Disclaimer: Senior American studies and studio art major Jasmine Hall is a former Diamondback copy editor.
With graduation just a few weeks away, seniors are beginning to reminisce on their time here at the University of Maryland.
Four graduating students gave The Diamondback a sneak peek into their experience at this university. From cherished memories to words of advice, they were eager to share how this university changed their lives.
Jessica Kalmowitz
Kalmowitz, a communication major, started her freshman year knowing no one. She became even more nervous when she found out she’d be living in Kent Hall, a suite style dorm on South Campus, instead of one of the high rise dorms that typically house freshmen.
When her and her roommates needed help putting up LED lights during move-in, they decided to knock on the door across the hall to ask the boys living there for help.
From that moment on, Kalmowitz had a friend group, one she described as similar to the titular 20-somethings in Friends.
“It was us against the world, and we did friendsgiving together, we went ice skating together, we literally did everything together,” she said.
While half of the group has already graduated, Kalmowitz continues to remain in touch with all of them, and has this university to thank for these lifelong friendships.
Her advice to younger students is to take advantage of the resources the school offers, whether that be through the career center, academic advisors or platforms such as Handshake, which helps students find jobs and internships.
After graduation, Kalmowitz plans to stay in Washington, D.C. for a few weeks to attend a music festival, before embarking on a month-long trip through Southern Europe.
Olivia Benevento
“I would say Maryland has really impacted pretty much every facet of my life, and I’ve seen myself grow as a person in so many ways,” said Benevento, a criminology and criminal justice and psychology major.
Some of her favorite memories come from being a tour guide, an experience that helped her overcome her fear of public speaking and gain confidence in herself. Interacting with prospective students and families has been a highlight of her time at this university, she said.
Taking classes and joining clubs at this university also helped her realize her passion for victim advocacy. Students should push themselves to get involved and make an impact on campus, because putting yourself out there can help you learn more about yourself, she said.
“I realized that I could tackle different issues and different life challenges,” Benevento said.
After graduation, she will be exploring various state parks before working as a paralegal in Washington, D.C.
Jasmine Hall
As a transfer student from community college, Hall, an American studies and studio art major, wasn’t sure she’d like Maryland due to its large size.
A favorite memory from being at this university was attending the First Look Fair, which made her feel like she was in the movie Pitch Perfect. Being able to take specific and fun classes that she wasn’t able to take at community college was another highlight, she said.
Hall said her time at this university taught her to be more bold.
“I think I was so used to being like, ‘okay, if something’s difficult, or if I don’t feel like it’s easy to talk to somebody I should just not.’ And I think being in like, a big environment like this … I feel like that was good for me,” said Hall.
Her advice to younger students is “you get out what you put in.” She said students should develop relationships with professors and work hard on projects, because it will make you more excited about your classes.
Hall said she’ll miss the campus and the friends she’s made from her time here. After graduation, she plans to paint professionally and work in art museums.
Arsalan Siddiqui
Siddiqui has spent the past six years at this university and will be completing his master’s degree in bioengineering this semester.
He described his time at this university as “absolutely phenomenal.”
Siddiqui was able to form long-lasting friendships while being a part of the Muslim Student Association on campus, which he was a member of for all six years.
He served as the president of the University System of Maryland Student Council, where he was able to build his confidence, leadership and public speaking skills. He was also able to initiate a scholarship for graduate and undergraduate students that he still helps to oversee.
After college Siddiqui will be working at a company he co-founded with the Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices during his time as a student, where he will be developing a medical device that helps patients after they have their esophagus removed.
His advice for younger students is to branch out and to prioritize academics while also giving yourself grace during times of difficulty.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things,” Siddiqui said. “Try your best to jump outside of your comfort zone and make the most out of your time.”
