Sharing Our Strengths

Transcript

Next up is Giuliana, a junior computer science and theater major and also a tutor in the Writing Center. Now, Giuliana is super smart and curious. So they’re gonna tell us all about the amazing academic support system UMBC provides every single student. Don’t be surprised if Giuliana gets you excited about studying, you’ve been warned.

– Thanks, Alex, hello, everyone. Academics have always been a significant part of my life, but growing up as an autistic kid in a military family, I never really had the most consistent education. So when I started applying to colleges, I made sure to prioritize academic support and student disability services. Even from the first semester of my freshman year, it was clear to me that UMBC prioritizes its students. From math and science tutoring to peer led study groups, it’s never a challenge to find help for my more difficult courses, whether I need one-on-one assistance or just have a quick question on a homework problem. UMBC’s Academic Success Center always has what I need and the support doesn’t stop with technical courses either. UMBC has an amazing Writing Center, that’s actually where I work. We help students at all stages in the writing process, whether you need assistance with brainstorming or just one another pair of eyes to look over your final draft, we’ve got your back. And all the UMBC’s tutoring services are offered both in person and online. And it’s not just the tutoring staff who are amazing. I’ve yet to meet a professor who isn’t willing to sit down with me and help me out. One of my former professors is even acting as my faculty mentor for a research project I’m working on. When I started at UMBC, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to keep up with the work. I didn’t know if I’d be ready to make that shift to college level material. I thought I’d be left all on my own to sink or swim, but looking back, I know I couldn’t have been further from the truth. UMBC is above all a community that cares and is willing to put in the time and effort to make sure that every student has the chance to soar. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Giuliana, what an amazing story. Not only are you taking advantage of incredible resources like the Academic Success Center, but you’re also helping other students succeed. What a rockstar, well done, take care.