NOT EASILY BROKEN: a Cord Made of Three Strands of 2010, a Shy Ervin and Time Management

SPRING 2014

FOSTERING FRESHMEN THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF * SUCCESS THROUGH Incentive Awards Program THE INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM 1103 Cole Student Activities Building PEER MENTORING College Park, MD 20742

www.umincentiveawards.umd.edu For the past two years, each Incentive Awards *The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program comprises the Suzanne G. Persistence and IAP Opportunities— and Murray A. Valenstein Baltimore Incentive Awards Program and the Prince Program freshman has been assigned an Like us on Facebook! George's County Incentive Awards Program. IAP peer mentor to enhance and ease his or www.facebook.com/UMIAP her transition to college life and the program. A Recipe for Student Success Peer mentors provide friendship and informal advice about classes, professors and campus resources, among many other things. IN THE SUMMER struggles with study skills To learn more about or to support the Incentive Awards Program, please NOT EASILY BROKEN: A Cord Made of Three Strands of 2010, a shy Ervin and time management. contact Jacqueline Wheeler Lee, director, at [email protected] or 301.405.9024. “It’s one thing to have adults encouraging me Bishop ’14 entered “Over the last few It’s been five years since we featured Kareem Shakoor ’10, Amara Sillah ’10 and but it means more to me when it comes from the University of semesters, I have seen Antonio Tyson ’10 in InTouch. Back then, they described their friendship and its impact someone that’s not that much older,” says fresh- Maryland as one such a significant WELCOME THE CLASS OF 2018! on their academic experiences and professional goals. Their shared values forged a man Jasmine Thomas of her mentor, Veronica of the top students improvement in my Richards ‘16. “I look up to her as an older sister, from Megenthaler Front row (from left): Juan Herrera (Parkdale), Chukwuma Odigwe (Oxon Hill), strong bond that continues to this day. We caught up with them—Antonio, on campus, academic abilities as she has left a great impact on me as a student Vocational-Technical Jordan Dantzler (Baltimore Polytechnic Institute), Allexxus Farley-Thomas (Baltimore and Kareem and Amara, in New York City—to get an update. because of IAP and and as a person.” High School (MERVO). School for the Arts), Maria Dasilva (Suitland), Sabrina Christian (Western), Cynthia its vision of promoting Kearns (Western), Dorothy Bui (Northwestern) Middle row: Yonas Woldeab On any given day, you can find mentor His mission: to Back in 2009, you were all interested in psychol- personal and academic (High Point), Dafonso Davage, Jr. (Oxon Hill), Maria Cedillo (Baltimore Polytechnic Charmaine Wilson-Jones ’15 and freshman challenge the ogy and had varied, but related, professional goals. growth among scholars Institute), Christina Kearns (Western), Zalandria Spann (Dunbar), Praise Carson SPRING 2009 Amirah Grady in the Stamp Student Union’s narrative that young What are you up to now? in the program,” Bishop (Frederick Douglass) Back row: David Egbufoama (Oxon Hill), Djellza Ramadani coffee shop not only discussing assignments adult, African- says. (Parkdale), Dimitrios Christou (W.E.B. DuBois) Antonio: I am the manager for the Behavioral Lab in and study strategies, but also the campus American males are Not pictured: Amoni Griffin (Fairmont Heights) * the Robert H. Smith School of Business at Maryland. social scene and IAP. more likely to be Bishop, a criminology THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM The lab provides Smith School faculty and doctoral incarcerated than they and criminal justice students with resources to conduct experimental “I am looking forward to becoming a peer men- are to receive a higher Ervin Bishop ’14 major with a minor in research on human behavior. I haven’t veered too far tor next year so I can take my experience as a education. Having public leadership, is now CLASS NOTES from my original interests because I’ve always been protégé and pass it forward,” Grady says. a father who used enjoying the fruits of his CLASS OF 2005 CLASS OF 2008 CLASS OF 2009 CLASS OF 2013 interested in research. drugs and abandoned him and his siblings, persistence. He’s a fellow in the School of *The University of Maryland Incentive Awards Program comprises the Suzanne G. The peer mentoring experience is mutually Ima Bassey Ibidapo says, “David Bridget Blount is the associate Brian Robinson Bowers is leaving Jose Arevalo is an associate at and Murray A. Valenstein Baltimore Incentive Awards