I am currently enrolled as a junior majoring in Public Health Science at the University of Maryland. I have been involved in Care Partners for Change since 2015 and have been an endodontist assistant since 2007. Also, I have leadership qualities and experience from my endodontist office as the office manager. I am able to lead by example and work effectively with a team. My areas of interest are cardiovascular disease and cancer, the top two of the largest contributors to death in the United States. My educational goal is to finish my bachelor's in Public Health Science and pursue a master's in Health Science with Physician Assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

My name is Ingrid Saravia and I am a senior at the University of Maryland. I am majoring in Linguistics and minoring in French. I plan to graduate in the Spring of 2021 and hope to work with the CIA as a language analyst. I plan to continue my higher learning and return as a graduate student in the future

I can truly say that I believe my calling is to help in the fields of health and wellness. I grew up with a large family, mostly consisting of extended family and my twin sister. I also grew up becoming familiar with diet related health concerns battled by family members, such as my grandmother. Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved food, even the popular vegetable food group that repelled lots of kids from their dinner plates! As I grew older, I began to understand more about the depth of my grandmother’s health conditions and soon after, I decided to help take care of her.Since I graduated high school, I progressively dedicated more time focused on my grandmother’s health. I graduated Prince George’s Community College with two Associate’s Degrees in Forensic Science and Psychology. I decided to take a break from school and commit to becoming my grandmother’s caregiver. During this time in my life, I wasn’t just focused on her diet and doctors’ appointments. I became very much interested in her well-being and considered the potential connection between what she ate and how she felt. All while maintaining a renal diet, I researched topics such as phytochemicals from foods and deficiency of certain nutrients. I also applied what I learned from the curriculum for my AS in Psychology. Essentially, through application of all this information, I learned more about both, my grandmother as well as myself! I knew I loved food and the field of psychology but I never considered combining the two until I came across an article on the growing field of Nutritional Psychiatry. It sparked an idea that has motivated me to go after credentials to become a Registered Dietitian and eventually start my own private practice implementing major components of physical and mental health in order to achieve an optimal state of well-being. Aside from becoming a caretaker for my grandmother, I am a part of the University of Maryland’s Student Dietetic Association in College Park and am very eager to network and volunteer!

My name is Stacey Greaves. I am a divorced mother of five. My oldest two are in college, and I have three still at home with me. I am a part time student at UMCP, but I also work a demanding full time job as a billing manager for a behavioral health facility. I graduated magna cum laude with my A.S. in public health in May 2018. I am now pursuing my degree in family science. My hope is to create and run a program for women who are transitioning from a dark time in their life into better days. My population may include women recovering from addiction, incarceration, or domestic violence victims. I would like to have transitional housing as well as offer mental health, physical health, and other resources to help them better their lives. I am passionate about families and about helping people. As a former homeless person, I hope to inspire others and show them that they can indeed get through these dark days into better times.

My name is Laura Dullahan and I’m a third-year transfer student from Prince George’s Community College majoring in Art History at the University of Maryland. I was adopted from Russia at a very early and have lived with my family in Maryland since then.
I have always been genuinely interested in learning and becoming my best self no matter how much personal effort it takes to accomplish that goal. Despite having learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and psychiatric issues, I’ve believed in myself and work very hard to achieve academic success, no matter the personal challenge. It took me ten years of consistent effort and taking a class a semester at PGCC to achieve what typical students can achieve in two years and earn my place at UMD. I am proud of that consistent effort and what it has led me to accomplish. While certain aspects of learning do not come easy to me, with determination and assistance I discover alternate paths to academic success. This past success and encouragement from those around me and inspire me to push on. When I am not busy with academics, I provide personal and technical assistance to senior citizens in my community.
I am pursuing a B.A. degree in Art History with the intent of attending graduate school. I hope to pursue a career in digital art history, a branch of the digital humanities. Digital art history is an emerging area of scholarship that uses computing or digital resources in the study and analysis of art. It plays to my interests and strengths. The University of Maryland offers internships in the field, and I hope to apply.

My name is Hiba and I’m pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mathematics. I am currently a part-time Math Instructor and center director at Mathnasium. Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a career in Actuarial science. Recently, I was invited to join the Sigma Alpha Lambda society, which is a national leadership and honors organization. I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter and have the opportunity to be more involved on campus. I decided to join because I want to make an impact, enrich my leadership skills and to meet some interesting people. I am also a Math tutor at the The Gossett Center for Academic and Personal Excellence located at the Xfinity Center.

