2011-12 Be What I Want To Be Magazine

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Contents

TheDailyRecord.com

Be What I Want to Be is produced by The Daily Record for the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education.

[email protected]

High SchoolCourses matter 4

Maryland Scholars 6

Cost to live 8

After school 10

Countdown 12

CollegeScholar interview 16

Six degrees 18

Tuition 20

Paying for college 22

Campus visit 24

CareersResume 28

50 employers 30

Profiles

How to reach us | TheDailyRecord.com

Subscriptions 1.800.451.9998 | News 410.752.3849 | Advertising 410-752-3849 | Reprints 443.524.8141

Special publication design and illustrations by Erin V. Alexander

Contributing writers: Tracy Fitzgerald, Gina Gallucci-White, Nancy Luse, Barbara Pash

When I think back to high school, I did not knowwhat I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew thatI wanted to go to college and have a career and fami-ly. At the time I had no idea what juggling thoseresponsibilities would mean, but strong mentors Imet along the way helped me to learn how to be suc-cessful personally and professionally.

You might hear friends tell you that the world isdifferent today. We have iPhones, iPads and comput-ers that will correct our grammar, spelling and solveour math problems. Yes, the world has changed, andyou are fortunate to have access to information and

technology that I dreamed of when I watched “The Jetsons” back in the1980s. But reading, writing and math are no less important today thanthey were when I was in school. In fact, I am starting to think those skillsare even more critical today.

I’m often asked to speak to students regarding leadership. A typicalquestion I hear is, “What should students do now to prepare for the work-force?” I always give the same answer: Believe in your abilities, gain confi-dence, and read and write. Take the time to allow teachers and mentors tocoach you to become a better writer, and know how to express yourthoughts and your visions clearly, both in person and in print. Those skillswill help you throughout your entire life.

The other piece of advice I give is to get involved. Get a job, volunteer tohelp a cause, mentor someone who is younger than you, participate in aninternship, play on sports teams, participate in a school play or anotheractivity in the arts. Communicate your hopes, desires and dreams to thepeople who will listen and help you. There is a big world out there, so pushyourself out of your comfort zone and try things to gain experiences thatyou will carry with you throughout your life.

Suzanne E. Fischer-HuettnerPublisherThe Daily Record

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5x10.75

SCAN ME!

New in this issue of

Find a barcode within the magazine.

Scan it with your cell phone using a QR code app such as Optiscan, I-Nigma or a Barcode Scanner.

Check out the fun facts and mobile sites on BeWhatIWantToBe.com.

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High SchoolHigh School

BeWhatIWantToBe.com |3|

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B


Colleges and employers ask for high school transcripts because they want to know:• Are you prepared to do college work?• Do you have the skills you need to be successful?• Will you show up for class or work?• Are you reliable?• Would you be eager to take on a challenge?• Did you take challenging courses?

You want your transcript to shout to all of those questions. YES!This is what your transcript looks like at the beginning of high school. IItt’’ss aa cclleeaann ssllaattee..

YYoouu hhaavvee tthhee ppoowweerr ttoo mmaakkee iitt sshhiinnee.. As you complete courses, pass tests, accomplish tasksand earn awards, yyoouu aarree ccrreeaattiinngg aa ppiiccttuurree ooff yyoouurrsseellff that tells colleges and employers,

“I ’m the one you want!”“I ’m the one you want!”

Courses matter ...Choices matter

WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR FOUR YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL

IS IMPORTANT TO HAVING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.

|4| BeWhatIWantToBe.com


Be honest...Who would you hire?

Be honest...Who would you hire?




Why become a

MarylandScholar?

It is the key that will open doors for you

after high school.

Taking the right courses now will allow you to follow anypath you choose.

Being a Maryland Scholar preparesyou for success in college

and the workplace.

Maryland Scholars course of study

Students must attain a 2.5 GPA to qualify.Bolded courses are beyond state graduation requirements.*4 math credits (including senior year) are preferred. University System of Maryland requires 4 math credits (to Algebra 2 or higher), effective Fall 2015.

Take note...Get a free account!BeWhatIWantToBe.com

4 credits English

3 credits Math*Algebra 1, Geometry, AAllggeebbrraa 22

3 credits Lab ScienceBiology, CChheemmiissttrryy,, PPhhyyssiiccss (preferred)

3 credits Social StudiesU.S. History, World History, Government

2 credits WWoorrlldd LLaanngguuaaggeeMust be the same language

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Did you know?A typical college graduate will earn $1 million more

over a lifetime than a high school graduate.

Students who took more rigorous courses in high school earned 13.1% more in wages than those

who did not — college or no college.

College students who completed Algebra 2 in high school are nearly twice as likely to graduate

from college as those who do not.

Employers say that high school graduates they hire need the same skills and knowledge that colleges

require of incoming freshmen.

90% of the fastest growing professions — and 60% of all current jobs — require postsecondary education.

70% of high school graduates surveyed wish they had worked harder and taken more rigorous

courses in high school.

HOW TO GET STARTED...2EASYSTEPS

Talk with your family tonight. Let them know of your goal to be a Maryland Scholar.

Talk with your school counselor tomorrow. Your counselor can help to ensure the right coursesare on your schedule and keep you on track to becoming a Maryland Scholar.

1.

2.

Who can be a Maryland Scholar?

Any Maryland high school student whocompletes the required courses with anoverall 2.5 GPA is a Maryland Scholar.

What’s in it for me?

Being a Maryland Scholar will help you get:• A good job.• Into college.• Scholarships/grants.

BeWhatIWantToBe.com/Scholars



Monthly expenses

Will you be able to afford it?

What does it

YOUPREPARE

GOOD SALARY?

cost to live?

Sample salaries (based on 40 hours per week). Minimum wage is $7.25/hour.

$$77..2255 hourly = $$11,,116600 monthly – taxes = $$778899 monthly take-home pay

$$88..5500 hourly = $$11,,336600 monthly – taxes = $$992255 monthly take-home pay

$$1100..0000 hourly = $$11,,660000 monthly – taxes = $$11,,008888 monthly take-home pay

$$2200..0000 hourly = $$33,,220000 monthly – taxes = $$22,,117766 monthly take-home pay

ORApartment $$11,,000000Car payment 330000Car insurance/gas/maintenance 445500Gas/electricity 115500Phone/internet/cable television 220000Food 335500Entertainment 220000Total $$22,,665500

You could cut out a few things (such as a car and entertainment).

Do you really need such a big apartment?

What about cooking instead of going to a restaurant?

Apartment $$660000Bus fare 6644

Gas/electricity 115500Phone 5500Food 220000

Total $$11,,006644

What are

doing to yourself

to earn a



Per week

What some Maryland jobs pay

Per monthGross wages (x4 weeks)

$2,400.00

Taxes withheld-$408.00-$144.00-$144.00

Other deductions-$80

Net pay $1,624.00

PPaayy CChheecckk

Pay to theorder of JJaannee EEyyrree

FF oo uu rr -- hh uu nn dd rr ee dd ss ii xx dd oo ll ll aa rr ss aa nn dd zz ee rr oo cc ee nn tt ss

EEaarrnniinnggss RRaattee HHoouurrss TThhiiss PPeerriiooddRegular 15.00 40 600.00

GGrroossss PPaayy $$660000..0000

DDeedduuccttiioonnss SSttaattuuttoorryyFederal Income Tax -102.00State/Local Income Tax -36.00Social Security Tax -36.00

OOtthheerrHealth Insurance -20.00NNeett PPaayy $$440066..0000

PPrroojjeecctteedd MMeeddiiaann MMeeddiiaann MMeeddiiaann OOccccuuppaattiioonn EEdduuccaattiioonn ooppeenniinnggss iinn 22001188 hhoouurrllyy wwaaggee mmoonntthhllyy wwaaggee aannnnuuaall wwaaggeePediatrician Bachelor’s degree and higher 175 $64.75 $11,202 $134,425Lawyer Bachelor’s degree and higher 2,670 $54.75 $9,510 $114,125Mechanical Engineer Bachelor’s degree and higher 1,820 $42.75 $7,392 $88,700Biomedical Engineer Bachelor’s degree and higher 510 $42.25 $7,335 $88,025Veterinarian Bachelor’s degree and higher 635 $42.25 $7,319 $87,825Speech Language Pathologist Bachelor’s degree and higher 960 $38.75 $6,737 $80,850Nurse (Registered) Bachelor’s degree and higher 14,670 $36.75 $6,385 $76,625Accountant / Auditor Bachelor’s degree and higher 10,910 $33.00 $5,708 $68,500Environmental Scientist Bachelor’s degree and higher 1,315 $30.50 $5,304 $63,650Writer Bachelor’s degree and higher 795 $29.00 $5,014 $60,175Police Officer High school 5,375 $26.75 $4,633 $55,600Forensic Science Technician Bachelor’s degree and higher 345 $26.25 $4,558 $54,700Teacher Bachelor’s degree and higher 30,540 $37.48 $5,997 $59,975Administrative Assistant High school 24,370 $25.43 $4,069 $48,825Graphic Designer Bachelor’s degree and higher 2,270 $23.25 $4,050 $48,600Real Estate Sales Agent Associate degree 2,410 $22.00 $3,827 $45,925Carpenter High school 3,615 $20.00 $3,464 $41,575Emergency Medical Technician Associate degree 1,100 $18.00 $3,131 $37,575Dental Assistant High school 2,125 $17.25 $2,987 $35,850Fitness Trainer Associate degree 3,490 $14.75 $2,564 $30,775Retail Sales Person High School 72,840 $10.25 $1,765 $21,175Waiter or Waitress High School 43,300 $8.00 $1,394 $16,725

For more occupations, visit http://www.dllr.state.md.us/lmi/ and click on “2008 to 2018 occupational projections-wage data link.” Or, visit www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com.

$$ 44 00 66 .. 00 00



Academic clubs• Debate team• Future Business Leaders of America• Foreign languages (like the Latin Club)• Honor Society• Math team• Mock trial• Mathematics Engineering Science

Achievement (MESA)• Future Educators of America• Student government• Yearbook

Arts clubs• Art• Band• Orchestra• Dance• Theater and drama• Poetry• Chorus or choir• Film and video• Photography

Athletic teams• Cheerleading squad• JROTC• Sports teams• Step squads

What do yoafter s

Joining a team or club can be a lot of funand a great way to make friends in highschool. It can even help you get into a greatcollege — admissions officers like to seeextracurricular activities in addition togood grades. Here are just a few examplesof what you can do after school:



ou doschool?

• Walk dogs or play with cats at an animal shelter.

• Spend your summer building homes for Habitat for Humanity.

• Work with children at a day care center or after-school program.

• Assist your local library with community programs.

• Collect bottles and cans to raise money for a group and help the environment.

• Make get-well cards for hospital patients.• Sort clothes at a thrift store.• Spend time with elderly people at a

nursing home.• Tutor other students.• Collect food for your local food bank

to help those in need.• Mentor children through the Boys

and Girls Club.• Plant flowers and trees at the park.

All Maryland high school students mustperform a certain number of hours of com-munity service to graduate. Fulfill yourService Learning Requirement by doingsomething you enjoy, whether it’s helpinganimals, the elderly or the environment!To get started, talk to a teacher, call a localhospital or religious group, or check outwww.volunteermaryland.org. Here aresome of the ways you can volunteer andgive back to your own community:

Volunteering


• Know what you need to do to graduate from high school and get into college.

• Meet with your school counselor regularly to discuss goals and plans.

• Study, study, study. Colleges look atyour transcript beginning with freshman grades.

• Ask for help when you need it.• Join and participate in clubs,

activities and sports that you enjoy.

9th grade


to collegeCountdownA year-by-year outline to make sure you will be ready

All years • Take challenging courses, like Maryland Scholars, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate.• Prepare for and pass the High School Assessments: Algebra 1, English 2, and Biology.• Get involved in extracurricular activities: Develop your talents, interests and leadership skills.• Start saving now: Open a college savings account and accept contributions from family/friends.• Visit college campuses: Take a tour, attend sports and cultural events, or take a summer workshop.• Explore careers: Create an account on www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com and

complete activities.

• Check in with your school counselorto make sure you’re on track withyour coursework.

• Keep up with classes, assignmentsand grades.

• Continue extracurricular activitiesand take a leadership role if possible.

• Take PSAT or ACT PLAN tests to beprepared to take the SAT and ACTtests.

• Plan enrichment activities for thesummer, like summer workshops,internships, apprenticeships and jobs.

10th grade

• Maintain good grades and work toyour potential. Junior-year grades areespecially important for collegeadmissions. But all four years count.

• Take Honors and AP classes.• Register, study and take the SAT or

ACT test. • Check out the colleges you are inter-

ested in — in person and online.Know their admissions criteria.

• Make sure you have passed all theHigh School Assessments. Get help ifyou haven’t.

11th grade


• Sign up for Maryland Scholarscourses in your high school plan.

• Start thinking about colleges andcareers that interest you.

• Try to complete Algebra 1 by theend of 8th grade.

• Work hard and study to get goodgrades — it will make a differencein your options for high school.

• Join clubs, activities and sports.

8th grade

• Make the most of your senior year. Itis important! No time to ease up now.

• Take a rigorous math class so you’llbe ready for college entrance exams.

• Meet with your school counselor andreview your transcript.

• Retake any standardized tests andsend applications to top-pick colleges.

• Know and meet the deadlines to fillout applications, and start early towrite essays and get teacher recom-mendations.

• Submit your college financial aidapplication (FAFSA) by March 1 —even if you think you don’t need orwon’t qualify for financial aid.

• Search the Web and private groupsfor scholarships and apply.

• Be recognized as a Maryland Scholar.Celebrate!

12th grade


$1 MILLIONPLANNING EARLY

A college degree can mean an extra

in lifetime earnings.Consider going to college and start

BWIWTB-guts-2011.qxp 7/27/2011 10:50 AM Page 13


Algebrain the real world

“When are we ever going to use this inreal life?”

If you’ve taken algebra, chances areyou’ve asked yourself — and your teacher— that question time and time again.

Well, the simple answer is algebra iseverywhere! From determining howmuch wood you need to build a tree-house or how much material to make adress, to selecting a wireless plan thatsuits your needs. If you can understandhow algebra is present in your daily tasks,you can apply it to tasks that are less obvi-ous and even more difficult.

An example is the use of remote sen-sor systems, like RADAR and SONAR.Much like bats and dolphins use echolo-cation, we use these systems to send a sig-nal out into the world to bring back infor-mation about the world. We are able tounderstand how far away something is,which we can tell by measuring how longit took the signal to come back to us.Algebraic equations are used in order tocalculate this distance.

The best way to ace algebra and pre-pare for college math is to recognize alge-bra and arithmetic follow the same rules;if you can understand why the arithmeticalgorithms work, you can transfer thatknowledge to less familiar algebraicproblems.

