Each FIRE group consists of around 20 students who meet weekly with their peer advisor.  Having a peer advisor throughout my first year was great because she had so much firsthand experience with what we all were going through, whether it was picking classes or getting involved in clubs on campus.  The FIRE program encouraged all of us to get involved in numerous ways, taught us the ins and outs of being a successful professional, and gave us so many opportunities we wouldn’t have otherwise had.  For example, my FIRE group was fortunate enough to win tickets to a Red Sox game where we got a VIP tour of the park and got to talk to UNH alumni who work at Fenway.  This was an awesome experience which helped us to bond as a class, and is one of the highlights of my first year at UNH.

Arguably the biggest highlight of my freshman year was working alongside my FIRE team on our Grand Challenge Project.  At the end of the year, every FIRE team competed against one another in the Undergraduate Research Conference.  Each team had to create a unique product that addressed one of the five following real-world issues: ‘Water is Life’, ‘Food?’, ‘Threats from Cyberspace’, ‘Medical Breakthroughs’, and ‘Addictive Society’.  My team addressed the growing issue of having an addictive society, and developed a product to help reduce the amount of people who relapse after going through alcohol rehabilitation.

After weeks of preparation, all our efforts culminated at the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC).  Myself and my fellow four presenters earned us a spot in the final round of the conference, where we competed against the top team from each of the other Grand Challenge categories.  We were so proud of ourselves for even moving on to the final round, especially after seeing how impressive the presentations of the other teams were. We were so overcome with pride when we were ultimately announced as the overall first place team at the URC!

Even almost a month later, the amazing feeling of having my team’s hard work pay off has not subsided.  If it wasn’t for my group’s determination and incredible teamwork, we would not have been able to accomplish everything we did.  It took countless hours outside of class perfecting the concept of our product and practicing our presentation, and each of us, including our awesome peer advisor Hayley, was always willing to put in the extra time to create an end product we were all proud of.

At the end of the day, being able to say that I was a winning presenter in the URC is an accomplishment that is so humbling and one that provided me with so much growth.  However, I gained much more than just an achievement from my experience at the URC.  The lessons I took away from my experience will be instrumental in my future as a student at UNH, and ultimately as a business professional.  I learned the value of taking every opportunity given to you as well as the true importance of the contributions of each individual in the success of an entire team.  I am so glad to have had the privilege to partake in this program; there truly is no replacement for the hands-on, experiential learning that FIRE has provided my peers and me.  After such an incredible first year, I cannot wait to see what is to come in my next three years as a Paul College student!

About Samantha Carlen ’20:

Samantha Carlen is a member of the class of 2020 at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at The University of New Hampshire earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  Throughout her first year at UNH, she became a brother of the coed business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, and will begin as an associate in the Rines Student Angel Investing Fund this coming fall semester.  Samantha was named to the Dean’s List and received the FIRE Luminary award.  She is from Amherst, New Hampshire.

I have never been one to enjoy the normal path. As cliché as it sounds, I will opt to take the “path less traveled” as apposed to following the crowd.  To me average and normal makes you even more of a number in our world of 7.5 billion. To stand out, you must make your own path; pick the environment you will thrive in instead of becoming apart of a cycle that isn’t right for you.

For me I didn’t think New York City was somewhere I could ever live because I love being surrounded by the quietness of the mountains and the feeling of a smaller town. But who can pass up a trip to New York City? Not me!

At the beginning of sophomore year I opted into a program called Sophomore Shadow, through Paul College, with the end goal of shadowing someone in a field I am interested in. During fall semester we worked in groups on a case study and presented the findings.  Simultaneously, individuals worked on outside tasks for points that would ultimately determine where their job shadow was, the highest number of points meant first pick.  My first pick was the overnight trip to New York City, which I was lucky enough to achieve.

We left on a Thursday morning by bus and arrived around noon at the hotel. From there we did not stop until 11pm that night. We were fully embracing the City That Never Sleeps.

We spent a portion of the afternoon at NBC Universal Studios for a behind the scenes tour and met up with Jennifer Temkin, a 2008 alum. The day ended with a Mets vs. Phillies game at Citi Field where 2015 alum Brittany Pinto was able to get us really good seats and share her story. We always hear that UNH alumni are everywhere but it really hit home when we met both of these alumni at well-known companies.

After a long morning of traveling it was the perfect way to spend the day. My first time touring NBC Studios and first major league baseball game were a success, but what really stuck with me was hearing both women talk about their paths.

To go to widely known businesses and meet people who went to school on the very same campus as me and see how successful they are, created a spark. They used connections to get where they are today, which really made me wonder where all the other alumni have gone and how I could access the wide network we have. At UNH, any job is within reach just by our web of connections.

