Abel Amene, a Student Government Association Off-Campus Outlying Representative, poses for a portrait near Chincoteague Hall on March 5, 2024. Abel hopes to improve transportation for commuter students at this university by increasing the frequency of university shuttles to public transportation stops, he said. After losing financial aid caused him to drop out from this university, Abel said he worked several jobs, including as a taxi driver and in restaurants. [UMD SGA supports tour guides seeking pay, state financial literacy initiative]But in 2022, a new law in Washington, D.C., helped Abel begin the next phase of his life. Abel has built great relationships with residents in Washington, D.C., especially with people of similar backgrounds, Kharob said.