Program and the Prince beneficial. For example, Afia Yeboah ’15 cites Bishop was determined to stay drug-free Public Policy’s Rawlings Undergraduate Oluwatoni Ibidapo was born on program manager for a youth Lewisdale Elementary School KPMG, a tax, audit and advisory George’s County Incentive Awards Program. Kareem: I am doing the type of work that I wanted, the personal gratification she derives from her and become an example of African- Leadership Fellows Program, studied March 9 at 3:04 a.m., weighing program with St. Francis (Prince George’s County), where services firm. The Power of Friendship though in a different manner than I’d planned. After a American male success. issues of terrorism in Sydney, Australia, in at 6 pounds, 9.5 ounces and Neighborhood Center in he taught for five years, to start In the book, “The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream,” Sampson Davis, three-year teaching stint through Teach for America, relationship with her protégé, Davette Vice ‘17. Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins describe their journey from the streets of Newark, N.J., to during the winter term and is interning with measuring 19 inches. He is doing Baltimore. a master’s degree program in Nancy Canales is completing prestigious careers in the medical field. Meeting in high school, they quickly learned of their shared ambition to become doctors and made a pact to overcome incredible odds and I started looking to expand my work beyond the But Bishop soon faced an academic —all interested in psy- “I really enjoy sharing my insight, personal the Department of Corporate Citizenship wonderful and so are his daddy education policy and leadership her first year teaching creative take hold of opportunity. Their lives were not without setbacks and mistakes, but by working classroom and assume a bigger role. I now work for culture shock and realized that the study writing at Homestead High hard, avoiding negative influences and supporting one another, they achieved their goals. and mommy!” Last year, Anna Kalmykov moved at American University. Kareem Shakoor ’10, Antonio Tyson ’10 and Amara Sillah ’10 experience and growth,” she says. “It makes and Social Responsibility at Pepco Similarly, Democracy Prep Public Schools in New York City skills he employed while at MERVO were from Baltimore to Boston and School near Miami, Fla. This chology—have made a promise to support one another as they pursue their varied, but related, me feel like I have a purpose and that I have a Holdings Inc., in Washington, D.C. professional goals. By sharing resources and information, they have created a self-contained as the academic collaboration team (ACT) manager not going to cut it at Maryland. Like many summer, she will return to UMD support group that fosters a culture of excellence and success.them. We Here’s explain what concepts they say: and theories that CLASS OF 2006 says, “I am currently enrolled CLASS OF 2011 may be unclear and save money by sharing positive influence on her academic success.” books from time to time. of compliance. My job is to support the principals college freshmen, he struggled with time This summer, Bishop will be one of 20 in an engineering program at to begin her master’s certification How would you describe your relationship Misbha Qureshi co-authored Dekebra Arrington is teaching with one another? Being a college student can be challenging. program in secondary English. We talk and hang out all the time. and teachers throughout the nine-school net- management and used trial and error to undergraduates from across the country “The Intersection of Facebook Boston University called LEAP fourth grade at Templeton Kareem: What keeps you on track? We go to each other for advice, especially I am the first in my family to attend Antonio: for classes, and we have a great networking work, manage the efficiency of operations and Charmaine Wilson-Jones ‘15, a peer mentor, spends (Late Entry Accelerated Program). Elementary School in Prince college, so there is quite a bit of pressure to determine a major. As a result, his grades to attend the University of Pittsburgh’s and Structural Family Therapy relationship. We also have a friendly compe- succeed. Even when things don’t look prom- Kori Hill says, “I am currently tition going on for bragging rights, but it ensure that students are receiving the services The program is designed to George’s County. ising for me, I do my best to stay motivated. I quality time with her protégé, Amirah Grady ‘17, suffered significantly. iSchool Inclusion Institute, which aims Volume 1,” which is featured in never stops us from