— Cheryl J., systems engineerMBRT volunteer

55

1818

21.521.5

1818

2121

2828

44

7777

x + 9 = 18 - 2x x + 9 = 18 - 2x xx xxx = 3x = 3

25x + 2y=z

14x(4x-3)

6y+5x

21x2y, 7xy321x2y, 7xy33xy 3xy

9

15

4


CollegeCollege




What do you want to do when yougraduate from college?When I complete my undergraduate studies, I want to contin-ue my education at Howard School of Law to become an attor-ney in criminal law.

What made you want to become a lawyer?My dream started small. I became very interested in some ofthe court TV shows and was always amazed by some of the

laws of our country. At first, I didn’t know thetype of law I was interested in, but soon made adecision after I started my law classes in highschool.

What does it mean to be a Maryland Scholar?

Being a Maryland Scholar means you have taken a certainlevel of coursework in high school and maintained a goodGPA. These classes will help you prepare for the higher levelclasses that you will take in college.

Was it hard to become a Maryland Scholar?It wasn’t hard to become a Maryland Scholar. I just needed toknow the required classes and I needed to plan. In ninth

Sudbrook Magnet Middle SchoolEnvironmental and Earth Science Magnet Program

June 2006

Towson HigLaw and Public Policy

June 2>

Richel AN INTERVIEW WITH A



grade, I wrote down all of the classes I needed and wanted totake for the next three years, and made sure all MarylandScholar requirements were met.

Words of Advice:Start figuring out what you love to do most or what youcare about. Then, research a career that would allow youto do what you enjoy. If you love animals, you could be aveterinarian. If you love helping people learn, you couldbe a teacher or college professor.

Set goals, both long and short term. As long as you have aplan you will be successful.

Ask for help. It’s more embarrassing to fail a test than toask a question about something you don’t know.

Be active. Participate in activities in and out of school.Colleges like to see that you can balance your schoolwork while being involved in other activities. Time man-agement is an extremely important skill to have.

Balance school work and fun. I firmly believe that youshould “Work hard to play hard.” There are times whenyou will have to sacrifice doing something fun becauseyou have work, but the work will pay off. There willalways be opportunities to hang out with your friends.School should always come first, it affects your future.

Take the highest level classes possible. By taking lowerlevel classes you are simply not allowing yourself to gainfree knowledge in high school. High school is just prepa-ration for college, and college prepares you for the world.

High SchoolPolicy Magnet Program une 2010

Howard University Washington, D.C.

Majoring in Political Science>

TH A MARYLAND SCHOLAR — WHO’S NOW IN COLLEGE


What is required for aDoctoral degree?

• The doctorate, or Ph.D., usuallytakes at least two full-time yearsof study, or 30 credits, beyond themaster’s degree

• In some cases, however, studentsneed four or five years of study, or90 credits, after the master’sdegree

• Some students earn a master’sdegree while getting their Ph.D.

Doctoral degree

Six degreesof education

What is required for aMaster’s degree?

• Usually takes one or two yearsafter earning a bachelor’s degree

• Often requires very specific under-graduate courses

• Many students need to take theGraduate Record Exam (GRE) tobe accepted to a graduate school

Master’s degreeWhat is required for a

Bachelor’s degree?

• Four or five years of full-timecoursework, or 120 credits, needed

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees(also known as liberal artsdegrees) require courses in art, cul-ture, history, English, social andlife sciences and languages

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degreesoften prepare people for careers inengineering, physical sciences andother technical subjects

Bachelor’s degreeWhat is required for a

Associate degree?

• Two years of full-time course-work, or 60 credits, needed

• Offered by community colleges• Associate of Arts (A.A.) or

Associate of Science (A.S.) degreesavailable

• Associate of Applied Science(A.A.S.) degrees are for technicalor career programs

Associate degree

An academic degree is a titlegranted by a college or university that usually signifies completion of anestablished course of study.



What is required for aProfessional degree?

• Usually takes at least six years ofcollege work

• Complete academic requirementsto become licensed in careers suchas law, medicine or architecture

• Students generally spend fouryears working on a bachelor’sdegree plus another few years ontheir professional degree

Professional degree

What is required for aCertificate?

• Awarded by community collegesand private career schools

• Also can be earned by finishingjob training or even in high school

• Can take just a few weeks or up totwo years to complete

Certificate

BEST TIMECollege can be the

of your life.Study hard, learn a lot and most of all


ENJOY IT!



Public Colleges (Four-Year State Colleges & Universities)IInnccoommiinngg FFrreesshhmmeenn AAvveerraaggee

NNaammee LLooccaattiioonn WWeebbssiittee 22001100--1111 YYeeaarrllyy UUnnddeerrggrraaddss TTuuiittiioonn

Bowie State University Bowie www.bowiestate.edu 5,578 $4,415

Coppin State University Baltimore www.coppin.edu 3,631 $2,774

Frostburg State University Frostburg www.frostburg.edu 4,755 $5,150

Morgan State University Baltimore www.morgan.edu 5,901 $4,540

Salisbury University Salisbury www.salisbury.edu 7,557 $4,960

St. Mary’s College of Maryland St. Mary’s City www.smcm.edu 2,017 $12,005

Towson University Towson www.towson.edu 15,560 $5,496

University of Baltimore Baltimore www.ubalt.edu 3,226 $7,184

U. Maryland – Baltimore County Catonsville www.umbc.edu 10,210 $9,171

U. Maryland – College Park College Park www.umd.edu 26,876 $8,416

U. Maryland – Eastern Shore Princess Anne www.umes.edu 4,280 $4,235

U. Maryland – University College Adelphi www.umuc.edu 33,963 $5,856

Private Colleges (Four-Year Independent Colleges & Universities)IInnccoommiinngg FFrreesshhmmeenn AAvveerraaggee

NNaammee LLooccaattiioonn WWeebbssiittee 22001100--1111 YYeeaarrllyy UUnnddeerrggrraaddss TTuuiittiioonn

Capitol College Laurel www.capitol-college.edu 380 $19,890

College of Notre Dame of Maryland Baltimore www.ndm.edu 1,290 $28,700

Goucher College Towson www.goucher.edu 1,500 $35,142

Hood College Frederick www.hood.edu 1,486 $29,440

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore www.jhu.edu 4,980 $42,280

Loyola University, Maryland Baltimore www.loyola.edu 3,807 $39,470

Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore www.mica.edu 1,714 $36,170

McDaniel College Westminster www.mcdaniel.edu 1,600 $34,780

Mt. St. Mary’s University Emmitsburg www.msmary.edu 1,618 $29,650

Sojourner-Douglass College Baltimore www.sdc.edu 1,335 $8,850

St. John’s College Annapolis www.stjohnscollege.edu 450-475 $43,256

Stevenson University Stevenson www.stevenson.edu 2,985 $22,020

Washington College Chestertown www.washcoll.edu 1,400 $37,882

College tuitionin Maryland



Community CollegesIInnccoommiinngg FFrreesshhmmeenn AAvveerraaggee

NNaammee LLooccaattiioonn WWeebbssiittee FFuullll-- && PPaarrtt--TTiimmee CCoosstt PPeerr UUnnddeerrggrraaddss CCrreeddiitt HHoouurr

Allegany College of Maryland Cumberland www.allegany.edu Over 4,000 $102

Anne Arundel Community College Arnold www.aacc.edu 17,665 $90

Baltimore City Community College Baltimore www.bccc.edu 2,112 $88

Carroll Community College Westminster www.carrollcc.edu 4,108 $123

Cecil College North East www.cecil.edu 2,426 $90

Chesapeake College Wye Mills www.chesapeake.edu 2,956 $101

College of Southern Maryland LaPlata, Leonardtown, www.csmd.edu 8,717 $105 Prince Frederick

Community College of Baltimore County Catonsville, www.ccbcmd.edu 33,817 $103Dundalk, Essex

Frederick Community College Frederick www.frederick.edu 6,285 $170

Garrett College McHenry www.garrettcollege.edu 850 $90

Hagerstown Community College Hagerstown www.hagerstowncc.edu 4,898 $100

Harford Community College Bel Air www.harford.edu 9,720 $82

Howard Community College Columbia www.howardcc.edu 9,569 $119

Montgomery College Germantown, www.montgomerycollege.edu 26,015 $110Rockville, Silver Spring

Prince George’s Community College Largo www.pgcc.edu 11,822 $96

Wor-Wic Community College Salisbury www.worwic.edu 5,645 $91

Are you more interested in an apprenticeship

than in college?

Visit mwejobs.maryland.gov for MarylandApprenticeship and Training Programs.With more than 230 occupation types to

choose from, you’re sure to find something!

Don’t see the school you’re interested in?

www.MDGO4IT.orgwww.collegeboard.com

www.petersons.comwww.princetonreview.comwww.search4colleges.com

www.usnews.com

How will you afford college?

Don’t get discouraged, see page 22 for information on paying for college.


The basics...It is possible for eevveerryyoonnee to go to college.

There are many ways to pay for school and to get help paying for it.There are three main types of financial aid:

Student loans...must be repaid, usually with

interest, after the student graduates or stops going to

school. Parents also may take out loans for their

children’s education.

Work study...is a federal aid program run by

colleges that allows studentsto work to earn money to help

pay for school.

Grants...usually help offset the rising

costs of college for families inneed of financial assistance.

Scholarships...generally are given to

recognize a student’s academic success, athletic skill or other

talent. Scholarships may comewith conditions, such as

maintaining a certain major orGPA. Grants and scholarships

typically do not need to be repaid.

What do I do now to prepare? • Consider your goals and what education you need to reach them.

• View the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s “Student Guide to HigherEducation and Financial Aid in Maryland” at www.mhec.state.md.us for informa-tion on colleges and universities and programs offered.

• Enroll in high level courses while in high school. College isn’t easy. The more youlearn in high school, the better you will do in college, and the more collegeoptions you will have. Develop good study habits. They’ll help you now and later.

• Get involved in school and volunteer activities. Many scholarship programs,especially private scholarships, look for these activities when picking studentsfor scholarships. Many clubs and other groups (Girl/Boy Scouts, honor societies,etc.) offer scholarships, some of which you can win years before your senior yearof high school.

Sources and types of financial aid

Federal aid: Pell Grant,Supplemental EducationalOpportunity Grant, Work Study,Direct Family Educational LoanProgram, Perkins Loan and TEACHGrant.State aid: Guaranteed access grant,Educational Assistance Grant, andLegislative Scholarships.Colleges & universities: Schoolshave a variety of aid that includesgrants, scholarships, employment andloans.Private organizations: Manyclubs, professional organizations andcommunity groups provide scholar-ships.


Paying for college


Good websites to check out www.mhec.state.md.us

www.way2gomaryland.orgwww.fafsa.ed.gov

www.fastweb.com

www.finaid.orgwww.studentaid.ed.govwww.collegeboard.com

www.collegeanswer.com

www.petersons.comwww.easfaa.org

www.supercollege.comwww.mdgo4it.com

What is FAFSA? FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The data on your

FAFSA is used to determine if you are eligible for financial aid from federal andstate aid programs and financial aid programs offered by colleges and universities.There is no charge to file the FAFSA so PPLLEEAASSEE do not pay for assistance in com-pleting the FAFSA. If you cannot file an electronic FAFSA or need help in complet-ing the form, contact your high school Guidance Office and/or college FinancialAid Office.

How much does college cost? College involves more than just tuition and fees. It also may include:

When and how do I file the FAFSA? The FAFSA should be filed during the spring semester of your senior year

between Jan. 1 and March 1. This will ensure you are considered for most types offinancial aid. To file online go to http://www.fafsa. gov/. Both you and your par-ents must apply for a personal identification number (PIN) to sign your onlineFAFSA. This can be done when you file your FASFA.

You will need federal income tax information for the last tax year for both youand your parents. To ensure you do not miss the deadline, estimates can be used atfirst; however, a corrected FASFA must be submitted once tax returns are complete.

10 tips • Start saving for college early.• Work with high school counselors

to find scholarships or search theinternet on your own.

• Make sure you know, and meet,deadlines for financial aid.

• Earn college credit in high school bytaking AP or concurrent enrollmentclasses.

• Lessen costs by starting at a nearbycommunity college and living athome.

• Earn your degree faster by takingsummer courses.

• At some colleges you can take 15-18credit-hours at the same cost as thefull time minimum of 12 credit-hours.

• Get a part-time job on or off campus.• Many community groups and often

your parents’ company have scholar-ships available. But it’s up to you tofind these sources of money.

• If you have a scholarship, don’t blowit by getting bad grades or acting up.

• Food and housing• Health insurance• Lab fees for certain courses• Transportation expenses to go

home on weekends or holidays or to commute to campus

• Books and other supplies like notebooks, folders, computers, calculators, etc.

• Other personal expenses such as laundry, groceries, entertainment, etc.

More on scholarships

There are literally hundreds ofthousands of scholarships available.There is more than $100 million ofscholarship money available from thestate of Maryland alone. Other schol-arships are offered by individuals, cor-porations and foundations and can besearched for on the Internet orresearched in your school’s guidanceoffice or college center.

Many scholarships require you towrite an essay and/or submit letters ofrecommendation. There are scholar-ships out there for everyone, includ-ing specific awards for:

• Women• Men• Ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th-graders• People with specific ethnic

backgrounds• People going into specific

areas of study• People with volunteer experience• People with disabilities• People involved in clubs• People with special talents• People whose parents hold

certain jobs• People whose parents are in

the military• Short people• Tall people• Left-handed people• People who never get scholarshipsCheck out page 20 to see what it

costs to go to school in Maryland!


What to see & do on your

campus visitTry to visit college campuses when school is in session, so you can really get a feelfor what it’s like during a normal day. You can try to schedule your next visit on ahigh school administrative day, when you have off but colleges are holding class-es. You can also use your spring break to visit out-of-state schools — some collegeswill even let you spend the night in one of their dorms. If visiting in person is notpossible, be sure to take a virtual tour!

What to do• Interview with an admissions officer. • Get information about financial aid and

work opportunities on campus.• Take a tour with a student guide. Ask

students questions about their experiences.

• Why did they choose this college?• What is their major?• What do they do for fun?

• Read the student newspaper. What is happening on campus?

• Venture off-campus. Is it a safe area? Arethere movie theaters and restaurants? Couldyou find an off-campus job? What kind ofpublic transportation is available?

What to ask• What courses of study/majors do the

colleges offer/specialize in?• What kinds of transition support

services do they offer freshmen?• How do you get help when you need it?• What’s the student-teacher ratio?

After visiting a few schools, your recollectionsmay start toblur. Bring your camera tohelp you remember the different experiences.



YOURSELFYEARS4

Picture

Is it the right school for you?

spending the next

in this place.

What to see...The dorms

• How far is the walk to class?• Are the dorms co-ed?• Do they have study areas?• Is there a laundry room for students?

The bookstore• Do they carry everything you will

need for class or will you have toleave campus for things?

