ODK - The Leader - Fall 2023

OMICRON DELTA KAPPA

THE L E ADER FALL 2023

Are All Leaders

EXTROVERTS?

A Look Into Our

BACKYARD

UMD Squirrels:

TRUE LEADERS

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE SIGMA CIRCLE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Hello ODK! My name is Zoe Nicholson and I am honored to serve as the President of the Sigma Circle for this academic year. I am a senior undergraduate student at UMD studying Information Systems and Supply Chain Management in the Robert H. Smith School of Business.

I was inducted into ODK in Spring 2023 and am so excited to work with this year’s executive team to share ODK’s values across campus to strengthen our community.

The UMD community is back and better than ever this fall. Over our first few weeks back in College Park, I have admired excitement across campus about all the opportunities this academic year holds. We are looking forward to welcoming Terps across generations back to campus to reconnect with their love for UMD this October during Homecoming week!

This year, ODK is moving Fearlessly Forward more than ever: student leaders are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and push the envelope in the face of doubt and the unknown on the biggest and smallest scales. One of the best things that I have found in ODK is that whenever you are faced with uncertainty, you are always surrounded by Terps that are there to pick you up and make you better. Even in my short time in ODK, I have seen this sentiment tenfold, and look forward to being part of this effort in the year to come.

This year’s executive team looks forward to not only connecting with current ODK members and alumni, but also welcoming new members to our fold. I would personally like to congratulate all of the undergraduates, graduate students, and honorary individuals who were selected for membership into the Sigma Circle this year. My hope this year is that every Sigma Circle member not only graduates with a full understanding of what it means to be an ODK member, but what it truly means to be a Terp.

Thank you for your overwhelming support of ODK’s mission and vision, as well as continuing to make the Sigma Circle an inclusive space for all of its members.

Go Terps!

Zoe Nicholson ‘24 ODK Sigma Circle President

ODK Executive Board 2023-2024 Zoe Nicholson President Alexa Stimpson Vice President William Ahn Alumni & Member Engagement Chair Meghana Kotraiah Philanthropy & Community Service Chair

Bella Grant Events & Lectures Chair

Jessica Ye Historian Co-Chair

Jahnavi Kirkire Membership & Induction Chair

Hannah Zozobrado Historian Co-Chair

Fatima Yazdi

Recruitment & Community Outreach Chair

Dr. James McShay Circle Co-Coordinator

Caroline Howser Public Relations Chair

Sarah Williamson Circle Co-Coordinator

Marlia Nash Digital Communications Chair

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MESSAGE FROM THE CIRCLE COORDINATORS

Happy Fall ODK! We had a very busy summer on campus! Names were engraved on the ODK Fountain, construction fences multiplied as the Purple Line continued to traverse the campus, and we prepared for the academic year filled with new programs, initiatives, and traditions.

The Fountain looks as beautiful as ever! All inducted members from Fall 2021 to Spring 2023 are now permanently etched on the Fountain. We hope that you will stop by next time you are on campus and reminisce upon your time in ODK as you take a picture with your name. Or check it out after the Homecoming Student Leadership Celebration on Saturday, October 14th. Our event will take place 2 hours prior to kick-off vs. the Fighting Illini!

This fall semester has begun with great fanfare around a vibrant and thriving events calendar for students to take advantage of. Through a continued partnership with Student Entertainment Events (SEE), the Back To School Lecture welcomed New York Times bestselling author and musician, Michelle Zauner, to campus with support from the Drury G. Bagwell Lecture Fund. Along with our upcoming Homecoming event, we continue to find ways to connect our current members to each other and to ODK Sigma Circle alumni.

While our membership is smaller with so many graduates this past May, we look forward to welcoming a brilliant and talented new induction class this Fall. We had 196 applicants for ODK membership this semester, and our ODK officers led a smooth and efficient selection effort. We continue to be one of the most sought after honors on campus!

As always, please keep us informed of any changes to your contact information and provide us with updates about your lives. We love hearing from our alumni about your continued leadership journeys! If you are willing and able, please support our activities and events by making a gift to the Sigma Circle. We know that this lasting impact of membership in ODK can only be successful through the support of our community, and for you, we are grateful. We hope that you enjoy this period of fall, and we hope to see you on campus for Homecoming on Saturday, October 14th!

Warmly, Dr. James McShay & Sarah Williamson ODK Sigma Circle Co-Coordinators P.S. Save the date for Maryland Day 2024 on Saturday, April 27th!

MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Sigma Circle this academic year.

My name is Zoe Nicholson and I am a senior studying Information Systems and Supply Chain Management in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. I grew up about an hour north of College Park in Baltimore County, Maryland. I am lucky enough to serve as the President of the

My involvements on campus support both my interests in emerging technologies and my passion for building leaders among leaders in our community. I am the President of the Student Alumni Leadership Council, an organization that works to bridge the gap between students and alumni and promote school spirit and tradition. Also, I am a student ambassador for the Smith Dean’s Student Advisory Council, an IT and Business Transformation Fellow, and a Terps for Change volunteer at the UMD Campus Pantry! I’ve also taken on several peer mentorship positions at UMD, including being a peer leader for UNIV100, a peer mentor in the College Park Scholars program, and a teaching assistant for an Introduction for Information System course. Looking forward, I hope to continue connecting Terps across generations to further strengthen the UMD community.