Friday was just as busy. We each got to go to our own shadow locations for the day. I went to Women Moving Millions (WMM), a nonprofit whose mission “is to catalyze unprecedented resources for the advancement of women and girls.” To be a member, people, usually women, pledge at least $1 million to be paid over a period of 10 years. They can pick what organizations get the donations or what causes they would like their money to serve.  WMM have some pretty powerful members that are part of women movements around the world.

There are two very clear items that stuck out to me when I visited, one being the environment.  The office was located in the Seaport area, which is very much like downtown Portsmouth.  Congested traffic and skyscrapers didn’t surround it.  It was like we stepped out of the city.  The office was also very chic and modern, white walls and simplistic decorations. Although I have been to New York before, it always seemed like something I couldn’t get used to. Home is where the quiet mountains are, not the screeching tires and tall buildings, but this was the first time I had actually begun to see myself in NYC.

The second thing that stuck with me was the compatibility with my shadow person.  Sami Virga is the UNH alum that I spend the day with. She has the same view of not taking a normal path as me, we both find joy in organization, and strive on independence.  She is the Finance and Operation Manager, which is a job I never even thought of me liking. Once again this shadow was giving another situation I could see myself in. 

I ended the day sitting in on a meeting about an upcoming event with the other staff at WMM. I have been toying with the idea of going into events for a while now so this opened my eyes to all the detail that go into planning something on a larger scale.

One city, two days, three alumni, and countless conversations later, I got so much more out of the trip than I ever thought thanks to Sophomore Shadow. The major piece for me is that I can find my place anywhere I am, small town or big city; it just takes a little bit of looking around.

About Emily Grone ’19:

Emily Grone is a sophomore Paul College student studying Business Administration with options in Marketing and Management as well as a minor in Information Technologies. Emily is a RA for a floor of business students in Sawyer Hall, an active member of Women in Business, and a tour guide for Paul College.  Emily is excited to spend her summer running the ice cream stand that she owns, Scoggins Cool Shack, as well as interning at Great Glen Trails in the event planning department. Her summer will be ending with a plane ride to Budapest, Hungary where she will be spending the semester studying at Corvinus University.

Fast Forward to March 31^st in the spring semester, and the time had come for my first job shadow at Raytheon’s Corporate Headquarters in Waltham, MA. On the ride there, I could hardly contain my excitement for what I knew would be a very educational experience. We were greeted by Jim Singer, our host for the day who works in the Investor Relations department. As a UNH alum, he gathered several employees at the company who were also alumni to talk to us throughout the day. It was great to hear from fellow Wildcats and see just how successful their careers have been! It was a pleasure to shadow at Raytheon.

For my second shadow experience, there were four of us who visited HubSpot on Friday April 7^th. We met Holly Peterson, a recruiter for the company who was our host for the day. We were also accompanied by Chris, a 2016 UNH grad who had been working in Support at HubSpot since graduation. That day was filled with many introductions and conversations with different employees in various roles within the company, and it was great to see how everyone contributed to creating such a unique culture at HubSpot.

I am so thankful that I had two shadow experiences at very different companies. HubSpot showed me what a modern office can be like and how traditional office settings can be built upon and changed to make workers feel as comfortable as possible. Raytheon, even though the office was very traditional, did have a program that I found to be great for its employees. Their “9/80” program gives employees every other Friday off if they work 80 hours over the course of nine days. They also underscored the importance of being mobile at the company and encouraging employees to try different jobs at various Raytheon locations.

HubSpot took comfort to a whole new level that I did not even know was possible for an office to achieve. They had a kitchen stocked full of food, complete with candy and snack dispensers. There was a TV with video games for employees to play as they wished. The office was completely open, with desks that could be electronically lifted to become standing desks if desired. Everyone was wearing casual clothing, and the office had a very positive vibe. To me, it seemed more like a hangout place rather than an office. But that day I learned that you can be extremely comfortable and relaxed at work while maintaining a high level of productivity.

Both job shadows opened my eyes to just how much a professional setting can vary. Every company is different, and going forward, my shadow experiences taught me the importance of getting to know a company’s culture when considering employment. In addition, when submitting resumes and cover letters, it is prudent to know the company’s culture and goals and understand how the criteria each one looks for will vary. I learned so much from spending a day at each company, and reflecting upon it, I find it similar to a college tour. I could do all the research I wanted about a particular university, but until I go there and experience the campus, I would not have the full appreciation and understanding of what life is like in that environment.

I am thankful for these opportunities that I have had through the Sophomore Shadow Program, and while each shadow experience was different in many aspects, they were both highly informative and enjoyable. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to Jim Singer and Holly Peterson who were excellent hosts on each shadow day, and to Kim Doucette who has led this program through a wildly successful pilot year. Thank you.

