Real People Profiles: Jen Kent

I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty and staff, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Jen Kent

Hometown: Owings Mills, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my 4th year.

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

A: SGA Vice President. Phi Sigma Sigma sorority new member educator.

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

A: I love making an impact on campus and feeling truly connected to the place that has been my home for the past 3 years. I love meeting new people and learning about others' perspectives, and through my roles I am able to do that on a daily basis in a way that helps our campus grow.

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

A: I've learned a lot about diversity, actually. It's not about race or religion or sexual orientation or anything like that- it's about differing experiences and outlooks on life. I've learned the important skill of being able to listen to, appreciate, and grow from other people's lives.

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

A: The dining hall!

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 moment on campus was during my freshman year- there was a campus wide power outage that caused a blackout for about 5 hours one afternoon. Classes were canceled, there were no lights in any buildings, and the dining hall had to run on candlelight and bunson burners. This day is what college is all about- people were extra friendly to each other because everyone was in such a good mood. We played flashlight tag in Susquehanna, played foursquare in Patapsco basement with the light provided by the giant windows. For that day, we found our own entertainment all throughout campus and it was awesome!

UMBC: Quirky Cool (or Some Other Slogan . . .)

When I listen to students talk about what they would like to improve about UMBC, there are two themes that come up most often: They want a comfortable 24/7 study space, and they want to boost campus spirit.

The 24/7 study space could be provided through a one-time project: Renovate the first floor of the library or some other campus facility, or build a new building. The challenge would be to raise the funds necessary to make it happen. Boosting campus spirit seems more challenging, because it's harder to imagine a one-time project that would make a dramatic difference. The real solution is likely to involve smaller changes over time. And the truth is, it's happening all around us: UMBC today is a much more vibrant and spirited place than it was when I arrived in 2003. There have been plenty of contributing factors: better campus events, outstanding performances by our sports teams, new traditions that have taken hold, and lots of creative work by student leaders.

In the Civic Imagination and Social Entrepreneurship course I co-teach (with Delana Gregg) each fall, student groups develop and propose social change projects with the potential to improve the campus or the wider community. One of the groups in last fall's class proposed to boost campus spirit by putting up black and gold banners along the major walkways. The students knew that banners alone would not transform the campus, but believed that visible evidence of black and gold spirit would be one of those small changes that would help fuel the ongoing improvement of campus life. They met with student leaders and administrators, raised funds and set a plan in motion.

The result, after some creative help from UMBC's student Marketing Interns, the SGA Public Relations Department and the Office of Institutional Advancement, and lots of support from elsewhere in SGA, is a contest: Project Black & Gold. You come up with a slogan that represents UMBC, and you could see it placed on banners all over campus designed by UMBC's creative artists to support and highlight the slogan. It's a chance to leave your mark (literally) on the UMBC campus and in UMBC history.

Read more about Project Black and Gold here, and submit a slogan by November 30th.

UPDATE: See also here: information from the SGA blog.

Real People Profiles: Jennifer Kovacs Lepus

I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty and staff, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Jennifer Kovacs Lepus

Hometown: Grew up in Bethlehem, PA/Live in Columbia, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 7 years.

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

A: "Health Officer" of the campus.

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

A: Working with such great students and staff. The people are what make UMBC so wonderful!

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

A: So much of what makes us feel successful in life is having healthy, successful relationships with others.

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

A: Staying in "haunted" places!

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: Just that UMBC and I are almost EXACTLY the same age....

So Should YOU Become a Lawyer?

My recent posts about becoming a lawyer and then an ex-lawyer have led to my involvement in some good conversations over the past couple of weeks. In light of those conversations, I want to answer a few questions:

Q: Do you regret becoming a lawyer?