Favorite place on campus: Hornbake Plaza Current fav song: Call your Mom by Noah Kahan & Lizzy McAlpine Hello! My name is Alexa Stimpson and I am a senior studying Finance and International Business from Northern Virginia. I am so excited to serve as the Vice President of the Sigma Circle this year.

The first organization I ever joined on campus was the Residence Hall Association and I am happy to still be a member of the executive team as the Director of Recruitment and Retention. I am the VP of Campus Programming for the Student Alumni Leadership Council, where I get to share my love and excitement of our campus and its traditions

with other Terps! I serve on the Smith Dean’s Student Advisory Council and as a mentor for the Smith Business Leadership Fellows Program. I also work at the Eppley Recreation Center as a facilities supervisor and in the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs as a student office assistant.

My involvement on campus has helped me to find my love of being a Terp and has shown me how impactful valuedriven work is. In the future, I hope to find an intersection between business and social innovation to find a role where I can work to make positive change!

Favorite place on campus: McKeldin Mall!

Current fav song: What Can I Say by Brandi Carlile Hi! My name is Meghana Kotraiah and I am the Sigma Circle Philanthropy & Community Service Chair!! I have looked up to ODK members and officers throughout my college experience, and am so thrilled to be in this position now for my senior year!

I am a dual degree student in Government & Politics and Agricultural & Resource Economics, with a minor in Asian American Studies, from Gaithersburg, Maryland.

On campus, I have been involved with the Student Government Association since my freshman year, and currently serve in the role of Executive Vice President, where I work to represent the student body. I am also the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Student Alumni Leadership Council, where I design and create marketing materials to share UMD traditions with students and encourage connections with alumni. I’ve also been a Maryland Images tour guide!

I am also heavily involved with the College of AGNR, where I serve on the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, as a student ambassador, as a Sigma Alpha professional agricultural sorority sister, and on the college’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect council. I love the community of AGNR and am proud to be an ag Terp! After working as a research assistant on campus, interning on Capitol Hill, and currently interning with the Department of the Interior, I look forward to a career working in agriculture and natural resources policy. In my free time, I love hanging out with my roommates (and our service dog in training that stays with us), cooking, and taking care of my many, many houseplants!

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Favorite place on campus: Prince Frederick Lawn!

Current fav song: Lola by Maude Latour!

Hi, my name is Will Ahn (he/him), and I am a senior majoring in Information Systems in the Robert H. Smith School of Business from Potomac, Maryland.

I am currently the Sigma Circle’s Alumni & Member Engagement chair!

Like many other ODKers, I am involved on campus through multiple ways! But my favorite areas to highlight would be the Adventure Program at Eppley and the Snider Consulting group!

At the Adventure Program, I work as a Trip Leader and Challenge Course Facilitator where I help facilitate and lead outdoor adventure trips and excursions for any student at UMD, and I help foster and develop new ways for people to get involved. Meanwhile at SCG, I work with other highly-motivated students to provide pro-bono consulting services to on-campus clubs.

My plans for the future involve working within the management consulting industry for a few years and then gradually matriculating to graduate school, hopefully through a JD/MBA program. My aspiration in life is to create positive, enduring change for the world through social impact.

Favorite place on campus: The Memorial Chapel through the reflection garden.

During the winter, it’s magical when the air is cold and crisp, but the sun is slowly warming you up.

Current fav song: Life in Technicolor Part I and II by Coldplay Hey! My name is Bella Grant and I am thrilled to be your Sigma Circle Events & Lectures Chair this year! I am a senior pursuing a dual degree in Government & Politics and Criminology & Criminal Justice. I’m from Easton, Maryland (where my family has chickens and goats!). I love the dedicated community in ODK, and am excited to work more with you all!

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Currently, my extracurricular focus is on continuing my work as Chair of the Student Conduct Review Coalition, a Community Advocate in the University Student Judiciary, and competitor in the Maryland Mock Trial Program. I also serve as a Teaching Assistant for the new Maryland Fellows Program, where I work with a Maryland State Delegate to teach the Human Services and Civic Leadership Seminar. Over the past three years I’ve been involved in a variety of on-campus pursuits.

I’ve been a student and Peer Mentor for the Justice and Legal Thought Program, held several positions on the executive and cabinet boards of Phi Alpha Delta, served as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair for the University Student Judiciary, been a Political Advocacy & Engagement fellow for the Federal Fellows Program, and am also active in the disability advocacy communities here at UMD. I’ve had such a fulfilling and enriching experience at the University of Maryland, and am beyond grateful for the incredible opportunities this campus has provided. When I graduate, I will be taking a gap year to work as a paralegal and gain experience in the public interest legal field, and then attend law school. I hope to combine my fascination in the law with my passion to help others and promote social equity!

Favorite place on campus: The paint branch trails and ESJ Current fav song: get him back! by Olivia Rodrigo Hi! My name is Jahnavi Kirkire and I am so excited to be serving as the Sigma Circle Membership & Induction Chair! I have been surrounded by so many incredible leaders on our campus and I am so proud to be serving on an incredible executive board with them.

