Garima FNU

She/Her
Class of 2027
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Hometown: India

What motivated you to become a ClarkLEADER?
The opportunity to give back to a community that has supported my growth from the very beginning of my time at the Clark School. As someone who benefited immensely from orientation, peer support, and mentorship during my first year, I know how impactful it is to have someone who understands your transition and wants to help. Beyond that, I was also excited about the chance to grow as a leader, collaborate with other passionate peers, and represent the values of inclusivity, support, and academic excellence that the Clark community stands for.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new Maryland Engineering Students?
One piece of advice I would share with new Maryland Engineering students is to embrace the fact that it’s okay not to know everything right away. College is a learning curve, and you’re here to grow. Don’t be afraid to speak up in class, connect with your professors, and lean on the community around you. Trust yourself, stay curious, and remember that everyone is figuring it out along the way, just like you.

What are some organizations or extracurricular activities you think new students should know about?
There are so many great organizations at Maryland that help you grow both personally and professionally. For engineering students, I highly recommend getting involved with Engineering student societies like American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), or Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and they’re amazing for networking, finding mentorship, and building community. Flexus and Virtus are also great living-learning programs that support diversity in engineering and offer a strong support system. If you’re interested in hands-on projects, clubs like Terrapin Rocket Team, Terps Racing, or Maryland Robotics offer incredible opportunities to apply what you learn in class. And don’t forget to explore things outside engineering too—whether it’s a cultural club, performing arts group, or a volunteer organization, these experiences will help you find balance and make the most of your time here.

If you attended ClarkLEAD as a first-year student, what did you enjoy most about the event?
As a first-year student, what I enjoyed most about ClarkLEAD was how welcoming and energizing the environment felt. It was one of the first times I truly saw how strong the Clark community is. I loved getting to meet other students who were just as excited and nervous as I was, and hearing from older students and faculty helped me feel more confident about starting this new chapter.