I am a senior Community Health major specializing in Health Communication. I am currently completing my full-time capstone internship at the Howard County Health Department in the Behavioral Health Bureau. My main project there is helping to implement a Syringe Services Program in the county. On-campus, I am the Director of Communication for Adele H. Stamp Chapter of Mortar Board Honor Society, as well as part of the planning committee for Sex Week at Maryland; which is a weeklong event promoting safe and consensual sex. Upon graduation this spring, I hope to build a career promoting substance use harm reduction practices. I want to be able to help people live their best life, no matter what path they choose.

Ashley Armstead is majoring in Government and Politics with a minor in Public Leadership. She applied for a scholarship through the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation because she needed the extra cash to help her pay for her college expenses. She is a full-time student who will be a senior next year. She is a transfer student from Prince George’s Community College, where she received her A.A. in Communications/Writing. Now she is furthering her education, so she can become an Intellectual Property Lawyer. She is also not your typical student because she’s fairly older and she is also a parent. Ashley’s journey here has been tough, but she is so thankful to be able to continue her education without giving up.

Benjamin Bromley-Coolidge is 29-year-old transfer student, planning to major in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Cell Biology and Genetics. He is currently a Junior at the University of Maryland – College Park. A native Californian, Benjamin moved to Maryland in 2016, after meeting his fiancé, Lauren. He enrolled at Montgomery College, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and an Associate Degree in Biological Sciences. While attending Montgomery College, Benjamin also trained and competed in multiple endurance events, and volunteered for LUNGevity foundation, and Little People of America. In October of 2018, he became the first person with dwarfism to complete the Marine Corps Marathon. He hopes that completing this challenge will raise positive awareness for people living with dwarfism.

Paola Castro is a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park majoring in Elementary Education. Teaching has always been a passion of hers. So much so that she quit her full-time job as a family support worker to pursue her degree. This was a huge risk to take considering her obligation to my 6-year-old daughter, but she truly feels that following her heart will benefit them both in the end. Paola has a wonderful support system in place to aid in her continued success, none of this would be possible without them. She plans to pursue a career in education with the long-term goal of becoming a teacher; assisting people in underrepresented areas, focusing on advocating for better policies, mental health, and parent involvement. Paola plans on making a change one student, classroom, and school at a time. She is determined to make a difference in the community and world around her. Her goal is to be the best role model for her daughter and future students that cross her path.

Kelsey Golding is a Senior Hearing and Speech Sciences major in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the University of Maryland. She is also a single mother of two little ones who keep her eyes on the prize and keep her motivated every single day. She has a huge interest in Speech Language Pathology, therefore over the summer she interned at REINS Therapeutic Services where she gave one-on-one support to campers with special needs through activities, which included speech therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, social skills, and art. Golding was able to gain a great deal of experience in Speech Language Pathology by working with special needs children who have Autism and Down syndrome. Through this great learning opportunity, she was exposed to different techniques and tools that will be beneficial when applying to graduate school and while in graduate school. After graduation, Golding plans to attend graduate school to continue her pursuit in becoming a Speech Language Pathologist.

Alexandria Guzman is a senior pursuing a double major in Government & Politics and History. Last Year she was a CARE outreach peer on campus, volunteered at Children’s National, and interned at the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture in Washington D.C. After graduating, she plans to continue to work in local government to help implement positive policy change pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy or Social Work. However, her long term goal is to attend law school. Alexandria aspires to become a civil rights lawyer that is trauma-informed, in order to better help power-based violence survivors receive justice.

Ashley is of Salvadoran descent and a Washington D.C. native. Right after receiving her high school diploma, she worked as an administrative assistant and worked closely with the CFO at a small minority owned engineering firm for six years. Originally, interested in accounting, the exposure to engineering at this firm was when she decided she wanted to become an engineer. She has since then gained her associates in engineering from Prince George's Community College and transferred into the University of Maryland. Her interest has expanded into nanotechnology and in which she has had the opportunity to work with through the Center for Integrated Quantum Materials.