I am a junior pursuing a dual degree in Government & Politics (International Relations) and Public Policy, with two minors in History and Law & Society, and I am from Brookeville, Maryland. Over the past two years, I’ve been involved in several student organizations, but have worked the most with BridgeUMD, where I currently serve as President, and also helped to start the organization itself. I also serve as a Resident Assistant (& Team Lead) for the DAQSS community in North Hill and work directly with the Honors Humanities program as an alumni!

I additionally serve as a teaching assistant for two courses in both the Department of Government & Politics, and the School of Public Policy. I am also lucky to have joined an incredible community with Phi Alpha Delta (International

Pre-Law Fraternity), where I serve as Vice President. My time on campus has been incredible and with all of these student organizations and opportunities, I have been able to craft an enriching college journey (that I’m not finished yet!). Off-campus, I work for a national organization aiming to help depolarize the United States, and I hope to pursue a dual J.D. PhD. after graduation to expand upon our understanding of political polarization in South Asia.

My goal is to work abroad and help our world find some common ground! You can usually find me in Anne Arundel Hall or tabling somewhere on the mall!

Favorite place on campus: Anne Arundel Hall basement or ESJ! Current fav song: O Rangrez by Shreya Goshal & Javed Bashir Hi all! My name is Fatima Yazdi and I am a senior Journalism and Government & Politics dual degree on a prelaw track from Potomac, Maryland. I currently serve as the Recruitment and Community Outreach Chair.

On campus, I tend to spend most of my time between two locations, one being Knight Hall, not only because it’s the journalism building, but also because it’s where Empowering Women in Law UMD, the pre-law organization I serve as president of, hosts its meetings.

I also serve as a lead peer mentor and member of the student advisory board at Merrill College. Additionally, as assistant editor for the Diamondback’s Offbeat Podcast, I work on publishing robust audio stories on timely issues affecting communities on campus. The second location I mentioned is the South Campus Dining Hall, where I work as a Student Advocate at the Undergraduate Student Legal Aid Office.

Hi all! My name is Caroline Howser, and I am currently serving as the Public Relations Chair. I’m a senior Government & Politics major, with a minor in Global Terrorism Studies, on a pre-law track. I’m a Maryland native, from a small town in Baltimore County, called Parkton.

Throughout my time at UMD, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of several organizations here on campus.

Through the Undergraduate Student Government Association, I have served in the legislature as the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Representative, the South Campus Commons Representative, and the Vice Chair of Social Media for the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Committee. I also currently serve as the President and Social Media Chair for Triota, the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Departmental honor society. In addition to these I am a part of Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law professional fraternity, and Pi Sigma Alpha, a political science honor society. Most notably though, I am a supervisor at South Campus Commons, overseeing service desk operations, and I work at Member Services for the Eppley Recreation Center.

After graduating from UMD, I plan to take a gap year before attending law school. After graduating from law school I hope to focus my law practices on women’s rights issues, and plan to work to increase the use of traumainformed law practices.

Favorite place on campus: To study on campus: my room. Boring, I know, but I love to people watch too much and I won’t get any work done if I try to work somewhere, like McKeldin.

Current fav song: XO by Beyoncé

After graduating, I plan on attending law school on my path toward practicing human and civil rights law. I aim to eventually combine my expertise and pursue a career focusing on the intersection between journalism and law.

Favorite place on campus: Knight Hall Library Current fav song: Closer by RM with Paul Blanco, Mahalia

Communications Chair!

My name is Marlia Nash and I am a senior Tenor Trombone Performance major with a minor in Arts Leadership from Howard County, Maryland. I am currently on the professional track to play tenor trombone in an orchestral setting.

This year, I have the privilege of serving as your Sigma Circle Digital

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I am active on campus in a number of ways, but my introduction to campus leadership was through the Orientation Office, working with incoming freshmen as they adjust to the university. As of now, I am active within the School of Music community, serving on the College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Advisory Board under Dean Shonekan, the School of Music’s IDEA committee, and as the School of Music Assembly Undergraduate Representative. I also work as an undergraduate assistant for the School of Music Admissions office and as a student worker at the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library. As a student, I play in many ensembles, oftentimes as a principal player in Symphony Orchestra and Wind Orchestra, learning how to be a leading voice in instrumental music. I am always at The Clarice, but I try my best to explore all of campus when I can!

Favorite place on campus: McKeldin Mall Current fav song: Didn’t Cha Know by Erykah Badu Hi, my name is Jessica Ye and I’m one of the Sigma Circle CoHistorians. I’m a senior double majoring in Economics and Government & Politics International Relations from Upper Arlington, Ohio and Montgomery County, Maryland. Isn’t it funny that Marylanders always introduce their county instead of their actual town?

On campus you can often find me at the Diamondback’s newsroom where I’m one of the Opinion Editors. I’m also an active member of the public policy and pre-law professional fraternities, as well as Club Fencing. I used to be heavily involved on campus as a teaching assistant for the Global Fellows program, co-Editor in Chief of the Maryland Undergraduate Law Review, and member of the Mock Trial team. This semester I’m focusing on trying to write a good economics honors thesis. After I graduate, I hope I’ll be on a path towards an economics PhD or a career in foreign policy.