About Ryan Anastasi, ‘19:

Ryan Anastasi is a Sophomore from Bedford, NH pursuing a degree in Business Administration with options in Finance and ISBA. He is proud to serve as the President of the UNH French Club and as Business Manager of UNH’s all-male a cappella group Not Too Sharp. He has enjoyed giving advice and helping promote the Sophomore Shadow Program as a member of its Student Leadership Committee. He currently works as a Teacher’s Assistant for Professor Kristian Olsen in an Ethics and Society class. Ryan is ecstatic to be studying abroad in Ascoli Piceno, Italy through the UNH-in-Italy Program this upcoming fall 2017 semester. He loves to be involved on campus, and once he returns in Spring 2018 he will surely continue to be an active part of the UNH community.

My first impression of FIRE was that it was a neat idea, but it didn’t work in reality. Man, was I wrong. I started to realize how many people I was meeting through FIRE. My FIRE group (W1LDF1RE) started to become more closely knit and everything started to turn out how I had hoped it would. Once my group discovered how friendly everyone one is and once we realized our potential, we really became a team. Anytime somebody is going to an event on campus, we encourage others to join by extending an invitation to the entire group.

While UNH does not have an official actuarial program, there is a path to help students get a job as an actuary. I thought the best path to take was through Paul College, but it turns out Statistics is a better option. When I learned this, I was reluctant to leave Paul College, I anticipated I would be ineligible for FIRE during the spring semester. I considered staying in Paul College for one more semester so I can finish what I started with my team. Paul College offers the only program like this at UNH and I definitely did not want to miss out on this, especially when I’ve been lucky enough to be placed on such a great team. Luckily, the FIRE Coordinators made an exception for me, allowing me to transfer to a different major while continuing to take advantage of the great program.

I don’t think I would have been as active on campus as much as I am if it wasn’t for FIRE. The greatest aspect of going to events, is no matter where I go I’m almost guaranteed to see somebody I know. FIRE helped me to meet so many people that I even became friends with members of other FIRE groups. Once groups start to know each other is when the rivalries start to form and the competition become serious. My RA Kevin Johnson is the peer advisor for F1R3 GOODELL (Team 13) and I’m starting to see a little bit of a rivalry brewing. Now that I know I’m with my team for the long run, I believe we have what it takes to win it all while also having the best semester yet!

About Joshua Jasneski ’20:

• Spaulding High School Class of 2016
• UNH Class of 2020
• UNH Upward Bound Alumni
• Plans to graduate with a bachelor degree in Statistics and to pursue a career as an actuary

The Sophomore Shadow program is comprised of various events, such as a conference with speakers and info sessions, a research workshop, and writing workshops. These events led up to a case study competition at the end of the semester.  Kate, Mike, and I were in the Entrepreneurship field and were assigned to a case study on Uber. After research and deliberations on innovative solutions, we proposed that Uber provide a platform to connect childcare service providers with parents seeking safe ride options for their kids. Presenting in front of judges and our peers, our group won in the Entrepreneurship field and then won the competition in final round.

Winning the case study competition was an amazing accomplishment and one of the highlights of my college experience thus far. However, the competition provided me with much more than an achievement. This process helped prepare me for my future in business world. Analyzing a situation, developing a solution, and then presenting your findings can be applied to any career. In addition, being able to talk job recruiters about the knowledge gained from this program and my achievement separates me from other applicants. Another asset I gained from this event was the connections I built with Kate, Mike, and others in the program. I was able to further my development as a team member and build my network within Paul College. Furthermore, this program made me confident in my skills. If I can prepare a winning business presentation, what is stopping me from getting that internship?

What I learned most from this experience is that personal success is attainable if you take charge in the opportunities presented to you. In high school, I was not one to challenge myself and was not involved in anything outside the classroom other than sports. That quickly changed when I came to UNH. There are many opportunities here to grow yourself personally and professionally; Sophomore Shadow is no exception. This spring, program participants have the opportunity to shadow at a company, and I am excited to see where this new opportunity takes me.

About Matt LoStocco ’19:

Matt is a sophomore student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics from Madison, CT. He is pursuing a Business Administration degree in the fields of Entrepreneurial Studies and Finance. Matt is a brother of the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi and a member of the University Honors Program.

Julianne Calef ‘

Business Administration: Accounting & Finance

Titles:

Campus Activities Board, Paul College Dean’s Ambassador, FIRE Program Peer Advisor, Principal Member of the Rine’s Angel Fund

Why did you choose UNH?

My home is 20 minutes away from campus so I’ve always known about UNH. When I was young, my family and I attended hockey games, we had UNH hats, and we’d driven through campus many times. Because UNH was so familiar to me, I originally thought that I wanted to go somewhere farther away. When I was touring schools, though, I realized that UNH was exactly everything that I wanted. It offered the perfect university package: a beautiful campus, great location, academic and social opportunities and so much more. Now that I’m here, I love UNH and couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. 

