Class of 2020: Genevieve DeRose

Genevieve DeRose

Hometown: New Market, MD

Major: Psychology

Minors: Social Welfare and Spanish

As a UMBC Sondheim Scholar, Genevieve has shown great commitment to caring for the mental health and physical well-being of others. Her deep empathy and kind leadership led her to commit time every week to volunteering and leading the Choice College Night Program, volunteering with the Crisis Text Line, working at an area hospital, and interning with the Frederick Mental Health Association. In recognition of her commitment to service, Genevieve received the 2018 Samuel I. Rosenberg Fund Award from UMBC’s Shriver Center. Genevieve spent a semester abroad in Santiago, Chile, where she became fluent in Spanish and spent time exploring South America.

Genevieve has accepted a position as a marketing coordinator at b.well Connected Health, a healthcare startup in Baltimore.

Here are a few thoughts from Genevieve about her time as a Sondheim Scholar:

What are you most proud of from your time at UMBC? 

I’m proud of getting out of my comfort zone to try a lot of different paths within my major over 4 years. 

What was your most memorable public service experience as a Sondheim Scholar?

Serving with CHOICE College Night and seeing the program grow over the years.

What was your favorite Sondheim event?

The Stoop Storytelling Show the Sondheim Program hosted at UMBC.

What is something important you learned about yourself during the past 4 years? 

It’s important to rest and take time for self-care, no matter how much our society may value being busy and overworked.

What is something important you learned about the world during your time at UMBC? 

The world is so much bigger than just me. Privilege is no excuse to be ignorant, because with privilege comes the responsibility to give a voice to those who aren’t being heard.