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Real People Profiles: Christa Kidd

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

Name: Christa Kidd

Hometown: Clinton, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: I am currently in my junior year at UMBC.

Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?

A: I am an Office Assistant for the Office of Student Life, Secretary for Y.O.U. (Your Own UMBC), and member of both the Mock Trial Team and Major Inspiration. 

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

A: I foster a sense of campus spirit through my daily routines/activities.

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

A:  While working in the Office of Student Life, I have come across people with all types of backgrounds and stories. With every inquisitive student that walks through the doors of my office, I am given an amazing opportunity to interact with someone new. The relationships I have made during my involvement at work and in different organizations has helped me gain access to doors and opportunities I would have never imagined existed.

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

A:  The most important thing I have learned at UMBC is to make the most of your experience here. You are accountable for your grades, you determine the fate of your college career, and you have to be your biggest fan. UMBC does a great job of having every resource available to its students, but it is not until that initial step is made to want to learn more or be more involved that you can indulge in these opportunities.

There are an endless number of clubs and organizations you can get involved in at UMBC, varying from religion/spirituality to athletic and sports related activities. The Involvement Fest held at the beginning of both semesters was a great time for me to learn more about the clubs and organizations offered at UMBC. The Shriver Center has also played a very instrumental role during my time here. The volunteer/service opportunities you gain during your experience with them are priceless. Lastly, the academics at UMBC are the best in the state of Maryland. The teachers want to see you excel and have a personal investment in your success. By doing something as small as stopping by your professor’s office hours or thanking them for taking that extra time to help explain something to you, you create a special relationship –-- one that isn’t concerned with just getting an A or being the most outspoken, but a relationship that explores the humanness in us all. 

UMBC was waiting for me to take advantage of it, and when I did, my goals for college became much more than obtaining a degree.

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

A:  Food!!! I may be little but I love to eat!!!

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: Anyone who knows me well, knows I love sitting around with people and simply talking. I love having “family time” with my friends, and getting to know more about them and what they think and believe. In today’s society I believe technology does a wonderful job of helping people avoid interacting with others with items such as cell phones, ipods, ipads, computers, etc. This leads me to one of my favorite stories at UMBC.

Fall 2011, the power all over campus decided to go out. For those who receive text message alerts from UMBC police, the text arrived several moments after the power went out, as if we didn’t notice. I digress though. My initial thought was “GREAT! NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!” Living in Hillside, there are absolutely no back-up lights like the ones in the residential halls. What we were going to do without our oh-so-precious electricity? No lights, no TV, no computers, it was as if we have traveled back in time. Sitting in the living room, you could hear people from the neighboring apartment’s congregate outside. Having nothing better to do, myself and two of my roommates decided we wanted to take a walk around the barely lit campus. We had a blast that night! The spirit of the campus that evening was indescribable. The people we ran into were extra friendly and the conversation we had with complete strangers showed us that outside the classroom and the hustle and bustle of college life, we are all still everyday people. Not before long, the power came back on and activities resumed as usual. Another great moment to add to my long list of memories at UMBC. 

BONUS VIDEO QUESTION: What else would you like to share? Ask yourself a question and answer it.




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Posted: November 20, 2011, 6:25 PM

Read Original Post in myUMBC