Real People Profiles: ThuyVy Duong

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: ThuyVy Duong

Hometown: Rockville, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my fourth semester.

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

A: Member of Pre-Med Society, Splash!, Shriver Living Learning Community, Symphonic Orchestra (violinist!), Honors College, National Society of Collegiate Scholars

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

A: Work-a-holic student, sarcastic/ sassy friend, and a big dreamer

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

A: I sometimes feel like I'm a nomad! I'm a part of all these different organizations, some of them on very different planes but that is what I enjoy about my roles the most. At the end of the day, I realize just how lucky I am to have the opportunity to work with such diverse groups of people. Being able to transition from one mindset to another is a very interesting challenge and I love it. It keeps me on my toes and I'm never left bored or feeling tired. I love how I can work for Pre-Med during free hour, go to class, then head straight to a Splash! meeting, and finish the day off with a 2 hour orchestra rehearsal. I love the adrenaline rush I get from running all around campus keeping myself busy!

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

A: Don't be afraid to leave the comfort of your safety zone and try new things. I'm actually guilty of always staying within my safety net but I've learned to let go sometimes and just try things for the heck of it and not care about how silly I may look. Everyone always says this and I feel like it's become a cliche but college is definitely all about discovery. The way I think of it is you'll never really know what kind of person you are until you open up and put yourself in the spotlight.

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

A: Masterpiece series on PBS. I’m currently obsessed with this British drama set in the early 1900s called Downton Abbey.

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 don't think I'm the first one to notice this but this tidbit about the dining hall has definitely been tested and tried multiple times and 100% of the people I have asked agree with me. Whenever you see tour groups on campus or know that it's orientation day, head on over to True Grits. Let's just say that on those days, the chefs go by the golden rule of "The way to a student's heart is through their stomach."

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