What do you do outside of classes and homework?

As a first-year student, I was lucky enough to stumble upon the Campus Activities Board (CAB). CAB is a student-run organization that offers late-night weekend programming for the entire campus to enjoy. Since I was a freshman, CAB has always had a special place in my heart. The organization is all about empowering others and making a difference on campus. Being a part of something that impacts thousands of students is one of the most powerful and rewarding experiences I’ve had at UNH. As someone who was relatively introverted at the start of college, CAB really helped me develop my leadership skills and come out of my shell. Throughout my time in the organization, I’ve had the opportunity to serve on the executive board twice as public relations lead, and I also chaired the 150^th Homecoming celebration this past September. 

Any favorite classes so far?

One of my favorites is Strategic Management. In this class, students have the chance to learn the truth behind what creates strategy and a competitive advantage. The foundation of the class is taught through case studies and a semester-long group project. Our project is designed to lead the group through the application of key course concepts. Our group is responsible for choosing a company, deeply researching their products, industry, etc., and providing strategic recommendations regarding what the company should do next. One of the best things about this class, though, is the professor, Dr. Andrew Earle, who is both brilliant and personable. He leads the class similarly to how upper management would run a company, helping students get the full idea of what to expect after graduation.

Is there anything particularly awesome about Paul College you’d like to share?

Throughout my time in Paul College, I’ve attended meaningful classes and met intelligent professors, but after three years, I believe that it is more than just an academic experience. One of the best things about Paul College is all of the opportunities it has to offer. Over the past two years, I’ve gotten involved in a few different ways. I’m currently in my second year as a peer advisor in the FIRE Program, which pairs 20-25 first-year business students with an upperclassmen peer advisor. Additionally, I am a principal member of the Rines Angel Fund, a student-run angel investment group, and I’m a dean’s ambassador. All of these activities have helped me become a better student, enhance my skills and broaden my perspective. Not only has Paul College given me the skills and tools that I need to succeed after graduation but it has also given me the confidence to believe in myself.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned at UNH?

UNH has taught me many important lessons, but one that really hits home for me is to not be afraid of doing something out of your comfort zone. When I think back on my time here , some of the best and most worthwhile experiences that I have had have been because I challenged myself to be more courageous. As someone who came into college thinking I would never be a leader and would never be good at public speaking, I am happy to say that I proved myself wrong. UNH has taught me that growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and that is a lesson that I will carry with me into my career and beyond.

Tell us about one of your favorite UNH experiences.

My favorite experience at UNH was attending the annual UNH Leadership Camp during the winter break of my sophomore year. Leadership Camp is a five-day retreat in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, hosted by the Memorial Union & Student Activities. Leadership Camp is known as being “the best week ever,” and it truly was. While there, I learned the fundamentals behind what it means to be a leader, but I also learned about my own strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, Leadership Camp gave me a second family of friends. I came back to campus knowing 50 new people and having many lunch plans and endless text threads. It was an incredible experience and applying to it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The #MyUNH series features University of New Hampshire students answering a series of questions regarding their decision to enroll at the university and how they’ve written a personal UNH story. Would you like to tell your story? Email social.media@unh.edu.

I had made the decision to stay at home and commute to UNH when I first received my acceptance letter. I lived only one town over and did not think it would be practical to spend so much more money just to live on campus. I was definitely aware that this may make it harder for me to make friends but I decided to at least give it a try.

My first day of my FIRE class, I met my amazing and super friendly peer advisor Samantha. I felt like I could ask her anything and she would help me. I also met other people in my major, and immediately we all became friends. We had many classes together and I found myself opening up to them more, hanging out between classes, and studying together. We encouraged each other to go to events around campus together too. FIRE reduced any fears I had of not being included on campus; the program encouraged participation in everything happening at UNH, which I took advantage of to the fullest.

Now, a few months into my first year here at UNH and I feel like I’m still meeting new people every day. I go to all sorts of campus events, ranging from cultural nights to sports games to even seeing the President. I’m the Public Relations chair of the Middle Eastern Cultural Association and I recently joined Student Senate. I find myself constantly busy and I love it. For my next four years here at UNH, I hope to accomplish many things, such as traveling abroad, learning a new language, getting an internship in the city, and continuing to stay active in student organizations on campus.

The FIRE program made it easy for me to meet other fellow PAUL students, but it also helped me gain the confidence to try other new things on campus. I don’t even feel like I commute anymore; I am on campus all the time, and I’ve come to realize that UNH feels like a second home. I am so excited for the next four years here and cannot wait to see what the future has in store.

