Julie Resendiz

Hi! My name is Julie Resendiz and I am enrolled in the Social Work program at UMBC. I was born in California but I was raised in Montgomery County. I attended Albert Einstein High School and as a first-generation college student, attending college seemed like an unrealistic goal. Fortunately, I was able to continue my education at Montgomery College (MC), under The Board of Trustees Academic Specialty Scholarship, which covered my full tuition. During my time at MC, I received academic support from the ACES (Achieving Collegiate Excellence & Success) program. The CEO (Career Experience & Opportunities) program also enabled me to enhance my career readiness skills while receiving personalized career coaching.            

When I first started college, I wanted to become an elementary school teacher but after taking several social science courses and discussing my interests in serving my community, my career and academic coaches recommended the Social Work program at UMBC.  With the help of ACES & CEO, I decided to take part in the Raptor to Retriever Transfer Access Program, which supports students transferring from MC to UMBC programs offered at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Through these programs, I was able to receive guidance and one-on-one support throughout my educational journey.

USG has enabled me to continue my education while being a part of a close-knit campus environment. I’m currently a Student Ambassador. As a Student Ambassador, I am able to inform other people about how USG works and what programs are offered here. I am also a part of the Social Work Student Association. The student and academic services at USG have opened up many opportunities for me, including my internships with two non-profit organizations, the Montgomery County Family Justice Center and Committee for Montgomery. These opportunities have provided me with valuable experience in my field and I am confident that USG is preparing me to continue pursuing my educational and career goals.

As the daughter of immigrants who came here many years ago, I am drawn towards serving immigrants and refugees. After I graduate from the UMBC with my B.A. in Social Work, I hope to enroll in the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s School of Social Work and attain a Dual Master’s Degree in Social Work and Public Health. In the future, I would like to start my own private practice so that I can provide therapeutic services to my community.