The cafeteria• Is there a variety of food?• What is the student food plan?• Try the food if you can.

The library• Is there computer access for

student use?

The sports centers• Take a peek at the arenas while on

campus. You may even be able toattend a game or concert.




CareersCareers



Jane Eyre444 Main StreetEllicott City, MD [email protected]

EDUCATION Central High School GPA: 2.8/4.0Perfect attendance during first semesterMaryland Scholar

EMPLOYMENT Ellicott City Community Pool, lifeguard Summer 201116 hours of work every weekendTrained in CPR and first aidMaintained pool cleanliness and safety

ACTIVITIES J.V. Soccer, team captain 2010-2011Eight hours of practice and two games every weekLed team to 14-2 recordHighest goal percentage on teamWon Spirit Award at end-of-the-year banquet

Helping Hand Nursing Center, volunteer 2009-2011Four hours of volunteer work twice a monthTalked to residents, designed activities and assisted nursesRecruited two more volunteers

SKILLS Bilingual: Spanish and EnglishBasic computer skills, including word processing

(Microsoft Word) and PowerPoint; excellent knowledge of Internet search engines

Responsibility learned through taking care of two siblings most evenings

Organizational skills learned through balancing school, sports and family obligations

Dedication and hard work proven through athletic success

INTERESTS Reading (novels and sports magazines), photography, spending time with family

Is your e-mail address something like [email protected]? Doesn’t sound too professional, does it? Make a new one for job searching using just your name or initials. There are a ton of free e-mail sites, such as gmail.com, hotmail.com and yahoo.com.

List can include awards, honors orother special classes or vocational programs. Tip: List your sculpture classif you’re applying for an internship at amuseum.

If your school givesyour grades as a per-centage, write “Avg:87.3%.” If yourgrades aren’t so hot,leave them out fornow and work onimproving them.

How long have youbeen involved orwere you involved?Employers like tosee commitment.

Include things youdo at school and inyour community, aswell as volunteeractivities. Writeabout your role inthe activity, whatyou do/did, whatskills you’ve gainedas a result, and anyachievements andhonors.

This is a good place to list things you do or like,especially if they are related to the kind of jobyou want. For instance, if you want to be a life-guard, mention that you love swimming andexercising!

Key traits andskills that willimpress would-beemployers: respon-sibility, organiza-tion, dedication,hard work, multi-tasking, leader-ship, creativity,time management.Think about howyou’ve learned orbeen able to usethese skills ortraits and describethe experience.

In general...• Be sure the information you give is RELEVANT, TRUE and COMPLETE.• Make your resume easy to read (large-enough text) and attractive

(consistent formatting and good organization).• Check your spelling and grammar!

Be careful what you post online.Employersoften Googleapplicants.

Most high school kids don’t have much work experience. Employers expect that. Still, they want to know what makes you stand out. Nothing reflects your skills and achievements better than your transcript or a great resume.

Tips to get you that all-important interview

Resumes that rock!BWIWTB-guts-2011.qxp 7/25/2011 6:40 PM Page 28

GREATfirst impression

Making a

Has there ever been a time in your lifewhen you met someone for the first timebut it did not go well?

Here are some pointers to help yournext interaction:• Smile. When you meet someone for the

first time, the best thing you can do isgreet them with a smile.

• Do your research. It is good to get toknow a little bit about the personbefore meeting them.

• Be on time. It is so important to showrespect for the other person by being ontime and not having them wait for you.

• Take care of yourself. Pay close atten-tion to your clothing and hair. You don’thave to buy designer attire to lookgreat. Be clean and make sure your out-fit is wrinkle free.

• Be reserved. Remember to be a little lessloud and more focused. You want tomake a positive lasting impression, sopay attention to what you do.

• Most importantly, BE YOU. People wantto meet the real you, and should likeyou for who you are.

So go on out there and meet the worldhead on. Show them your amazing quali-ties. Good luck, and remember — Smile!

— Cynthia K., finance professionalMBRT volunteer




AerospaceThe Johns Hopkins University

Applied Physics LaboratoryLockheed Martin Corp.

Northrop Grumman Corp.Education

The Johns Hopkins UniversityFinance

Bank of AmericaM&T Bank

Wells Fargo BankHealth care

Adventist HealthCareAnne Arundel Medical Center Inc.

CareFirst BlueCross of MarylandDimensions Health Corp.

Greater Baltimore Medical CenterHeartland Employment Services

Helix Health Systems Inc.Holy Cross Hospital of Silver Spring Inc.

Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

Johns Hopkins Health SystemThe Johns Hopkins Hospital

Kaiser PermanenteMercy Hospital

Peninsula Regional Medical CenterSinai Hospital

St. Agnes HealthCare Inc.University of Maryland

Medical SystemUpper Chesapeake Health Systems

Information technologyScience Applications

International Corp. (SAIC)Restaurants

Darden RestaurantsMcDonald’s Restaurants

of MarylandOS Restaurant Services Inc.

Wendy’s Old FashionedHamburgers

RetailBest Buy

CVSFood Lion

Giant Food StoresHome Depot

JC PenneyLowe’sMacy’s

Rite Aid Corp.Safeway

SearsTarget

Walmart/Sam’s ClubTelecommunications

Cellco PartnershipComcast

Verizon Maryland Inc.Other

Baltimore Gas & Electric Co.Booz Allen & Hamilton Inc.

Marriott InternationalAdministrative Services

UPSSource: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation,

Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, March 2010

50 biggestemployers in Maryland


BeWhatIWantToBe.com


Advertiser IndexAAI Corporation ........................................................11Aberdeen Proving Ground

Federal Credit Union..............................................10AT&T ..................................................................................6Bowie State University ............................................16CCBC – TIME Center ................................................13CitiFinancial..................................................................29College of Notre Dame of Maryland ..................19Community College of Baltimore County......33Corporate Office Properties Trust........................10Earth Networks............................................................15Eastern Shore Area Health

Education Center........................................................8Frostburg State University......................................17

Hewlett-Packard..........................................................30Johns Hopkins Medicine ..........................................3KPMG ..............................................................................11Lockheed Martin ........................................................26McCormick & Company Inc.................................24Morgan State University ......................Back CoverNorthrop Grumman ................................................50Salisbury University..................................................14Stevenson University ..............Inside Front CoverT. Rowe Price ................................................................14Towson University ....................................................96University of Baltimore............................................27University of Maryland, Baltimore County....29Verizon Wireless ........................Inside Back Cover

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Just like doctors, nurses and therapists work to keep our bodies andminds healthy, there are people who work to keep the planet healthy. Each

one of us needs our planet to be healthy to provide for us food, clean water, reli-able energy and fresh air, just to name the basics.

Many of the jobs that make our planet healthier are helping people save waterand energy and pollute less. These “green jobs” can be in many fields, such as build-

ing, engineering, teaching and manufacturing. Many green careers also areemerging in solar and wind power, exciting new fields that need scientists, engi-

neers, builders and entrepreneurs.Meet some of these people with green careers in this magazine and, of course, check out

BeWhatIWantToBe.com to learn about green career opportunities and what you need to get those jobs.

Want a career that pays well and is in high demand?

Consider STEM.

Professional and technical workers in the fields of

science, technology, engineering and math are in high

demand — and 72% of those workers will need at least a

bachelor’s degree.

The prospects for lucrative employment and reward-

ing careers have never been better for Maryland gradu-

ates with strong proficiency in science and math.

Maryland ranks 2nd in the nation in the percentage

of its workforce in professional and technical STEM

careers.

What is a STEM career? One that focuses on and

requires skills in science, technology, engineering or

math.

Jobs for a

Sampling of STEM careers• Marine biologist• Chemical engineer• Forensic scientist• Architect• Computer programmer• High school algebra teacher• Clinical research technician• Physicist• Astronomer• Software engineer• Physical therapist• College chemistry professor• Aeronautical engineer• Bioscientist• Systems analyst• Nurse practitioner• Biological technician• Industrial ecologist• Climate change analyst• Social science research assistant• Automotive engineer• Veterinarian

Science

Technology

Engineering

MathLook for this icon to find STEM careers.

healthy planet

A world of opportun



Look for the leaf icon tofind green careers.

EVERY CAREER.

HIGH-LEVEL MATHSCIENCE

HELP YOUand will

in almostunity

This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S.Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarilyreflect the official position of the U. S. Department of Labor.Maryland Energy Sector Partnership Grant.www.gwib.maryland.gov, 410-767-2017


How did you get to where you are today?I think it’s important for young people in particular to learn tovalue others and themselves without comparison. This under-standing did not hit home with me until after highschool, but I’m blessed to have it now.

When I was in high school, I was not particularlystudious. I earned average grades and had an aver-age interest in education. Then I walked into aconceptual physics class. After taking that courseas a junior, I developed a desire to learn moreabout physical principles; however, I was onecourse short of having enough math credits totake the next level physics course (AP Physics) asa senior. I was given a choice of either takinganother science as a senior or taking a pre-calculus course overthe summer in order to take the AP Physics course with calcu-lus concurrently. I chose the latter. … Funny as I think about it

now, at the time the decision to take pre-calculus in the summerseemed more like, “do you want a whole summer break to relaxor do you want to spend a good chunk of it in a hot school toil-

ing over math problems all day?” Who knew somuch hung in the balance?

My Choices & Key Decisions I suspect there are a few times in life when onehas an opportunity to make a life-defining deci-sion, but this was one for me. That decision start-ed me on a series of decisions that took me froman average student to being accepted into DrexelUniversity’s College of Engineering. I thenmoved on to the master’s in electrical engineer-ing at Penn State and, then, taking my advisor’s

advice, gave the Ph.D. entry exam a shot and next graduatedwith my Ph.D. in electrical engineering. I now work for one ofthe leading global security companies, Northrop Grumman.

Nathaniel ENGINEER, NORTHROP GRUMMAN


The Shipley SchoolBryn Mawr, PA.

High School Diploma

Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PA

Bachelor of Engineering >>

BWIWTB-profiles-2011.qxp 7/26/2011 3:12 PM Page 34

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

RF engineeringDeals with devices designed

to operate in the radio frequency spectrum.

I work in Anne Arundel County.

What I DoBy training, I’m a radio frequency (RF) engineer. I’ve been trained in electri-cal engineering specifically in the study of invisible waves that affect howwe send and receive information wirelessly. Each day I spend most of mytime writing code and editing behind-the-scene functionality for websitesinternal to Northrop Grumman.

Why I Do ItMost of the business here deals with applications of science behind radiofrequency engineering. My current job deals more with web-based technol-ogy, hence the coding and editing I already mentioned. It is outside of theformal training I received in school, but I enjoy it. I do this job because all ofthe goals I have center around being the best that I can be. I’ve never beenable to shake the desire to want to see and learn more. Challenging myselfat all levels is an added fuel to the fire.

How I Set GoalsI set goals by clearly defining what it is I want to do. Sometimes I literallyhave to open my mouth and ask myself, “What do you want to do?” in orderto be able to clearly set the goals and focus. There are even times when I willwrite the goal down to help make it more clear. So, in a matter of moments,I may have thought about the goal in my mind, audibly spoken the goal sothat I can hear it, and visually written it down to read. All of those steps helpto clarify and solidify the goal. At that point, it’s pretty “set.”

My AdviceNever stop learning. No matter what anyone tells you, you can do it. Andyou will do it.


Aerospace - STEM CAREER!

“No matter what anyonetells you, you can do it.

Penn State UniversityUniversity Park, PA

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering


Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering >>


My Inspiration No matter what I needed, my entire family — especially my par-ents — were always there for me. They taught me that hardwork and perseverance could pay off if you arewilling to put in the time and effort.

I was always striving to make my parents happy,so growing up I would always ask myself, “Wouldthis disappoint my parents?” If the answer was“yes,” then I didn’t do it.

My Choices & Key DecisionsThe most critical decision that stands out was theone to go to college. That wasn’t an obviouschoice for me until after I had a preparatory biol-ogy course my senior year in high school. At this point I reallyhadn’t thought about life after high school, let alone going tocollege. I just wanted to be done with school! But a specific

teacher sparked my interest in science and I started applying tocolleges. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

Growing up, my biggest obstacle was being shy.Outside of my family and friends, I really would-n’t talk to anyone else. I got my first job at 16 as acashier at a convenience store and that reallyhelped me to come out of my shell.

I remained at one school — Stevenson University— as I gained my formal education. I earned abachelor’s of science degree in chemistry andlater a master’s degree in forensic science and wasable to get a job in my major.

What I Do I analyze submitted court evidence for the presence or absenceof illegal drugs, specifically for cases in Frederick County.

Melissa


FORENSIC SCIENTIST, FREDERICK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE,MARYLAND STATE POLICE CRIME LAB

West Perry High SchoolElliottsburg, PA

High School Diploma

Stevenson UStevenson

Bachelor of >


PHOTOS BY MAXIMILIAN FRANZ

Forensic scientistStudies the details of a crime by

performing physical and chemicalanalyses on evidence submitted by

police or other law enforcement.Evidence may be found at the scene

of a crime, on a victim, or both.

I work in Baltimore & Frederick Counties.

When a person here is arrested for drug possession, the evidence is pack-aged and sent to me. I analyze the material using scientific methods. On atypical day I may deal with five to 10 cases and write reports that are sent tothe county courthouse. When a case goes to trial, I may be asked to testifyon the methods and the results of my work.

Why I Do It What I like about my job is that it’s both predictable and unpredictable atthe same time. I know what my job will be when I go into the lab eachmorning — I will only be analyzing suspected drugs — but you never knowwhich ones. The problem solving to determine what drug is in front of meis an enjoyable challenge.

My Typical Day By 9 a.m., I’m either in the lab analyzing items of evidence or arriving atcourt for a case in which I need to testify. In the afternoon, I complete theday’s paperwork, typing up reports based on my findings. By 7 p.m., I am fin-ishing dinner, catching up on housework and relaxing.

My AdviceIt seemed as though in high school everyone, myself included, was so wor-ried about being part of the “in crowd.” In reality, it doesn’t matter whatclothes you wear, or the material things you have, you have to be and dothings for yourself. Your words and actions are what define you. Make surethey’re good ones.


Science - STEM CAREER!

“Your words and actions are what define you. Make

sure they’re good ones.

on Universityenson, MDor of Science

Stevenson UniversityStevenson, MDMaster’s Degree>


My InspirationI was inspired by the usual mix of older kids (and siblings), par-ents and teachers, but it was a group of counselors at CampMondamin in Tuxedo, N.C., one of the oldestsummer camps in the south, that spurred me todream big about canoeing and a lifestyle ofadventure and exploration.

