Biosketch
Name?
My name is Maika Belizor.
College?
I got to the University of Massachusetts, Kennedy College of Science.
Major?
I am a general biology major.
Hometown?
My hometown is Orlando, Florida.
Favorite hobbies?
My favorite hobbies are reading, painting, and dancing alone in my room.
What is your favorite thing about UML?
My favorite thing about UML is the people. I didn’t realize how quickly I was able to find a community that could support me and make me feel welcome. Meeting people in UML helped released any anxiety I had about being in college.
What are your future goals?
My future goal is to go to medical school after I graduate, and I want to be a physician. I want to advocate for those in need and neglected in the medical system.
What has been involved with the RHSA meant to you?
Being involved with the RHSA meant finally giving back to the program that supported me and help me through my journey in college.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself in your first year of college?
The advice I would give to myself for my first year is to get involved on campus, you don’t know what life will give you. Whether it's friends, a chance to put yourself out there, or opportunities, don’t remain scared of the new adventure as there are other people who are in the same position as you are.
What advice would you give fellow students?
The advice I would give to my fellow students is the same advice I gave myself, but also don’t be afraid to ask for help there are so many people who have answers to your questions. Including professors, don’t be afraid to go to office hours, it will give you a chance to connect with your professors and have more support in your education.
Why did you choose to attend UMass Lowell?
I choose to attend UMass Lowell because they have great programs and resources for my major. Attending UMass Lowell would give me opportunities for my future.
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
Being a first-generation college student means that I am able to honor my parent’s goal of giving me a better future. Having to immigrate to the United States for their children to have better futures, I feel like my being in college is the product of their hard work, support, and sacrifice. I am proud I am able to get here to this moment.
What inspires you to want to help first-generation students in the RHSA?
What inspires me to help is from my own experiences of being anxious and scared in my first year of college. I want to be able to ease the fears of people who were also in the same position I was in when I was a first-year student.