Nyenpu “Faith” Kamei
B.A., Psychology and Social Work
Hometown: Germantown, Maryland
Plans: Peace Corps, Peru
UMBC provided me with an environment in which I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who were passionate about supporting my personal and professional goals. In my time here, I have been pushed beyond my comfort zone and I have been challenged to perform beyond by perceived capabilities.
Faith Kamei immigrated to the U.S. with her family from Liberia 12 years ago, and when it came time to decide on a university to attend, she knew that staying near her family in Montgomery County would be essential, but she was also excited by the possibilities of UMBC’s programs in psychology and social work. Kamei took what turned out to be an ideal college path for her, spending two years at Montgomery College before transferring to UMBC’s location at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG).
At UMBC at USG, Kamei became an active campus leader, and refined her plans for a career of serving communities. Kamei became a member of the campus Student Event Board, focused on supporting a vibrant campus life, served as a representative on the student council, and served as a student ambassador for the campus. Over time, her roles expanded to include serving as president of the USG Student Council, the International Club, and a student religious organization, for which she coordinated a banquet to raise awareness of hunger in Montgomery County.
Kamei has also informed and inspired others through sharing her own educational experience and perspective on prominent national platforms, such as through a Washington Post profile and a livestreamed forum on “The Changing Face of Education” through The Atlantic.
Kamei was recently awarded a USG Student Leadership and Service Award. After graduation she plans to volunteer with the Peace Corps, spending 27 months working as a youth development facilitator in Peru.
Image: Portrait by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
Tags: CAHSS, Psychology, ShadyGrove, SocialWork
