Amayah Bell

Amayah Bell is a rising sophomore at Coppin State University and is majoring in English

What drew you to this opportunity? 

There was a presentation about the program at my university, and I thought it would be a constructive way to spend my summer. I wanted to pursue the Blue Jays Pathways project because the community service project I completed during the semester had some parallels.  

What are you most excited about during your internship?  

Learning about how to foster relationships with alumni and taking that information back to my home university. It seemed like they were very supportive, but there have been changes in how they reach alumni. I want to maintain solid relationships with graduates and restore the practices that built those bonds. 

What is your most memorable college experience? 

When I got recognized in four categories in our Honors Program closing ceremony. I was not expecting any recognition, let alone four times, and it is uplifting to see my efforts acknowledged. I hope to maintain that high-level character for the rest of my career. 

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

I see myself with a master’s and pursuing creative writing in some capacity. My dream is to be a full-time novelist. Knowing that doesn’t always pay the bills, I want to pursue another career that fulfills me while also putting my writing to good use.  

What area of advancement is of most interest? 

Providing resources for students. Students need the opportunity to not only to attend university, but also to participate in conferences and have funding for research. 

What area of Development and Alumni Relations interests you the most? 

The focus on young alumni. Knowing that in three fast years, I will be an alumnus of my university. So far, they have supported me as a student, and I am excited about the prospect of having a support network immediately available to me. There isn’t much focus on the young alumni currently, so seeing how JHU supports theirs provides me with a new perspective and ideas I could hopefully suggest to my university.  

What does philanthropy mean to you?  

Philanthropy is a way to support a cause of importance to you, even if you can’t be involved directly in its processes. In regards to universities, it is a way to thank the institution for providing you with an education, professional skills, and events that they host to keep you engaged. 

What excites you most about spending your summer in Baltimore? 

I’m excited about revisiting parts of the city I haven’t been to since I was a kid (BMA, Port Discovery, the Aquarium) since my little cousins from Germany will be in town. I’m looking forward to sharing the places that brought me a lot of joy. 

What is your biggest takeaway from what you’ve learned so far? 

DAR is a community. So many people are familiar and positive with each other that it feels like you could approach anyone with a question. Even if they don’t know an answer they could point you to someone who may know more about it. I’ve also learned that professional development is more than meetings. The sessions can be engaging and leave a lasting impact.