helping one another. We refuse to be a statistic like some of the young push each other to try our hardest. We have assist working professionals, studying for and taking my CPA men in my community. I want to make my they need in a timely and thorough manner. My The American Journal of Family an understanding that we will nudge each between classes. to prepare underrepresented students family proud and create a better life for them other if we see somebody slacking off. Each While these challenges could have who have bachelor’s degrees in (certified public accountant) and for my future family. Therapy. She is in the final stages Ashley Lawrence earned a of us can tell when the other is really work- day-to-day functions parallel the industrial/ for graduate studies and careers in the My family, especially my mom, is exams. When I start at Ernst ing to his own potential. Kareem: broken Bishop’s will to succeed, he of completing a Ph.D. in marriage non-engineering majors, in their master’s degree in public health supportive and they expect me to stay in organizational psychology work that I’ve always information sciences. transition to a master’s degree & Young in the fall, I will be an Give us an example of how your small net- school and perform well. For them, school pressed forward. With the guidance and family therapy at Drexel from Morgan State University work has been beneficial so far? isn’t optional. I also receive support from wanted to do. Kareem referred me to Dr. Carl advisers and mentors on campus. Lastly, I’m assurance (audit) associate Antonio: program in engineering. I should in May 2013. She is a research self-motivated because I know I have to be of the Incentive Awards Program and After graduation, Bishop hopes to pursue University. Lejuez, director of the Center for Addictions, formally educated to achieve my goals. To and will assist in performing Personality, and Emotion Research (CAPER) be set for admission to graduate program coordinator and leads me, unless a young person has a really good Amara: I am deeply committed to recruiting on campus. Dr. Lejuez and I meet regularly support from the university’s Academic a master’s degree in information systems business idea, plays sports or has connec- for professional development but he also school to pursue a degree in audits, review procedures and tions, he or she needs to go to school! Inga Ferguson Williams and James recruitment efforts for a study allows me to conduct clinical screenings on talented faculty for Democracy Prep Public Achievement Program, Bishop eventually and public policy while concentrating on I have the support of my whole fami- biomedical engineering here at the preparation of financial smoking patients. I qualify each client and Amara: Williams III ’06 welcomed James at Johns Hopkins University ly. Everyone is proud of me and that encour- Schools. The thing I love the most is that I get overcame not only his shyness, but also his cybersecurity practices. manage their files, but soon I will start work BU in the fall.” statements.” on a child study where I will explore the rela- ages me. Also, as the first in my family to Alexander Williams IV into the called “Community Aging in Top to bottom: Kareem Shakoor, tionship between risk taking and parenting attend college, I know that I have the ability to bring people into our (CONTINUED ON PAGE 2) Antonio Tyson, Amara Sillah style. I love that I get to do meaningful work to break the cycle of poverty that has world on Nov. 14, at 1:08 a.m. Little Place—Advancing Better Living and work with real people. plagued my family. Antonio and Kareem have helped me Shiron Lindsay is a new for Elders.” Rafael Lovo is preparing Amara: CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 James weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 with classes and I have done the same for ounces and measured 21.5 inches. homeowner in the Reservoir for the CPA exam and in the “Over the last few semesters, I have seen such a Inga gushed, “James III and IV are Hill neighborhood of Baltimore CLASS OF 2012 fall will start working for my world.” City. She is also a lecturer at Chemia Hughes teaches PricewaterhouseCoopers, where significant improvement in my academic abilities Baltimore City Community College preschool at the Easter Seals he will be a tax associate in the and Goucher College, where she Intergenerational Center in Silver Baltimore office. He will focus on PARTNER SCHOOLS Baltimore School for the Arts National Academy Foundation Paul Laurence Dunbar Prince George's County Oxon Hill High School because of IAP.” Ervin Bishop ’14 teaches calculus. Spring, Md. the