Melvin Keihn
Year: Sophomore
Major: Family Science
It’s 10pm on a Wednesday and the typical UMD student is heading over to Cornerstone to enjoy rails, but not Melvin Keihn. Keihn just finished a tutoring session on top of a two-hour practice after a long day of classes and is taking a break to grab a bite to eat. However, even though Keihn is about to enjoy his first moment of alone time today he kindly agreed to meet with me first.
Keihn, originally from Liberia came to the United States alone when he was just 8 years old. Now a Baltimore resident Keihn is happy to call Maryland his home and has been in the U.S. for almost 14 years.
“I’m very grateful for everything that I have now,” said Keihn when I asked him how his time in Maryland has been. “Back in my country everything is different than how it is here…it is very hard for me to take anything for granted.”
Originally committed to Virginia Tech to pursue a major in Engineering and play football for the Hokie’s; Keihn transferred to the University of Maryland last year. There was something that Blacksburg, VA did not have, Keihn’s family. When I asked Keihn why he transferred to UMD his eyes lit up as he talked about how much his family means to him. Having them only a short car ride away in Baltimore is a comfort to Keihn who calls himself a “family man.”
Keihn is all smiles in these photos with his family.
A defensive end for the Maryland Terrapins, Keihn loves being able to have his family come see him play. When I asked Keihn what he loved most about playing for the Terps aside from his family being there, he said it was his teammates. Keihn gets to play alongside friends he played with in high school, even some he played against in high school. Being able to play the game he loves with friends makes playing for the Terps a special experience for Keihn.
Once Keihn and I moved past the topic of football and his decision to come to UMD, I got to know him on a more personal level.
What are you studying at UMD?
I’m a family science major. I want to be a therapist in the future and help families…maybe even be a social worker.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’ll be old! I’ll be 26 years old seesh! Hopefully graduated with my degree and playing in the league if everything works out. If that doesn’t work then working somewhere in the adult world…and taking on responsibilities like becoming a father and starting a family.
What is one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself?
That’s a hard one! I guess just to not worry about anything and to just live and have fun and be the best I can be everyday.
Favorite hobbies?
I don’t really watch TV much right now I would say sleep…it’s something I don’t get enough of. Waking up early and going to bed late I don’t have enough time during the day to take naps. Honestly just having time to myself. I’m always around people around my teammates but having time to myself to just have my own time to relax and have me time and not be bothered.
Favorite movie?
Remember the Titans! Of course it’s a football movie!
Single/taken?
Single. I’m happy about it I guess. I like having girlfriends but there’s no need to rush anything right now.
What is your idea of the “perfect” girl?
Sheesh! Obviously someone who is very caring, respectful, understanding of my schedule by the time my day is over I’m exhausted. Someone that I can trust. Just someone who is caring and loving and fun to be around.
Give me your best pickup line
*Laughs really hard* Probably excuse me beautiful or excuse me sweetheart and then you just let it flow.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Hardworking, caring and funny.
Be sure to lookout for Keihn (number 15) on the field during the next home game!