My Choices and Key DecisionsMy earliest key decision-making occurredwhile attending Salisbury School inConnecticut. I was extremely unhappy in ninthgrade attending my local public high school,and Salisbury was a beautiful rural school withthousands of acres around it. The math teacher lured me in byencouraging me to bring my canoe. But after my first yearthere, with no one to coach or even supervise me in training

for canoe racing, I decided to attend a school in Tennesseewith a friend where we could train together. In the middle ofthe summer before I would start there, I learned a group of

U.S. team members lived just down the roadfrom Salisbury. I had spent a year there withoutknowing they were there! I quickly re-enrolledat Salisbury, and in less than two years was rac-ing on the Junior National Team at the WorldChampionships in Spain.

The obstacles and challenges continued to come,with hard choices about whether to pursue piano(no), singing (no), and art (no). Athletics, academ-ics and theater became my focus, but not withoutpain. When I decided to attend Yale, I effectively

stalled my athletic progress (not a lot of whitewater in NewHaven, Conn.) until I found other students who were willing totrain and travel with me. Each time, I made decisions that kept

Matt EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVENTURE SPORTS CENTER INTERNATIONAL


Salisbury SchoolSalisbury, CT

High School Diploma >



Adventure Sports Center International

In addition to a 16-acre mountaintopcampus at Wisp Resort in Garrett

County, Md., it manages the Fork RunRecreation Area, a 550-acre forest withrock climbing, bouldering, mountain

biking, hiking and geocaching.

I work in Garrett County.

me close to the humble and exciting pursuit of excellence. This pursuitmade me a five-time National Champion, World Cup medalist, 10-year U.S.Team member and two-time Olympian (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004).

What I DoI am executive director of the Adventure Sports Center International. I man-age a state-of-the-art whitewater facility and more than 550 acres of recre-ation woodland, including trails and climbing areas.

Why I Do ItWhat makes me want to get up each day is the excitement of adventuresports and the confident, interesting people I meet in the industry. Thebiggest challenges center around managing a seasonal business and pro-moting adventure sports to an increasingly risk-averse public.

My Typical DayI work at a computer, pour over spreadsheets, write marketing material, editproposals and, in general, do office work; however, I also guide rafts, lead rockclimbing trips, oversee trail construction, solve major facility problems andconstruction challenges, and spend a lot of time outside. I also attend meet-ings, speak to schools and groups, and promote ASCI and adventure recreation.

My AdviceI have spoken to thousands of students over the last 20 years, and my basicadvice is to dream of beautiful and challenging goals, and get working onthem early with perseverance. Nothing great comes without great struggleand hard work. While luck is a factor, the harder you work the luckier youget. In my experiences, “reward” comes from work, patience and even pain.It is never easy, but can always be fun if you can keep sight of your largergoals.


Sports

“Dream of beautiful andchallenging goals, and get

working on them earlywith perseverance.

Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT

Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science and Environmental Science>


My InspirationMy father is my greatest inspiration. He grew up in Sudan,Africa, and received full scholarships to pursue his master’sdegree and Ph.D from the University of Miamiand the University of Georgia, respectively.Coming to the United States and thenexcelling academically despite language, edu-cational and cultural differences is truly a tes-tament to his perseverance and tenacity. He isa very intelligent and hardworking man whocan literally do anything. In fact, a few yearsback, the engine in my car needed to bereplaced. My father bought a book and taughthimself how to rebuild the entire engine. He isone of the most compassionate and giving individuals Ihave ever met. I aspire to be like him.

My Choices and key decisionsI began my college education at the Georgia Institute ofTechnology thinking I wanted to be a computer scientist. Two

years later, I realized that it was just not a good fitfor me and I faced a tough decision. I knew thatpicking a new major would prolong college, but Ialso realized that it would give me the opportuni-ty to pursue a career path that I would enjoy. I didchange my major, and it ended up meaning anadditional year of school, but it was worth it. Igraduated with a bachelor’s degree in Industrialand Systems Engineering.

What I DoI currently manage purchase orders and subcontracts forLockheed Martin, which helps our company deliver quality

Hind SUBCONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR, LOCKHEED MARTIN

Windsor Forest High SchoolSavannah, GA

High School Diploma

|40| BeWhatIWantToBe.com >


PHOTOS BY RICH DENNISON

Purchasing management Directs the flow of goods and

services in a company and handles all data relating to contact with suppliers. Effective purchasing

management requires knowledge of business and tax laws, invoice

and inventory procedures, and transportation and logistics.

I work in Montgomery County.

products and services to our customers on time and within budget. Asignificant portion of what we provide to our customers includes prod-ucts and services that we purchase from suppliers, so it is critical thatwe build good working relationships and effectively manage the workto ensure we meet the needs of our customers.

Why I Do ItI love to meet new people, deliver results and drive positive changes. Myjob allows me to use my creativity to solve problems and influence oth-ers. There are times when I face a challenge, and I am not really surehow to solve the problem. Though getting there is not always easy,when I conquer that challenge, it gives me satisfaction knowing that Ilearned something new and was able to successfully come to a resolu-tion.

My Advice Do not pick a field just because of the money. Money will not bring youhappiness. Instead, choose a career path that aligns with your passions.Most people spend more time at work than they do at home, so youwant to make sure that you choose a career that will make you happy.

When I’m Not at WorkI enjoy listening to music, traveling, eating good food, spending timewith family and friends and doing creative things, like painting. I lovelearning about different cultures and the world in general. I like tryingnew things and living life to its fullest.

Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlanta, GA

Bachelor’s Degree, Industrial and Systems Engineering


Aerospace

“Most people spend more

time at work than they doat home, so you want to

make sure that you choosea career that will make

you happy.

>


My InspirationMy father always inspired me and taught me at a very youngage that it’s important to be willing to try new things. I remem-ber when I was five years old, I was signed up forsoccer and I didn’t want to play. He told me that Ihad to at least try it and, if I didn’t like it, I would-n’t have to keep playing. I ended up loving soccerand played my entire life, all the way throughcollege. It was a good lesson learned, and onethat I have kept with me my whole life.

My Choices and Key DecisionsMy high school was very small; in fact, my grad-uating class had only 69 students. I knew I want-ed to attend the University of Maryland at College Park, butneeded a “stepping stone” to help myself transition from asmall high school to such a large university. I decided to go to

the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore for three semesters,then transferred to College Park. That really helped me to pre-pare. I also faced some key decisions about my career path.

During my junior year of college, the engineer-ing program at Maryland became very challeng-ing. I thought about changing my major andgoing to culinary school. My parents, havingowned a restaurant since I was very young, mademe think that was the path I wanted to pursue.But, I had to weigh the pros and cons of runninga restaurant against the opportunities I wouldhave if I completed my degree in engineering. Iended up sticking with engineering, and I amglad I did.

What I DoI support mission operations and the maintenance of rangeinstrumentation systems for the NASA Wallops Flight

Keith ENGINEERING MANAGER, LJT & ASSOCIATES AT NASA WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY


Crisfield High SchoolCrisfield, MD

High School Diploma

University of Maryland Eastern ShorePrincess Anne, MD

Transferred out >>


PROFILE PHOTO BY RICH DENNISON, ROCKET PHOTO BY NASA

Wallops Flight FacilityA resource that allows low-cost

aerospace-based science and technology research.

I work on the Eastern Shore.

Facility’s launch range. I provide leadership and guidance to 20 to 25engineers and, as a team, we are responsible for tracking launch vehi-cles (rockets) and data. My job requires that I have good communicationskills as well as very strong technical skills, so it fits me well and givesme new challenges on a regular basis.

Why I Do ItI love what I do. It is very unique work and being a part of it is exciting.The projects I am contributing to are diverse and extremely dynamic. Ialso enjoy being a manager and having the ability to provide leadershipand see others succeed.

My AdviceSome people won’t make decisions because they fear being wrong. Bethe person who is willing to decide. Don’t be afraid to try. If you domake a mistake, learn from it and move on.

When I’m Not at WorkI enjoy spending time with my wife and our two boys. As a family weenjoy goign to the beach, shopping, and spending time with our familyand friends.


Aerospace - STEM CAREER!

“Don’t be afraid to try. If you do make a mistake,

learn from it and move on.

University of Maryland College ParkCollege Park, MD

Master’s Degree in Engineering

University of Maryland College ParkCollege Park, MD

Bachelor’s Degree >>


My InspirationI received a lot of parental support. In middle and highschool, I had teachers who were good role models. One was alawyer who had gone back to school to becomea teacher. I had him in the first year after he wasa teacher. When I was 15, I was hired as a life-guard and swimming teacher at the localYMCA. It was my first official experience inteaching, and I taught infants to adults how toswim. What a rewarding feeling to help peoplelearn something new.

My Choices & Key DecisionsIn middle and high school, I was quiet, a bit shyand very academic — a straight-A student. I wanted to fit inwith my peers but also maintain my morals, and I had to findthat balance. I started college as a biology major and a pre-

med student, even though I always saw myself as a teacher. Inmy sophomore year of college, I switched my major from pre-med to secondary education to follow my own passion and

desire to make a difference with kids. It was theright decision for me.

What I Do I plan and organize lessons, get to know my stu-dents and their ability levels, and understandhow best to reach them. Also, there are adminis-trative tasks and computer work. I must followthe state curriculum and also prepare my stu-dents for the biology assessment tests. I mustensure we meet the state’s learning goals.

Why I Do It I love going to work every day because I get to be around so

Jennifer BIOLOGY/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TEACHER, SNOW HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Edgewood High SchoolEdgewood, MD

High School Diploma

Salisbury USalisbur

Bachelor




BiologyA natural science concerned with

the study of life and living organisms, including their structure,function, growth, origin, evolution,

distribution and taxonomy.

I work in Worcester County.

many different and unique personalities. Teaching is fun and excitingbecause I have the chance to interact with my students and see themlearn new things every day.

My Typical Day I get to work around 8 a.m. I reserve a block of time for planning, then Iteach classes. In the afternoon, I meet with students in small groups toprepare for the state tests or review their projects. School ends at 3 p.m.,but teachers stay later for meetings and to meet with students.

My Advice Don’t be afraid to try something just because it’s hard or you think youwon’t be good at it. Biology was one of my most difficult subjects inhigh school and college. Science is scary for a lot of students, but I wantkids to know they can do well in it.

The choices you make in high school will be a big influence later in life.Work hard and do your best. Be true to yourself. Don’t be influenced bywhat other people think of you, which is something that’s very hard todo at the middle and high school level.

When I’m Not at Work I took up running three or four years ago, and today I participate in 5Ksand half-marathons. I am planning to run my first full marathon thisfall. My family and I also do outdoor activities like camping and fishing.

ury Universitylisbury, MD

chelor of Arts

Towson UniversityTowson, MD

Master’s Degree, Instructional Technology


Education - STEM CAREER!

“Don’t be afraid to try something just because it’s hard.

>


My InspirationWhen I was in middle school, my uncle decided to go backto school. He worked two full-time jobs, studied hard andgot his bachelor’s degree. His actions showedme that you can do things if you put yourmind to them.

My Choices and Key DecisionsAfter I completed a semester at Albany StateCollege in Georgia, I decided to go into the U.S.Air Force. Growing up, I always wanted to seethe world and meet a lot of different people.The military allowed me to achieve thosegoals, and put me on the path to my career. Idid electrical engineering and learned about manufactur-ing. My time in the service also helped me learn leadershipqualities. I am now a reservist with 26 years total service for

the U.S. military. I was able to come back to Albany State toobtain my bachelor’s degree in allied health science.

What I DoAt McCormick, we make a variety of differentproducts including spices. The main functionof my job is to assist the operations team withproducing a quality product that is safe forconsumers. I am responsible for the safety ofthe product. I manage several areas, includingsanitation and pest control. I speak with con-tractors and handle customer complaints.

Why I Do ItEvery day is different. There is always something going on. Ienjoy the people I work with and the opportunity to learn. Iget to be hands on with many aspects of my job.

William QUALITY SYSTEMS MANAGER, MCCORMICK & COMPANY


Dougherty High SchoolAlbany, GA

High School Diploma

U.S. MiliU.S. Air F>



Quality controlTests products to uncover defects, and works to improve, to avoid, or

at least minimize, issues that lead tothose defects. Quality control

reviews all aspects of production of a product to ensure safety.

I work in Baltimore County.

My Typical Day When I come into work, I first see if there are any issues that haveoccurred since I left, including sanitation or product quality. I attend abusiness meeting where we review operations from the day before. Wealso discuss if there are any upcoming audits or inspections. After themeeting, I make the rounds, talking with technicians about any con-cerns they may be having. I’ll also speak with customers and make surethere are no outstanding issues. Once I get home, I spend time with myfamily, including a 4-month-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. Readingis a hobby of mine.

My Advice Don’t give up and follow your dreams. My brother has embarked on sev-eral different careers and been successful in each. He taught me todream big and don’t ever settle. I also live by a quote from the late Dr.Martin Luther King: “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is whatis important.”


Manufacturing- GREEN CAREER!

“Don’t give up and follow your dreams.

MilitaryAir Force

Albany State CollegeAlbany, GA

Bachelor of Science>


My InspirationAs a young student, I was inspired first and foremost by my par-ents, in the way they worked so hard to achieve success, andhow they’ve conducted themselves through anumber of tragedies we have shared. Their per-sonal drive to achieve and better themselves ismy greatest inspiration. As an older student, notonly were my parents still my inspiration, butalso my siblings and friends who pushed mebeyond my disability.

My Choices and Key DecisionsIn 1984, when I was 24, I had good health, a greatsocial life, and a job I loved as a manager in retail.All of that changed when I was hit by a car while standing andtalking to a friend. I flew 40 feet in the air and landed on myneck, suffering a spinal cord injury that left me in a wheelchair.

I spent two years in rehabilitation and I decided that my disabil-ity was not going to define who I was as a woman. My rehabexperience prepared me to relocate to Baltimore, move inde-

pendently into my own apartment, drive a carand become a productive citizen again. The expe-rience also put me on a new career path. I couldno longer perform my retail management job, soI trained in accounting. My first job was with theInternal Revenue Service, where I worked forseven years. While I was successful, I had in myheart the dream of creating my own nonprofitorganization to mentor and empower otherwomen and young girls with disabilities.

In 1997, I decided to attend college to start mak-ing my vision a reality, beginning at Baltimore City CommunityCollege, where I earned two associate of arts degrees, one inhuman services and the other in mental health. I then received

Janice


FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WOMEN EMBRACING ABILITIES NOWADJUNCT PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE

Duval Senior High SchoolLanham, MD

High School Diploma

Baltimore City Community College

Baltimore, MDAssociate Degree, Human Services

BaltimoreCommunity

BaltimoreAssociate Degree, M>>



Nonprofit organization An organization that does not distribute its surplus funds to owners or shareholders, but

instead uses them to help pursue itsgoals. WEAN is a mentoring

program assisting women with varying degrees of dis-ABILITIES.

I work in Baltimore City.

a Wilson Transfer Scholarship to attend the University of Baltimore, whereI earned a bachelor’s degree in human services as well as a master of sciencedegree in human service administration. In 2005, I created my organizationand also started teaching at the University of Baltimore.