About Nooran Alhamdan:

Nooran is a first year student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics. She is majoring in economics and hopes to additionally double major in political science. Nooran hopes to use the education she receives at UNH to dedicate her life to humanitarian work, and is looking to law school for the future. She is chair of Public Relations for the Middle Eastern Cultural Association and a member of the UNH Student Senate.

1. See what requirements you need to fulfill.

In addition to seeing what courses you need to complete your major, you’ll need to make sure you’re fulfilling all requirements for Discovery courses.

✔️  Inquiry course [IQ] May fulfill another Discovery requirement or departmental requirement as well. Should be taken within the first or second year.

✔️  Writing Intensive course [WI] Should be taken within the first year.

✔️  Quantitative Reasoning course [QR] Should be taken within the first year.

✔️  Discovery in the Disciplines Students must take one course from each Discovery category at the 400-600 levels.

• One course in Biological Science (BS)*
• One course in Physical Science (PS)*
• One course in Environment, Technology, and Society (ETS)
• One course in Fine and Performing Arts (FPA)
• One course in Historical Perspectives (HP)
• One course in Humanities (HUMA)
• One course in Social Science (SS)
• One course in World Cultures (WC) (also may be satisfied by approved study abroad programs)

*One of these courses must have a lab component (DLab).

TIP: Check out Degree Works on Webcat for a detailed description of your academic progress in your major and Discovery requirements. Here’s how to access it.

2. Browse the course list.

The UNH course search page will be one of the most useful sites you’ll visit as a Wildcat. Bookmark it! You can browse all the course offerings of UNH, but you’ll probably want to narrow down your search using the filter function. From the left-hand column, apply filters such as subject, attribute (course level, course attribute, etc.) and time and location (campus, day of the week, etc.).

TIP: Use the “course attribute” filter to see a list of classes that fulfill certain Discovery requirements.

3. Fill out a registration worksheet.

Pick up a course registration worksheet outside your department’s office or download it here. Make sure none of your chosen classes overlap – you may have to try a couple of different configurations!

TIP: Always have a backup class chosen in case your first-choice is full by the time you register.

4. Find out who your academic advisor is.

Find your advisor’s name

1. Go to blackboard.unh.edu and log in.
(Make sure you are in the UNH tab)

2. Select WEBCAT/Services Tab; click Continue button.

3. Select Student Records

4. Select View Major and Advisor

5. Select current term

Find their contact information

1. Go back to Blackboard homepage

2. Select MyUNH Resources

3. Select Faculty/Staff Directory

4. Type in your advisor’s name

TIP: Your advisor might change as you progress in your college career once you finish your provisional requirements.

5. Schedule an appointment and meet with your academic advisor.

They’ll approve your course selections or help you figure out what to take if you’re confused. They’ll also sign your registration worksheet and give you your RAC (Registration Access Code) and registration date and time.

For undeclared liberal arts and provisional psychology students

• Log in to Wildcat Advising (use your UNH username and password)
• Select Appointment
• Select Request New Appointment
• Select Type of “COLA > UACC”
• At the bottom, select Check Availability
• Select the time that works for you (the sooner the better)
• Review request and click Submit

For all other students

• Contact your assigned advisor about how to schedule an appointment
• If you cannot find your assigned advisor, go to your major’s department office

TIP: Ideally, meet with your advisor before you’ve chosen all your classes. They’ll be happy to discuss your long-term goals and plans at any point, not just during the registration period!

5. Register!

Now that you have your RAC and registration time, you’re all set to register. Here are detailed instructions including a video tutorial. Best of luck!

Are you looking to get ahead on credits? Looking for something to do in January when the snow forces you inside? ❄️  With so many different class offerings during January Term, there’s something for everyone! From ARTS to RMP, here are just a few of our J-Term courses to take this year.

Browse all J-Term courses here!

1) ARTS 596 (1BB) Special Topics – Intro to Graphic Design (online)

Ever wanted to take a class on graphic design? Well the good news is that this year, UNH is offering ARTS 596 (1BB). In this course, you can expect to become proficient in using the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign). The course will focus on photo manipulation and the basic skills necessary for success in the field of graphic design.

2) CA 502 (M1) – Image and Sound (Manchester)

Image and Sound is a course on the aesthetics of motion picture and sound production and is available at Manchester only. Students will explore the aesthetic principles that are used to communicate stories, emotions and messages in popular media and will study film, television, new media and survey production methods.

3) HMGT 698 (1BB) – Top/Wedding Planning & Management (online)

This course looks at the business side of wedding planning from the point of view of the wedding planner. The class begins with wedding budgeting then moves on to look at the contracts and services a professional wedding planner must manage and coordinate.