corporate taxation of local and national clients. Baltimore City Digital Harbor High School High School High School Public Schools: Parkdale High School Public Schools: Heritage High School New Era Academy Renaissance Academy Central High School Potomac High School Baltimore City College Mergenthaler Vocational- Northwestern High School W.E.B. DuBois High School Fairmont Heights High School Suitland High School Baltimore Polytechnic Technical High School Patterson High School Western High School High Point High School IN TOUCH  3 KIPP Public Institute Northwestern High School Charter Schools “As IAP students, we learned that networking A TEST OF WILL DONOR SPOTLIGHT is critical. You need people around you who When Kareem Branch started at Maryland in 2002, Donors Carol ’80 and Martin Segal can help you stay on track.” Kareem Shakoor ’10 his goal was to graduate in four years with a college degree. He never guessed it would ’80 (below) have been longtime actually take 11. friends of IAP because its premise resonates with them. (NOT EASILY BROKEN, CONTINUED) Immediately after enrolling, Branch delved into Students Help Fund Meals campus life, assuming increasingly important “This program is of particular schools who actually care about our scholars people around you who can help you positions in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) importance to our family because and will work diligently to help kids who face stay on track. for People in Need and, ultimately, being elected RHA president. Capturing the Moment without financial aid, we would similar obstacles that I once had. We’re cur- by Lenaya Stewart ’15 Antonio: Find at least two to three friends have had a very difficult time rently focusing on opening our first school in Kareem Branch “I loved my newfound freedom in college and there who can be supportive. Surround yourself In front of their peers, family members and the attending college,” Segal says. D.C. (Shameless plug!) was lots to explore,” he says. Serving at So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), with people who share your aspira- staff at Oxon Hill High School, seniors Dafonso Recently, he was tapped to serve an interfaith, community-based organization tion to be successful—your major and Branch enjoyed the growing scope of responsibility and exercised his on the selection committee at How has your friendship continued to work Davage, Jr., Chukwuma Odigwe and David helping those in need in Washington, D.C., professional goals don’t matter. It’s more leadership muscle, but he also overextended himself and had trouble Northwestern High School in after graduation? Egbufoama (above, from left) learned they has become an IAP tradition. IAP students important to have similar values. To this keeping commitments. He became overwhelmed at the thought of Prince George’s County and had a were accepted into IAP. The packed assembly typically volunteer at either breakfast or Kareem: Amara was the first to work at day, knowing that I have friends who disappointing people like Linda Clement, vice president of student affairs, rewarding experience interviewing lunch shifts to prepare and serve food and Democracy Prep. Since he works in recruiting, are doing well makes me want to do the Patricia Mielke, former director of the Department of Resident Life, and erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. its candidates. drinks, collect and wash dishes, and clean he knew about the available manager position same. those in IAP. and set the dining area for hundreds of and encouraged me to apply. I never would “I realized there are so many “I lost focus and began to feel isolated as I dealt with these and other hungry men, women and children who visit have known about the opportunity if he hadn’t What’s next? talented and gifted young people deeply personal issues,” he says. “Despite the second family I had in IAP each day. told me about it. in need of an opportunity to pursue Kareem: Eventually, I want to earn a and the campus community at large, I felt alone.” a college education,” he says. “I While volunteering in December, Melva Antonio: Just the other day, Kareem texted Ph.D. and become a professor, but for just wish we were able to fund After four years, Branch had to leave Maryland without a degree in hand. Coles ’16 wondered if IAP could sponsor me a link to a website that connected me to now, I am enjoying my work. every candidate.” a meal at S.O.M.E., a simple question that an entire network of opportunities in higher Following a series of information technology jobs, Branch registered in Antonio: Down the road, I’ll likely became a mission