Hello! My name is Victoria and I am a sophomore biochemistry student on the pre-PA track. I came to UMD from Massachusetts only knowing my roommate and a newly minted friend from the next town over, and now I feel like this campus is my second home. When I'm not studying in least populated library on campus or in a lab, you can find me having enthusiastic conversations with my friends in the dining hall, reading in the grass on one of our southern campus quads, or attending an event with my greek service organization. I'd love to tell you all about the best study and snack spots, tips on what to look for in a professor, and ways to have an unforgettable college experience. I really love every aspect of UMD and I can't wait for you to see it through my eyes too!

Hometown

North Andover, Massachusetts

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Alpha Phi Omega

Describe your college experience

I have absolutely loved college thus far. Yes, academics take up a large part of my time here at UMD, but if it weren't for the beautiful campus, great clubs, and amazing people I've met, I wouldn't have enjoyed my time here as much as I have.

Tip for future students

Something I wish I knew before starting college is that it is ok to not settle in immediately. Adjusting can take time and it's completely normal to not know where you fit in. Having new experiences for the sake of having new experiences, i.e. not forcing yourself to find "your thing", is what's most going to help you determine who and what makes you happiest.

Favorite class

Calc II or Cellular & Molecular Biology. I really enjoyed the material and types of problems we would do in calculus II and found it especially fun to visualize specific problems in order to better my understanding. I also found cellular and molecular biology very interesting because, having more of a background in chemistry, I loved seeing the bigger picture of how elements came together and interacted to form cells and create energy as well as understanding how and why cells have evolved.

Career goals

After finishing college, I hope to work in the medical field as a physician's assistant in an obstetrics and gynecology practice or sector of a hospital.

Ideal way to spend a free night

On my perfect free night, I would get dinner with my friends at our favorite ramen bar on campus, then go back to one of our dorms and spend the evening either playing games, talking, or watching a show together.

High school or secondary school

North Andover High School

Favorite spot on campus

I enjoy sitting and relaxing on McKeldin Mall a lot during the warmer months. The views are beautiful and it's very calming to sit in a fresh environment between classes and decompress. Plenty of people meet with their friends there to hang out or to work on group projects. When it gets cooler I like to sit in the quiet libraries of the Arts and Sociology Building or the basement of Hornbake Library. This is where I do some of my best focusing.