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Real People Profiles: Stevo Karolenko

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: Stevo Karolenko

Hometown: Finksburg, MD

Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: I am currently a junior.

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

A:I am a designer for both the Student Events Board and Commonvision.

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

A: I design posters and act ridiculous in front of crowds.

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

A: This semester I've had the honor of MC-ing all of the Open Mic nights, Karaoke nights, and the Homecoming Talent Show (among other random things) which I really love doing. It's pretty much just me pretending to be a comedian for a couple hours each week, but I get to hang out with some really talented kids.

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

A: It took me a while to reconcile, but I've found out you can't make a change in this world with just witty comments and timely punchlines. You've got to be willing to put in the hours and brain juice to really make an impact on your environment.


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

A: Back flips. I know it's getting pretty cliché, but there's something magical about back flips. It's like you're an astronaut swimming through hyperspace towards the sunrise for a brief moment.


Also, cake. I freakin love cake.

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: Before I came to UMBC, my high school, middle school, and even elementary school all had dress codes. So when I started here, it was a small culture-shock getting used to not putting on a tie and slacks every morning. It's funny though, I'd been dressing up for school for so many years I still feel like I learn better in the tie. Three years out, you can still find me wearing a tie and button-up shirt whenever I have a test.

Posted: November 29, 2010, 9:36 AM