Favorite place on campus: The best place to do homework on campus is in the Arts Library, but the best place to relax is on Washington Quad. Unfortunately, I’m usually stuck in Tydings Hall, which I guess has its own charm.

Current fav song: Coraline by Maneskin

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own leadership.

Hey, my name is Hannah Zozobrado and I’m the Co-Historian of the ODK Sigma Circle! I’m a senior Journalism student with a minor in Asian American studies, and I am from Silver Spring, Maryland – I’m thrilled to be on the board of ODK with other amazing leaders and to be recognized for my

While on campus, I have been active in a variety of organizations: the Asian American Student Union, the Filipino Cultural Association, WMUC, The Diamondback, The Campus Trainer, and Pandemonium A Cappella.

Through these organizations, I’ve been ecstatic to have found spaces where I can explore and express my love for the arts and journalism. I’ve also had the honor to work on a podcast called “Building Hope,” six-episode pilot series with a UMD Architecture professor, as the social media head and assistant producer. As someone interested in videography as well, I’m active in the National Photographers Press Association on campus.

After I graduate in the spring, I hope to join a one- or twoyear long program, but for now, my plan for the near future is to maximize all the time I have with my friends while I’m still a student on campus!

Favorite place on campus: It would most likely be McKeldin Mall or the Prince Frederick field — I love those moments where I can spend quality time with my friends on a cute picnic blanket.

Current fav song: You’re here that’s the thing by beabadoobee

WHAT A BLACK CUP OF COFFEE CAN TEACH US ABOUT OUR OWN HAPPINESS

By Alexa Stimpson ‘24

In our last officer meeting, we were sharing boring facts about ourselves. When one of our advisors shared that he only drinks his coffee black, there were varied reactions around the room with those who preferred as much cream and sugar as possible in disbelief and those that prefer black coffee asking him why. He went on to explain how he used to drink his coffee with cream and sugar, but every day it was always different. It was never quite right. His morning coffee, a staple of his routine, was something unpredictable and could end up being a let down. He decided to take matters into his own hands; if cream and sugar could not result in the perfect, consistent cup of coffee, he would instead go without it entirely and drink his coffee black. Now, his cup of coffee is never unexpected and is the perfect improvement to his day.

When I first heard his story, I found it really funny, but for the rest of the day I couldn’t get that idea out of my head.

I kept thinking about how intentional he had to be to train himself to only drink black coffee and of the commitment it must have taken. We all make decisions every day and are rushing around to do so much that choosing to be deliberate, even with such a small decision, can change

the way we view our day and our happiness. It made me wonder, what decisions could I make every day that could be changed to bring myself more happiness?

The average person makes thousands of decisions everyday. We are always making choices both big and small: what to wear, what to eat, whether or not to put cream or sugar in our coffee. These decisions govern everything we do, some we make so quickly we do not even realize we thought about it and others take days and days of weighing the pros and cons. It is easy to get caught up in your routine and brush aside things that may seem less important in the moment, but could actually have a large impact on you and your day. When you start to think intentionally about what you are doing and why you are doing it, you are able to find purpose in what you do and prioritize your happiness.

Take on every aspect of your day, your decisions, or your responsibilities, like our advisor took on his coffee. Find things that are not bringing you joy or adding value to your life, and take the time to make them perfect. Most people would have taken that original coffee with cream and sugar as a slight disappointment and moved on. But, he was meticulous enough to try every version until he decided that the perfect cup of coffee did not need cream and sugar and that its consistency made it a happy point in his daily routine. Look to create happiness in the everyday, one cup at a time.

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DISCOVERING THE CAMPUS AROUND US: A Window Into Our Vibrant Arboretum

By Bella Grant ‘24

With the construction happening on the purple line, the chemistry wing, the administration building, and offcampus, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the activity.

That’s why sometimes it’s important to stop and smell the flowers — that is, the university arboretum’s native plants and trees! The University of Maryland is actually a worldclass arboretum, tracing back to its roots as an agricultural college and Land Grant institution. We have over 15,000 woody plant specimens across 1,250 acres. We even have the ornamental cherry blossom trees that Washington, D.C. is famous for. Let’s take a walk around campus and see what we can find.

Starting across from our beloved ODK fountain, we find ourselves between Francis Scott Key Hall and Woods Hall. Here lies the Maryland Natives Shade Garden, which displays native plants grown from seeds collected during plant explorations conducted throughout Maryland.

The garden showcases locally occurring native plant species that can be grown with little effort while supporting the area’s local ecology. The landscape features red columbine, blue-eyed grass, and wild geranium surrounded by willow oaks, star magnolias, and eastern redbuds.

If we move across McKeldin Mall to Edward St. John we can see the pollinator garden, which was planted in 2022 by the help of volunteers during Good Neighbor Day. This garden serves to increase campus biodiversity by highlighting native plants and supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. There are bright orange and purple coneflowers, various

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types of milkweeds, goldenrods, and aster flowers, as well as vibrant ginko trees that become bright yellow in the fall.

The UMD Arboretum also uses our campus space to commemorate special people, organizations, or events.