What I DoI try to assist women and young ladies with disabilities by providing com-fort and encouragement. My job is to help them believe that some how,some way, things will work out. I also teach ethical studies to undergradu-ate and graduate students at the University of Baltimore.

Why I Do ItAs I turned my tragedy into triumph, I knew my accident was not in vainand that I was given a mission from my wheelchair. I did not choose thiscareer path, it chose me.

My Typical DayI love that most days are not typical. Yes, there are the emails, meetings andphone calls, but I could be visiting a hospital or nursing home speaking towomen with disabilities, putting on a self-esteem workshop in a specialneeds school for teenage girls with disabilities, advocating at a meeting fordisability rights, counseling a woman who can’t cope with her new disabil-ity, or putting on a disability awareness program in an elementary, middleor high school.

My AdviceIn this life success isn’t measured by how our lives begin or end, but how weresponded to the journey. We will all experience hard times and setbacks,but they are there to help us grow, so never, never give up.


Non-profit

“We will all experience

hard times and setbacks, but they are

there to help us grow, sonever, never give up.

University of BaltimoreBaltimore, MD

Bachelor of Science, Human Services

more City nity Collegemore, MDree, Mental Health


Master of Science> >




My InspirationIn third grade, I was given an assignment to write a biographyon Enrico Fermi, and my heart sank because I wasn’t going toget to write about someone famous. Then I start-ed to work on the assignment and learned that hewas a leading scientist in the 20th century, bestknown for his work on the development of thefirst nuclear reactor. What I learned stayed in mymind and I modeled my life in a way that wassimilar to his, by mixing science, adventure andexploration. My father was another inspiration.He was an architect in Chicago and truly lovedhis work. It made me realize how important it isto be excited about what you do.

My Choices & Key Decisions I began my undergraduate degree with intentions of pursuing acareer as a math and physics teacher. As I wrote my thesis going

into my senior year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology,my advisor encouraged me to try an experiment. Creating andultimately launching an X-ray telescope in a high-altitude bal-

loon made me realize I truly loved experimentalphysics. It was tough to change the direction formy career as I entered my final year of college,but I knew I had to go after what was mostrewarding, and what would give me the most per-sonal satisfaction.

What I DoI spent most of my career as an astronaut, com-pleting five missions to space over a period ofnearly 20 years. That experience led me to whereI am today. I currently serve as deputy director of

the Space Telescope Science Institute and my job is to workwith scientists and engineers to operate the Hubble SpaceTelescope. We develop the software and engineering systems

John DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SPACE TELESCOPE SCIENCE INSTITUTE


Highland Park High SchoolHighland Park, IL

High School Diploma

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Cambridge, MABachelor of Science >>


PROFILE PHOTO BY RICH DENNISON

Space Telescope Science Institute Home of science program

selection, grant administration, planning and scheduling for the

Hubble Space Telescope.


and develop strategies to ensure we are maximizing our opportunities toexecute the best science program we can. I am also a research professor atJohns Hopkins, where I conduct scientific research about the solar systemand probe into the interesting question of whether or not we here on Earthare “alone” in the universe.

Why I Do ItIt’s incredibly exciting to work with talented scientists and engineers onhigh performance challenges that solve problems, change our atmosphereand answer questions about our universe. I love exploring and am good atfixing things, especially the Hubble Space Telescope!

My AdviceStudy hard. Work hard. Have fun. Find the subject that you find to be so per-sonally engaging that you want to think about it constantly. Focus on thatand do it well. Don’t study something you hate; you won’t be happy.

When I’m Not at WorkI am really almost always at work. But when I do take a break, I enjoy bicy-cling, sailing and mountain climbing.


Space Science - STEM CAREER!

“Study hard. Work hard. Have fun.

University of ChicagoChicago, IL

Doctor of Philosophy

University of ChicagoChicago, IL

Master of Science >>


My InspirationI broke my foot in high school and it was an extremelypainful experience. My orthopedic surgeon was Dr. BruceReid, and working with him made me realizethat what he did for a living was somethingthat I could pursue for my own career. I want-ed to be able to help others, just as he hadhelped me. I also realized that I liked being inthe healthcare environment through the workmy mother did. She was a nurse and an educa-tor, and I always liked to play with the skele-tons when I tagged along with her to work.

My Choices & Key DecisionsI had to make a decision to cut ties with people who did nothave my best interests in mind and who were really holding

me back when it came to my career goals. I had to end a rela-tionship that was not good for me. I made a conscious choiceto focus.

What I DoI am an orthopedic surgeon who specializesin knee and shoulder injuries. I spend abouthalf of my time seeing new and follow-uppatients in the office, and the other half of mytime is spent in the operating room. Mypatients range in age from adolescent to theelderly, and for the most part, include ath-letes or people who are generally healthy, butare just dealing with an injury. Some patients

can be treated with medication or therapy and othersrequire surgery.

Jason ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, UNION MEMORIAL ORTHOPEDICS

Kecoughtan High SchoolHampton, VA

High School Diploma

MorehousAtlant

Bachelor’




Orthopedic surgeryAlso called orthopedics, is the branch of surgery concerned

with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.


Why I Do ItI know that the work I am doing will ultimately help my patients recov-er and get back to what they love doing, and that is very rewarding. Areally great day for me is when I perform a surgery that I really like; forexample — an ACL reconstruction — and everything goes smoothly,with no complications.

My AdviceDo things that will set you apart. Take advantage of the opportunitiesyou have to experience different things that will make you a truly well-rounded person. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing;instead, get involved with hobbies that will allow you to do what youlike to do, without being afraid to crack the mold and come out of thebox.

When I’m Not at WorkI love to play the trombone. I started at the age of 11 and played throughmiddle school, high school and college. Nowadays, I do it for fun andalso play in my church band. I also spend all the time I can with my wifeand triplets. We have two boys and a girl and nothing is better than sit-ting down to watch a good movie with them in my lap.

house CollegeAtlanta, GAhelor’s Degree

Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD Medical Degree


Health Care - STEM CAREER!

“Do things that will set you apart. ... Don’t

worry about what everyone else is doing.

>


My InspirationMy sixth grade English teacher, Ms. Steele, was an incredibly bril-liant woman who made an impression on my life. She encouragedme to write poetry and always expected only thebest from me. She taught me to believe in myself.Also, I grew up watching my parents (both immi-grants) work hard at their jobs to support our family.From them I learned the value of hard work andhard-earned money.

My Choices & Key Decisions I think the decision to play team sports in highschool made a difference in my life. Physical activitynot only keeps your body healthy, but I believe itkeeps your mental state balanced as well. It teaches you to commu-nicate and to work together toward a common goal, and can helpyou to deal with the disappointments that are inevitable in life —

it’s impossible to win every game.

My biggest obstacle always was me. I would procrastinate and causeunnecessary stress, or would be too hard on myselffor not meeting my unrealistic standards. Once Iaccepted that I don’t need to be perfect all of the time,in every aspect of my life, things began to fall intoplace on their own.

I earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy andtheater from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a far cryfrom being an electrician. When I graduated, I hadschool loans looming as well as the pressure of try-ing to figure out what I was going to do with my life.I dabbled in home renovations and came to the con-

clusion that I truly felt joy while building something. I wanted pro-fessional training and discovered my local union. I couldn’t give upan offer to be paid while I learned.

Rateeluck ELECTRICIAN, IBEW LOCAL UNION #26

Woodlawn High Baltimore, MD

Magnet Program for Math, Science & Pre-Engineering

St. Mary’s CollegeSt. Mary’s C

Bachelor o




ElectricianA tradesman specializing in

electrical wiring of buildings,machines and equipment. An

electrician may install new electricalcomponents or maintain and repair

existing electrical systems.

I work in Washington DC.

What I Do I am a construction electrician, going to a work site bright and early, wearing theproper attire — a hard hat, safety glasses and work boots.

My foreman gives me a job and I either delegate to my fellow crew members ordo the project on my own. I use two-dimensional architectural drawings as a ref-erence. By recognizing certain symbols, I can relate them to the real world andvisualize an end product. When I have a question, I ask a more experienced elec-trician, learning something new every day.

Why I Do It I enjoy seeing a project come together from nothing, into a space that others willeventually use. I like sharing skills and knowledge with my coworkers, and Ienjoy working with tools.

One of the great things about construction is that you are part of a process. I’m askilled tradesperson. I can walk onto any job site at anytime and pick up at anystage of that process, no matter what the job entails, as long as it’s electrical innature. No two days are ever alike, and I love the fact that I get to move aroundall day.

My AdviceI told myself long ago that there is always something to learn from anyone. Ientered every job and every social situation with a positive attitude and havereaped innumerable rewards for it.

Step up to the challenge, no matter how difficult. Always be gracious andhumble.

llege of Marylandry’s City, MDelor of Arts

International Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersLocal 26

Joint Apprenticeship Training


Trades- STEM CAREER!

“Once I accepted that

I don’t need to be perfectall of the time, in

every aspect of my life,things began to fall into

place on their own.

>


My InspirationMy brother, Bob, is 15 months older than I am. That’s a bigage difference growing up, but if we spoke about science,that didn’t matter. My father is the reason I’mnow in a management position. He was a WestPointer (U.S. Military Academy graduate), andhe taught me about duty, honor and country.

My Choices & Key Decisions In high school, I made sure to take a balancedand complete set of courses, which allowed meto make informed decisions going into college.We moved pretty much every year. I’d attend-ed a dozen schools by the time I reached col-lege. I thought I wanted to major in physics or English. Ichose to attend MIT — the Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology — and I quickly concentrated on physics. There

weren’t many women at MIT then, and I was reluctant tostand up and ask questions. After getting my undergraduatedegree, I volunteered for the U.S. Peace Corps. I taught math

and physics in French for two years in Zaire —today the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Each year I was there, a war broke out. It rede-fined what I think an obstacle is. When I’mnervous about getting up to give a talk, I thinkabout the fact that I get to give it in English.

What I Do My responsibility is to prepare to operate thenext big NASA mission, the James Webb SpaceTelescope. It will be operated by the Space

Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. JWST is a multi-billion dollar investment. My job is to prepare the way forscience operations following the launch in a few years. The

Kathy


HEAD, JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE MISSION OFFICE,SPACE TELESCOPE SCIENCE INSTITUTE

Hampton High SchoolHampton, VA

High School Diploma

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA

Bachelor of Science >>


PROFILE PHOTO BY RICH DENNISON | TELESCOPE PHOTO SUBMITTED

James Webb Space Telescope

A large, infrared-optimized space telescope, scheduled for launch late in

the decade. Webb will find the first galaxies that formed in the early

Universe, connecting the Big Bang to our own Milky Way Galaxy.


goal is to see the first galaxies that formed after the Big Bang, and to seestars and planets being born. We will also search for planets outside ourSolar System that could be habitable.

Why I Do It What I do matters. This observatory is going to be revolutionary, andwill allow us to see things we can’t imagine today. Our working attitudeis, do whatever it takes to get the job done. Ours is a very passionate pro-fession.

My Typical DayI get into my office about 9 a.m. and leave at 6:30 p.m. In the past, I builtinstruments in a NASA-sponsored lab. Now that I’m in management,most days I am tied up in meetings, but in the background, I am think-ing about what I can provide for future astronomers 10 years from now.I travel a lot. I attend conferences. I manage a large team of about 200people.

I love reading, mysteries in particular. I’ve taken up genealogy studyand I travel for pleasure.

My AdviceIt’s alright not to know what to do with your life. Until you do, have abalanced education. Almost everyone in the field of astrophysics fol-lowed a different path to get here. Don’t worry that you aren’t goodenough. Do something you love, and something that you’re passionateabout.



“Don’t worry that youaren’t good enough.

U.S. Peace CorpsDemocratic Republic of the Congo

Volunteer

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA

PhD >>


My InspirationBoth of my parents, Harmon and Jannie, were teachers inSouth Carolina. My mother later became a principal formany years. I learned my work ethic throughtheir actions. They inspired me to work hard-er. Making my education my number one pri-ority got me to where I am today.

My Choices and Key DecisionsThe population of my hometown, HemingwayS.C., is around 1,000. My graduating highschool class had around 90 seniors. Justmonths after receiving my diploma, I went toGeorgetown University, where my freshmenclassmates totaled more than 1,500. The build-ings at Georgetown seemed so large in comparison to myhigh school’s moderately sized building. The backgroundsof the students were so different from my own. Some were

from other countries or had attended boarding school grow-ing up. Going to Georgetown made an impression on me. Iknew I needed to have an outstanding work ethic to achieve

my dream of graduating and becoming alawyer. I was able to adjust to my new sur-roundings. Being myself and working hard inmy classes helped me to make friends. I gradu-ated with a bachelor’s degree in Americanstudies, and then received my law degree fromWilliam and Mary School of Law inWilliamsburg, Va. After school, I served as alaw clerk for U.S. District Judge PatrickMichael Duffy in Charleston, S.C., until I cameto my current job as a lawyer in Washington.

What I DoThe cases I handle are in commercial and environmental lit-igation. I talk with colleagues and clients about how we can

Monty LAWYER, WALLACE KING DOMIKE & REISKIN PLLC

Johnsonville High SchoolJohnsonville, SC

High School Diploma

Georgetown UniversityWashington, DCBachelor of Arts

|60| BeWhatIWantToBe.com >>



LawyersAlso called attorneys, represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting evidence and

arguing in court to support their client. As advisors, they

counsel clients about their legal rights and obligations, and

suggest courses of action.

I work in Washington, DC.

solve challenging legal issues, drafting emails and legal memorandumsand prepare documents to give to opposing counsel and the court.Volunteer work is also very important to me. I do pro bono work repre-senting children in custody disputes with their parents and serve onseveral boards in the Bowie area, including one for Bowie StateUniversity.

Why I Do ItTwo of my uncles are lawyers and they told me that being a lawyer givesyou the flexibility to do interesting work and make a difference in peo-ple’s lives. Knowing that I am helping people inspires me to do mywork.

My Typical Day I begin my day reading the newspaper, eating breakfast and spendingtime with my wife. By 9 a.m., I am at my firm’s Washington office,reviewing emails and my calendar for the day. I talk with colleaguesabout cases, compose emails or speak to clients about issues and puttogether legal memorandums. My work day ends at about 7 p.m., whenI finish off the last of my paperwork and give the email folder one lastlook.

My AdviceReading often and widely is one of the most important activities youcan do. I am a history and biography buff, but I also like reading maga-zines such as The Economist, Ebony and Sports Illustrated. Readinggives you a chance to meet people and see places without having to goanywhere except your living room.

College of William and Mary, The ThomasJefferson Program in Public Policy

Williamsburg, VAMaster’s Degree

William & Mary Law SchoolWilliamsburg, VA

Juris Doctor


Law

“Reading often and widely is one of the

most important activities you can do.