A: No. Becoming a lawyer was part of a process that led to my discovery of who I am and what I truly care about. If I had not gone to law school and then had a bad experience in private law practice, I almost certainly would never have met my wife, worked in higher education or come to UMBC. My whole life would be different. I’m very happy now, and I would not want my life to be different, so I accept the entire path I’ve traveled as necessary and valuable.

However, as necessary as my process was for me, it may not be necessary for you. The risk in jumping through hoops and pursuing a career path because you think it’s what you are supposed to do is that you might not end up escaping the trap as I did. I was very fortunate. What might happen to you is that you simply live somebody else’s life and not your own, forever.

Q: Would you advise others not to go to law school?

A: For some people, law school is a cage. For others, it's a source of liberation. My advice is to make choices that will inspire you to lead a fulfilling life and prepare you to make meaningful contributions to your communities. If you’ve done some research and feel like law school will get you there, go for it. If you want to talk about whether law school would be right for you, feel free to drop by my office (Commons 2B12, off the student organizations area). I won’t have firm answers for you, but I can ask you some potentially helpful questions.

Q: Was your law firm experience typical?

A: I don’t think there is a ‘typical’ law firm experience. I worked for three firms during my law school summers and chose to work after law school for the one where the people seemed friendliest. But even within the firm I chose, different attorneys’ experiences varied widely depending on their supervisors, areas of specialization and clients.

Still, if there are generalizations you can make about life in a law firm, they include these: Work for a large firm in a big city, and you are likely to spend most of your time serving corporate clients. Serve corporate clients, and the bottom line in your work will be to protect or improve the financial well-being of those clients. Most likely you will be compensated well, but much will be expected of you, including long hours, a willingness to immerse yourself in the legal issues relevant to your clients (however uninteresting they might be to you personally), and a willingness to treat others harshly if doing so will advance your clients’ interests.

Q: How did you go from working at the Consensus Organizing Institute to working at UMBC?

A: That’s a story for a future series of blog posts.

Real People Profiles: Andrea Thomson

I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty and staff, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Andrea Thomson

Hometown: Germantown, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Coming on three years.

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

A: Retriever Weekly News Editor (til the end of this semester – after this semester I’ll be a reporter), Maryland Student Legislature Delegation Chairperson, USDemocrazy Blogger, Treasurer, Newman Club

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

A: As a student organization leader I most enjoy helping to develop smaller communities within the larger UMBC community – such communities are intimate niches in which students can express themselves more authentically and feel at home.

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

A: The amount I’ve learned during my time at UMBC rivals that which I have learned during most of the rest of my life. At UMBC I’ve learned that there is no such thing as not having enough time for something, rather people will always make time for what they find important. I’ve also learned not to postpone getting involved or devoting time to that which I find meaningful – as life will never get less busy and the time to act is generally now.

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

A: True Grit's.

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: Favorite spots on campus:

1. 7^th floor large glass window from which you can see the city of Baltimore
2. Rock garden, bench with journal, especially in the Fall
3. Dingy but cozy couches in Fine Arts
4. My own room, decorated with framed pictures of Quebec and fake flowers
5. Women’s Center in the Commons - free hot tea, library of fascinating books, and wonderful atmosphere

Jen Dress is Awesome

Jen Dress, the Assistant Director of Student Life for Major Events and Programs and advisor to the Student Events Board, has received a prestigious award from the Maryland College Personnel Association. The Dedication to Professional Service Award is presented annually "to a college student educator in recognition of their significant contributions and service in higher education. This professional has made considerable efforts to impact change in student affairs practices in the state of Maryland through their work, mentorship, scholarship, research, consultation, presentations, and/or other involvements and participation."

Jen is one of the most talented professionals I've ever known. She is the ultimate problem-solver: Both students and fellow staff members turn to Jen when they need to figure out how to get things done. Her dedication to building campus life and supporting SEB members is legendary, and her drama-free style, sense of humor and deep empathy for students make her an outstanding role model. When I started working at UMBC more than six years ago, Jen was one of the people from whom I learned the most. I'm glad she's getting this well-deserved recognition.

