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ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE THE
The Importance Of Making Time
“If something’s important to you, you make time for it,” says Blake Hipsley, physics and mathematics. It’s an important lesson for any college student, but it was key for Blake, who juggled a lot of priorities—from his dual degree to research and lacrosse to ultimate frisbee—with ease.
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It’s easy to sense Blake’s commitment and passion. Although his parents didn’t graduate from college, they always encouraged him to pursue higher education. “My mom always encouraged us to do our best and work hard,” he shares.
A Chance To Dive Into Research
He took her advice to heart, and starting during his sophomore year, Hipsley pursued research with Michael Hayden, professor of physics. “Research helped me open up to what I want to do in the future,” Hipsley says. “I had the chance to see if it was something I wanted to do, and I decided it is.” Now, he’s pursuing a Ph.D. in physics at the University of Michigan.
Getting The Whole Experience
In between research and preparing for graduate school, Blake also worked hard to find a community and build lasting friendships. His philosophy? Get out of your dorm room and get the whole experience. And he did just that, joining the club lacrosse team and acting as a cocaptain for BOOYA, UMBC’s ultimate frisbee team.
Helping Others Find Their Path
Blake also made sure to give back by serving as the McNair Scholars Program’s inaugural teaching fellow, a role in which he advised other students and provided feedback to program leadership.
With such a caring community of support, Blake says, at UMBC, “If you work hard and keep at it, no matter where you’re from you can get to where you want to go.”
Recipe For Success
We know that your college experience is so much more than what happens in the classroom. Whoever you are, whatever your interests, you’ll find friends and professors here who will share your passions–and broaden your perspective. Through clubs, events, and student organizations, UMBC lets you follow your passion through to practice. You can be yourself–and become your best self–at UMBC.