>>


My InspirationGail Miller was the guidance counselor at my preparatoryschool from seventh to 12th grade. She was very confident,very educated and very focused on pushing usto be our best and stay on track in school. Shesaw potential in me that I didn’t see in myselfat the time, and I really looked up to her andaspired to be like her.

My Choices & Key DecisionsWhen I was in the fifth grade, I had an oppor-tunity to get involved with a higher achieve-ment program, but it meant giving up my sum-mers, two years in a row. I knew it was a greatopportunity and would give me the benefit of later beingable to select the private school I wanted to attend. But atthat young age, it was tough. I had to go to school during the

summer while my friends were outside playing. Theythought I was in summer school because I had failed. Theydidn’t realize I was doing it to better myself. Looking back, I

definitely made the right choice, and it wasworth the sacrifices I had to make.

What I DoMy job has two major components. The first isto assure that everyone who works on base atFort Meade is paid correctly, and resolve issueswith pay if and when they arise. The second isto oversee all of the day-to-day financial opera-tions of the base. All requests for funding cometo me, and it is my responsibility to prioritize

those requests, make funds available to the programs thatwill make the biggest and most positive impact, and assurethat taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently. My job is

Lonell FINANCIAL MANAGER, U.S. AIR FORCE


Canterburg High SchoolAccokeek, MD

High School Diploma

Marymount UniversityArlington, VA

Transferred out >>



Financial ManagementProvide high-quality support to decision makers on budgetary,

financial, cost and economic issues.


critical and helps keep commanders protected and operating efficientlyand productively.

Why I Do ItI believe I am a good leader and the work I do is very gratifying. I get alot of satisfaction out of seeing funds come through to support animportant cause or program that will positively impact people. I lovemeeting and interacting with people, and my job allows me to do thatevery day, with colleagues all over the world.

My AdviceStart thinking earlier, rather than later, about where you want to go toschool and what you want to do with your career. Use your time in highschool to visit colleges you have initial interest in, and map out a plan.Most importantly, being part of the “in” crowd can’t be your priority.Concentrate on doing what you need to in order to be a better person,and surround yourself with people who will support you and help youto be successful.

When I’m Not at WorkI have four children, ranging in age from four to 13. My job is demand-ing and can keep me away from them quite a bit. So every chance I get,I spend time with my family.


Finance - STEM CAREER!

“Surround yourself withpeople who will

support you and help you to be successful.

Strayer UniversityOwings Mills, MD- CCAF Degree

Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration

U.S. Air ForceActive Duty >>


My Inspiration I grew up in a military family. We lived on military bases andthings were done out of tradition. I didn’t want my life to beso structured. I wanted to be happy in what Iwas doing and with what my life wouldbecome.

My Choices & Key Decisions I was going to be an actress when I was young. Iearned partial acting scholarships to two univer-sities, but I turned down both mainly becausemy dad felt I shouldn’t go to school to act.

I got a full scholarship to college and I had adouble major — theater arts and accounting. I was still plan-ning to become an actress, but the more I got involved inaccounting, I found I wasn’t happy with just being an actress.

I got a job after college that paid for graduate school. I workedfull-time while getting a master’s degree at night and some-times on weekends. After graduating, I felt I wanted to go

after what I really wanted to do, which is psy-chology. Other people told me, psychology isnot for you. They felt I’d become too emotional-ly involved with my subjects. I received a paidinternship in a mental health setting and alsoapplied to return to school for a second master’sin psychology. I didn’t initially plan on earninga doctorate in psychology, but I felt I neededmore education to really help people.

What I Do We apply psychology to business and personal life. For busi-ness clients, we help with team development, morale-build-ing for the staff, employee hiring and development of lead-

Renee DIRECTOR AND OWNER, HARDING CONSULTING


Friendly High SchoolFort Washington, MDHigh School Diploma

Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MD

Bachelor’s Degree, Accounting, Theater

University of Baltimore,

MBA>>



PsychologyThe science of mind and

behavior. Psychologists work to understand behavior and mental

processes through research and to counsel patients.


ership skills. We also specialize in trauma training for the BaltimoreCity police. For personal clients, we offer couples and individual coun-seling.

Why I Do It Of the many jobs I’ve had, this is the only one in which I am truly happy.I have my own clients. I don’t concentrate in a particular area because Ilike everything. If someone is getting better as a result of my help,whether it’s a couple or a business, I am happy with that result.

My Typical Day I get up at 7:10 a.m. and work out, either walking or with weights. Everyday is different. I prepare reports, work on proposals to get more clients,and meet with potential and current clients to figure out what they wantdone. One day a week I see clients, from 4 to 9 p.m. So I may work a 12-hour day. But I don’t have to be in the office every day. I may be out for atraining or a conference. I love to bake, and I like to watch movies.

My Advice Education is a tool. It can help you get where you want to be. Go afterwhat you want and create your own destiny. Don’t limit yourself. I wastold I shouldn’t go into psychology. I didn’t know anyone working in thefield of mental health. I had no role models. But I was willing to try outdifferent things until I figured out what I wanted to do.


Health Care

“Go after what you wantand create your own destiny. Don’t limit

yourself.


Quantitative and Applied Psychology

y of Baltimoremore, MDMBA > American School of

Professional PsychologyWashington, DC

Ph.D., Clinical Psychology>


My Inspiration I can remember the exact date I decided to be a meteorolo-gist: On Feb. 11, 1983, there was a big blizzard in my home-town of Philadelphia. I was fascinated withsnow and it evolved from that into my beingfascinated with all kinds of weather. Both ofmy parents were teachers. My dad was theprincipal at a local school and he would bringhome maps of the United States that teacherswere throwing away at the end of the schoolyear. I’d use them to devise my own weathermaps. My parents also gave me books onweather.

My Choices & Key Decisions I knew there’d be a lot of math and science involved in meteor-ology, so I took honors and AP courses — especially in high

school — to prepare myself. It was important to me to know thescience and math behind the field. In high school, I was thesports director of the school’s television station and comment-

ed on sports. There was no script, it was off thetop of your head and it all was taped live.

As a boy, I stuttered in elementary, middle andeven into high school. You can’t do that as abroadcaster. I had a speech specialist at schooland, with a lot of practice, I was able to overcomethat.

I have a college degree in meteorology. I pursuedmy degree because I wanted to optimize mychances for a job. My degree enabled me to get my

foot in the door as a broadcast meteorologist at a TV station, andwas key in helping me land my next job, and the one after that.Pursuing my degree is the reason I am where I am today.

Steve METEOROLOGIST, EARTH NETWORKS — WEATHERBUG


Plymouth-White Marsh High SchoolPlymouth Meeting, PAHigh School Diploma >



Meteorology The study of the earth’s

atmosphere and the weather that occurs in it. Meteorologists gather and analyze information

on atmospheric conditions.

I work in Montgomery County.

What I Do We’re a technical and science information company, and the world’slargest weather and lightning network. I do case studies of lightningevents, to determine how well our automated detection network func-tioned. I write technical papers and set up data feeds with customers andmake sure they’re working. I help researchers at universities obtain dataon lightning events.

Why I Do It I love the science, but the most important reason why I do my job is thatI love educating people and keeping them involved. I do lots of talks atschools on career days.

My Typical Day I have an hour-long commute, so I leave at 7 or 8 a.m. and arrive at theoffice at 8 or 9. I check my email, then usually have meetings. The feder-al government wants our data for forecasting purposes. Researchers useour data for their computer models. Consumers want to know for per-sonal reasons what the weather might be like.

My Advice Some people along the way asked me, “Why meteorology?” But you canachieve your goal with supportive parents and teachers. I wasn’t the bestchemistry student, but I had a great teacher and I worked hard. I had agoal. In meteorology, you must be prepared to work weird hours, holi-days and very long days. It’s not a 9-to-5 job. If you want a career inbroadcast meteorology, you’ve got to be flexible. I moved seven times inmy first 10 years in television.



“If you are passionate,enthusiastic and

willing to work hard…you will succeed.


Bachelor’s Degree, Meteorology>


My Inspiration My mother, Ruth, was a great inspiration to me. She was able tokeep our lives balanced while she was working. Also my father,Willie, was a hard worker, taking on two jobs.

My Choices & Key Decisions Reading comprehension and writing were notalways easy for me, so I had to work harder atit, including finding a tutor in middle school.By the time I finished high school, my effortshad paid off and my teacher complimented meon my improved writing style.

Art was my favorite subject and I attended sev-eral schools to reach my goal of making art a career. Duringmy sophomore year of high school I spent half days study-

ing commercial art at the Howard County School ofTechnology. I later studied fine arts and graphic design atMorgan State for two years, then enrolled at the University

of Maryland Baltimore County, where I earneda degree in graphic design.

Working part time jobs was also an importantdecision. During summers I worked at restau-rants, Columbia General Cinemas and BestBuy. I liked the freedom to spend my money asI pleased because I had earned it.

Twice I was laid off from a job and paid for myfirst year of school through unemploymentassistance. I applied for and won a FACT schol-

arship that paid for my last semester. I took no less than fourclasses a semester in order to finish quickly with a 4.0.

Nicole FREELANCE GRAPHIC/INTERACTIVE WEB DESIGNER, N HOUSE GRAPHIX

Wilde Lake High SchoolColumbia, MD

High School Diploma

Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MD Transferred out




Web designer Artistically develops

content displayed online through a browser or other

Web-enabled software.

I work in Howard County.

What I Do Currently I am working for myself as a graphic/interactive web design-er, something that requires motivation and being conscious of timemanagement. Being a freelancer isn’t always easy, but once your workstarts to speak for itself, clients become regulars and will refer you toothers. If you want to truly enjoy the freedom of having your own busi-ness, the client must come first. Not everyone is cut out to work fromhome, but you won’t know until you try.

Why I Do ItDesigning a website is like a puzzle and I enjoy all the possibilities. Ilike seeing an idea that I dream about come to life. Earning a profit forsomething you love to do can’t be beat. I also enjoy the freedom to workfrom anywhere. All I need is my laptop.

My Typical Day Usually I’m out for a run at 9 a.m., an hour later it’s breakfast and ashower, then I open my laptop and begin creating until around 2 p.m.when I break for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is spent continuing towork for my clients. Otherwise, I’m working on building my dreambusiness, an interactive speed dating site.

My AdviceTry to figure out your strengths, natural talents and capitalize on them.Learn how to network.

Community College of Baltimore County

Certificate, Multimedia Technology

UMBCBaltimore, MD

Bachelor’s Degree, Graphic Design


Multimedia

“Try to figure outyour strengths andnatural talents and capitalize on them.

>>


My InspirationMy high school biology teacher, Mr. Eldrigde, alwayspushed people to learn more. He made you feel you could dobetter and helped me to learn to expect morefrom myself. When I attended Virginia Tech,my biochemistry class was the hardest course.The professor, Dr. Gregory, taught me to thinkmore critically; to always look for a way and tokeep searching until you get an answerbecause there is always one.

My Choices and Key DecisionsAs a biochemistry major, the coursework wasalways challenging but I knew that is the fieldof study I wanted to work in. Staying at home to study forexams and do homework was hard when my friends wouldask me to go out with them. It was tough to say no, but I had

to stay focused. I had fun while I was in college but I keptmy eye on the goal of becoming a college graduate. I wasable to graduate from VT with a bachelor of science degree.

My career in clinical trial research began rightafter graduation, when I got a job withCovance Laboratories.

What I DoBefore a drug can be sold at a store or pre-scribed by a doctor, the drug must be approvedby the Food and Drug Administration. Beforethe agency gives consent, the drug goesthrough several phases of testing includinghuman trials. The trials must be done under

specific rules set forth by the FDA. As a clinical project man-ager, a small team and I assist the doctors at the NationalInstitutes of Health in conducting the human trials. We

Amy CLINICAL PROJECT MANAGER, SAIC-FREDERICK INC.

Salem High SchoolVirginia Beach, VA

High School Diploma

VirginiBlacksbu

Bachelor o




Clinical drug trialsA set of tests and procedures are followed to study medications and dosages. Researchers take

appropriate steps to protect patients from harm.

I work in Frederick County.

advise them on logistics and management issues, such as how to recruittrial participants and how to get materials to the test sites, which arelocated all over the world. The trials involve treatment for infectiousdiseases such as West Nile, malaria, HIV and Hepatitis C. We meet withthe doctors before and during the trials to make sure they are followingthe rules. After the trials have ended, we help them to submit their datato the FDA for review.

Why I Do It While trials are held early in drug development, the doctors are verypassionate about the drugs they want to test. The doctors see so muchpotential and they have such big dreams. I want to help them achievetheir goals. I love knowing the work I do can make a difference in some-one’s life.

My Typical DayAt any given time, there are around 90 clinical drug trials going onaround the world that my team and I help to oversee. I follow up withteam members on what is going on with various trials. Who is travelingwhere? Who is coming back? I meet with people on planning trials andworking out the logistics. I speak with the lead doctors on current trialsand discuss concerns or issues they may be having. By 7 p.m., I am homewith my husband and two kids, ages 2 and 4.

My AdviceFinish school while you can. When you get older, life gets complicatedand furthering your education becomes more difficult.

ginia Techacksburg, VAelor of Science

Hood CollegeFrederick, MD

Certificate



“I love knowing the work I do can make a difference

in someone’s life.

>


My Inspiration My football coach in high school was a disciplinarian. As ayoung boy, I needed a father figure in my life and he was just theman for the job.

My Choices & Key Decisions In high school, I didn’t have enough self-disci-pline to do the work outside class – the home-work, research papers, projects. I would waituntil the last minute and my work reflected that.My coaches helped with discipline.

In college, my biggest challenge was myabsolute freedom to make my schedule. I need-ed help with time management. I asked a playeron the basketball team, a Rhodes Scholar candidate, how hegot his work done and still continued to play basketball, andhe helped me. In many ways, college athletics is a full-time

job. I couldn’t take a full course load during football season.Even though I was in good standing academically, after myfreshman year I was behind when it came to graduating in

four years. I went to summer school because Iwanted to graduate before my scholarshipexpired.

What I DoI help young college athletes transition into theNational Football League while they are here, andI help them to transition out of football into theirsecond career. They are used to being in an athlet-ic cocoon that in many ways is much differentfrom a business.

They have to adjust psychologically and emotionally. All play-ers are mentally tough —they have to think clearly in stressfulsituations. However, many are emotionally immature. After the

Harry DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, BALTIMORE RAVENS


Cardinal Dougherty High schoolPhiladelphia, PA

High School Diploma

Rutgers UniNew BrunswBachelor of S>



Player developmentdirectors

Ensure programs in the NFL meet the needs of players and

support a culture that helps activeand practice squad players succeed

in all aspects of their lives.


game is over, they have to learn that they don’t need to be on a constant emo-tional high.

Why I Do ItMy job is the best way for me to give back for what I received in my 20-some-thing years in the National Football League. My greatest satisfaction comeswhen a former player returns and visits me, introduces me to his wife andkids and says “Thank you for doing what you did when I was a young man.”