4) ENGL 703T (01) – Travel Writing (abroad)

Travel writing is a workshop devoted to the processes of reading, writing and reflecting. Based on whatever study abroad program you participate in, students are required to compose written pieces of their own through research and reflection.

5) JUST 595 – Breaking Down Breaking Bad: The Analysis of Hollywood  Crime and Justice (online)

Taught by Katherine Abbott, this class will focus on case studies in order to look at the way justice comes into being in accordance with the relationship between crime, policy-making and popular media. If you’re a law buff or a general movie person, then this class is for you!

6) MKTG 598 (2BB) – Top/Digital Marketing Communication (online)

Are you a Paul College marketing student, or are you just addicted to social media and corporate communication? Using the internet and wireless mobile devices, students will examine topics such as online advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), web analytics, mobile messaging and the use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more!

7) RMP 511 (1BB) – Issues of Wilderness and Nature in American Society  (online)

While looking at the relationship between wilderness/nature and American society, students will explore the evolution of philosophy, ethics and values. Other topics covered in this course are sustainability, biodiversity, hunting, suburban sprawl, environmental activism, endangered species, organic foods and genetic engineering.

8) ESCI 405 (1BB) – Global Environmental Change (online)

Are you interested in human activity and the global environment? This class explores evidence of environmental degradation in Earth’s crust, hydrosphere and atmosphere, while also considering prospects for a future in sustainable human health, diversity and economic development.

9) FREN 401 (1BB) – Elementary French l (online)

Ever wanted to learn another language? Elementary French is conducted mostly in French; students learn the language through speaking, listening, reading, writing, labs and films. Meant as an introductory course, this class could count towards the foreign language requirement if you take FREN 401 and 402.

10) HIST 498 (1BB) Exploring Historical Perspectives – Game of Thrones: Power and Politics in Renaissance Europe (online)

Based on George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, more widely known from HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” this course explores the real “Game of Thrones.” Discover the historical struggles for supremacy between European houses in the 16th century as the modern European state system was forming. Take this course for an in-depth look at Europe’s structure and past.

Bonus: COLA 400 (1BB) – Career Planning in the Liberal Arts (online)

An exploration of career paths and the strategies to market the skills and competencies associated with a liberal arts major. Restricted to COLA students.

See all January Term offerings.

PRO:

You will be introduced to genres, texts and authors you’ve definitely never heard of.

As an English major, you will read a lot. It can be overwhelming, but the material you will be exposed to is priceless. You will read everything from short stories and major novels to poems by Americans, Asians, African Americans, Africans, Hispanics, males, females, the old, the young, the dead. You name it; you’ll read it. Where and how else would you possibly be exposed to these kinds of stories told directly by the people who experienced them?

CON:

People may not always take what you do seriously.

When you tell people you’re an English major some will think it’s great that you have a creative outlet. While others’ first reaction may be to say something like “Oh, that must be so easy. You just read, and you never have exams!”  Well, they’re not totally wrong; most English classes don’t have exams. However, it’s not always easy to write a paper that could be anywhere from four to 10 pages every month for every class. You end up writing one or two papers every one or two weeks. And the reading? You may be assigned upwards of 100 pages in one night. It’s not easy. It’s not a joke.

PRO:

Many classes are discussion-based, encourage creativity and help you develop autonomy.

As an English major, you’re not going to spend a whole lot of time in lectures. Most of your classes will be spent discussing the reading you were assigned and relating it to your life. Many classes ask questions like, “Why are we reading this? What’s the point? Why does this matter? How is it relevant to our lives today?” Even when you are reading something published in 1853, you can find ways to connect the themes to current times. Outside of class, you will write papers about what you have read. Most professors don’t require you to write about certain topics. They want you to be creative and inspired to write about something of your own choosing. You won’t love, or even like, every piece of literature you read, but you will find something in each work that stands out to you.

CON:

You will read until you think your eyes may fall out of your head.

Sounds gross, I know, but if you are an English major you know exactly what I mean. I really can’t stress this enough — YOU WILL READ A LOT, and time management is key. You have to prioritize. But trust me, always…ALWAYS read the novels and poems you are assigned. Articles have headers that can help you pull out the major themes. If you skip one page of a novel, you may miss the one point your professor is going to want to talk about in class, and you will feel like a jerk for relying on your classmates who did the reading to participate so you can hide that day. DO THE READING. You’ll thank me later.

PRO:

You will have many classes with the same students, which helps you develop friendships and create working relationships.

Most English majors have the same course requirements, so you will start to see familiar faces in classes. You will start doing projects together and getting to know each other from class discussions. After a while, you will stop having that fear of not knowing anyone in your classes, and class discussions will be more fulfilling as you and your classmates will be comfortable with each other and not afraid to dive into deeper themes and topics from the readings.