Read more about Jen (and the rest of us in the Office of Student Life) on the OSL staff page.

Real People Profiles: Yvette Mozie-Ross

I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty and staff, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: Yvette Mozie-Ross

Hometown: Odenton, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Since 1984. I came here first to pursue my undergraduate studies. When I graduated, I landed my first full-time job at UMBC in Residence Life. I then moved to Admissions and subsequently into my current position in Enrollment Management.

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

A: Facilitating students’ enrollment from admission to graduation

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

A: Working with students and their families and seeing them progress from prospects to graduates - from getting to know us to proudly representing us as alumnus!

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

A: To not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The world has so much more to offer if you simply open yourself to the many opportunities and blessings.

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

A: Oprah. I watch her show everyday...religiously!

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 was struggling with a computer science programming assignment. A friend introduced me to an acquaintance (another UMBC student and Information Systems major) who he thought could help me. We first met up in the AOK Library one evening. He spent hours helping me on my assignment. I got an A on the assignment. In return, I married him!

Board of Regents Refuses to Establish Porn Policy

Yesterday the University System of Maryland's Board of Regents refused to adopt a policy restricting the screening of pornographic films on its campuses (which include UMBC). Members of the state legislature had demanded the adoption of such a policy, with State Senator Andy Harris even trying to amend the state budget so campuses without such a policy would lose their funding. Read the Baltimore Sun story here.

UMBC's SGA had adopted a resolution taking a stand against restrictions on students' freedom of speech, and other student governments had passed similar resolutions.

The Regents' action strikes me as a bold, principled stand (and practical too; officials undoubtedly preferred to avoid getting embroiled in First Amendment lawsuits). What do you think?

Real People Profiles: James McCauley

I’m asking some of the people you might encounter on the UMBC campus, including students, faculty and staff, to answer a few questions about themselves and their experiences. These are their responses.

Name: James McCauley

Hometown: Finksburg, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: 3 ½ years

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

A: I manage SGA’s money and help allocate to student organizations.

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

A: I enjoy helping people the most in my role at UMBC. There’s nothing I find more empowering than coming through for an organization or individual. Sometimes you have to make tough calls or things go wrong, but when you see a problem that is a significant obstacle for someone else and you have the resources and knowledge that make them successful, coming through for them is very fulfilling.

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

A: I've evolved as a student and as a person throughout my time here at UMBC, and that experience as a whole is incredibly valuable to me. The times I look back on with fondness are times when I took a risk, or did something that was very un-James McCauley-like, and as a result have a lasting memory and experience. I suppose the most important thing I've learned (and still have distance to continue learning) is to take those risks, and to really step out of that box, because those opportunities to gather those memories and experiences won't be around forever. It's either that, or x = x0 + v0t + 1/2 at^2, I've found that pretty useful too.

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

A: Reese's. That’s the number one thing that comes to mind, however, I am also a Facebook
fan of "Not Being on Fire" and "Papa Johns Pizza."

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: Favorite Spots (In order):

• “Pig Pen Pond”: Between UMBC and the Tech Center

I came across Pig Pen Pond my freshman year. There is a rock-garden with a bench alongside the loop by the commons garage. There’s a bench there that has a book for anyone to write in and such, and on one of the pages was a map someone had drawn. Open to a little adventure, me and a friend decided to follow this map. It led us into the woods and to a small lake with a dock that was just chilling pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Since that day, they have built a path between UMBC and the tech center so one no longer has to wander through the woods to get to Pig Pen Pond (which actually takes a little bit of the mystery away), but its one of my favorite reflecting places on campus.

• “Pot Hill”: Outside the loop (still on campus though), Hill off in the distance from Patapsco

While I didn’t choose the name for this hill, Pot Hill is the highest point around. It’s one of the few places you can actually see stars at night since its far enough away from a lot of the light pollution. Whenever there is a meteor shower or I just want to look at the stars, this is where I go. You can also see planes on approach and taking off from BWI.