My Typical DayI get to the office by 7:30 a.m. The morning is filled with meetings and one-on-ones with players, maybe a couple of counseling sessions. I also am fin-ishing up a master’s degree in counseling.

Practice is at 1:30, so I will be out on the field for two hours. Then I will holda rookie program, for example on character development, managing angeror time management. I attend all Ravens games, home and away. My depart-ment also undergoes executive training.

I love reading. I spend a lot of time administering training at my localchurch. And golf — I’m not good at it, but I play. I work out every day.

My Advice My career path had a lot to do with my past work experience. It’s difficult toget into player development unless you’ve had experience as a player. Thewhole language changes, from the players’ perspectives to complying withteam or NFL rules, from being charged late fines to the idea that “There is nolate.” It takes flexibility and retraining in order for many of our players tomake that transition.


Sports

“My greatest satisfaction

comes when a former player returns and visits

me ... and says ‘Thank youfor doing what you did

when I was a young man.’

s Universityrunswick, NJor of Science

Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA

Pursuing Master’s Degree in Counseling>


My InspirationMy mother, Flora, raised three children by herself and still wasable to obtain a master’s degree in counseling. She was able toget a job in her field and recently retired.

My Choices & Key DecisionsPushing yourself pays off. I was put in schoolearly at the age of four. As I continued throughschool, the classes were boring so I did extra workto advance another grade. No one pushed me toskip a grade. Looking back, I believe my decisionhelped me. I entered the University of Puerto Ricoat age 16 and obtained my five-year electricalengineering degree at 21.

Another decision that helped me was attending Upward Bound,a camp that helps prepare students for college in a variety of dif-

ferent subjects. Instead of doing something unrelated to schoolduring the summer months, I participated in the camp, whichhelped me to achieve my academic goals.

What I DoBased in the Microwave Instrument Branch, Iwork with scientists, engineers and techniciansto develop instruments that will help scientistsstudy the Earth and climate changes.

My job gives me the opportunity to travel to dif-ferent parts of the world collecting data, updatingmodels and working in laboratories.

Why I Do ItDuring the endless days of studies I spent at the University ofPuerto Rico and later Johns Hopkins University, I hoped I could

Shannon


ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, ASSOCIATE BRANCH HEAD,NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

Eugenio M. de HostosMayaguez, Puerto RicoHigh School Diploma

University of Puerto RicoMayaguez, Pu

Bachelor’s Degree, Elec>


find a job that would be related to what I had studied. I found that job atNASA. I enjoy working on projects which will help us study and understandour planet better. Getting to work closely with world renowned experts intheir fields is also very thrilling. The best part of my job is that I get to dosomething I like doing every day.

My Typical DayMy job affords me the opportunity to have a flexible work schedule andwork different hours. On a regular day, I am on my way to NASA at about6:30 a.m. I spend my day doing a variety of different tasks including comput-er simulations, attending meetings, and going to the laboratories. This yearI was promoted to a managerial position so I provide assistance and guid-ance to the engineers.

My AdviceLook for internship opportunities in your field.

My professor asked me to do a cloud research project with her. This oppor-tunity, plus my good grades, lead to my acceptance into NASA’s SummerInstitute in Engineering and Computer Applications internship program.During my last year of school, I was offered a full-time position upon grad-uation.

When I’m Not at WorkOnce I get home, I enjoy exercising, including lifting weights, biking andyoga. Cooking is also a favorite pastime, especially making desserts.


Electrical engineeringDeals with the study and application

of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. An electrical

engineer deals with the problems andmaintenance associated with large-scale electrical systems.

I work in Prince George’s County.



“Look for internship opportunities in

your field.

Rico, Mayaguez Campusez, Puerto Ricoe, Electrical Engineering

Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD

Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering >


My Inspiration Early in my childhood, my parents bought the family a comput-er. I became the go-to person in my family for computer help. Inhigh school I did an outside study program andtook a computer class at the local college. I sat inthe class and did the assignments, so that by thetime I entered college, I was able to connect mylove for technology with math and logic.

My Choices & Key Decisions In college, I majored in computer engineering.The college didn’t require internships but it was anecessary step in my career, to get hands-on expe-rience. Everyone wants an internship and mychallenge was to distinguish myself from the other students. Iapplied everywhere and I networked. I was interested in a fewdifferent fields at the time.

For two summers in college, I was a test engineer at a telecommuni-cations corporation for a mobile device group. That helped me torealize I wanted a career that was more people-oriented. I expanded

my studies to include business administration andsales. A typical career path for my major was soft-ware engineer, but I really wanted to do somethingmore independent and more involved with people.

What I Do I am the IBM Portal and Collaboration Solutionsaccount representative for handful of largeFederal Government civilian agencies spreadacross health care, banking and environmentalindustries. I help my clients develop their collab-oration and cloud computing strategies, align my

software solutions with agency objectives and initiatives, andhelp maintain and grown their IBM software investment.

David ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE, IBM COLLABORATION AND PORTAL SOLUTION SALES


Dr. Michael Krop High SchoolMiami, FL




Account representativeResponsible for sales and maintaining

relationships with a company’s customers. Most handle certain

customer accounts, and build clientrelationships by assisting the customer’s service teams and

sales teams within a company.

I work in the DC Metro area.

Why I Do ItI love technology and I love being around people. I like working withmy clients and my team members, and I do what I can to help them besuccessful.

My Typical Day Every day is different, which is what I like about my job. I work on-siteat the client’s office, in the IBM office or at home. I get up at 8 a.m. andcatch up on things from the night before. I might get into the IBM officeat 9:30 and have customer meetings. In the afternoon, there may bemore meetings or conference calls. If I go to a client’s office, I willdescribe what IBM does and how we can work together on that client’sissues. I listen to what they need. Sometimes I will demonstrate ourproducts. All of my work is about bettering IBM’s relationships withour customers.

Outside of work, I play basketball, and sometimes I take boxing classes.I like to hang out with friends.

My Advice SAT scores, GPA and extracurricular activities are what get you into col-lege. In college, your GPA, leadership activities and interviewing skillswill open the door to your career. Spend time on your interviewingskills. Be prepared, know something about the company you’re meetingwith, know and be able to explain the reason why you are applyingthere, and be comfortable and be confident.


Information Technology

“I wanted a career that was

more people-oriented. I expanded my studies

to include business administration and sales.

University of FloridaGainesville, FL

Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering>


My Inspiration I attended Catholic parochial schools. I had really strong teach-ers in middle school who pushed community service. Theytook us to volunteer with Habitat for Humanityand soup kitchens. Their emphasis was on stu-dents getting involved, on giving back to thecommunity.

My Choices & Key Decisions In high school, I knew I wanted to get a degree insocial work. Toward the end of college, I started tobecome more interested in politics. The ques-tions in my mind were, “What does a lobbyist do?What do you major in to become a lobbyist?”

I thought the best way to figure it out was to get an internshipin Annapolis. I worked part-time for the president of the state

Senate and part-time going to graduate school. I wanted a careerthat would address larger issues, so I concentrated on the com-munity organizing side of social work.

What I Do I work on briefings and executive orders for thegovernor. I meet with his government affairs liai-son and oversee three employees around thestate. We review the governor’s schedule and con-tact elected officials in the areas he will be visit-ing so they can participate in the event.

Why I Do ItI like the excitement of working in politics. I trav-

el around the state and meet mayors and county commission-ers, and I get to know the elected officials. If the governor asks,“Can we go to Somerset County?” I make it happen. In some of

Ashley


DEPUTY DIRECTOR, INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS,STATE OF MARYLAND GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

Mercy High SchoolBaltimore, MD

High School Diploma

University of Newark,

Bachelor of Science, Family a>



Intergovernmentalaffairs team

Coordinates communication andmeetings or other events between the

governor’s office and other municipalities or government

offices statewide.

I work within the entire state.

these places, the town hall is in a trailer and the mayor is a volunteer.

I also love working for the Governor. His priorities are very much inline with my ideas — smart growth, making college affordable, thefocus on cities.

My Typical Day I am out the door by 8:15 a.m. I get to work by 9 and I’m often there until6:30, 7 p.m., especially when the General Assembly is in session.

I run three days a week to reduce stress, but I still worry about work. SoI’ve returned to horseback riding once a week. I can’t have a Blackberryin my hand when I’m on the horse, and everyone knows that onTuesdays, at 6 p.m. I’m at the farm.

My Advice Try to get as many internship experiences as possible. Volunteer at asmany places as you can to expose yourself to different careers. In highschool, I shadowed a medical social worker, and I hated it. Her job wasto work with families facing the death of a loved one. It was an impor-tant job, but I also learned that it wasn’t for me.

I volunteered for O’Malley’s 2006 gubernatorial campaign. I poured mylife into that campaign and it showed. The campaign manager and thegovernor noticed my effort, and it turned into a paid position. As a vol-unteer, you’re getting to know the people, you’re showing up and doingthe job. You have a chance to show you are enthusiastic and good atwhat you do.


Government

“Try to get as many

internship experiences aspossible. Volunteer at as many places as you

can to expose yourself todifferent careers.

y of Delawarewark, DEmily and Community Services

University of MarylandBaltimore, MD

Master’s Degree, Social Work>


My InspirationMy family has always been supportive and motivating, butwhat really inspires me is history. I am bi-racial and I thinkabout my ancestors, the struggles they wentthrough, and the opportunities that exist forme today as a result of that history.

My Choices & Key DecisionsThe decision about which college to attendwas a challenge for me. Some were less expen-sive but further away from home; otherswhere more expensive but closer. I realized Icould be successful anywhere, but it was aboutfinding the right fit for me. I choose to attend the Universityof Maryland at College Park and pursued a mechanical engi-neering degree. I also got involved with student groups and

organizations early on in my college years, and that had ahuge positive impact. In fact, I met some people at an eventfrom BGE, which eventually lead to an internship opportu-

nity, and then an offer during my senior year,for a full-time job upon graduation.

What I DoMy job is to develop and implement thedeployment plan for Smart Grid, which willtransition all Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE)customers to new utility meters. By 2014, morethan two million customer meters will bemodified or exchanged, and my job is to plan

this project and organize the schedule for implementation.This process will enhance the use of 21st century technolo-gy in the utility industry, enabling customers to reduce and

Kyle ENGINEER III, BGE SMART GRID ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS


Paint Branch High SchoolRockville, MD

High School Diploma

University of MarylanCollege Park

Bachelor of Science, Mech>



Electrical engineeringDeals with the study and application

of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. An electrical

engineer deals with the problems andmaintenance associated with large-scale electrical systems.


manage utility costs. It also supports the improvement of operationalefficiencies for BGE moving forward.

Why I Do ItMy job is exciting. The work I am doing involves new technology andliterally changes everything about the way we do business. This willpositively impact customers as well as BGE as a corporation, in thefuture. I love the days when I present the work I am doing and am ableto show a lot of progress, that results in positive feedback.

My AdviceYou can’t work forever and you can’t play forever. You need to knowyour limits and figure out the balance that is right for you. Also, don’tget caught up in the minor details as you are planning for college andyour career. Focus more on the big picture, and the steps you need totake to achieve your goals. Lastly, keep this quote — attributed to theancient philosopher Confucius — in mind: “He who says he can and hewho says he can’t are both usually right.” This speaks to the power youhave as an individual. If you believe you can make it happen, you will.

When I’m Not at WorkWhen I’m not working, I am making music. I was the kid in school whowould get in trouble for tapping and beating on my desk. It’s somethingI have had a passion for since high school, and I am serious about it. Ilove working in my studio to create all different kinds of music, fromhip hop to reggae and R&B.


Energy- GREEN CAREER!

“You can’t work forever andyou can’t play forever. Youneed to know your limitsand figure out the balance

that is right for you.

ryland, College Park e Park, MDMechanical Engineering

BGE Internship>


My InspirationMy parents are both former military and taught me theonly way to get what you want is to go afterit. They were strict but believed that youcan only learn from life. They encouragedme to try new things and stood behind meno matter what. Now that I’m grown, myparents are still behind me. My dad’sfavorite thing to say to me is, “We make rec-ommendations, we don’t make decisionsanymore.”

I went to a very strict art school, and reallysaw all of my professors as inspirationsbecause they were teachers and accomplisheddesigners. During my sophomore year, I had one particularprofessor who took me under her wing. She guided me onwhich classes to take and taught me an up-and-coming

design program that was critically important in advancingmy skills. She inspired me to do my best.

My Choices & Key DecisionsI started my college experience at RadfordUniversity. I absolutely loved it there, but afterone semester, I knew that I was just having toomuch fun, and that I couldn’t go back if I want-ed to be serious about my future career. I trans-ferred to Carroll Community College for onesemester, and then to Pennsylvania College ofArt & Design. Switching to art school meant Ihad to start my entire college education over. Itwas a hard decision, but in the end it was theright one. There I dug in and embraced my

classes. I worked hard and graduated with a bachelor of fine artsdegree, with a concentration in graphic design, and that pavedthe way for my success.

Erin SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER, THE DAILY RECORD

North Carroll HighHampstead, MD

High School Diploma

Carroll Community CollegeWestminster, MDTransferred out

Radford UnRadford,

Transferre




Graphic design The art or profession of visual

communication that combinesimages, words, and ideas to convey

information to an audience, especiallyto produce a specific effect.


What I DoI work with a team of graphic designers to produce our special publications— like this magazine! — and create interesting direct mail, print and web-based marketing campaigns and client advertisements. As senior graphicdesigner, it’s my job to review, prioritize and delegate our projects to theteam to assure everything gets done well and on time. My job is importantbecause the design team plays a key role in the creation of these productsand The Daily Record newspaper.

Why I Do ItI am good at solving problems, which is helpful in my day-to-day work.Clients give us every scenario to work with, my job is to figure out a way tomake the client happy by conveying their message in an artful way. I lovethe excitement of waiting for that finalized, printed publication to arriveafter I design it. It’s truly satisfying to have it in hand and see the end resultof all of my hard work.

My AdviceDon’t make a choice about college based on where your friends are going.Do what is right for you rather than being a follower. Also, listen to advicethat is given to you, but don’t feel that you always have to take it. I am greatat math so years ago, my teachers told me I should pursue it as a career. Ihate math. I pursued art because it’s what I love.

When I’m Not at WorkIf I am not working, I am on the field. I love sports and play everything fromvolleyball and broomball to kickball and football.

Carroll Community CollegeWestminster, MDTransferred out

d Universitydford, VAsferred out

PA College of Art & DesignLancaster, PA

Bachelor of Fine Arts


Arts, Media & Communications

“Pay attention to the

world around you. Younever know where your

next big design inspirationwill come from.

> >


My InspirationMy inspiration came from a vision for the kind of lifestyle Iwanted to live. I never really cared aboutbeing “rich,” but I wanted to be able to havethings I wanted or needed without having tocount pennies. And it was really important tome to have a career I cared about. I wanted ajob that I would be willing to do for free, butjust happened to get paid for.

