Madeleine Oum-Ray

Madeleine Oum-Ray University of Maryland, College Park ’24,

Major: African American Studies on the Pre-nursing track  

Madeleine Oum-Ray, a senior at University of Maryland, College Park, is on a pre-nursing track with a major in African American studies. This summer, to solidify her future in nursing, she is contributing to and building connections with the School of Nursing. Oum-Ray believes in giving back as she has seen how philanthropy has helped her.  

What drew you to this opportunity? 

I am interested in attending nursing school after graduation, so I thought it would be perfect for me to intern and network at Johns Hopkins University to get to know the people and the environment before I apply.  

What are you most excited about during your internship?  

I am really excited to network with everyone and learn about their experience here at the university. I am also excited to learn more transferable skills from this experience — skills such as good communication, adaptability, and active listening. Being a good health care provider requires me to have these skills because there are so many patient populations I will encounter, and I want to make sure that I am the most equipped for the job. 

 What is your most memorable college experience? 

My most memorable college experience was finding out that I had gotten a full scholarship to my university.  

Where do you want to be in 10 years, and how can this internship help you get there? 

In 10 years, I would have obtained my doctorate in nursing practice. This internship can help me get there because I will be networking with the right people to help me eventually matriculate into Johns Hopkins.  

What does philanthropy mean to you? 

It means giving people opportunities. As someone who benefits from philanthropy, I am super grateful for those who participate because it shows that you care enough to reach back and help others get to where you are. It shows compassion and generosity.  

What excites you most about spending your summer in Baltimore? 

I get to be home with my family while enjoying downtown Baltimore every day.  

What is something you are passionate about?  

I am passionate about being an authentic person. It is important to me that I show up as 100% myself because being myself can get me further in life than pretending to be someone else.  

Please share one fun fact about yourself!  

Fun Fact: I am Cameroonian-American!