The Berman Garden, located outside Kirwan hall, is a tribute to Dr. Marilyn R. Berman, who served as Associate Dean of the Clark School from 1974-1996. She worked tirelessly to increase the number of women in the engineering field and opened doors for hundreds of women to study engineering through her legacy of advocacy and action. Her garden has a towering willow oak tree, portraying the strength of her leadership.

Making our way to North Campus, the UMD Community Learning Garden sits right next to Eppley Recreation Center and the School of Public Health building.

The Community Learning Garden is a student-run space managed by the student organization in addition to advisors from the Institute of Applied Agriculture and the UMD Arboretum & Botanical Garden. The space serves as a living classroom, research location, and community building tool for the UMD community. 100% of the produce grown is donated to the Campus Pantry, which works to aid Terps who are food insecure. Right next to the garden there is a meadow of flowers for native pollinators, to ensure that they can aid the growth of the garden.

Volunteers are welcome to attend the garden’s biweekly work hours, and the garden has its own self-guided tour for visitors.

The UMD Arboretum heavily relies on the assistance of volunteers to care for our gardens, pollinator habitats, landscapes, and reforestation projects. In 2022 alone, the Arboretum recorded 5,927 volunteer hours. Students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations have all volunteered their time by weeding, mulching, planting, and cleaning up litter. It’s a wonderful opportunity for student groups and individuals to gain a greater awareness of campus while spending time in nature and beautifying the UMD landscape. So the next time you are walking through campus, take a moment to look at the greenery around you. Are there any signs on trees or in front of gardens?

What types of plants do you see? Do you see any wildlife in the area? Who do you see devoting their time to maintain the landscape around you? This type of reflection is a wonderful way to feel connected to the UMD campus and take your mind away from the daily stressors of life.

16 PERSONALITIES AND ALL LEADERS ARE EXTROVERTS?

By Fatima Yazdi ‘24

You’re asked to envision a leader — what do you see?

A specific location, demeanor, or even items of clothing?

What about personality?

Our society tends to develop the false notion that leaders’ personalities come in a standard shape and size: a typically outgoing, commanding person who isn’t afraid to take risks.

Though, a brief examination into different personality types may reveal otherwise.

The Myers-Briggs Personality Type test involves a questionnaire that asks about peoples’ psychological preferences and how they see the world around them.

From the test, there are 16 personality types that result, each one forming from the categorizations of the four personality dichotomies: Extraversion/Introversion, Sensing/Intuition, Thinking/Feeling, and Judging/ Perceiving.

When examining the 16 Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicators (MBTI), there are a few who most often stand out as being strongly compatible with being a leader: ENFJs, ENTJs, ESTJs. A few examples of historical and contemporary leaders with these personality types include Nelson Mandela (ENFJ), Alexander Hamilton (ENTJ), and Michelle Obama (ESTJ).

Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama serves as a common modern example of a compelling leader, for a variety of reasons, one of which includes her undeniable communication skills. She has been attributed to having listening skills to a degree that ultimately highlights her strengths as a leader.

However, being an effective listener can arguably serve as one of the most significant attributes of a successful leader.

Strong listening also happens to be a common strength of introverts.

Many of us may have heard that “good leaders” are “good communicators” but the reality behind an effective listener involves listening to a high degree. Listening allows for capturing a broader picture, seeing events from a different lens, and digesting a greater volume of information, amongst other factors.

Such labels have the tendency to continue to feed into our false notions that one personality type is ‘more fit’ to be a leader, or rather, more likely to fit into our images of what a leader should look like.

The reality behind each MBTI is that they ultimately serve as their unique form of a leader, and like any personality type, each has their unique strengths and weaknesses.

For instance, INFPs are considered empathetic leaders.

They tend to be exceptional communicators, especially in the forms of written communication, and they will consider how their decisions affect those involved.

Some modern examples of INFPs include Princess Diana, David Attenborough, and Audrey Hepburn.

Ultimately, there simply cannot be one characteristic, one image, or one trait we point to as signifying a ‘great leader.’ Rather, every personality type has its strengths and weaknesses, and balances itself in its own way. A space that allows for all individual personality types to shine is one that may create balance, and promote the nourishing environment a sprouting collegiate leader yearns for.

According to the 16-personalities test, INFPs are, on paper, the most unlikely leaders. In answering the test question “You are inclined to seek out leadership or management roles,” according to the test, only 39% of INFPs agreed, compared to 63% of all respondents. They are labeled as “dreamers” and “extremely sensitive.”

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SAYING NO SUCKS, BUT WE HAVE TO DO IT

By Jahnavi Kirkire ‘25

It is often difficult to recognize when you’ve taken on too much. Sometimes, it feels like you have to keep doing more and more things to prove yourself to someone — or more likely, yourself. It is not only highly natural to feel this way, but is something that most of us struggle with. So to start this off, please know that you are extremely valid in feeling like you have to do more.

