Returning Women Spotlight: Nicole Shah

The Women's Center exists to assist all women in achieving their full potential in education, career and personal life through academic and intellectual growth, professional development and personal empowerment. One of the ways we work to achieve this mission is in our support services and programs for Returning Women (undergraduate students over the age of 25). The Women’s Center offers meeting space for these students in addition to scholarship opportunities.

Next year we are hoping to launch a mentorship program for Returning Women. To help raise awareness about this new pilot program, we’re highlighting some current Returning Women who are a part of the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship program. If you’re interested in learning more about the Returning Women’s meetings or scholarships, contact us at womens.center@umbc.edu.

Who are you?

Nicole Shah, Social Work major, senior year, Mosaic Center DEI Fall 2012, Conversation Partner ELI Spring 2012, Married Mom of 4  

What benefits have you experienced as a Newcombe Scholar?

Formal connection to the Women's Center and all of the support the center offers. Monthly returning student's meetings and having a network of students similar to me in my age and life situation(s) to lean on for support.   

What do you wish traditional students knew about being a non-traditional student?

That age ain't nothing but a number. Younger students and mature students have a lot to offer one another, don't be hesitant to reach out in class and on campus.  The common denominator is that we are all students at UMBC so choose to focus on that.  Once we graduate, we will be working with diverse groups of people so take advantage of learning how to do that now while in college.  

What do you wish the University and Professors knew about being a non-traditional student?

That returning students do not want special treatment, if we choose to tell you some of our extra responsibilities outside of campus it is because we need your support not your pity. There is a difference.  No two people are alike therefore keep in mind no two students are alike; there is not a one-size-fits-all approach.  

What is one piece of advice you would offer to new non-traditional students at UMBC?

It is in your best interest to get involved on campus. With families and work responsibilities it does make it more challenging, but it is possible.  Campus involvement definitely made my time at UMBC more rich and enjoyable.