Biography:
There are many loves in my life; family, friends, travel, education, and of course Cold Case Files on A&E. I am easily defined by my enthusiastic charisma, being a dedicated wife and mother, and an avid socialite and karaoke hostess.

I was born in Hawaii, where I attended both public and private schools, then moved to Georgia after my twelfth birthday. I graduated from a public school in 2000, and continued on to college the following year. While working full-time at an insurance agency in 2001, I met my husband, Damon, and his daughter, Halle. We joke that I dated him to raise our sales for the quarter, and then married him to assure customer retention.

I had attended college in Georgia for two years when we received orders to Okinawa, Japan. The promise of an ever changing military life prompted me to enroll with the University of Phoenix online, where I chose to study International Business and Marketing. Two years later, in 2005, I was still working full-time and had only completed my first year of studies, so I decided to instead attend school full-time.

Early this year, I made a career change and began working part-time as a substitute teacher to allow more time toward my studies. I fell in love with this type of work, and have since changed my field of study to Psychology and Communication so that I may pursue a career in counseling.

In the past, I was somewhat skeptical about attending college on island because I wanted to assure my studies were not interrupted with a sudden relocation. However, much to our delight, this summer our orders were extended indefinitely; allowing me to return to a traditional university. After months of research and numerous counselor visits, this is my first semester with the University of Maryland University College, and I could not be happier with the experience.

Nomination Statement:
I feel very passionate about education, and want to assure I am able to continue the path toward my degree with minimal blockades and confusion. In this pursuit, I am constantly exploring avenues so that I may fully understand the expectations of my university, field of study, and instructors. I am very thankful to have a traditional college experience while stationed in such a remote section of the world, and would love the opportunity to be a voice and ally to my fellow classmates to assure they are confident and comfortable in pursuit of their education.

I am responsive, dedicated and open-minded, and would love the opportunity to support my fellow colleagues as a part of the Asian division of the Student Advisory Council.

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Biography (provided by Duncan):
Ashley has only just arrived at Kadena AFB in Okinawa, Japan but has acomplished what others take years to acheive. Soon after arriving she got into the UMUC education system. Working diligently on her degree. She has worked with the native Japanese kids teaching english. She even set up a class room in her home to make them even more comfortable. She has taught at the DoDD's school teaching military children. Currently she working at the Amerasian school located off base. This school teaches children from american/japanese mixed families. Ashley is always willing to lend a hand with information or perticapation.

Nomination Statement (provided by Duncan):
I think Ashley is a perfect canidate for a position in the STAC because I have never met someone with as much ambition and egerness to learn new things. She is always available to aid in advice on school progression and if she doesn't know the answer is surely able to point you in the right direction.

Biography (provided by Morales):
Ashley Odomirok is a hard-working college student at The University of Maryland University College. She always works to better the conditions in any environment that she is associated with. She has spent her career life assisting people of all ages, and would do the same for The University of Maryland University College. She is young and vibrant in spirit and is always ready to listen to someone in need. I know without a doubt that she will spend more than the required amount of time and energy in supporting and representing the students of UMUC. She believes that concerns among people always need to be heard and met. I know she believes that no concerned issue should go unheard!

She is located in Okinawa, Japan, and is definitely committed to giving her time for the two year duty required. UMUC would be proud to have her aboard their team!

Nomination Statement (provided by Morales):
"What UMUC needs is a fresh and young go-getter that is ready to do what it takes to make student's voices heard!"

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Biography:
My name is Barbara Dorrough, but most call me Barbie. I am originally from Bay St. Louis Mississippi. I am a mother of two and have been happily married for more than a decade. I have been a field representative since January of this year, and a UMUC student in both Europe and Asia for several years. I am happy to say I made Honor Roll in term 5 of last year, and so far I have managed to maintain a 4.0. I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Business Management. My future plans after my degree and my husband's retirement are to join the Peace Corp.

There is only one reason I attend UMUC, work for UMUC and am interested in the Student Advisory Council. While in Sicily some years ago. I decided one day just to check out some of the classes the base had to offer. I had never been to college before and I was very nervous. I was a bit older than what I thought was the typical student and I knew nothing of the enrollment process. I went to UMUC and sat with a field representative and asked the most basic question, "How do I go to school?" She (I am ashamed to say I have long forgotten her name) patiently walked me through the entire registration process, she answered all my questions about applying for Financial Aid, she even suggested some of her favorite Professors and classes. Her enthusiasm made attending UMUC seem so worthwhile. I registered the next term because she took the time to talk with me, encourage me, and get me really excited about getting an education. One day soon I will have my degree because she made it seem possible.

I don't remember who she was, but I do remember what she did for me and more importantly, how much it had made a difference to me. I bring that same enthusiasm to work and class with me everyday because its worth it. Perhaps someone someday will say the same thing about me. It would be an honor to further my involvement by serving on the Student Advisory Council.

Nomination Statement:
Barbie is a great asset to her work environment. She is an overachiever in all that she puts her mind too. She has many great ideas and is ready to contribute them. I believe that accepting Barbara Dorrough into the Student Advisory Council will not only benefit the students, but our organization as well.

Vote now!

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