My advice in approaching this experience is to go into the Clark Scholar Summer Program experience with an open mind. You gain lasting relationships, receive hands-on experience, networking and building relationships with faculty, and know more about campus all before you arrive freshman year. Taking full advantage of these things allows you to gain all the benefits intended such as feeling at home within the campus. Never hesitate to ask questions, engage in conversations, and be you.
Name: Tamunobelema Olungwe (Cohort 7)
Major: Bioengineering
Give a brief description of the experience.
Over the summer, I was given the once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying on campus for two weeks through the Clark Scholars Program. During this time, I was able to build meaningful connections with both my cohort members and the older cohort members through interactive team activities led by the summer leaders such as the infamous Mafia Game. Not only were we able to build connections through games, but throughout Dr. Cadou’s workshop and the CHEM 135 workshop, we individually and collaboratively worked on activities where we constantly leaned on one another for assistance. These educational and personal activities continued to strengthen our relationships with one another. In addition to that, Clark Scholars sponsored several thrilling events like zip lining at Go Ape, Beat the Bomb in Washington, DC, and an Escape Room adventure in Baltimore, MD. Furthermore, I was allowed to experience hands-on engineering learning classes such as the time I was able to take apart a toaster to analyze its engineering components. Finally, in this brief recap, I could never forget the exceptional catering from the Clark Scholars Program Leaders and faculty who made sure by all means we were taken care of. Overall, the summer experience was time spent making lasting memories with the Clark Scholars and the program leadership of which I am deeply appreciative.
What was the most impactful part of the experience?
The most impactful part of the experience was the information sessions. Being exposed to faculty as a part of the University of Maryland family, I was able to network, ask questions, and learn more before the beginning of my freshman semester. In building these connections, the opportunities provided to me have been vast as I am exposed to people who I can see myself learning from. I am intrigued to explore more of the options both the Clark School and UMD have to offer me as a student.
What surprised you?
From the summer experience, I was surprised by how easily my cohort and I clicked. It was like a built-in family specially designed for me. As I have embarked through the semester thus far, my cohort members are the people I lean on the most as we have already built lasting connections and continue to support one another. Having this built-in family was especially helpful as I am a freshman who did not know much of campus. Together, we have joined new clubs, gone to networking events, studied together, and have spent a lot of our time together.
Did you make any personal and/or professional connections with peers?
From my cohort members to the older cohort members, I was able to make exceptional connections with my peers. Having met and interacted with the summer leaders and their cohort members, when it comes to asking questions personally and professionally, they had direct access to my answers. For example, Allie, Bella, and Bafoday, the summer program student leaders, were more than helpful regarding campus life, classes, and networking. Their past experiences have guided me in making important decisions personally, academically and professionally at UMD. For example, the summer program student leaders helped me arrange my fall semester schedule to better suit me as a student.
What were your major takeaways? What did you learn?
The major takeaway from this wonderful experience was the lesson that someone is always there for all of us. No matter the question or need, someone in the Clark School and Clark Scholars can help us. Being someone who never reaches out for help, the experience has shown me it is okay to reach out and let someone help you. Applying this thus far, I have received tremendous help academically, professionally, and personally when it came to a time when I was lost. Another takeaway is the skills acquired from the experience. Having assignments and tasks to fulfill each day, I was able to sharpen my organizational, communication, and teamwork skills all within two weeks.
How have your career or academic goals changed or evolved as a result of this experience?
As someone planning to attend medical school following my bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, the summer experience resulted in me seeing other options I may have outside of medicine. These options equally interest me as they align with my overall career goal of being a helping hand to others around the world. This experience has expanded my horizon on future career plans and as well enhanced my current plan.
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