Alona Hapey is a mother of two, a proud American citizen, and a student of one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the University of Maryland, College Park. As a first-generation immigrant as well as the first college student in her family, she has made this path filled with many challenges, mistakes, and failures, but is driven to learn, research and contribute to the best of her abilities. She is very familiar with late nights and early mornings which are filled with taking care of her infant daughter or doing her college assignments. She knows that in the next morning she needs to be ready for a new day, going to work and school, or doing her mother’s chores with a smile on her face, and that is not easy. Sometimes she thinks she should quit, however, she realizes that making my own path and by setting new goals she is reinventing my life and career, and making my dreams a reality. However, slowly step by step she am going to achieve her dreams. These are dreams that she would never achieve without the support of her family, friends, mentors, and advisors, (such as the professors from Montgomery College and the University of Maryland). In her journey to receive her first Bachelor’s degree, she is growing to learn and educate myself and support her kids. And she is telling herself she can do it because she is a woman and mother irrepressible and resilient with the whole world in her hands. She has the courage and the drive and energy to acquire her bachelor’s degree and improve her life as well as help contribute to society with the best of her abilities. As a non-traditional student, being a mature woman, Hapey would like to be an example for her children. She would like to show that in her 40th year a new life can just begin, and it is never too late to accomplish her dreams. According to Hapey, age is just a number and does not dictate your spirit.

Judy Pae is a senior majoring in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Math and Science. She is currently in her senior residency at Templeton Elementary School. She plans to work in the public-school system after graduation and pursue a master’s in special education. She is passionate about becoming an educator who will instill change for our future generation and motivate students to reach their highest potential in life.

Samantha is currently a Junior pursuing her B.S. in Behavioral & Community Health with a specialization in Health Communication. What inspired her to enter the field of public health was that many people close to her struggled with substance abuse problems during her adolescence and young adulthood. Through her coursework and life experience, her strong interest in the areas of substance use and harm reduction advocacy has only grown. Her work as an Alcohol and Other Drugs Peer Educator at the University Health Center has also helped her to realize her future plans. In the future, she hopes to be able to eliminate stigma around substance use and people who use drugs and to advocate for better public health interventions surrounding substance use for communities across the country.

Sarina Rajput is a 26-year-old transfer student who is attending at the University of Maryland. She is looking forward to being inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta and the Beta Eta chapters of Tau Sigma at the University of Maryland later this semester. She is being challenged like she has never been before and loving every minute of it.

Kelsey Golding is a Senior Hearing and Speech Sciences major in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the University of Maryland. She is also a single mother of two little ones who keep her eyes on the prize and keep her motivated every single day. She has a huge interest in Speech Language Pathology, therefore over the summer she interned at REINS Therapeutic Services where she gave one-on-one support to campers with special needs through activities, which included speech therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, social skills, and art. Golding was able to gain a great deal of experience in Speech Language Pathology by working with special needs children who have Autism and Down syndrome. Through this great learning opportunity, she was exposed to different techniques and tools that will be beneficial when applying to graduate school and while in graduate school. After graduation, Golding plans to attend graduate school to continue her pursuit in becoming a Speech Language Pathologist.

Benedicte Raissa Machili Fah is a native of Cameroon. She immigrated in the United States in November 2014, three years after graduating from high school. She went to Montgomery College from January 2015 to May 2017, and transferred to university of Maryland-College Park, where she is continuing her education. She currently studies biology with an emphasis in Neurology and Physiology. She has been volunteering with Community Bridges since October 2016, where she mentors high school girls. She also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in the summer of 2017, and is currently a member of the National Honor Society Phi Theta Kappa. She is also a peer mentor in the First Year Research Enrichment Program (FIRE), Engineering Biosensor Lab. Her career aspirations consist of becoming a Podiatrist.

Mahlet was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She completed all of her studies there before moving to the US in 2014. She attended Montgomery College for 2 years and earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in 2016. Then, Mahlet transferred to the University of Maryland to further continue her studies. She is currently an Accounting and Information Systems major at the Smith School of Business. After graduation, she would like to obtain her CPA. It will allow Mahlet to grow professionally, where she can use her knowledge to benefit the people she would work with.