But I, along with everyone on campus, want you to know that it is absolutely okay to say no to things. And that is a lesson we have to learn in college — while difficult, it is necessary for us to learn. You have to recognize that you need time for yourself. It’s funny that I’m writing this piece, only because I struggle to say no all the time, but I chose to highlight this because we all need to learn to do so. Taking time for yourself is more important than pushing yourself to do more than you can! Burnout is super real — and it isn’t worth it to burn out so quickly when you can simply take breaks and maximize your time. The more time you take for yourself, the better you will feel.

Taking breaks and saying no sounds like a fever dream to some people, but it’s needed in college, especially with the number of commitments you have. It is so important to

HOW THE CLASS OF 2020 GREW INTO THE CLASS OF 2024

By Meghana Kotraiah ‘24

This year, a special (to me) group of people are going to graduate college — class of 2020 high school seniors.

What does it mean to be a class of 2020 high school senior? It means having lost out on a graduation ceremony, prom, big events and milestones, college commitment day traditions, sports seasons, and senior days. Even more so, it was missing out on the small moments, increments of time in between classes, inside jokes, running to cars in the parking lot, spirit days, after school practice, and rehearsal.

And finally, beyond all that, it meant that most of us started our college years mostly virtually, with limited in-person interaction, a lack of community and space that we wanted to find closeness in.

But slowly, we came to be in our college experiences. We found our people, watched the world open up, and began our lives here, at UMD. Going through pivotal moments during these years has shaped us in many ways. Virtual learning, specifically, taught us the assets and detriments of the platform of Zoom, and how to watch recorded lectures

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take time for yourself and also just give yourself a moment.

When you feel like things are too overwhelming and you’re going to get knocked over, take a step back and just breathe. My favorite trick to snap out of a spiral is to think of five things I can see and say them out loud. Even taking that minute or two to just exist is a break — and one that you should start taking!

The better you get at saying no to things, the less likely things will feel as overwhelming as they are. I know that it’s easier said than done — but you know that you have to take that step in order to make your time more sustainable and effective for you! Let’s be real: you’ve spent years, not only at this amazing institution, but everywhere else too, giving your time and effort to help people as much as possible. Your hard work has paid off. All of the time, blood, sweat, and tears you’ve given has transformed this world into something better — and you deserve to take some time off.

Say no to things! Say no to more commitments and say yes to lounging around. Say no to attending one social event, so that you can sleep in and rest after a long week.

It is completely okay to feel exhausted. But you have the power to remedy that and to rejuvenate yourself — you just have to say one word, and you’ll get back the dividends you’ve earned.

You got this. Next time someone asks, take the leap, and just tell them “no.” at twice the speed. We navigated classes with labs and discussion sections through our computers, took exams with Lockdown browsers, and assisted professors who needed our help with technology.

The pandemic affected the whole world, pushing people into situations that we never thought we would find ourselves in. People spent time with family, spent time outdoors, picked up new hobbies and habits, and learned how to exist and survive during trying times. For us, as high school seniors and college freshmen, we moved through a time of transition, never getting to be sure about anything.

We joined our extracurriculars during a virtual First Look Fair, watched our first football season on TV screens instead of at the stadium, persevered through shelters in place and measures to keep the community safe. Here we are now, able to experience UMD fully and wholeheartedly, in ways that many of us never could have imagined as our class of 2020 selves. We are the class of seniors who rebuilt our clubs as sophomores and juniors, set ourselves apart from our high school selves while living in our childhood bedrooms or single residence hall rooms as freshmen. Our college experience looks unique, and it has been momentous in shaping us into who we are. As we take on our senior year and graduation into the world, I believe we are a product of this experience, filled with empathy for space and time, and gratitude for what we do get to have now.

move CAMPUS SQUIRRELS: THE TRUE Don’t quickly, but move confidently — LEADERS OF THE UMCP

By Marlia Nash ‘24

The first week of classes is never simple — no matter what year you might be. Syllabus week is anything but “silly.” At least for me, it’s fairly stressful hearing the rules you’re expected to follow, but all you can think about is how exactly you might get to your next class. And while you may have mapped out the route, I can guarantee you haven’t accounted for the scooters that might intervene or the sun beating you into the pavement of Lot 1. It’s a tale as old as time, but eventually you’ll find your footing.

This time of year is always my favorite because the best parts of campus come out. I love seeing a busy Hornbake Plaza and a long Chick-fil-a line at Stamp. But the best, of course, are our resident University of Maryland squirrels.

Yes, they’re adorable and, yes, they add so much to our campus, but that’s not why I adore them.

I’d like to believe that while ODK has some of the best leaders on campus, the real leaders hide in trees and navigate campus traffic better than any of us. They’re confident and very certain about what they want to do, and even if it doesn’t work out, they are incredibly resilient. There’s a certain pace at which these honorary Terrapins move, dare I say they are the most fearless among us. In the past seven semesters, I’ve learned more from these squirrels than anything else.

Yes, this might be an exaggeration, but there’s a lot of truth to this and I’m hoping you take this inspiring perspective and apply it to your life — especially if you’re ready to graduate or maybe you’re reading this at a time that you need to hear it most.

even if you’re not sure!

I believe that our squirrels are goal-oriented and always move with an objective.

Maybe for them it’s that bag of potato chips that you have out next to your laptop that you’ve been neglecting. Whatever that may be for you, moving through life can be easier with a goal in mind.

