PROFILE: Sam Teitelbaum
Meet Sam!
Sam Teitelbaum's interests are diverse. A talented artist and performer, Sam dedicating much of his free time in high school to the visual arts, acting and stage combat or as he likes to describe it, "playing with swords and fake blood". But he is equally passionate about science, having had a strong interest from a young age, and choosing to major in Chemistry because it "provides a balance between spectacle, mathematics, and practicality." He is a junior at Maryland and continues to divide his time between his artistic and scientific interests.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments or most memorable experiences in college so far?
Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to do research in a chemistry lab on campus. It was my first experience having more information presented to me than I could absorb. Since then, I discovered just how much the university has to offer outside the classroom in seminars and journals. More importantly, I've met many people who are as enthusiastic and dedicated to learning as I am.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
Currently, I plan on attending graduate school in the nebulous realm between physics, chemistry, and engineering dubbed the "physical sciences." If there's a summer left before graduate school, I'll probably spend it teaching science somewhere. After graduate school, I'll have a better idea where I want to be along the spectrum of research and teaching, and find a job accordingly.
What sorts of things are you involved with on campus?
My class work and research seems to grow kudzu-like across my schedule every semester. Last semester I was loosely affiliated with the aikido club, and took a course on stage combat. This semester, I discovered a Tai Chi group on campus and the Honors yoga sessions.
How would you spend a free week?
I might be able to read a book, like the Kurt Vonnegut that I've put on my "to read when I have the energy and time for reading" list or get the time to read every comic book ever written by Alan Moore. There's a good recipe for chocolate croissants that my friends would like and there must be at least a thousand campy (or just plain awful) films that would be fun to see.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Everyone's heard it a thousand times, but it bears saying once again! This is the time you get to be an adult, and this is a time when you are free. Do what you really want. Doing what you want doesn't necessarily mean living decadently, or taking lots of classes, or few classes, or anything. Your time at UMD isn't for your parents, or your future employer, or some insubstantial ideal of "the college student." It's your time, whatever you want it to be.
Okay, enough of the preaching. There are a few things that I discovered late, and I wish I'd known earlier. First, look for textbooks on eBay or in used bookstores. Your biology text may be well over $100 at the University Bookstore, but it might be $50 or $25 somewhere else. It takes a lot of people a few months to make friends, so don't stress out if the first few weeks are awkward. If you're not sure which class to take, sign up for both and drop one in the first week.
