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Real People Profiles: Clare Dowley

We're 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: Clare Dowley

Hometown: Pylesville, MD


Major: Mechanical Engineering


Q: How long have you been at UMBC?

A: This is my third year at UMBC.


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

A: Student, friend, leader, engineer, retriever

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

A: I most enjoy the potential to interact with so many different people at UMBC. I see incoming students as a Student Ambassador, as well as current students in classes, clubs, and around campus. No matter what someone is interested in or here to accomplish, everyone is friendly and open to meeting new people.

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

A: 
I have learned the importance of being independent and responsible, but also knowing that help is available. Coming to college is a big change, both in living away from home and school becoming more of a challenge. All students have to learn and be responsible for themselves, but at UMBC there is always help available. Resources from health needs to study needs are available to help us succeed and thrive in our college years.


Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?

A: I worked alongside ten other coaches, both students and faculty, at the STRiVE Leadership Retreat in 2015. In the winter of 2013 I attended the retreat as a participant and it changed my perspectives and pointed me in the direction I wanted to go as a leader. I realized my strengths and that I really could make a difference. Going again as a coach gave me the opportunity to pass my knowledge, support, and experiences to fellow students so that they too can facilitate change on our campus and in the community as a whole.

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

A: Music, laughing, friends, playing outside, and reading.

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: Don't be afraid to branch out. You never know what kinds of connections you might make. My closest friends here were made through little details in housing, twins, and who happened to meet who at orientation and move-in day. Now I have lifelong friends and so many good memories. Join some clubs or study groups, attend campus events and sports events; there are so many awesome people here at UMBC you haven't met yet. Also, make time to have some fun. College is stressful and busy, but it will be so much better if you take time to be with friends, have some fun, and make some lasting memories.

Co-Create UMBC is a blog for and about UMBC, written by David Hoffman and Craig Berger from the Office of Student Life. Join the Co-Create UMBC group on MyUMBC. Like Co-Create UMBC on Facebook. And follow David and Craig on Twitter.

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Posted: April 13, 2015, 1:38 PM