Last night, the university welcomed a new class of Incentive Awards scholars and paid tribute to both students and supporters. Yet like many other wonderful programs here at Maryland, the true recognition and value of the Incentive Awards Program often goes unseen.
The IAP brings together a group of students with different backgrounds and from different walks of life who, in the face of tumultuous experiences, persevere in their pursuit of a successful career path. This path begins with higher education. Many others in our communities have been to the depths of solitude, withdrawal and depression in the face of tremendous adversity. But perseverance is what this program is truly about. Why? Because perseverance implies the resolute and unyielding focus on a course of action in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement from others, or as we call them, crabs in a bucket. Perseverance demands a steady, persistent and purposeful pursuit of a goal. This is something that exists in us all – we just have to bring it out in one another.
The IAP’s support system for students is enormous. We have had the opportunity to participate in initiatives outside the arena of academic studies, from financial seminars taught by self-made millionaires to workshops on fine dining and etiquette. We enjoyed some of those initiatives more than others. But what we were able to pull from each of those experiences has helped us in developing interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, discretion and tact, giving us the capacity for obtaining others’ cooperation and confidence. In addition, knowing all of the IAP students overcame at least as many obstacles as I did gave me a sense of ease and comfort by placing me with a group of individuals who really were my peers.
Now, when I talk to students during high school visits, I see hope and promise in their faces. This touches my heart in a way no sappy movie or romance novel could even come close to. I see in them what so many influential leaders in my life saw in me – the ability to succeed and the potential to accomplish great things when given the opportunity and support. Maryland is the opportunity, and the IAP is the support.
It seems I have come full circle at Maryland. I have begun to carve out a successful career path in the Undergraduate Admissions’ Office and it feels almost the same as starting four years ago as an undergraduate. My admissions guidance work allows me to continue my commitment to helping the community and others succeed. With this job, I can provide one-on-one counseling to students and their families about options for admission and enrollment, as well as present pertinent information to high school counselors. I enjoy taking an active role in this community, and it is exciting for me to play an important role in the processes that shape and mold the face of Maryland: its student body.
I am pleased to see that the IAP, the vision of university President Dan Mote, is now expanding to include Prince George’s County and soon Montgomery County. I must admit that personally, it was a little tough to accept the expanded focus from Baltimore. But I understand the importance of reaching out to students across the state to give them the opportunity that was afforded me. With time, all things change. My future looks exceptionally bright, and I wish the same for every other Incentive Awards student.
Christopher A. Brown is a 2006 alumni and works at the University of Maryland Office of Admissions. He can be reached at cabrown09@gmail.com.
