream!
Vincent Medina: Psychology and Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am trilingual. Besides English, I know how to speak French and Spanish fluently. I love dogs, working out, and going on long enthusiastic walks.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC-Shady Grove for its Social Work program. It also allowed me to have access to higher education at a lower cost and be close to where I live.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
PAT will be the first extracurricular activity I will be involved in at UMBC-Shady Grove. I am pretty excited about it. I am excited to see what PAT will teach me and what skills I will gain from my time with PAT.
What are your plans following graduation?
I do plan to pursue a Master’s degree, potentially even a Ph.D. I also plan to pick other languages (like Mandarin, ASL, or Arabic).
What is your advice for prospective students?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of staff here at USG that are here to help you succeed and prepare for the career you want or to help you find the career that will be best for you.
Shay Redmond: History and Political Science
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I like collecting different eye glasses. I have about 12 pairs.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC-Shady Grove because it is a welcoming friendly community, and because it offers the college campus experience in Montgomery County.
In what internships or extracurricular activities have you been involved at UMBC-Shady Grove?
Part of the student advisory council for Councilman Sidney Katz (October 2021-April 2022).
What are your plans following graduation?
I plan to continue my education by either going to graduate school or law school.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Don’t be afraid to speak with professors in the departments you would like to major in. They are very helpful in getting you started and on the right track.
Benries Toe: Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I have just four sisters, and all of our names share the same three letters.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC-Shady Grove because the campus is close to where I live and it’s affordable.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I’m currently enrolled in the USGLeads Leadership program and also a member of SWSA.
What are your plans following graduation?
After I graduate, I intend to pursue my master’s degree while working in my field.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it’s utilizing the numerous campus resources available to ensure your success.
Walter Valle: History
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
This is quite a challenging question however, in the future I want to migrate to another country. Another interesting thing is that I want to change my name for personal reasons and I’m a strong believer in living beings in our universe!
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
In reality, there were a few characteristics that attracted me to take courses at a satellite campus. Such as affordability, access to guaranteed scholarship assistance, and location. Through the USG website, zooms and what I read about the building’s perks were the reason I checked off Shady Grove.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I recently acquired a part-time job overseeing the welcome office in building three and of course joined the Peer Advisory Team (PAT). However, I’ve been part of the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program since high school so there is that as well. Other than these extracurricular activities I have not had an internship or fellowship however, I forsee an internship opportunity in the future.
What are your plans following graduation?
I have not made a confident decision on what to do after earning a bachelor’s degree but the two paths I’ve been thinking about are going to Graduate school or taking a gap year to familiarize myself with the career choice I would be most interested in pursuing. That being said I think it’s essential for college students to immerse themselves in the real world and gain experience that guides their academic endeavors.
What is your advice for prospective students?
I have come to learn that we must try to use our last years of “college” to take risks to get out of our shells. What I mean by this is not falling into the same routine and or being comfortable with attending class and leaving soon after. I encourage new students to seek out resources and activities offered at Shady Grove because it’s your time to explore academically and personally. Everyone should be a bit nosy when it comes to pursuing opportunities so research, ask and take action! I cannot stress this enough since these two years are our preparation for the workforce but make it fun!
Sierra Wynn-Lucas: Psychology and Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself…
I lived in Hawaii for three years.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
They have an amazing social work program and great community
In what internships or extracurricular activities have you been involved at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I’m current president of the Student Social Work Association.
What are your plans following graduation?
Straight to my Master’s !
What is your advice for prospective students?
Get involved in what the school has to offer.