Baltimore First

Baltimore First means a lot to me. I first joined my freshman year and have stuck with it ever since. I think that this is one of the very first student organizations that I genuinely enjoyed doing because I not only got to do service, but I was also able to branch outside the bubble of Charles Village and learn about the stories of Baltimoreans who have lived here for much longer than I have. To me, this is one of the really important aspects of doing service: immersing yourself in the stories of people that you’re doing service for, in order to learn about the community that you’re doing service with. Baltimore First emphasizes exactly that. In addition, there is a unique educational component that helps its volunteers become more knowledgeable on longstanding issues that are still very much prevalent in Baltimore. These issues are usually not brought up in classes. To integrate something more than just service has made me become a much more well-rounded and mindful volunteer when working with our community service partners.

When I’m not on campus, you can often find me in Federal Hill at Ramen Utsuke and Moo Moo Cows. Both are my absolute go-to restaurant and dessert spot (I usually go to both places in that order)! Federal Hill Park also offers a stunning view of the sunset and Baltimore skyline. I also enjoy quaint neighborhoods like Mount Vernon where there are small boutiques, cafes, and mom-and-pop restaurants. Baltimore is such a unique place to live in – each neighborhood is so idiosyncratic and has a lot to offer in their own ways. I think that’s what makes it really the “Charm” City. Even though I’ve only lived here for two years, I already feel like I know the city and neighborhoods like the back of my hand.

Outside of Baltimore First, I am a Student Organizer for Tutorial Project, a member of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) and Alzheimer’s Buddies, and am involved in research at a laboratory. I enjoy doing things that I’m passionate about and care about. Service is one of those things and has always been, even in high school. I think the ability to ameliorate even just a little stress in someone’s life and try to better it in the most minute ways is very meaningful. If I can do that, then why wouldn’t I?

When I’m not studying, I’m usually cooking (also synonymous with watching cooking videos on YouTube) or out and about somewhere! I grew up in San Francisco where they’re notorious for having delicious foods from different cultures, so I have always been a foodie that is constantly seeking for the next restaurant to dine at. You can also find me hanging out with my hamster, Almond, or browsing the next thing I should get for his little mansion!

I am a senior from Seattle, Washington studying Neuroscience and Psychology. Baltimore First means a lot to me because it allows me to explore areas outside of the Hopkins bubble and simultaneously contribute to the community through service. But this is not all that Baltimore First is; connecting with peers for an educational and experiential component is equally as important. For the past two years I have been at Baltimore First, I have been incredibly fortunate to take part in an organization that prioritizes knowledge and service with the community. Other than Baltimore First, I am a part of Nu Rho Psi, PILOT, the FYM program, and Economics Club. When I am not on campus, I do research at the medical campus, volunteer in other capacities, explore new restaurants around the city, and cook new foods. I also love picking up new small hobbies during breaks or whenever I have time!

Hi! I’m Sabira (she/her), a junior majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. I’ve been volunteering with Baltimore First since my freshman year, and I’m proud to now serve as a Student Director.

Coming to Hopkins from the small town of Minooka, Illinois, I was eager to explore Baltimore but unsure of where to begin. Baltimore First workshops introduced me to the cultures that define the city’s neighborhoods. I was surprised to find that many of these neighborhoods share the same sense of closeness as my hometown. Working with my service site, I’ve seen how Baltimore residents build strong communities to support each other’s needs. I admire Baltimore First’s emphasis on understanding an organization’s mission before volunteering, a principle I’ve carried with me in all my community engagement experiences.

Outside of Baltimore First, I’m involved in advocacy for first-generation and low-income (FLI) college students. I work with various universities through the nonprofit FLIP National, and I organize resources for Hopkins students as part of the FLI Student Advisory Board (if you have suggestions, I’d love to hear them!). I’m also a member of Engineers Without Borders at JHU, where I’m designing a stormwater drainage system for a rural community in Ecuador.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring museums (the Walters Art Museum is a favorite), taking in the view from Federal Hill, trying out new recipes, and cheering at school lacrosse games. I also love playing basketball—while my shooting skills leave something to be desired, I can spin the ball on my finger to keep things fun!

My name is Maya Savory, I major in Environmental Engineering and Applied Mathematics, with plans to graduate in Spring 2026. Baltimore First has been an incredible way for me to connect with the Baltimore community in meaningful ways. Since my freshman year, I’ve primarily volunteered with Baltimore Green Space, and it’s been amazing to build connections with their team while seeing the transformation of the forests we work on together. Through this experience, I’ve learned so much about Baltimore’s history and ecology, all thanks to firsthand stories from community members—and Baltimore First has played a huge role in making that possible.

When I’m not on campus, you’ll usually find me volunteering at Wilson Woods or another Baltimore Green Space site. If I’m not there, I’m probably checking out some of the city’s museums, with the Baltimore Museum of Art being one of my favorites, especially since it’s right next to campus.

Outside of Baltimore First, I’m heavily involved in a few school activities. I’m the Co-President of the Environmental Engineering student group, a board member for the Barnstormers student theater group, and I also do air pollution research on campus. I’ve had the opportunity to be a Teaching Assistant for a couple of math courses (LADE and Optimization I), and I’m a student ambassador for the Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI).

When I’m not studying or involved in these activities, I love to cook!

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My name is Lauren Oster, I major in Public Health and Spanish, with plans to graduate in 2026. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities Baltimore First has given me to connect with amazing people who share a love for Baltimore. Through my work with the Corner Team and St. Francis Community Center, I’ve had the chance to explore new neighborhoods, learn how to engage ethically with my community, and meet some incredible young people who are working to improve their neighborhoods—and who always have the best recommendations for hidden gems in Baltimore!

When I’m not on campus, you’ll probably find me exploring the city’s restaurant and coffee scene. A few of my favorite spots are Dooby’s, Ramen Utsuke, Café Los Sueños, and, of course, Ekiben.

Outside of Baltimore First, I’m involved in Advocates for Sexual and Reproductive Health (ARSH), the Hopkins Pep Band, and the Blue Jay’s Perch community garden. I also work in the CSC office.

When I’m not studying or working on projects, I love going on walks, baking, and vintage shopping. Baltimore has so much to offer, and I’m always up for exploring new parts of the city or discovering something new to try!