Micheal O.
Grit Guide and Tour Guide at University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Class of 2029
Hometown: Gauteng, South Africa
Major: Computer Science
My most memorable UMBC experience was...
My most memorable UMBC experience was Convocation. It was the first time I saw the whole freshman class together, and it made everything feel real. I remember sitting in the Chesapeake arena, hearing the speeches and getting the UMBC pins. Seeing everyone excited for the year made me feel like I was officially part of UMBC.
Favorite Local Shop or Restaurant
My favorite local shop is Universal Comics. It’s around a 15 - 20 minute walk away from campus. It’s the perfect spot to browse through different comics and collectibles. The store has a cool, welcoming vibe, and the staff always treats you like a regular, even if it’s your first time.
I chose UMBC because...
I chose UMBC because receiving a scholarship made college more affordable for me and my family. On top of that, UMBC has a really strong computer science program with great opportunities for research, internships, and hands-on learning. I wanted a school where I could challenge myself, meet people who are passionate about the same things, and actually feel supported along the way. UMBC felt like the right balance of opportunity, community, and affordability.
Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus is the Albin O. Kuhn Library. I like it because I can easily change my studying environment. If I want to study with noise I could go on the second floor and if I wanted to ‘lock in’ I could just go to the higher floors. It’s really easy to find the perfect atmosphere for getting work done. Whether I’m doing homework, studying, or just relaxing, the library always helps me focus.