Abinezer Abate

He/Him
Class of 2027
Major: Bioengineering
Hometown: Washington, D.C.

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
What motivated me to be a ClarkLEADER is my desire to help incoming students adjust to university life and learn about the resources available to them as engineering students. As a first-generation college student, I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate a large university and figure out where to turn for support. I want to use my experience to help students feel welcomed and supported as they start their journey here.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering Students?
Don’t be afraid to explore the many opportunities available at the University of Maryland, even those outside of your major. Some of my most meaningful experiences came from stepping outside of engineering, whether it was joining clubs, organizations, or attending campus events. Through these experiences, I not only gained new perspectives but also formed long-lasting friendships. Remember, college is not just about academics, it’s about growth and discovering your passion.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
One organization I highly recommend is the Black Engineering Society (BES). It’s an incredible community that not only supports you academically but also helps you build friendships with peers. Being part of a group like BES can give you a strong support system and remind you that you’re not navigating college alone.

If you attended ClarkLEAD as a first-year student, what did you enjoy most about the event?
I really enjoyed hearing the advice and personal experiences shared by the ClarkLEADERs, it helped guide me through my first year of engineering. I hope to do the same and offer that kind of support to the next group of incoming students. I also appreciated the interactive activities that helped us get to know the people at our table. In fact, I’m still friends with one of the students I met in my group that day.