for Coles and co-volun- education. We continue to talk about our pro- 2009 for his first online classes through University of Maryland University The gift from the Segals pursue a master’s in business admin- teer Ganiyat Lawal ’16. fessional lives and trade resources. College. He made the dean’s list four times and graduated in May 2013 will be directly applied to istration or health administration so tuition, fees, room, and with a bachelor of science in cybersecurity and a 3.69 GPA. “A large part of why I am in college is due to Amara: When I meet people or come across I can manage research in a higher board for Incentive the many efforts of strangers who believed opportunities, I’m constantly thinking about education setting. “I realized I had an obligation to fulfill to myself and the mission of IAP,” Awards in my ability to succeed and provided me how they line up with Antonio and Kareem’s he says. “The IAP staff, donors and my mentors were expecting great (Above, from left) David Egbufoama, students. Amara: I’m still finding myself in the with the opportunity to attend college goals. It would be great to get Antonio on things from me and I had to deliver. “ professional world, but I would love Chukwuma Odigwe and Dafonso Davage, Jr. tuition-free,” Coles says. “I wanted to do the board at Democracy Prep one day. to start my own nonprofit recruit- Branch is now the IT database systems manager for the Maryland are all smiles with IAP Director Jacqueline same and give back to someone else.” Wearing aprons, students Ganiyat Lawal ’16 and ment firm. Energy Administration and is responsible for all agency information Melva Coles ’16 stand with Floratina (Flo) Coles, Your work keeps you pretty busy. How do you Wheeler Lee. Lawal’s efforts had a personal motivation, too. systems. Way to go, Kareem! the dining room program manager for S.O.M.E. stay connected? What final words of wisdom can “When I left Nigeria and came to the United Kareem: Fortunately, we’ve all remained you share? States, I thought poverty and hunger were committed to our friendship so we meet up something I had left behind me,” she says. Kareem: Be ambitious and work regularly either in Maryland or in New York. hard. It’s always important to put With the help of their fellow IAP scholars “A large part of why I am In fact, we just hooked up to celebrate my your best foot forward. There are STUDENTS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE and other friends, Coles and Lawal led an birthday. in college is due to the many opportunities out there but you ambitious fundraising effort to garner the Amara: Kareem and I are both in New York need to demonstrate that you deserve Sophomores Chijiaku Maduka, Community Roots organizes $800 necessary to sponsor the food for an many efforts of strangers but our jobs take us in different directions. them. Gerard Dailey and Veronica service projects to address entire lunch shift. Funding the meal and who believed in my Sometimes, we catch up for lunch and talk Richards are taking a stand as these issues, especially those serving it to more than 400 guests left the Antonio: Strive to be excellent. The about what’s going on. Texting and social pair feeling a sense of accomplishment and real world can be rough because lots of advocates for social change. Each involving race, in their own ability to succeed… media keep us in touch with Antonio. the desire to do more in the years to come. people are searching for the same, lim- serves on the executive board communities and works to protect I wanted to do the ited opportunities. You need to be able of Community Roots, a student- individual rights. What can you tell IAP students about the same and give back to to stand out in the crowd. run and multi-cultural activist importance of making good connections and Community Roots, much like IAP, establishing lasting friendships while in Amara: Know your strengths and your organization that focuses on someone else.” Melva Coles ’16 emphasizes the importance of college? weaknesses and constantly work to issues of social justice on campus improve on both of them. Never be afraid both empowering students and Kareem: As IAP students, we learned that net- and around the world. to ask for an opportunity if you believe service to the community, two working is critical. Connect with people who you deserve it and pursue it relentlessly. can help you stay positive and also challenge In addition to providing education, aspects that inspire the trio. you and offer constructive criticism. You need

(From left) Gerard Dailey ’16, Veronica Richards ’16 and Chijiaku Maduka ’16 at a Community Roots conference. (Top to bottom, right ) Kareem Shakoor ’10, Antonio Tyson ’10 and Amara Sillah ’10

