Real People Profiles: Sheena T. Afoakwa

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: Sheena T. Afoakwa

Hometown: Beltsville, Maryland

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my first year at UMBC! 2nd semester freshman =]

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

A: I'm a member of the Discovery Scholars LLC, SGA (Public Relations Board of the Communications Dept), Editor of the Creative Non-fiction section within the Bartleby Literary Magazine and, Co-chair of the Social Events Committee in the Black Student Union at UMBC.

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

A: Upbeat, Optimism, breath of fresh air, to everyone, I meet, on campus.

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

A: I really enjoy the people I meet on and off campus through the events these UMBC clubs participate in; such as community service trips, on-campus fundraisers, dances and retreats. There are always new faces to be introduced to, hold conversations with - and if not, it's always great to be around people who are passionate about their individual interests and striving to serve their community in order to achieve them.

I also love to hear what people have to say, and the stories they tell about themselves - you learn so much about the great things people can achieve... listening is really the best reward.

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

A: Since freshman orientation last summer 2011, which was the first time I stepped onto UMBC soil as an accepted student, I was constantly reassured that I could make UMBC my home. My OPAs, Woolie, RA, advisers; all the student leaders that helped me out during my first few months here had no doubt that UMBC wouldn't become a community where I could serve, teach and learn from... it's amazing how right they were.

I learned that no matter how foreign or daunting a task seems, with time and effort you will definitely grow familiar with it - enough so that you'll one day find yourself among a group of people listening and taking your ideas and hard-work seriously, all because you've to become a respected part of their community.

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

A: Eating, STRiVE, Will Smith, Bollywood, diversity, acceptance, food, soccer, books, Shia Labeouf, fruit snacks, education, sci-fi, music, chick flicks, reading, Beauty and the Beast, tumblr, hot actors, Ryan Renolds, and Baby Jesus.

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: There's a bridge system connecting the buildings on academic row called 'sky-walks'... best invention ever. I had 7 minutes left before 4pm class started, was in lecture hall 3, had to get to Sondheim, cold rain storm outside, no umbrella, took the sky-walk, made it to class on time, happiness.

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