• “Fine Arts Amphitheatre”: Behind the Fine Arts building

I’m actually a little ashamed of this one. I do a lot of late night walking and exploring, and yet, I didn’t know the Fine Arts Building had an amphitheatre till my sophomore year. It’s a wonderful place to go, whether you are just looking for an isolated spot to sit and think or feel like reciting the Canterbury tales in your best British accent.

• “Bio-Building Terrace”: 2^nd floor of the Bio Building

I didn’t really notice the Bio-Building had a terrace for a while, but as soon as I did I wanted to know how to get there. After a little wandering and opening random doors in the Bio-Building I came across it. There’s a lot of furniture (and a significant number of cigarette butts) and it’s a good place to relax and sit. I’ve never ran into anyone up there, so it provides a nice isolated spot to watch the hustle and bustle of campus as the day goes by.

The Point of Departure, Chapter 7: Sea to Sea

(Back to Chapter 1: The Straight and Narrow Path, Chapter 2: The Glass Tower, Chapter 3: The Decline and Fall of Me, Chapter 4: Fruitless, Chapter 5: The Long Walk and Chapter 6: Darrow)

My brother Stuart lived in New Jersey with his fiancée, but had flown to Los Angeles for the holidays. Together we packed my Honda Civic with everything it could hold, including our suitcases for the long drive ahead. Most of the possessions from my life at the Barrington Avenue apartment had to stay behind at my parents’ house (where many of them remain even now).

On Christmas morning I backed the Civic out of my parents’ garage. I had no friends waiting for me in Boston, and no certainty about what would come of this leap into the unknown. But I knew that I had taken full ownership of my life, and for the moment that was enough.

Just before we left, my brother and I snapped photos that now hang on a wall in my home: each of us gazing into the distance. I had never done anything as intentional or momentous as getting in that car and driving east into the rising sun.

Six or seven hours later we were in Las Vegas, where Stuart had an appointment with an event planner at the hotel where his wedding would take place a few months later. We arrived a little early, so to kill time we played a few machines in the casino and quickly won more than $300 between us. It seemed a good omen.

After the meeting we headed southeast, across the Hoover Dam into Arizona, and from there east for two thousand miles, stopping overnight in Albuquerque, Oklahoma City and Nashville. Stuart had brought along a tape of some music that was becoming very popular: Alanis Morrissette’s Jagged Little Pill album. It became the soundtrack for the trip, and to this day when I hear any of the songs I find myself back on Interstate 40 with the United States flying past.

We could have reached Washington, DC late on the fourth night, but stopped instead in Front Royal, Virginia, site of a gigantic toxic waste site that had once been the world’s largest rayon factory. I had spent a lot of time in town and on the factory site as an attorney working on a huge insurance coverage lawsuit, and it seemed appropriate to pay a visit (and show Stuart) on my way to the rest of my life.

In DC we met up with Stuart’s fiancée Cheryl and relaxed for a while. The following morning, the three of us headed for Boston in two cars, stopping at their home in New Jersey and in Connecticut for dinner. When we finally reached Boston at midnight, we made a quick stop at my new apartment, a studio on the fourth floor of a Back Bay brownstone. As we stood there in the darkness, the empty room looked about half the size it had seemed when I had seen it the first time. It took me a long time to get to sleep in my hotel room that night. I felt intimidated by the amazing view of the snow-covered city through the window--a city in which I had no friends, and in which I would be spending a lot of time by myself.

The three of us moved everything from my car up the stairs into my apartment the next day. It was New Year’s Eve, and we spent the night in a hotel room watching videos and talking about the future. On New Year’s Day 1996, Stuart and Cheryl bid their farewells and drove away. Alone in my chilly apartment, I started to unpack my belongings, reflecting on the long road behind me and daydreaming about the long road still ahead.