What leadership roles and/or volunteer experiences have you had?

Undergraduate Theatre Artists' Society (Vice-Chair of Community Advocacy-2005-2006; Co-Chair-2006-present) Tutor to Football Team (Theater 101-2006-present) Teaching Artist (Sherwood High School-2004-present; Seton High School-2005-present; and Gaithersburg High School-2006-present)

What is your favorite campus setting and why?

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Byrd Stadium/Gossett Team House

Why is the University of Maryland special to you?

The University of Maryland represents family to me. Not only do my parents work for the University, but they are alumni. My younger sister is a freshman here and my older sister sits on a committee for the College of Health and Human Performance. So for me, UM is literally about family. But it goes deeper than that. Being part of a small major and having spent two years in a living-learning program helped me to settle into to UM and provided me with a community of support.

What has your scholarship meant to you or enabled you to do?

My scholarship, the Theatre Patrons Association scholarship, was a recognition by the Department of Theatre of the hard work I have put toward the department over the past three years. It was a very special honor for me to be recognized by my community.

What special learning opportunities have you experienced at the university?

The workshops and guest speakers brought in by the Theatre Department as well as CSPAC have allowed me to make connections with and gain further knowledge from people in the theatre world that I may never have had the opportunity to meet.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Maryland?

I chose UM because it was a large university that was made up of smaller niches.

What is your favorite quote and why?

Changing the world is good for those who want their names in books. But being happy, that is for those who write their names in the lives of others, and hold the hearts of others as the treasure most dear.--Orson Scott Card, "Children of the Mind" This quote speaks to me because it encourages me to pursue my passion in a way that beneficially impacts upon others, and therefore will inherently change the world.

Who do you admire and find is a source of inspiration to you?

Both of my parents are such an inspiration to me. Like me, my father chose a profession that never guaranteed him success, but he knew it would make him happy. His example of perseverance and dedication continue to encourage me to always go for my goals. Likewise, my mother has also been a strong influence in my life. With my father working all the time, she was always there to support me and my sisters and she encouraged us to be smart, strong, and independent women. There is nothing my mother cannot do, and her example inspires me, as well.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

I plan on pursuing a career in directing and theatre outreach and education.

How will you make a positive difference in the world?

I hope to take my education and experience and parlay it to working with children and teen through theatre outreach and education.