My Choices & Key DecisionsI grew up in Little Rock, Ark., and my highschool was diverse, but still segregated inmany ways. I remember walking into my APcalculus class and the teacher told me I was in the wrongclassroom. I explained that I was registered for that class,and knew immediately I was going to have to work extra

hard to prove that I deserved to be there. At that moment, Ineeded to make a decision: Could I look past that incidentand not be upset with the teacher, but instead focus on giv-

ing it my best? I made a choice to do whatev-er it was going to take to get a good grade.And I did.

What I DoI am currently part of a hospital administra-tion fellowship program at Johns HopkinsHospital. I rotate to different departmentsand work on a variety of projects, with thegoal being to improve quality care, enhanceefficiency and reduce waste. I meet with orga-

nizational leaders to understand their goals, the challengesthey are facing or what is preventing them from reachingthat goal, and then develop and execute an action plan. No

Kristian ADMINISTRATIVE FELLOW, JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTH SYSTEM


Little Rock Central High SchoolLittle Rock, AR




Hospital administratorEnsures hospitals operate efficientlyand provide adequate medical care topatients. An administrator recruits,hires and sometimes trains doctors,

nurses, interns and assistant administrators, plans budgets and

sets rates for health services.


two days are the same, and I love that! My job is not clinical in nature,but is very necessary to the overall success of the hospital.

Why I Do ItThe projects I work on positively impact the experience patients havewhen they come to Johns Hopkins. I love to try new things, meet newpeople and constantly be challenged. The job gives me those opportuni-ties. I also enjoy my job because it gives me exposure to all aspects of thehealthcare industry and what goes into the day-to-day operations ofeach department. The experience makes me a better leader.

My AdviceScratch the idea that college is unaffordable. Take advantage of thefinancial opportunities that are out there to support your education. Somany students don’t apply for scholarships or grants because they justassume they won’t be eligible or selected. The only way to get yourname in the hat is to apply. The worst that can happen is someone willtell you “no.” If you don’t try, you are automatically telling yourself “no”anyway. And it’s okay if you have to take loans to pay for school. Schooldebt is good debt.

When I’m Not at WorkI enjoy traveling, reading and shopping. If the weather is nice, you willdefinitely find me outside.


Health Care

“Scratch the idea that college is unaffordable ...financial opportunities

are out there.

Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT>


My InspirationFrom a very young age, my mother supported me andinspired me with her work ethic. I looked up to her when Iwas growing up, and I still look up to hertoday. She gets things done, and I aspire to bejust like her in so many ways. She lives inTrinidad, so we only get to see one anotherevery few years, but we talk every week.

My Choices & Key DecisionsI grew up in Trinidad and the education sys-tem is very different. There, at the age of 10you write an exam and essay that will reallyimpact the rest of your life, starting withwhere you will go to high school. High school begins at age11 and continues for seven years. Choosing to attend FatimaHigh School was a big decision for me. And leaving Trinidad

at the age of 18 to come to the U.S. and pursue an educationand career here was an even bigger decision. I completed anassociate’s degree at the Community College of Baltimore

and then transferred to UMBC, where I am acurrently enrolled student. I will graduate inDecember 2012 with a bachelor of fine artsdegree.

What I DoAs I work toward my degree at UMBC, I amdoing a lot of freelance video production pro-jects for a variety of clients. I specialize in thecreation of visual effects and have a specialinterest in creating, compiling and calibrating

3D graphics for video. Once I graduate, my goal is to obtaina master’s degree, and eventually work for a high-endmovie production company as a visual effects supervisor.

Sinclair UMBC STUDENT AND FREELANCE VIDEO PRODUCER


TrinidadHigh School Diploma

Communityof Baltimore

CatonsvilleAssociates D>



Video productionAlso known as videography, is the

art and service of videotaping, editing and distributing a

finished video product.


This will allow me to continue growing and take my skills to the nextlevel.

Why I Do ItI am good at creating stuff that looks cool! My clients rely on me todetermine how things should come together to create a finished prod-uct. I love the creative freedom that comes along with the job I do. Agood day for me is when I finish up a project I am proud of, and feel con-fident that my client will be happy with it.

My AdviceSpend every moment of your day doing something productive. Andmake sure you are giving yourself continuous opportunities to try newthings because as you continue learning, you continue growing as a per-son.

When I’m Not at WorkPlaying soccer is something that has always been part of my life. It’spart of who I am, and I take every chance I get to be out on the field. Ialso enjoy visiting parks and local restaurants with my wife and ourfriends.


Multimedia

“Spend every moment of

your day doing somethingproductive. And make sure

you are giving yourselfcontinuous opportunities

to try new things.

nity College more Countynsville, MDates Degree

University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)

Baltimore, MDCurrently Enrolled, Expected to graduate in December of 2012 with Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree>


My InspirationI have always been really interested in astronomy, the solar sys-tem and theories about why the world exists. As a student, Iread Carl Sagan’s book “Cosmos” and it made mewonder what it would be like to stand on anotherplanet. It really motivated my interest in mathand science.

My Choices & Key Decisions When I was in graduate school at Stanford, I real-ly needed a strong mentor. I was not getting theguidance or support I needed from my assignedadvisor, so I took matters into my own hands andexpanded my network, to create my own circle ofsupport. I looked for new opportunities to get involved andmeet new people, rather than sitting back and waiting for helpto find me. I ended up finding a number of people I could rely

on, who gave me the support I needed to finish my bachelor’sdegree in computational science and my master’s degree inoperations research.

What I DoI teach mathematics courses at the U.S. NavalAcademy. It’s an important job because the NavalAcademy is focused on developing officers —people who need to think on their feet and havethe ability to critically analyze information.Math is an important part of that. I meet with stu-dents and provide guidance to them, and devotetime to committee meetings to improve teachingapproaches and curriculums. I also spend a lot of

time conducting research and writing grants, proposals andpapers. Writing is another critically important part of a mathe-matician’s job.

Sommer ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT, U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY


Thousand Oaks High School Thousand Oaks, CA

Stanford UnPalo Alto

Bachelor of Science, Com>



MathematicsThe study of quantity,

structure, space and change.


Why I Do ItI enjoy doing mathematics that changes the world. I get satisfaction out ofteaching because I have an opportunity to get all kinds of people excitedabout math and how it makes a positive difference. I love when I hear stu-dents say “Ah ha! Now I see why we need to learn this!”

The research I am doing is really impacting people’s lives. I use mathemat-ics to help people who have kidney donors who are incompatible with themfind opportunities to exchange kidneys with other people who also haveincompatible kidney donors.

My AdviceChoose a school that is right for you and that you are qualified to attend.Don’t worry so much about how much it costs. There are so many financialaid opportunities out there that can be taken advantage of. Most important-ly, work really hard at the thing you care most about. It actually makes mesad when I hear students say they “have no idea what they want to do.”Figure out what you love and go after it!

When I’m Not at WorkMy husband and I run a group called Charm City Swing. I love to dance andspend as much time as I possibly can doing it.

Y


Education - STEM CAREER!

“Most importantly, workreally hard at the thing

you care most about.

d Universityo Alto, CAe, Computational Science

Stanford UniversityPalo Alto, CA

Master’s Degree, Operations Research>


My Inspiration I grew up in Beijing, China. Both of my parents are engineers.Twenty years ago, it was a big honor to be in that profession.

My Choices & Key Decisions In China, students take nationwide exams in12th grade. You must score at a certain level inorder to advance into certain tracks. One out offive students goes to college there. Students applyto two colleges from the top level and anothertwo from the lower level. Only one college willaccept you, and you must go to that college. Youdon’t have options like you do here.

What I Do I work in cloud computing, which is a new field, a new tech-nology. Cloud computing provides computation, software,

data access, and storage services that do not require end-userknowledge of the physical location and configuration of thesystem that delivers the services.

I finished college and worked in China. Thenmy husband had a job opportunity in theUnited States and we came here in 2000. Ireturned to college to earn a graduate degree. Istarted on the technical side, but after awhile,I found my strength was in communicatingwith other people. It was a natural transition— putting people together into a team.

Why I Do It I like it. I’m not good at the technical side but I am good atcommunicating with people and establishing a link amongpeople. They may be good communicators programming,

Yajing PROJECT MANAGER, AT&T


Middle School and High SchoolBeijing, China >



Cloud computingEnables users to have secure access to

computer software or applicationsfrom anywhere and through any network device, such as a mobile

telephone or laptop.


but they’re not always good at communication with other people. I’mmore interested in building a team, and having the team discuss a prob-lem and how to solve it.

My Typical Day My second child is almost one. I give him breakfast, then get my daugh-ter up and ready for school. I get into the office at 9 a.m. Our team isspread nationwide and abroad. We have members working on the WestCoast and in India. The work is done virtually. I check my email to seewhether there are any emergencies I need to address. If so, I schedule aconference call and get everyone together. I leave my office at 5.

My husband and I do a lot of activities with our daughter at her schoollike piano, swimming and golf. We look for ways to get together withother families for group activities and to exchange ideas about raisingchildren. Every Sunday my daughter goes to Howard County ChineseSchool to learn the Chinese language. That’s very important to us.

My Advice Pick a major you really like, that can bring out the best in yourself. Istarted on the technical side but it didn’t really fit my personality, so Ipicked a different career. The knowledge I gained in school helped mein my career, even though it wasn’t exactly the same major. Be flexible,be open to ideas and be willing to try different things.


Information Technology - STEM CAREER!

“Be flexible, be open toideas and be willing to

try different things.

University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyBaltimore, MD

Master of Science>


My InspirationI like to work with my hands. I’m not the type of person tosit behind a desk. I went to a trade school, and I had a greatconstruction teacher.

My Choices & Key Decisions It was competitive to get into my high school.You had to take a test based on what you knewand what you had learned in middle school,and score higher than a certain percent. I had aback-up plan to go to another trade school, butI got into my first-choice school, which hadwork-study program. In my senior year, I wentto school for half-days and worked the other half-days inplumbing. The work study was very helpful and gave me

practical experience. When I graduated from high school Ialready had one year of experience toward the four years ittakes to become a journeyman plumber.

What I Do I’ve worked at Fort Meade for four years for acivilian contractor, whose office is housed onthe base. I oversee maintenance of the waterand sewer lines throughout the day. If there isan emergency — like a water main break or asewage backup — I must take care of it rightaway. In order to do the job, you must belicensed by the Maryland Department of theEnvironment. To get the license, you must

pass a test, then take continuing education credits everyyear or more to maintain your license.

Bryan GENERAL MAINTENANCE, MARYLAND AMERICAN WATER, FORT MEADE

Eastern TechnicalBaltimore,

High School D




PlumberA tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining

systems used for drinking water,sewage and drainage.


Why I Do It I enjoy my job. I enjoy helping people when something is wrong. I liketo make sure our environment is protected — water can do a lot of dam-age to the environment. My job is challenging and I like the challenge.When something fails, I like figuring out how to fix it, and how to do sowithout affecting other people (such as not having to turn off the entirewater system).

My Typical Day I start at 7 a.m. I may continue with a previous job I started the daybefore, like digging up and replacing sewer lines. If there’s a water mainbreak, I need to check the lines to find out where the problem is. I amdone each day at 3:30 p.m. Sometimes, I am on call 24 hours a day, sevendays for a week at a time. On those occasions, I may need to go back onbase at night to take care of any emergencies.

My AdviceIf you do want to do something, go for it. You need to understand math,which is a big part of what I do — and it’s a big part of the test to get thelicense.

nical High Schoolmore, MDhool Diploma


Trades- GREEN CAREER!

“If you do want to do something, go for it.


My InspirationMy father was an entrepreneur. He woke up every day lov-ing what he was doing. I realized that was important to me,that I had to love what I was going to do. I alsohad a couple of teachers in high school and col-lege who inspired me. They were great teach-ers and I learned that, no matter what you do,you should try to do it well.

My Choices & Key DecisionsI worked as a waitress and bartender duringhigh school. I started college with a pre-medmajor but, after my freshman year, I realizedthat I did not want to go on to medical school.I switched my major to biology and graduated with a degree.However, I decided to stick with restaurants. A manageroffered me a job in management, and I discovered that I

loved managing people, especially in a restaurant.

What I Do I make sure the restaurant is ready to open,take inventory to make sure we have orderedenough products, and make sure the servershave what they need to do their jobs. I spendtime in the office figuring out how much wemake versus how much we’re spending. Ichose to locate to downtown Cambridge, Md.,instead of in a more affluent tourist area. Myrestaurant gives back to the community — wehost several fundraisers and other events.

Why I Do It I do something different every day. It’s never boring. I getconstant feedback from customers, and that’s satisfying. I

Amanda OWNER, JIMMIE & SOOKS RESTAURANT


Cambridge-South Dorchester High SchoolCambridge, MD




RestaurateurA person who opens and runs

restaurants professionally. The term refers to a highly skilled

professional who is proficient in allaspects of the restaurant business.

I work on the Eastern Shore.

meet so many people. But there also are challenges: You constantly aretrying to get bigger and better. You can’t sit back. The demand on mytime also is intense. You really need to love the restaurant business,because the work consumes a lot of your life. I used to have hobbies, butnot since I opened the restaurant two-and-a-half-years ago.

My Typical Day I arrive at work at 9 a.m. Before the restaurant opens at 11, I make up aprep list, order the food and pay bills. During lunch, I’m in the kitchen.We set up for the dinner crowd from 2 to 4 — dinner runs from 4 to 8.From 8 to midnight, I manage the bar and set up for the bands that playat the restaurant. We close between midnight and 2 a.m., and I makesure everyone cleans up for the next day.

My Advice Pay attention in class — to math especially — because you’re going touse it. Whatever you do in life, do it well. Never burn a bridge. I was abartender, but I was a very good bartender. My customers ended up giv-ing me the money I needed in order to open my own restaurant. Aftercollege, friends and family told me I couldn’t run a restaurant. Theysaid, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” I listened to them, but thenI realized challenges are supposed to be hard. Anything you love, youhave to work hard for.


Business

“Pay attention in class — tomath especially — because

you’re going to use it.

St. Mary’s CollegeSt. Mary’s City, MD

Bachelor of Science, Biology>



MIND

FIRE

REACHINGONE’S GOALS,

NO GOALSTO REACH

IGNITED.

TRUST YOURSELF.

AIM OUT OF THE BALLPARK.The

is not a vessel to be filled,

— Plutarch

Don’t bunt.

but a to be

FOR SUCCESS LIES JUST BEYOND.

TRY

TRY

FAIL,

FAIL

You must never be afraid to go too far,

You know more than you think you do.and

tobut don’t

— Marcel Proust

— David Ogilvy

— Benjamin Spock

— Stephen Kaggwa

The tragedy of life does not lie in

the tragedy lies in having

— Benjamin E. Mays




Documents

2011-12 Be What I Want To Be Magazine