Real People Profiles: Caitlyn Leiter-Mason
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: Caitlyn Leiter-Mason
Hometown: Frederick, MD.
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my second semester.
Q: What is your current title (job or student organization position)?
A: I have a couple of titles so far – WILL (Women Involved in Learning and Leadership) member, SGA Office of Community and Governmental Affairs Staff, Health Leads Service-Learner, College Democrat, First Year Council Member, and Sondheim Scholar.
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: I ask lots of question while trying to find/create my role.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: When I was applying to colleges, I was terrified of not knowing where I would be in a year. But now, the part that I most enjoy about still searching for my role and niche on campus is that uncertainty, that I don't know where I'll be in a year or in three. I don't know yet what mark I'll leave on campus or what mark campus will leave on me. I've got three and a half years of possibilities, and that's really exciting!
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: I've learned just how much there is to learn and give and gain from service. I started participating in service-learning last semester with Health Leads (formerly known as Project HEALTH). Our service site is located in a low-income clinic where we screen people for resource needs like food, utilities, housing, education and then work with the clients to find services to fill those needs. In just a few months I've learned so much – about social services and community resources and how to better listen to people's stories while working with them to problem solve. I've seen glimpses of poverty, as well as what courage, determination, and compassion look like, and I've worked harder in and learned more from my service than I have from any of my classes (and that's saying a lot because I've learned so much from my classes!).
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: The Good Wife, aka the best show on TV! Julianna Margulies rocks as Alicia Florrick, a stereotype-defying politician's wife/lawyer, and the show co-stars the fabulous Baltimore native Josh Charles. It's my Tuesday night TV indulgence. Also, I'm a big fan of dangly earrings, The West Wing, mangoes, and books.
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 current favorite spot on campus is the Women's Center. During my first few weeks at UMBC, I fell in love with the Women's Center: the comfy couches, delicious teas, fascinating books, exciting events, great company... It's a really calm place where you can feel supported and safe and a place where you can read or write or nap or talk and have a great time. Check it out!
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Posted: February 9, 2011, 8:08 AM