avatar

Vanessa O.

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

She/her/hers

Class of 2027

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Major: Public Health

Secondary Major: Pre-Dental Hygiene Track


Fun Fact

Humans can't walk in a straight line with their eyes closed.

My most memorable UMBC experience was...

I came to freshman orientation and got a tour from one of our grit guides. All my worries about leaving high school and taking a bigger step into my education were all gone because they assured me, and made me feel like I would fit right into the UMBC community. One thing they told me that I will always remember is, "UMBC is a place where people hold doors for you." which means everyone at UMBC is open to welcome you, build a friendship with you, and hold the door for you!

Favorite Spot on Campus

My favorite spot on campus is the main floor of the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building. It has great lounge areas to study and I like having classes in this building because it has nice chairs and tables and TV screens everywhere so you can see the board from wherever you sit.

Favorite Class or Professor and Why

Fall semester of 2023, I took PBHL 100 with Professor Katie Birger. I love her so much. She makes her class entertaining and all of her exams are open notes. She also is willing to go past her office hours time to explain anything you're confused about. This is great to be a part of especially if you're an incoming freshman.

I'm passionate about...

Bible Study Worship Leader playing the guitar Pleasure Reading Cooking Fellowship
View all Grit Guides for University of Maryland, Baltimore County