2  IN TOUCH 4  IN TOUCH IN TOUCH  5 SPRING 2014

FOSTERING FRESHMEN THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF * SUCCESS THROUGH Incentive Awards Program THE INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM 1103 Cole Student Activities Building PEER MENTORING College Park, MD 20742

2  IN TOUCH 4  IN TOUCH IN TOUCH  5 “As IAP students, we learned that networking A TEST OF WILL DONOR SPOTLIGHT is critical. You need people around you who When Kareem Branch started at Maryland in 2002, Donors Carol ’80 and Martin Segal can help you stay on track.” Kareem Shakoor ’10 his goal was to graduate in four years with a college degree. He never guessed it would ’80 (below) have been longtime actually take 11. friends of IAP because its premise resonates with them. (NOT EASILY BROKEN, CONTINUED) Immediately after enrolling, Branch delved into Students Help Fund Meals campus life, assuming increasingly important “This program is of particular schools who actually care about our scholars people around you who can help you positions in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) importance to our family because and will work diligently to help kids who face stay on track. for People in Need and, ultimately, being elected RHA president. Capturing the Moment without financial aid, we would similar obstacles that I once had. We’re cur- by Lenaya Stewart ’15 Antonio: Find at least two to three friends have had a very difficult time rently focusing on opening our first school in Kareem Branch “I loved my newfound freedom in college and there who can be supportive. Surround yourself In front of their peers, family members and the attending college,” Segal says. D.C. (Shameless plug!) was lots to explore,” he says. Serving at So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), with people who share your aspira- staff at Oxon Hill High School, seniors Dafonso Recently, he was tapped to serve an interfaith, community-based organization tion to be successful—your major and Branch enjoyed the growing scope of responsibility and exercised his on the selection committee at How has your friendship continued to work Davage, Jr., Chukwuma Odigwe and David helping those in need in Washington, D.C., professional goals don’t matter. It’s more leadership muscle, but he also overextended himself and had trouble Northwestern High School in after graduation? Egbufoama (above, from left) learned they has become an IAP tradition. IAP students important to have similar values. To this keeping commitments. He became overwhelmed at the thought of Prince George’s County and had a were accepted into IAP. The packed assembly typically volunteer at either breakfast or Kareem: Amara was the first to work at day, knowing that I have friends who disappointing people like Linda Clement, vice president of student affairs, rewarding experience interviewing lunch shifts to prepare and serve food and Democracy Prep. Since he works in recruiting, are doing well makes me want to do the Patricia Mielke, former director of the Department of Resident Life, and erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. its candidates. drinks, collect and wash dishes, and clean he knew about the available manager position same. those in IAP. and set the dining area for hundreds of and encouraged me to apply. I never would “I realized there are so many “I lost focus and began to feel isolated as I dealt with these and other hungry men, women and children who visit have known about the opportunity if he hadn’t What’s next? talented and gifted young people deeply personal issues,” he says. “Despite the second family I had in IAP each day. told me about it. in need of an opportunity to pursue Kareem: Eventually, I want to earn a and the campus community at large, I felt alone.” a college education,” he says. “I While volunteering in December, Melva Antonio: Just the other day, Kareem texted Ph.D. and become a professor, but for just wish we were able to fund After four years, Branch had to leave Maryland without a degree in hand. Coles ’16 wondered if IAP could sponsor me a link to a website that connected me to now, I am enjoying my work. every candidate.” a meal at S.O.M.E., a simple question that an entire network of opportunities in higher Following a series of information technology jobs, Branch registered in Antonio: Down the road, I’ll likely became a mission for Coles and co-volun- education. We continue to talk about our pro- 2009 for his first online classes through University of Maryland University The gift from the