Raymi Chatman is a Junior at the University of Maryland with a 3.1 GPA majoring in Psychology on the Physician Assistant track. She has served 3.5 years in the U.S Air Force while also being on the Honor Guard team of Fairchild Air Force Base. She aspires to complete her degree then enroll in a physician assistant program to complete her masters. A single mom, Raymi works diligently to provide a full life for her daughter through dedication to her educational goals.

Juleesa Jolley was born in Fall River MA on Aug. 10, 1988. She was raised in Columbus GA where she attended Central High School. After completing high school she decided to enlist in the US Army where she served honorably from 2008 to 2016 when she was medically discharged. During her time on active duty she was a military policemen and achieved the rank of staff sergeant. She was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011-2012. Juleesa has been awarded six army achievement medals, three army commendation medals, two good conduct medals, two non-commissioned officer, Afghanistan campaign medal, two overseas ribbons, and an ISAF non article 5 medal.

Erica Long is 26 year old and was born and raised in Maryland. She attended the Savannah College of Art and Design for the 2008-2009 academic year, then enlisted in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic where she was employed from 2009-2015. Having completed her contract with the military, she now attends the University of Maryland and is pursuing a double degree in Biology and Studio Art. She currently resides in Maryland with her husband and the three year old son.

Alexis Dorsey is from Germantown, MD and currently lives there. She is a studio art major with hopes of being a fashion designer. In her free time, she loves to read and spend time with her family.

Christian Byrd is currently pursuing a degree in Information Science and is on track to graduate in May 2019. He is an army veteran with four years of experience serving underneath the Charlie Company 67th Signal Battalion as a Networking Systems Operator and Team Chief. In the service, he worked on multiple overseas missions for the benefit of war torn countries, while working to better understand the principles of Leadership, Compassion, and Selfless Service. At the University, Christian is working towards a degree that will better enable him to make the world more accessible for individuals with disabilities such as his aging father who also served in the military when he was younger. His future goals are to help design technology that not only helps ease the aging process, but can work to keep elderly individuals healthy, informed and in control of their own care and lifestyle.

Ndeye Thioye is a college student in senior year at the University of Maryland. She is pursuing her Bachelor in Finance at the Robert Smith School of Business. She was born in Senegal, West Africa and came to the U.S. six years ago to pursue her studies. She is married and has a 4-year old daughter. I obtained my Associate Degree in Business at Montgomery College in December 2016. This year, she has been accepted for the Plus One program at the Smith School of Business, which consist of getting a Master in Finance in a year.

Abigail Smith is the single mother of one who is trying to beat the odds and improve the world. She is a junior at thr University of Maryland where she majors in Landscape Architecture and minors in Sustainability. She graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County with an Associative of Applied Science in Sustainable Horticulture, Magna Cum Laude. Abby aspires to continue her education a Johns Hopkins University and earn a Masters of Environmental Management and Policy. She will use the skills she has developed in a career focused on ecological restoration and ADA landscapes.

Tiffani T. Carnes is an adult undergraduate entering her senior year as a Theatre Studies major at UMD. She is a staunch supporter of arts integration, and believes both visual and performing arts are invaluable tools when applied in learning, development, and social activism. Long-term, Tifani aspires to pursue a master's degree in School Counseling, and to use both her training in mental health and the creative arts to develop programs promoting social and emotional competency. Tifani is a native to Washington, DC and Prince George's County, Maryland and a graduate of Montgomery College and Bowie High School.

Judy Pae is a senior majoring in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Math and Science. She is currently in her senior residency at Templeton Residency School. She plans to work in the public school system after graduation and pursue a masters in Special Education. She is passionate about becoming an educator who will instill change for our future generation and motivate students to reach their highest potential in life.

Sandra P. Merino is a current senior at the University of Maryland College Park. As a mother of four boys, she has learned to juggle school, motherhood, and daily obstacles. She is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Architecture and a minor in Construction Project Management. She has had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy to further her understanding in Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. The importance of student involvement has led her to serve on the board for AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students), NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architects), and WIA (Women in Architecture). Her plans are to pursue a Dual Master’s Degree in Architecture and Community Planning at the University of Maryland. She is thankful for her professors, colleagues, and family for their support, mentoring, and encouragement.