CON:

You will start correcting your friends’ grammar…Even in texts.

English teaching majors, like me, are required to take ENGL 791: Grammar. Other English majors will get grammar corrections on papers. Eventually the tables will turn when you go from someone else correcting your writing to you doing the correcting. You will correct your friends’ texts. Embrace it. It’s what you do all day; proper grammar will become a part of who you are.

PRO:

The various English majors offered at UNH open up doors for many opportunities.

Click below for more information from the English Department!

• English Department
• English Major – B.A.
• English Literature Major – B.A.
• English Teaching Major – B.A.
• English/Journalism Major – B.A.
• Double & Dual Major Options in English
• Minor Options
• Graduate Options
• Opportunities: Internships, Study Abroad, Independent Study, Scholarships & Awards
• Careers

Concerned about job prospects? Check out Why English Majors Are the Hot New Hires.

Justin Herman was our lovely host, nostalgic compatriot, and now, cultural attaché. Justin, an ’03 graduate of UNH, jumped at the opportunity to throw a line to some fellow Wildcats stumbling through the District’s multifaceted personae. We enjoyed a lovely dinner and reveled, star-struck, in Justin’s six degrees of separation to legislative and executive V.I.P.s. Connecting with this alumnus has already opened doors for those of us who attended (a private tour of the World Bank?! C’mon!).

We look forward to building out the D.C. Wildcat network should we find ourselves flying south after graduation. In a town where networking is not only necessary to professional success but also enriching to personal growth, linking up with someone as professionally accomplished and kind as Justin was an invaluable experience.

The attendees — Josh Venuti ’18 and I — were introduced to this opportunity through our ever-supportive Washington Center advisor (and Study-Away USA Coordinator) Paula DiNardo. While the political science department’s emails planted the idea of taking a semester in D.C., Paula was the one who encouraged and nurtured that idea into reality. Go Paula! (Insert applause emoji here.)

I am a senior at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Russian as well as political science, and minoring in international affairs. I applied to The Washington Center, an any-semester program offered through universities and colleges across the globe, to gain some real exposure to the U.S. political landscape in a way that complements my fields of study, and to get some actual work experience as an undergraduate. Not only did I meet those goals in my internship and professional programming, but also I have met lifelong friends from other states and countries whom I never would have met otherwise. This experience has helped me get a clearer view of the job market as a whole, the structure of Congress, the opportunities available to undergraduate students and what my own preferences and aspirations are. I would absolutely recommend this experience to anyone studying political science or who has an interest in public policy.

While you’re there, take advantage of great opportunities like Dinner with a Wildcat!

The program kickoff featured guest speaker Jullien Gordon who delivered an engrossing speech on the idea of building a career around what you love. He insisted that money isn’t the only metric and that it is possible to intertwine your career goals with your purpose and passion. These words were so important to hear sophomore year because this is the year that we all have to declare a major. The Sophomore Shadow Program has definitely helped ease the burden of this process by providing a range of exploratory activities to not just improve your skills, but to better understand yourself and how UNH can help you reach your goals.

One of my favorite events as part of the program was the Resume Review session held at the Granite State Room. Representatives from local companies came to UNH and sat down one-on-one with students and provided real feedback on how to improve our resumes. I was able to receive constructive feedback from an experienced HR professional in charge of the new-hire process at her company. This type of networking and feedback is invaluable when searching for internships as well as future job placement.

While the Sophomore Shadow Program does a fantastic job for professional development and academic exploration, it also covers many more topics. For instance, I’ve gained points by learning about all of the programs Health Services has to offer including stress management and personalized wellness plans. To be honest, I never would have explored these opportunities were it not for the program. Health is often is overlooked in college and it’s especially easy to lose track of your wellness when there’s all-you-can-eat pizza at the dining hall. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital to success as it can lead to better sleeping habits, less stress, and ultimately improve your academic performance. The Shadow Program has further helped academically by granting points for going to office hours as well as meeting with new faculty members. Meeting with professors one-on-one can be daunting at first but the Shadow Program has pushed me out of my comfort zone to establish and deepen these connections as well as improve myself academically.

The next part of the program that I am looking forward to is the Team Case Study. I have been partnered with a wonderful group of students in my major and together we have been working to help solve real business issues. Even if we don’t win the competition, the experience thus far has been well worth the time and participation. By exposing me to the vast array of resources that UNH and Paul College has to offer I have been able to focus on my future, decide on a major and better prepare myself for the challenges of the next two years and life after college.

