There was a point in her college career when University of Maryland Eastern Shore student Hasanatou Barry made a decision that changed her trajectory.
It was during her sophomore year in Princess Anne when the finance major and Baltimore native found her purpose and rededication to the institution that she would one day represent and come to embody.
“I was on the verge of transferring and looking at other universities,” she said. “But then, I started stepping into leadership and getting more involved on campus. That was where I found happiness through serving others.”
Through her service, Barry would ultimately assume the role of Miss 1886, one of the primary liaisons between the student body, alumni, and community leaders with the mission to preserve and advance UMES’ legacy.
“Being able to uphold the traditions and representing the people who came before us is important because it tells the story and journey of our university,” she said. “That legacy and history connect us all.”
Barry now becomes part of that history becoming one of the newest alumni during UMES’ 139th Spring Commencement on May 15.
Her growth into leadership began in the Office of Residence Life as a resident assistant, and ultimately, a senior resident assistant by the time of her graduation.
Barry’s resume also included involvement with the Center for Access and Academic Success, the Richard A. Henson Honors program, representing UMES in the Federal Reserve Challenge and HBCU Battle of the Brains competitions, and attending conferences for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Historically Black College & University/Minority Institution Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program.
It was in her junior year when she became involved with the Imperial Court, as Miss Junior and, ultimately, Miss 1886. It was also when she was chosen for an internship at defense and aerospace contractor Lockheed Martin.
Recently, Barry’s team placed second in Salisbury University’s Bernstein Entrepreneurship Competition, earning $5,000 in cash and $5,000 in business services through SU’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network.
While Barry’s accomplishments were numerous, they were the result of the tenacity she displayed during her college career.
For every successful internship, there were letters of rejection that she had to overcome the disappointment of.
Even during her internship, when she was involved in a car crash that totaled her car and left her needing physical therapy, she persevered knowing she had to provide stability for others.
“I couldn’t fall apart because I’m the ‘glue’,” said Barry, who is the daughter of Guinean immigrants. “I’m the one who stays steady because someone else needs an anchor. When you’re the one holding the lantern, flickering is not an option.”
With graduation on the horizon, Barry will make the move to Colorado where she will begin working at Lockheed Martin as an early financial analyst.
The story of her growth is something she wants others in her position to remember as it was what set her on the right path.
“I came to the conclusion that I needed to continue challenging myself,” she said. “UMES is a place that will challenge your growth and push you to succeed. Even if you come in without the tools, UMES will provide you with what you need. This reaffirms why I love my HBCU and my decision in choosing the right place, staying here, and getting involved.”
