Real People Profiles: Lydia Kang
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: Lydia Kang
Hometown: Yong-In, S. Korea
Major: Political Science
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my 4th year at UMBC!
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: Going into college, I wanted to learn how to write. I used to think being an elaborate and eloquent writer was what made "good writing," so that's what I tried for. In my very first semester, my English 100 professor shot me down. The A's I was waiting for were...not A's. Sometimes I would shake it off with the thought that the professor just didn't understand the point I was trying to make (but with a lot more sass). Isn't that a bit ridiculous? How could I possibly not care about what my sole audience thought? It's kind of like talking to yourself. Pointless. I found that there was no sense in trying to write in some fancy, cluttered way that no one could understand or would want to follow. The most important thing I learned at UMBC was that sometimes less is more.
Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?
A: Recently, a friend of mine pointed out that I talk a lot about "career stuff." I think part of the reason is that UMBC is a place full of opportunity and a place I have felt empowered to take on any career track I choose. Among my younger friends in my church community, I try to be an encouragement. People need to feel empowered and I try to remind them that they are.
Q: Complete this sentence: "I am a big fan of __________"
A: If you are a student, take Gib Mason's ENTR201 class. It'll be one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Hometown: Yong-In, S. Korea
Major: Political Science
Q: How long have you been at UMBC?
A: This is my 4th year at UMBC!
Q: In 12 words or less, what role(s) do you play on campus?
A: Learner & Full Time Student.
Q: What aspect of your UMBC role(s) do you enjoy most?
A: I have a lot to look forward to. Being a learner puts you in the position of having the most to gain. The best part about being a full time student is that certain point at the end of the semester when I get to pick new classes that I've been so curious about. It's like shopping!
Q: What is the most important or memorable thing you learned in college/have learned at UMBC?
A: Going into college, I wanted to learn how to write. I used to think being an elaborate and eloquent writer was what made "good writing," so that's what I tried for. In my very first semester, my English 100 professor shot me down. The A's I was waiting for were...not A's. Sometimes I would shake it off with the thought that the professor just didn't understand the point I was trying to make (but with a lot more sass). Isn't that a bit ridiculous? How could I possibly not care about what my sole audience thought? It's kind of like talking to yourself. Pointless. I found that there was no sense in trying to write in some fancy, cluttered way that no one could understand or would want to follow. The most important thing I learned at UMBC was that sometimes less is more.
Q: What is one way you have worked with others to make a positive difference at UMBC or in another community?
A: Recently, a friend of mine pointed out that I talk a lot about "career stuff." I think part of the reason is that UMBC is a place full of opportunity and a place I have felt empowered to take on any career track I choose. Among my younger friends in my church community, I try to be an encouragement. People need to feel empowered and I try to remind them that they are.
A: Sheryl Sandberg, Indian buffets, Pinterest, and Jennifer Lawrence.
Q: Do you have any UMBC stories, little-known facts about UMBC, favorite spots on campus, or anything else you’d like to share?
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: May 10, 2015, 6:08 PM