Voices from Students!
Hear a few stories of students who are defining what it means to lead with purpose. This page features insights from across the University of Maryland campus and other renowned universities, including the unique perspectives of Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows who have turned their passion for social justice into tangible community action. From navigating the rigorous academic landscape of College Park to spearheading advocacy projects in the halls of Annapolis and D.C., these students share how they have utilized UMD’s vast resources to grow as both scholars and citizens. Their journeys offer a firsthand look at how a Maryland education provides the foundation for ethical leadership and meaningful professional impact.
“My family has always placed a strong emphasis on education, so throughout K–12 I worked hard to succeed academically. However, it often felt more like an obligation than a personal passion. When I began the college application process, I didn’t have a dream school in mind (outside of ivies which were always pushed) I simply wanted to get accepted somewhere and graduate to meet my family’s expectations. Choosing University of Maryland ultimately became one of the best decisions I could have made. During my time there, I found a strong support system, immersed myself in diverse cultures, and discovered a genuine passion for education. As a sociology major, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how systemic inequalities and limited resources can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. These experiences have shaped my commitment to education and equity. I am passionate about helping students recognize and achieve their full potential, which is why I plan to participate in the Teach For America program after graduation.”
-Trinity Abeng Allsop
UMD, Class of 2026
“I would say that my college journey has been so amazing!! UMD has been amazing place to live and learn and I’ve met some great people. I’ve learned to trust in my abilities and believe in myself. I think people should pursue higher ed because not only did it grow me academically and professionally, but I also grew as a person.”
-Ademide Adeyemo
UMD, Class of 2026
“I knew I wanted to pursue higher education because of how important education was made to me by my parents who didn’t have the opportunity. College has been such a great way for me to grow socially and professionally and I learned to ask questions and take on roles I wouldn’t have before. I learned so much about myself and the world around me so I think higher education is so important!”
-Alyssa Hutchinson
UMD, Class of 2026
“I made the decision to attend college as a way to further my education and expand my career path. I wanted to use the knowledge I gained through the experience to obtain a deeper understanding of the field of computer science and programming languages. The social aspect was another factor because it would allow me to network with people from diverse backgrounds. Attending a four year university was greatly beneficial to all these aspects and led me understand what career choices I want to make in the future.”
-Joshua Watters
Bowie State University, Class of 2026
“I think my college experience was overall great. It really taught me a lot about myself and cherishing the memories and friendships I have along the way. Overall, I enjoy that having the privilege of pursing a higher education made me more in tune with my interests and open minded about different concepts.”
-Rachel Odumade
UMD, Class of 2026
“My college journey has definitely been one that I will always remember. Coming into college, i was scared of the journey that was ahead of me. I was the only one in my high school friend group to chose an out of state university so i was stepping into a completely different environment. Looking back, i’m so glad i chose to step out of my comfort zone and attend Temple University. The amount of newfound friendships that i have made habas really change my whole outlook on life. Temple taught me how to be my authentic self unapologetically. Majoring in biochemistry has not been easy, but along the way i learned to stop comparing myself to others and just focus on my own path in medicine. Everyone’s journey to grad school is different and it’s important to step back and realize that it’s okay to take a gap year so you can “catch up” on life. Pursing a higher education requires stability and dedication, and that’s something that i learned while studying here at Temple.”
-Moyin Idowu
Temple University, Class of 2026