Stay informed I’ve had the privilege of living on-campus during the summer months and I must say, UMD is just as gorgeous in June as it is in October. But the squirrels, while they might seem unbothered now, are even more unbothered when no one is on campus. They occupy McKeldin as if to replace us — it’s quite charming. Ok, the tangent has run off long enough. My point is that they are seemingly informed.

Good leaders I think make observations about their surroundings, whether it’s people or environment. It’s important to stay informed. You don’t need to know everything, no one is saying that. That’s nearly impossible. But do the most with what you interact with on a daily basis. Maybe one of your classmates always forgets to bring a pencil to class so you carry an extra or maybe you know that McKeldin Library is always busy at night so you study in the mornings. Whatever that information may be, use that to your advantage!

Use your resources Our UMD squirrels are incredibly resourceful. Much like being informed, they rely on resources daily to survive.

(Who knew tiny sticks were useful?) This is generic, I know, but keep following me here. On campus, there are many resources here for you. And when you enter the real world, those resources don’t go away! Some are alumni resources like your ODK family or UMD community, but your friends, family, and even the greater community where you live, there are resources for you. Your life will never be perfect and you’ll run into problems almost everyday. But I refuse to let you go into this world thinking that you’re all alone and everyone is expecting you to figure it out by yourself.

Not even our fearless squirrels can do that.

Take up space These lovely squirrels are unapologetic when it comes to taking up space — and you should be too! You belong anywhere the universe places you — especially here! You spend so much time with yourself that you know quite liter-

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ally everything about yourself. You might not ever be able to critically assess yourself and your abilities because that would change everyday. Accept the fact that you belong by the simple fact that you got yourself there. Don’t let imposter syndrome get in your way! UMD squirrels face UMD students everyday and there isn’t ever any question about whether or not they belong. And they are sure of that.

Look up every once in a while No, this is not a comment about phone use. I’m not telling

you how to live your life in that way. But, if you have the chance, look up every once in a while. There’s so much happening around you. One day, when you’re walking by the ODK fountain, take everything in. I know we all lead pretty intense and busy lives, so taking a break is sometimes not how we roll, but oxygen is clarifying for the brain and a brief five minutes to stop would truly help reset your brain. And who knows, maybe you’ll see a squirrel up in a tree somewhere, supporting you from the sidelines and counting on you to be fearless just like them.

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A GIFT TO ODK Your support of Omicron Delta Kappa will not only help offset the cost of honoring the university’s best and brightest students, but will support the educational and leadership development programs that ODK sponsors, including the ODK Lecture Series, ODK Scholarships, and awards, like the annual Col. J. Logan Schutz Leader of the Year award.

Click here to give to the ODK Discretionary Fund or send a check, made payable to the University of Maryland, College Park Foundation, to: Sarah Williamson Circle Coordinator Omicron Delta Kappa Sigma Circle 7999 Regents Drive 2108 Clarence Mitchell Building College Park, MD 20742

CONSIDER SUPPORTING THE ODK SIGMA CIRCLE WITH A CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP! Sponsorship benefits include the opportunity to network with ODK members and alumni, speaking opportunities, recognition at ceremonies and receptions, tabling at signature UMD events, brand awareness in our online media, and invitations to our programs.

Please contact us for more information at odk@umd.edu.

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FINDING YOUR HAPPY PLACE

By Will Ahn ‘24

Meet Will Ahn!

Will is a senior majoring in Information Systems, and he is incredibly excited to tell you more about his work within the Department of Residence Life as a Resident Assistant.

Will has been in the RA position for the past two years, and he is in his third year!

Will has worked within the South Campus Community, and has previously served as an RA in Kent Hall during his sophomore year, Talbot Hall during his junior year, and South Campus Commons 4 during his senior year. Will has loved being able to connect residents with each other and help facilitate their living and learning experiences on campus! Will has felt like his role as an RA has led to other opportunities in his life when speaking about his internship experiences for recruiting, counseling others when they are going through difficult times, and supporting students!

Meet Jacob Uwimana!

Jacob is a senior majoring in Information Systems and Finance, and he is a prominent leader within the Robert H. Smith School of Business.

The QUEST Honors Program is an area that Jacob is extraordinarily proud of! It’s a unique, multidisciplinary honors program composed of the Clark Engineering School, Smith Business School, and College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences where students come together to work with real life clients. Jacob is a leader in QUEST where he leads the corporate development team: helping with recruiting events, leading professional development sessions, and mentoring new QUESTies!

Meet Hannah Claggett!

Hannah is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies and is involved in the Adventure Program at Eppley Recreation Center!

The Adventure Program (@umdadventure) is her favorite student organization on campus! As a Trip Leader, she’s been able to go outside of her comfort zone and further explore the outdoors through new ways such as… - Whitewater Kayaking and Canoeing on the Potomac - Coastal Kayaking off the Chesapeake Bay - Rock Climbing at Great Falls - Caving in Virginia - Mountain Biking - And So Much More!

She recently completed her Wilderness First Responder certification in May 2023.

She’s loved being able to connect with so many amazing people over the past two years with their passions for the outdoors, a close connection with others, and their love for the environment.

