Meet the Peer Advisory Team
As current UMBC-Shady Grove students, members of the UMBC Peer Advisory Team (PAT) serve as a critical point of contact in the successful and seamless transition of students transferring to UMBC-Shady Grove from other institutions. PAT members undergo extensive leadership development and work closely with UMBC-Shady Grove administrative staff, faculty, and current students to reach out, serve, and create meaningful connections with prospective students through a variety of formal and informal recruitment and retention events. We are proud to be UMBC!
Connect with us!
Karen Chij: Psychology and Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I love hiking, being in nature, and enjoy capturing hilarious/unforgettable moments with my camera phone. I also love ice cream and cats.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
Since high school, I knew I wanted to attend UMBC-Shady Grove because it allowed me to stay close to my relatives, benefit from small class sizes, receive double scholarships, and take on opportunities as a student on campus.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I am a Health Care Initiative Scholarship (HIF) recipient and a member of the Student Social Work Association (SWSA). I have completed the USG Leadership Program, worked in Disability Student Services (DSS), served as the Treasurer for the Psychology Student Association, and worked in the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Currently, a blogger for the Around the Grove – Student Blog, I am a student Ambassador at USG, and involved in the Expanding Leadership Program at USG.
What are your plans following graduation?
I plan to proceed directly to my master’s degree.
What is your advice for prospective students?
I would advise them to use their time wisely, such as marking deadlines on their calendars. Even if they feel they need more time, I encourage them to ask for help and communicate. The professors are very reasonable and understanding if you reach out for assistance.
Addie Crowley: Psychology and Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I have a silly side gig of announcing bar bingo and an absurdly large family, as in 35 first cousins on my mom’s side! I am also in 3 book clubs!
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
Fafali Deegbe: Translational Life Science Technology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
One interesting fact about me is that I entered a program in high school that allowed me to get the hours I needed to get my cosmetology license. I’ve been licensed since 2019.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
As a Biotechnology student coming from Montgomery College, I wanted a school close to home and in person.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I am a member of the Biotech club!
What are your plans following graduation?
I plan join the workforce and pursue my masters.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Take the time to explore the campus and join a club!
T Fontava: Psychology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
Ludivine Kom Liapoe: Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am trilingual (English, French, ASL). I love people. I am a full extrovert. Being around others makes me happy. It makes me who I am.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
UMBC-Shady Grove is a great place to be. It gives me a chance to make friends because Shady Grove is a small campus. UMBC main Campus is a huge place.
In what internships or extracurricular activities have you been involved at UMBC-Shady Grove?
Zeta Sigma
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work in my career field as a social worker.
What is your advice for prospective students?
I advise prospective students to CONSULT with your academic coach about the classes you are taking. Some classes from your previous school might transfer and you would have the possibility of graduating earlier than expected. I also urge them to start taking 200 level classes in psyc/socy/etc as soon as you are able because then you will be able to only need to focus on your social work classes mostly. Whatever minor you decide to pick, pick it before heading for your BA and always work hard to succeed! NEVER GIVE UP and Remember, the SKY IS YOUR LIMIT!!!
Magaly Lizama Hernandez: Psychology
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
Rene Mayen: Computer Science (Cybersecurity)
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
Ishita Patel: Psychology and Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I am an Indian immigrant. I love chocolates. I like to take pictures of just anything random.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I chose UMBC-Shady Grove because my major Behavior Health from Montgomery College was directly connected to UMBC-Shady Grove. Hence, all my credits were transferable and I didn’t have to repeat any classes. Currently, I am a junior.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I am currently a part of SWSA and now, PAT.
What are your plans following graduation?
I plan to work in my field. Also, to get a master’s degree and possibly a PhD.
What is your advice for prospective students?
I would advise you to meet with your counselor at least twice per semester if not more. If the grades are not good, assignments are difficult, or for any other difficulties in your class courses please ask for help from your professors. Never wait till the very end. Please make sure you sign up for the required classes. Join the student club of your major, it will give you helpful information, even if you don’t participate in every event.
Mel Pritchard-Miguel: Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
Oliver Salter: Psychology and Social Work
An interesting personal fact about yourself …
I’m a triple citizen! (USA/UK/Australia). My entire family is English, born and raised, and I’m a first generation English-American.
Why did you choose UMBC-Shady Grove?
I love the atmosphere at UMBC-Shady Grove! It’s a smaller campus, and you can really feel more involved in its activities and extracurriculars. There are loads of modern facilities and resources available to students. Plus, the professors and staff are incredibly helpful and genuinely looking to help you succeed.
What internships and/or extracurricular activities have you been involved with at UMBC-Shady Grove?
I’m the SWSA Secretary for the 2024 school year!
What are your plans following graduation?
I’ll be applying to the MSW program here at USG, and then eventually I’m aiming to become an LCSW. Later down the line, I’m planning to go for a Master’s in Psychology as well.
What is your advice for prospective students?
Don’t be afraid to engage with the community! Whether it’s extracurriculars within your major, UMBC-Shady Grove activities, or the campus as a whole, there’s plenty of opportunities to get involved. It might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s definitely worth it. Also, the professors and faculty are great people at answering questions and providing resources, so if you don’t know where to start, reach out and ask for help. There will always be someone happy to advocate for you and guide you through your time at UMBC-Shady Grove! (Myself included!)
Are you interested in joining the Peer Advisory Team?
How to Apply
As a Peer Advisory Team member and current UMBC-Shady Grove undergraduate student, you will have an opportunity to develop as a leader, serve as a primary point of contact, and connect in meaningful ways with prospective students interested in UMBC-Shady Grove. Your position will serve as a critical point in the successful and seamless transition for undergraduate students transferring to UMBC-Shady Grove from other institutions. Through this position, you will work closely with UMBC-Shady Grove administrative staff, faculty, and fellow current students in reaching out to and serving prospective students through a variety of different formal and informal recruitment and retention events.
We generally accept applications for Peer Advisors twice per year – once in the fall (usually beginning in mid-September through early-November) and once in the spring (mid-March through early-April). Please keep an eye on your email for additional information!