Advice for incoming first year students?

Everyone at UNH wants you to do well, but it’s up to you to develop your own personal definition of success.  This means that you can’t just sit in your room waiting for something to happen, you have to go out and find it for yourself.  There are so many opportunities for you to get involved, whether in campus life or academics.  I know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so don’t feel like you have to get involved in everything.   I recommend that you think of your first weeks as a kind of “sampler platter.”  Try as many new things as possible before you make a commitment.  Also, ask questions!  Ask hall staff, professors, anyone.  No one expects you to know everything before you get here.  Learning (even if it’s something as “silly” as how to do laundry) is the reason you’re here at UNH!

Why did you become a Hall Director?

During my undergraduate years I was a science major and really loved my classes, but I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to do once I graduated.  I was also a Resident Assistant and active in Campus Life, so one of my supervisors suggested that I look into a career in Student Affairs.  After doing some research, I realized that I had finally found my “fit”!   I love interacting with first year students and helping them get the most out of their college years.  It’s also a very exciting place to work- I never know what the next day will bring!

Why do you choose UNH? What attracted you to the area or the school?

I’ve lived in the Midwest and the South.  While I loved both areas, I decided to live somewhere I’d never been before.  The New England area stood out to me, and I began to check out schools in the area.  After reviewing the UNH website and interviewing with them, I was really impressed by their dedication to education and student success.  When I visited campus, the students and staff were really friendly, funny, and genuine.  I felt completely at home and knew it would be an amazing place to work!

Any previous experiences, hobbies, etc, that you would want 1st Year Students to know about you?

I am originally from Iowa- so I have a lot of Midwestern pride and an accent to match!  My family and friends are very important to me, so I love telling funny stories about them.  If you ever visit my apartment, I have pictures of them everywhere.  My hobbies are traveling, reading, watching movies, and listening to music.  I also like to cook- but it’s either really good or really bad.  One of my favorite things to do is meet new people, so please stop by my office any time!

Thoughts you might be having coming into your own "1st Year" here at UNH?

As someone who is new to the area, I am open to suggestions on things to do or places to see!  Also, are there any UNH traditions I should know about?