It’s been an amazing challenge, a great community, and a wonderful way to explore another side of UMD! As a way of giving back to the Adventure Program, Hannah is currently running their social media page and is increasing the marketing of our programs to make it more accessible to others!

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ODK’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

By Caroline Howser ‘24

My grandfather is a University of Maryland alum, graduating in 1953. Although he passed several years ago, I only recently had the chance to look through his yearbook.

I sat on my couch soaking in each page, remarking at how different campus looked then compared to now. But as I reached the “Honors” section of the book, I landed on a page with a familiar image, the ODK key. Next to it was a blurb that read, “The next few pages are concerned with [those] that have done the most for themselves and others through conscientious study and participation in campus activities. They are the framework and mainstay of Maryland’s student life. We envy them for what they have done for themselves and we thank them for what they have done for the University.” I then turned the page and saw the sixteen faces of the graduating seniors from the ODK Sigma Circle, all of whom were men.

Seeing my grandfather’s yearbook made me reflect on the changes that the Sigma Circle has undergone since the times he walked this campus. One of the most notable changes of course being that women are now not only able to be a part of ODK, but account for a large part of membership. Furthermore, most of the people on this year’s executive board are women. We have also grown in size, now having over four thousand alumni, and have increased the ways in which we are able to give back to the UMD community. With awards such as the Col. J. Logan Schutz Omicron Delta Kappa Leader of the Year, Sophomore Leader of the Year, Top Ten Freshmen, and multiple other scholarships, this chapter has continued to make an impact.

While this year will be my last year as an undergraduate member of ODK, I look forward to my time as an alum, where I will be able to continue to see the Sigma Circle increased in both size and impact. And I find a special comfort in knowing that the ODK my grandfather knew has continued to flourish and grow.

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MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Betsy Rosen ‘06 is an original cast member in Life of Pi on Broadway, playing the role of Richard Parker, the Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as serving as Puppetry Captain for the production.

Elizabeth Gordon (nee Gladmon) ‘01 was selected as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, a fellowship created for educators through a partnership of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Society. As a fellow, Elizabeth will be joining a 10-day expedition to the Galapagos Islands for amazing professional development and personal encounters with wildlife. Elizabeth’s hope is that the personal exploration of the islands will inspire their students to develop a sense of wonder and love for a small piece of our natural world.

IN MEMORIAM Albert Klavon ‘87 passed away surrounded by family on May 26, 2023. Albert often called the University of Maryland his academic home, where he completed three degrees and 38 years of service, 23 of them as an Assistant Dean in the College of Life Sciences.

Over his tenure at UMD, Albert mentored, taught, and advised thousands of students, working to shape the advising experience across the entire campus.

Rayner W. “Rusty” Hesse Jr. ‘76 passed away on April 30, 2020. Rusty attended the University of Maryland and earned a bachelor’s degree in languages (Portuguese and Spanish). Upon graduation, he used his gifts working for Reader’s Digest prior to attending Union Theological Seminary to be ordained as a deacon, then priest in the Episcoal Church. Rusty was an accomplished co-author of three books with his partner. Upon retirement, Rusty moved to Bethany Beach where he became active in the Bethany Area Repertory Theatre and was the minister at Bethany Beach Christian Church until 2019.

STEWARD OF THE FOUNTAIN SOCIETY ODK established the Steward of the Fountain program so that ODK members and alumni can contribute to the organization and the University with a gift to support the educational and leadership programs of ODK. The generosity of the Stewards of the Fountain ensure that ODK can continue to recognize achievements of student leaders and provide them with the framework to leave a lasting legacy at the University of Maryland, and their communities.

2012-2013 ODK Executive Officers 2014-2015 ODK Executive Officers 2015-2017 ODK Executive Officers 2018-2019 ODK Executive Officers Phil Aronson Dru Bagwell Brian Bayly & Susan Bayly Katherine Pedro Beardsley Kyle Beardsley James E. Bond D. Stuart Bowers Sue Briggs Sara Brooks Kenneth Brown Caroline Carrick Pisano Adam Chepenik Zimri Diaz Devin Ellis The Honorable Gordon England Terry Flannery

William Fourney Eric S. Francis Michael Freiman Susan Wachs Goldberg & Bob Goldberg Barry Gossett Lance Governale Marc Greenberg Alden Gross Jeff Hathaway Rick Jaklitsch The Kenny Family Kelly Kish Nick Kovalakides Kevin Kruger & Lisa Hanson Phil Livingston Paul Mandell & Lisa Mandell Deven McGraw Joan Meixner Hillary Cherry Mintz & Doug Mintz Dawn Nichols James Osteen

Khalil Pettus Philip Rever James Rychner Phil Schneider & Joyce Schneider Mark Sobel Marc Solomon Bob Stumpff Brooke Lecky Supple & Matt Supple Ann Tatsios Mowrey Lee Thornton Carl Tretter Joseph Tydings Jason Ward & Joana Ward Norman M. Wereley Joel Willcher Wayne Willoughby & Gail Smelkinson Willoughby Bruce J. Winter Gabriela Winter Eric Young & Julia Young Terry Zacker & John Zacker

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2108 Clarence Mitchell Building 7999 Regents Drive University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742

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