Tiffani T. Carnes is an adult undergraduate entering her senior year as a Theatre Studies major at UMD. She is a staunch supporter of arts integration, and believes both visual and performing arts are invaluable tools when applied in learning, development, and social activism. Long-term, Tifani aspires to pursue a master's degree in School Counseling, and to use both her training in mental health and the creative arts to develop programs promoting social and emotional competency. Tifani is a native to Washington, DC and Prince George's County, Maryland and a graduate of Montgomery College and Bowie High School.

Abigail Smith is the single mother of one who is trying to beat the odds and improve the world. She is a junior at thr University of Maryland where she majors in Landscape Architecture and minors in Sustainability. She graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County with an Associative of Applied Science in Sustainable Horticulture, Magna Cum Laude. Abby aspires to continue her education a Johns Hopkins University and earn a Masters of Environmental Management and Policy. She will use the skills she has developed in a career focused on ecological restoration.

Willow was born affluent and privileged, but lost everything when she entered foster care. At 18, she was left homeless, and spent the years working and putting herself through school. She has hit several obstacles, including the recent diagnosis of an autoimmune disease which causes systematic pain, and makes walking and using her hands difficult, but she will never stop working hard to achieve her goals. She firmly believes that it is better to learn how to do something than have it done for you. She greatly appreciates the generosity of others in helping her achieve her degree, so one day she may give back.

Jerome Quenum is a transfer student to the University of Maryland. He is an electrical engineering major and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Originally from Benin, West Africa, He moved to the United States in 2013. Throughout his journey, he was able to serve as a STEM ambassador, volunteering in middle school and high school engineering outreach programs. He also tutored in various Math and Science center to help fellow students improve their problem-solving skills. As a member of the Society of Physics Students, he presented at the 2015 meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers. He was the treasurer and the president of the Math Club at Montgomery College and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Club. He is currently the Secretary of the Engineering Student Council and the project chair of IEEE at the University of Maryland. As he is also currently serving the U.S. Army reserve, he is participating in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at the University of Maryland in order to earn a commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he will continue serving in the US military while pursuing a doctorate degree in electrical engineering.

Juleesa Jolley Was born in fall river Ma. On Aug. 10th 1988. She was raised in Columbus Ga. where she attended Central High School and graduated in 2007. She has three brothers and is the mother of Tamia Jolley. Juleesa enjoys paddle boarding and camping. From 2008 to 2016 juleesa served on active duty in the army as a military policeman. During her time on active duty, she as deployed to Afghanistan in support of operation enduring freedom. Juleesa was awarded the army two accommodation meddles; six army achievement medals; two good conduct medals; two overseas service meddles; two non-commissioned officer professional development meddles; one non-article five ISAF service medal; one Afghanistan campaign medal; one global war on terrorism medal; and one national defense service medal. Juleesa has an associate's degree in applied science, criminal justice from Central Taxes College. She is currently attending the University of Maryland and majors in architecture.

Francine Baker is a is first generation Jamaican-American attending the University of Maryland, College Park via the Universities at Shady Grove. She is currently in her last semester as an undergraduate student studying Public Health Science. Upon graduation, Francine will apply for graduate school with hopes of studying the science that drives public health. Francine’s long term career goal is to join the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service as a Science and Research Health Professions Officer. I also hope to return to University of Maryland as a faculty member. My time at Maryland has been very rewarding. I would love to give back to the UMD community by inspiring other students to become strong, confident public health professionals as the School of Public Health faculty has inspired me.

Shantia R. Brown, native of Prince George’s County, is a junior at the University of Maryland – College Park and is majoring in Economics in the College of Behavioral & Social Sciences. She earned an Associates of Science in Business Administration in 2016 and is currently working at the National Science Foundation in the Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) Directorate, Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS). She is an enthusiastic and dynamic Management Analyst with over 8 years of direct federal experience specializing in qualitative and quantitative analysis, program and project management, contracting, project control, human resources, budgeting, security operations, risk management, and project scheduling.

