It is now April, and you know what that means: QUEST has just accepted a new batch of students as members of Cohort 43 and 44! This year, QUEST received its highest number of applicants yet with over 450 applications submitted. Although we will miss our amazing seniors graduating this semester, QUEST is so happy to welcome in its new members. I reached out to a couple of new QUESTees to talk about their experience with the application process, their interest in QUEST, as well as some upcoming events and activities that they are looking forward to. 

To start off, I spoke with Eric Ji, a computer science major accepted into Cohort 43. He had initially heard about the program through word of mouth, but once he went to the interest meeting, he was officially sold. “I was blown away after actually hearing current members talk about their experiences and all the cool projects you get to do, so that’s when I knew I was applying.” Furthermore, Ji found the entire application process to be “unlike anything he had applied to before.” He says, “The questions really push applicants in a way other programs usually wouldn’t.” He also found the interview process to be fun and motivating.

Eric Ji of Cohort 43

Another equally enthusiastic QUEST student shared some similar thoughts regarding the program. Bhavini Pandey, also a computer science major in Cohort 43, said, “I’m most excited to be a part of a community that is not solely CS students.” Pandey went to an engineering high school and has always been surrounded by students in STEM, so she is thrilled to get a chance to meet people outside of her field. More than that, Pandey is also excited to get involved within QUEST by joining QUEST Corporate in the future. Until then, Pandey plans to have a relaxing summer and go ziplining, which is one of her favorite hobbies. If she could give any advice to freshmen, she says, “It’s so important to do things you are truly interested in and passionate about. It took me a long time to realize that I liked computer science over mechanical engineering, and even within the field there are so many options for what I could do. Explore your options!” 

Bhavini Pandey of Cohort 43

Lastly, I reached out to Ethan Zhang, another new member of Cohort 43. Zhang had heard about the program through his older brother, Eric Zhang of Cohort 31, and knew he wanted to get involved. Zhang is most looking forward to learning more professional skills and meeting new people. “Everyone I have met so far is so impressive. They all seem really qualified, and I’m so excited to be surrounded by such ambitious people!”

Everyone in Cohorts 43 and 44 is encouraged to attend the upcoming ice cream social event hosted by QUEST Social, which is on April 26th! This is a great way to kickstart some bonding by getting a chance to know other QUESTees. We can’t wait to get to know you, Cohorts 43 and 44. Welcome to the program!

QUEST encourages its students to be leaders and to understand how to manage a diverse team. Some of our QUESTees are so dedicated to leadership that they were recently inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the national leadership honor society. I spoke to two impressive QUESTees who are members of ODK to learn more about the amazing opportunities that ODK has to offer.

Will Ahn (Q37) is a proud member of ODK.

Will Ahn is a senior in Cohort 37 who aimed to join ODK after hearing about it on Admitted Students Day four years ago. He liked that the honor society was full of hardworking students from different disciplines across campus. During his experience in ODK, he has been exposed to various parts of student life and had been able to connect with talented student leaders through opportunities not available to the student body. He feels ODK has affirmed his natural leadership skills. His favorite event is induction as he finds it fulfilling and wholesome to connect with new members and their families. It has been sweet to see how new members grow and develop and how their support network keeps them motivated during their leadership journey. He tells future QUEST students interested in ODK to stay involved and be authentic leaders.

Adelina Seck (Q39), right, at the recent ODK induction ceremony.

Adelina Seck is a junior from Cohort 39 and a recent ODK inductee. She decided to join because she has always been super passionate about leadership and giving back to the community. She also wanted to surround herself with like-minded students! She knows ODK will help her meet her future career goals through learning from other ODK student’s professional paths. She is looking forward to getting to know members better as well as events such as the Homecoming Student Leadership Celebration and the Maryland Day Fountain tradition. 

ODK is a great opportunity for QUESTees and UMD students. It helps students develop their leadership skills, network, and build a valuable, talented community. 

This August, QUEST orientation took place at Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center in North East, MD. We are excited to say that Cohort 41 has officially started their QUEST (pun intended).

Cohort 41’s first picture!

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As the school year comes to an end, QUEST proudly welcomes the dynamic new cohorts, 41 and 42, made up of 90 new eager students ready to embark on their QUEST journeys! QUESTPress had the thrill of interviewing three incoming students to learn what they’re looking forward to in their QUEST journeys.

Cohorts 41 & 42 at the Welcome Ice Cream Social!

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