Martha Schmitz

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Major or favorite subject: History, Political Science, French
I’m best known for: Smiling at everyone I pass.

1. What’s your favorite thing about UMBC?
   My favorite thing about UMBC is the way in which people come out together and are willing to meet new people and have fun.  People don’t really just stay with one group; everyone seems to know people from everywhere.  The Student Events Board does a great job of bringing people together and there’s always volunteering projects or organizations to join, which just provide a lot of ways to get to know new people. 
2. What advice would you give students looking to attend UMBC?:
   I would suggest studying abroad!  Spending five months in France was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.
3. What other schools had you considered before deciding to attend UMBC?:
   Fordham University, Catholic University, George Washington University and University of Maryland, College Park.
4. Who or what at UMBC inspires you?:
   At UMBC I’m inspired by all the people who have big plans for what they want to do in the future and who are ridiculously intelligent, but who are also just really fun and enjoyable people to hang out with.  There’s a great combination of focus on academics and fun.
5. What are your future plans?:
   Starting in September, I will spend a year teaching English to French elementary school students in Rennes.  Then, I will do my Master’s in International Relations, with the first year in Bologna and the second in DC.  I hope to eventually join the US Foreign Service. 
6. Describe yourself in 5 words:
   Cheery, Optimistic, Driven, Fun, Enthusiastic
7. Last song on my iPod:
   Lady Gaga:  Bad Romance
8. Fill in this blank:   I’d like to be more: artistic.
9. What is your favorite UMBC moment?
   My favorite UMBC moment is having a dance party with my room mates and some kids in the apartment next door.
10. I’m a bigger fan of (choose one):
    The Ravens or the Redskins...RAVENS!
    Facebook or Twitter
    The Daily Show or The Colbert Report
    30 Rock or The Office...The Office, but both!
    True Grit or the UMBC squirrels
    UMBC in the fall or UMBC in the spring
    UMBC a capella or UMBC Basketball