I am a mother of four children, ranging from ages 15 to 1 month old, who decided that my talents were best explored in the academic arena rather than the service industry. At 33, I decided to return to college without the convenience of my prior transcript, which left little to attest to my abilities. Starting over at the College of Southern Maryland, I was inspired by my history professor, Dr. Arnold-Lourie, who instilled a passion for learning and scholarship. I was admitted to the University of Maryland after completing my Honors Degree in History and obtaining the Distinguished History Scholar award in the spring of 2015. During my time at University of Maryland, I gave birth to my last two children, while attending class and working part-time. I was admitted into the History Honors Program at UMD and did my thesis on Gregory of Tours and his depiction of the Frankish King Clovis. I am forever grateful to the Charlotte Newcomb Foundation for the generous award that will enable me to complete my degrees by the spring of 2018. I plan on applying to graduate school in December to continue Anthropological coursework in Archaeology.

Kristin Jayd is a first generation degree seeking student majoring in Environmental Science and Policy, with a concentration in Wildlife Ecology. (She’s also mom to a 15 year old son and 12 year old daughter.) Her academic interests include entomology, ecology, and higher education. She is weaving these together with the goal of teaching natural sciences in a community college setting and providing laboratory and field research opportunities to non-traditional students like herself.

Rosita Lerner is a senior in Family Science at University of Maryland. She is pursuing two degrees. She is almost finish with one, Family Science, except that she needs to fulfill her internship requirement so she can get her diploma. The other program she is pursuing is Elementary Education. She plans to complete the core program requirements in Spring and Fall of 2018 semesters. Because her schedule will be hectic and she has a disability, she plans to divide her time - doing a few hours in each - among working part time, gain school credit through an internship, and the added bonus of helping others through a volunteer work in an organization that helps the most vulnerable in our society. While she is doing all these, she plans to work part time as a human service professional. She is eyeing and competing to get an internship at Pathways, one of the umbrellas of National Institute of Health. Or she can and want to do a stint in a large international organization that caters to varied citizens of the world.

I was born in Belgaum, India and completed my high school from St. Mary’s High School,· Belgaum in 1997. After completing high school, my family wanted me to study Architecture. Therefore, I was enrolled at Vasant Rao Potdar Polytechnic, Belgaum, India where I earned an Associate's degree in Architecture and I received the "Best Student Award" for the Architecture department for the year 2002. I worked as an architectural assistant for five years and during my spare time I worked as a freelancer. My work involved building models, building plans and interior designing for residential and commercial buildings. In June 2009, I moved to the United States to live with my husband. As a first generation student, I had always dreamed of getting a doctorate degree and becoming a researcher. I got the opportunity to follow my dream in 2011, where I enrolled at Prince George's Community College, In the fall of 2016, I received an Associate's degree in Mathematics and in the spring of 2017, I received an Associate's degree in General Studies. While I was at Prince George's Community College, I made the Dean's list three times. I became a member of two honor societies, Phi Theta Kappa and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Hi, my name, is Nguyet Nguyen and I am a senior majoring in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. I was born in Vietnam but immigrated to the United States when I was a toddler. My college journey started eight years ago at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD where I received my Associates Degree in the Arts of Teaching. Although my college journey has taken longer than most, I am so proud of my accomplishments thus far and I can’t wait to graduate and start my new journey as an educator. Growing up I have always wanted to be an Early Childhood teacher, I want my classroom to be a place where children can reach their full potential without the stress of circumstances outside of their control. I want to be the one who will inspire them. The one to uncover their hidden potential, ingrain in them the significance of their words and actions, and teach them to embrace the individual inside of them that has ideas, strengths and beauty like no one else.

My name is Jessica Ruark. I am currently an environmental science and policy major, with special concentration in wildlife ecology and management. I am interested in becoming a certified wildlife biologist; my current coursework reflects this aspiration. My overall goal in life is to aid in the protection of endangered species

Rachel Ross is a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park. She formerly studied Dietetics and currently studies Environmental Horticulture. She enjoys spending time outdoors and learning about the ecosystem, how people can help improve the environment, and how they can improve themselves at the same time. In her spare time, Rachel advocates for wellness and natural healing due to her experience with chronic illness. After graduation, she hopes to hold a career that improves the lives of others and the environment simultaneously.

Raymi Chatman is an Air Force veteran and returning student. She was born in Florida and later moved to Silver Spring, Maryland where she graduated from Springbrook High School. Upon graduation, Raymi enlisted in the military, where she served four years in Spokane, Washington. Currently, Raymi is a junior with an intended major in Psychology. She plans on completing her undergraduate degree at UMD while taking prerequisite courses for a Physicial Assistant program.