Behavioral and Social Sciences Students Take Top Honors Again
History repeated itself when, just like last year, Behavioral and Social Sciences students were given two of the greatest honors graduating seniors can receive: the University Medal and the opportunity to address fellow graduates during the university’s commencement ceremony.
 Jessica Sheer, a government and politics major, was presented with the University Medal, which exemplifies academic distinction, extraordinary character and extracurricular contributions to campus or public communities.
Though it took her until her junior year to declare a major, Jessica Sheer hit the university at full steam as a freshman, helping her peers tap into Maryland's vast academic resources. She hasn't slowed down much and seems to be picking up speed even as her undergraduate career comes to a close.
Jessica became an Honors tutor in her first semester. Throughout her time at Maryland, she has tutored her fellow students in Spanish, Italian, English and economics. In her second semester, she added disability support services reader to her resume; she spent her senior year working as a peer advisor in her department. Her application speaks of the joy she derives from bridging the gap between people and their potential.
Jessica extends this bridge mentality off campus. Also as a freshman and then as a sophomore, she worked for a nonprofit association that gave voice to smaller organizations concerned about water quality with the goal of providing “clean water everywhere for everyone.” As a junior, she spent eight months in her state delegate's office as an intern. She found herself, again, working to provide access to resources. The experience opened her eyes to greater possibilities. Instead of helping people to obtain, say, healthcare, what about advocating for the most fundamental of human rights?
After graduation, she will head to Georgetown Law School with a Dean’s Scholarship. Her sights are set on using her degree and her linguistic abilities not to practice law, but as tools for protecting and enforcing individuals' rights, enabling them to "achieve their potential." Ever eager to broaden her world view, Jessica is interested in a year-abroad program at the Sorbonne. "I don't know French yet, but I can learn," she says.
Her professors attest to Jessica's winning combination of academic drive and compassion. "She has helped countless students at the university with some of the most difficult academic decisions they will ever face, while serving as a role model of both academic excellence and extraordinary service to her peers," wrote Wayne McIntosh, director of undergraduate studies and associate chair of her department.
 Michelle (Shuli) Karkowsky, a double major in government and economics, was chosen to be the student speaker at the university’s commencement ceremony. She understands how education and a knowledge of world events can lead to cynicism, especially among her peers. However, she feels that it is these very tools that can be used for change.
"People want to believe that anything is possible," she says. "I just want to inspire them to act on those beliefs."
Shuli demonstrates her theory. Coming to the school as a Banneker/Key scholar, Shuli maintained a 4.0 GPA, while spending time on and off campus working toward improving the world around her. Shuli is a leader in the Jewish community both at Maryland and internationally, and a member of the university's Board of Governors. She worked with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, in Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s office and even spent this year’s spring break in Chalmette, La., cleaning up damage left by Hurricane Katrina.
"I was amazed by how many other people were going. We took three full buses from Maryland. It was inspirational," she says, adding that even the 18-hour ride didn't dim her enthusiasm.
Professors and university leaders speak highly of her commitment to her fellow man and to learning as well as her demonstrated ability in both endeavors. "Shuli puts into action what she believes in her heart," wrote Rabbi Ari Israel, executive director of Maryland Hillel, in his nomination letter. On a paper she wrote examining the impact of globalization on gender equality, Prof. Soo Yeon Kim of the Department of Government and Politics wrote, "Shuli was able to engage two very disparate subject areas ... that led to an outstanding research paper."
A Gemstone Scholar, Shuli is part of a highly selective group of top-achieving students who engage in multidisciplinary study. She was a member of the GenEthics team that “investigated the legal, political and ethical implications of genetic testing in the United States.”
She says that when she's tempted to be disillusioned by some of life's harsh reality, she taps into other people's energy. "For me it's been about how other people inspire me…it's like fuel."
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