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Valerie Z.

Tour Guides and Grit Guide at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

She/her/hers

Class of 2026

Hometown: Frostburg, MD

Major: Biological Sciences


My advice to prospective students...

It isn't easy to go somewhere unfamiliar and being anxious/nervous is totally okay! Just know that everything will end up okay and try to keep an open and positive mind: it helps a lot!

How has UMBC helped you grow?

UMBC has helped me grow into my own person, allowing me to expand my personality and experience new people! The community that UMBC creates for each student allowed me to flourish socially!

Favorite Local Shop or Restaurant

Pho Saigon in Catonsville! It takes about a 10 minute drive if you have a car, or you can take the UMBC transit into the city!

Favorite Class or Professor and Why

STAT350 Statistics with an Application in Biology taught by Professor Stanwyck! I had a great time in her class and found her way of teaching to be very engaging, as well as enjoying the content in her class!

I'm passionate about...

Art (drawing/painting) Photography Clarinet Piano Academics

I'm involved with...

Environmental Task Force Club Ice Hockey Club Volleyball
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