PROFILE: Shaba Nassar
Meet Shaba!
In her senior year at Catonsville High, Shaba signed up for advanced placement Economics. It was the first time it had ever been offered at the school and also the first time the instructor had ever taught. Shaba's intellectual curiosity paid off. She and a handful of her classmates were able to participate in the Maryland Economics Challenge as well as the national Fed Challenge. Her team performed especially well, receiving an honorable mention in the Fed Challenge despite being newcomers, and Shaba discovered a field that would continue to interest her in the years to come. When she came to Maryland the following year, she entered as an Economics and Finance double major. A highly active junior, Shaba has continued to let her curiosity and discipline drive her to do great things.
What has been your most memorable experience in college so far?
My most memorable experience was studying abroad in the Czech Republic. Chevy Chase bank sponsored my class's visit to Olomouc and Prague this past spring break and the trip was amazing. I was able to visit an environmental facility, universities, historic sites, a castle, and city hall; and I met insightful Czech and Russian students. In efforts to broaden my horizons, I enjoyed plenty of Czech dishes and activities with the friends I made along the way.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After college, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics at the London School of Economics then enter a career of economic consulting. After a few decades of consulting I hope to transition into a career at the Federal Reserve.
What sorts of organizations are you involved with on campus?
Currently, I am Vice President of Finance for the National Association of Black Accountants, UMCP Chapter. I just finished up being a Supplemental Instructor for Microeconomics for the Academic Achievement Program. I also just completed the Chevy Chase Leadership Internship Program. I was a Freshmen Fellows Mentor in the Robert H. Smith School of Business last year and I will be an Orientation Leader again this upcoming fall. I am also in the Business Honors program and I plan to study abroad again next winter break.
What do you like to do when you have free time?
I write poetry and occasionally perform my work at local open mic locations. Also, I love to ski every chance I get. My favorite pastime on campus is modeling.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
My advice to incoming freshmen is to prioritize and to manage your time
wisely. Often freshmen are overwhelmed with the many opportunities, organizations,
and happenings around campus; and they lose sight of their academic goals.
However, the key to both enjoying your first year at college AND being
successful in your courses is to set goals regularly and commit to them.
There are plenty of hours in a year! I guarantee that your first year
will be an awesome one.
