Abraham Miguel Rodriguez Borrero
Abraham Miguel Rodriguez Borrero transferred to UBalt from a college in Puerto Rico.
When Abraham Miguel Rodriguez Borrero transferred to The University of Baltimore, he knew right away he was going to approach college differently than he had in the past. He intended to soak in all the experiences that make college so fulfilling.
In his first year, he joined the History Club and Helen P. Denit Honors Program. Both give him chances to network with students outside his major and invite opportunities he might not otherwise have as a student, such as a trip to a Civil War historical site.
"I got to camp out, which is something I've never done, and I also learned a lot," Abraham said. "There was a lot of stuff to read and look at, and I met a lot of people on the camping trip that I still talk to today and they're really good friends, so that was probably one of my favorite experiences."
He encourages other students, especially transfer students, to follow his lead on trying new things on campus.
"UBalt has a lot of opportunities, but they're only good if you take them," Abraham said. "You have to be willing to take a chance and just go there and see what they have, because these opportunities will expand your network and help you out in the long run."
Abraham was drawn to UBalt for its law school, which he hopes to attend after he earns his bachelor's degree.
He started college in Puerto Rico and ended up having to take a semester off after the devastation of Hurricane Maria forced his college into a temporary closure. After moving to Maryland with his father, he started looking for a pre-law program. Positive stories from people he met along the way led him to UBalt.
Now, Abraham is majoring in Jurisprudence (newly renamed B.A. in Philosophy, Law and Ethics). His discussion-based classes require a lot of reading and Abraham is enjoying rising to the task.
"You have to be able to challenge ideas that are presented to you, so when you reach that classroom and start engaging with other students, it really is a fun experience. It creates a place where you can learn."
UBalt has a diverse student body, Abraham said, but they seem to share one major quality—ambition.
"These people came from very different backgrounds, cultures, professions and stages of life. Overall, the experience is diverse and refreshing whenever I meet someone new."