Real People Profiles: Kelsey Krach

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: Kelsey Krach

Hometown: Baltimore County, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: Since Fall 2010

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

A: Patapsco Hall Desk Staffer; Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Through the Eyes of a Refugee (TEAR) Leader

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

A: Enthusiastic student, loyal friend, & agent of social change

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

A: I love all of my roles equally, as they are important to my identity and the culture I am a part of at UMBC. I have worked in several offices on campus as well as been a part of different clubs and organizations. Currently, I love being an ASB trip leader. The support that I have from my advisors within Student Life is AMAZING! Another aspect that that I LOVE is meeting new people from all over the world. Since coming to UMBC, I have certainly made many international friends and have had the ability to learn about many different societies and cultures. In fact, my very own roommates are Egyptian and Lebanese. Fortunately, I am bilingual so I have been able to connect with many members of HLSU or made friends from Latin America. Because I am involved in many different organizations, I am able to meet these people and roll around in the diversity. The flags hanging in the Commons was one of the reason I decided to come to UMBC. I knew, when I saw those flags, that I would be surrounded by the diversity that I crave. Sometimes I feel like I don't even need to leave America in order to learn about the world (although, traveling is one of my most favorite things to do!)

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

A: I took a political science 100 class last spring. The class was great, especially the professor. I ended up changing my major from polisci, but I still took away one of the most important things that anyone has ever told me: college is about learning; you can decide to come to get a degree or you can decide to learn. My professor told us that college is supposed to teach you HOW to think, not WHAT to think. I firmly believe in this statement and after this class, I never once doubted my decisions for my major, classes, interests, or actions. I truly believe that whatever I do at UMBC will help further my education and success in the future.

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

A: Music! I love singing to it, dancing to it, and making it!

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 spot on campus is right there on the quad, on a beautiful afternoon, I will sit on the platform next to Lecture Hall 1. It is right next to the stairs, beside the side door to the entrance. It's a random little spot and most people probably never notice it as they walk past, but I LOVE going there because I feel high up over the quad and can people-watch, do homework, or nap in the sun.

My other favorite spot for a rainy, sunny, or just regular Baltimore day, is the 7th floor of the library. Hardly anyone ever ventures up there, but it has the best, most beautiful view of the campus. As well, you can see into Baltimore City and on clear days you can see the Key Bridge and sometimes some water.

Also, CERA is so nice to go hiking in or for a little walk. The deer are always so great to see, they put a smile on my face!

My fourth favorite place on campus is Pig Pen Pond. Again, another place most people never go. I don't want to encourage too many people to go there (I'm being selfish, of course, because if everyone starts going there it won't be so special). SO go exploring and find these places and some new ones for yourself, it's worth it!!

Finally, make a UMBC bucket-list! Before graduation, I have over 25 activities that I hope to accomplish. I crossed a few off my list already. For example, I wanted to go mud-sliding. I did that last semester during finals week (and it was probably one of the most exhilarating and fun experiences I had with my roommates!)

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