Building community is an essential skill in today’s interconnected world. The UMBC Community Leadership graduate program provides a unique platform for students to explore and enhance this skill.
In a recent episode of the UMBC Mic’dUp podcast, we sat down with Jameer Robinson, M.P.S. ’24, Community Leadership. Jameer shares his experiences and insights gained during his time at UMBC. This blog post will explore the key takeaways from Jameer’s journey and how they contribute to the broader theme of building community.
Jameer’s Journey to Community Leadership
Jameer Robinson’s journey began as an undergraduate at UMBC. Recruited for track and field, he completed his undergraduate degree while remaining deeply involved in campus life. His passion for building community led him to explore graduate programs at UMBC. He eventually found his way to the Community Leadership graduate program.
The Power of Building Community
Community roots us and creates a sense of purpose when tapped into its opportunities to connect. We often find our community when we crave it most. For Jameer, his ah-ha connection moment occurred during a cross-country road trip. He goes deeper into this moment in our podcast episode, so we won’t spoil it here! During this trip, fate intervened and landed him in a moment of profound knowing. In that moment, he decided to enroll in the Community Leadership program.
Capstone Project: Coffee Sunday
Jameer’s capstone project, “Coffee Sunday,” offered him an amazing chance to dig deep into the concept of building community. Coffee Sunday is a wellness event that integrates the seven arms of wellness with community engagement. The event includes activities such as yoga, mindfulness, and curated coffee experiences. Jameer’s project demonstrates how everyday activities can be transformed into community-building opportunities.
Key Skills and Knowledge
The Community Leadership program equipped Jameer with valuable skills, including project management, design thinking, and human-centered computing. He learned to apply these skills to foster community building in both physical and digital spaces.
Future Endeavors
Jameer continues to build community through his professional work and personal projects. He plans to expand Coffee Sunday and create new initiatives that connect people through shared experiences. His story inspires anyone interested in building community, both within and beyond traditional community spaces.
Conclusion
Building community is a dynamic and ongoing process. Jameer Robinson’s journey through UMBC’s Community Leadership program illustrates the transformative power of education in fostering community connections. His story highlights the importance of adaptability, creativity, and purpose in community leadership.
Listen to the podcast episode below for a deeper dive into Jameer’s experiences.