Segals pursue a master’s in business admin- teer Ganiyat Lawal ’16. fessional lives and trade resources. College. He made the dean’s list four times and graduated in May 2013 will be directly applied to istration or health administration so tuition, fees, room, and with a bachelor of science in cybersecurity and a 3.69 GPA. “A large part of why I am in college is due to Amara: When I meet people or come across I can manage research in a higher board for Incentive the many efforts of strangers who believed opportunities, I’m constantly thinking about education setting. “I realized I had an obligation to fulfill to myself and the mission of IAP,” Awards in my ability to succeed and provided me how they line up with Antonio and Kareem’s he says. “The IAP staff, donors and my mentors were expecting great (Above, from left) David Egbufoama, students. Amara: I’m still finding myself in the with the opportunity to attend college goals. It would be great to get Antonio on things from me and I had to deliver. “ professional world, but I would love Chukwuma Odigwe and Dafonso Davage, Jr. tuition-free,” Coles says. “I wanted to do the board at Democracy Prep one day. to start my own nonprofit recruit- Branch is now the IT database systems manager for the Maryland are all smiles with IAP Director Jacqueline same and give back to someone else.” Wearing aprons, students Ganiyat Lawal ’16 and ment firm. Energy Administration and is responsible for all agency information Melva Coles ’16 stand with Floratina (Flo) Coles, Your work keeps you pretty busy. How do you Wheeler Lee. Lawal’s efforts had a personal motivation, too. systems. Way to go, Kareem! the dining room program manager for S.O.M.E. stay connected? What final words of wisdom can “When I left Nigeria and came to the United Kareem: Fortunately, we’ve all remained you share? States, I thought poverty and hunger were committed to our friendship so we meet up something I had left behind me,” she says. Kareem: Be ambitious and work regularly either in Maryland or in New York. hard. It’s always important to put With the help of their fellow IAP scholars “A large part of why I am In fact, we just hooked up to celebrate my your best foot forward. There are STUDENTS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE and other friends, Coles and Lawal led an birthday. in college is due to the many opportunities out there but you ambitious fundraising effort to garner the Amara: Kareem and I are both in New York need to demonstrate that you deserve Sophomores Chijiaku Maduka, Community Roots organizes $800 necessary to sponsor the food for an many efforts of strangers but our jobs take us in different directions. them. Gerard Dailey and Veronica service projects to address entire lunch shift. Funding the meal and who believed in my Sometimes, we catch up for lunch and talk Richards are taking a stand as these issues, especially those serving it to more than 400 guests left the Antonio: Strive to be excellent. The about what’s going on. Texting and social pair feeling a sense of accomplishment and real world can be rough because lots of advocates for social change. Each involving race, in their own ability to succeed… media keep us in touch with Antonio. the desire to do more in the years to come. people are searching for the same, lim- serves on the executive board communities and works to protect I wanted to do the ited opportunities. You need to be able of Community Roots, a student- individual rights. What can you tell IAP students about the same and give back to to stand out in the crowd. run and multi-cultural activist importance of making good connections and Community Roots, much like IAP, establishing lasting friendships while in Amara: Know your strengths and your organization that focuses on someone else.” Melva Coles ’16 emphasizes the importance of college? weaknesses and constantly work to issues of social justice on campus improve on both of them. Never be afraid both empowering students and Kareem: As IAP students, we learned that net- and around the world. to ask for an opportunity if you believe service to the community, two working is critical. Connect with people who you deserve it and pursue it relentlessly. can help you stay positive and also challenge In addition to providing education, aspects that inspire the trio. you and offer constructive criticism. You need

2  IN TOUCH 4  IN TOUCH IN TOUCH  5 SPRING 2014

FOSTERING FRESHMEN THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF * SUCCESS THROUGH Incentive Awards Program THE INCENTIVE AWARDS PROGRAM 1103 Cole Student Activities Building PEER MENTORING College Park, MD 20742