Everyone has a story. At The University of Baltimore, the stories are unique, inspirational, celebratory, relatable and ever developing.
As part of its annual Holidays and Traditions From Around the World celebration, the Office of Diversity and International Services invited UBalt students to share a piece of their own story in honor of the University’s Centennial celebration. There were two opportunities in the project: Our Stories Matter, where students shared about who they are, and What It Means To Me, where students offered what means the most to them. Posters featuring the students are currently on display in the UBalt Student Center lobby, but you can get a glimpse of their stories here.
Our Stories Matter
"I am a servant leader passionate about community engagement, faith and public service, striving to connect people, build opportunities, and create lasting impact for Baltimore and beyond."
- Randy Wells, B.A. ’23, MPA student
"The University of Baltimore is a key part of our family’s story. My husband earned his finance degrees here, focused on academics. Years later, my son and I embraced both studies and campus life—he in Human Services, and I in Information Systems and now an MBA. UBalt is more than a school to us, it’s a shared legacy of growth and community."
- Barbara Wilkins, B.S. ’23, MBA student
“I believe in the power of showing up for people, for community, for work that matters. When we show up for others, we create a world that shows up for us."
- Wardha Moriam, M.A. in Integrated Design
"Learning is my passion. I came here with a belief and vision to develop my skills. UBalt community gave me the confidence to stand in front of the world and be the best version of myself!"
- Rishika Bhatnagar, M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
"I never knew myself. I doubted my abilities. At UBalt, I met many amazing people who lifted me up and made me see myself for the first time ever."
- Miguel Miranda, B.S. in Forensic Studies
"I am a Baltimore native. I am at The University of Baltimore to be a better person and professional. I am also here to continue the family legacy."
- Sam Ingram, MBA student
"I went through adversity in the classroom to find out that I can make it through anything and I have to thank University of Baltimore for the lesson."
- Seth Ingram, MBA student
"I'm on a journey I began 20 years ago. Every step has shown me that with a little persistence, a lot of curiosity and some courage, anything is possible."
- Meagan Etner, MBA student
"Happiness and greatness consumes my life. The keys to success are hard work, sacrifice and commitment. No excuses!"
- Sylvia Mobley, MBA student
"Driven by over 20 years in Pakistan’s energy sector, I am pursuing an M.S. in Finance at The University of Baltimore to deepen expertise, embrace global perspectives, and shape sustainable financial strategies. Alongside my family, who share in this journey of learning and growth, we are navigating new experiences together, building resilience, adaptability and a shared vision for the future."
- Hamad Raza, MBA student
"Education is my path to change. At UBalt, I pursue business and law not just for a career, but to honor my family sacrifices and show my children that education and resilience can open doors and create lasting opportunities for the next generation."
- Jonathan Amaya Pacheco, B.S. in Business Administration student, Early Entry to Law specialization
What it Means to Me
Accessibility
"Accessibility opens doors to a world of possibilities and rich perspectives that would not be possible without consideration and kindness.”
- Nat Kaplan, MFA in Creative Writing & Publishing Arts student
Giving Back
"Accessibility opens doors to a world of possibilities and rich perspectives that would not be possible without consideration and kindness.”
- Joyson Balisamore, MBA student
Uplifting Others
"I care about uplifting others, especially through technology and law, because everyone deserves access, opportunity and real representation."
- Gamar Hayles, B.S. in Information Systems and Technology Management student
Understanding and Acceptance
"My time at The University of Baltimore taught me the importance of understanding and acceptance. Embracing who I am and learning to appreciate the diverse cultures of my fellow students helped expand my knowledge and broaden my perspective."
- Samantha Hildwein, B.A. ‘17, MPA ‘20, B.A. ‘23, M.A. in Legal Studies student
Continuity
"When our pursuit is complete, continuity is measured by the paths we preserve for those who follow.”
- Michael Cao, B.S. in Business Administration student
Lessons
"Every lesson, from my roots to my journey now, shapes me—learning, growing and building a future beyond what was imagined."
- Nyasha Anderson, B.S. in Applied Information Technology student
Willingness to Help
"Being a part of a University that has core group of professors and active alumni always willing to help students achieve their goals."
- Antonio Robinson, B.S. in Business Administration student
Community
"What matters to me is community; a support system where both sides reciprocate a desire to see each other succeed—motivation and upliftment, which reinforces the belief that we can grow."
- Bria Howard, B.S. in Forensic Studies student
Legacy
"Legacy: building generational wealth, setting a precedent of excellency within my family and creating a lasting legacy that uplifts, inspires, and empowers future generations."
- Erika Young, B.A. in Arts Production student
Goal Setting
"Setting goals is important for us to have a clear direction of where we want to go."
- Lev Leitckii, B.S. in Simulation and Game Design student