About Abigail Kourafas ’19:

Abigail Kourafas is a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Business Administration with a focus in management. On campus, she is the treasurer of the Yellow Ribbon Club, an organization that raises money for US troops overseas. As a part of her role in the organization, she visits veteran’s homes, mails out care packages and travels to the Pease International Airport as a greeter to welcome our men and women home. Off-campus, Abigail works as a delivery driver at Domino’s in Durham. This past summer she had a business internship at XO Photo and also worked as a Personal Recruiter at Vector Marketing. She is excited to participate in more events for the Sophomore Shadow Program and can’t wait to see where the next opportunity leads.

I had just moved back to Durham after a summer at home with my parents. I was living in Peterson Hall with my best friend and we were ready to conquer Sophomore year. I was coming off of a freshman year with the highest GPA of my life, a ton of friends and a great boyfriend, a double major in Business Administration and Communication, and an internship with UNH Athletics to look forward to. I spent as little time away from UNH during the summer as possible – I was an orientation leader living on campus well into June, and returned a week early in August to be on PrOVES staff. I was living the Wildcat dream.

So why, then, did I spend my summer at home googling transfer requirements to other universities? Because of the Sophomore Slump.

Two weeks into the semester, I and a hundred or so of my fellow Paul sophomores took our seats in G75 for the first quiz of the year in Financial Accounting. I left feeling as though half of my brain might have still been in the classroom. I knew math wasn’t my strong suit, but when I went on Blackboard later and saw it – a D – my mind went into straight panic. The next day, I was sitting in the academic advising office with a drop form in hand and a change of major submitted. I, a chronic over thinker who gathers every fact and weighs every possibility before making a decision, had made the rash decision to change my major within hours of receiving my first less than ideal grade in a class.

The Sophomore Slump had taken me captive. I had no idea what I wanted to study, what I was going to do with my degree, or why UNH suddenly surrounded me with stress and uncertainty when it was my home away from home.

When I think back to my sophomore year, there is so much that I wish that I knew. I wish I knew that I could’ve gone to ADMN 502 TA help sessions to get me through accounting. I wish I knew that I was a semester away from diving into marketing classes (what I was planning to study). I wish I knew that the stress I was feeling wasn’t permanent, and Health Services has abundant resources to help me manage that stress immediately. I wish I knew that I didn’t have to know right then and there what I wanted my career to be.

Fast forward to today. I was hired as the Sophomore Shadow Program Assistant in July. My job, literally, is to develop a program designed to help students realize the resources and opportunities that are around them – the program makes sure that Paul sophomores know everything that I wish I knew as a sophomore! Sophomore Shadow participants take part in a variety of programming throughout the fall semester to help them explore academic interest areas and possible careers, and to expand their skill sets. Students who meet a minimum requirement during the fall semester earn a one-day shadow experience with a UNH alumni or local business during the spring semester in New York City, Boston, Portsmouth or Manchester.

Had a program like Sophomore Shadow existed during my sophomore year, maybe I would’ve bee
n able to see beyond one quiz grade. I would have been engaged in something beyond my self-doubt – engaged in programming in leadership, communication, wellness, and professional development. I would’ve had something to look forward to once I got through the tough first few weeks and a resource to get me through it. I could have had a realistic goal to aim for – participate in as much programming as possible so that I can have my pick of shadow experiences – and an academic community where I felt I belonged. A program like Sophomore Shadow would have been my slump buster.

And in the month and a half since the program kicked off, I’ve seen it ward off the Sophomore Slump in the class of 2019. Working closely with sophomores, I’ve seen very few signs and symptoms of slumping from those actively engaged in the programming. Those who are participating are taking ownership over their undergraduate courses by discovering their academic areas of interest. They are taking ownership of their professional development through networking opportunities, resume reviews, bootcamps and career exploration. They’ve taken ownership of their ability to be standout internship candidates by doing something, voluntarily, that expands their skill sets and proves their dedication to being excellent.

Sure, we all doubt our paths at one time or another. We all find ourselves a little off course. But, in just a few short months I’ve seen that by engaging students in a program like Sophomore Shadow and allowing them to dive head first into their own development professionally, academically, and personally, we can ward off the slump and encourage excellence.

About Kim Moran ’15:

Kim Moran is currently the Sophomore Shadow Program Assistant for Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics. Kim is a 2015 graduate of UNH, with a degree in Communication: Business Applications. While a student, Kim was a member of the ‘Cat Crew Marketing & Promotions team and later the Student Marketing Assistant at UNH Athletics. She was also a June Orientation Leader and on staff for the PrOVES Program, after participating in PrOVES prior to her freshman year at UNH. Kim was on at least one broomball team every year, and even played on one ill-fated inner tube water polo team.

Outside of UNH, Kim is slightly obsessed with the Bruins, an avid coffee drinker, and a newly self-proclaimed crazy cat mom to her two one-eyed kittens.

101. Check out the bookstore for UNH gear.

102. Go to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (OSIL) to see how you can get involved.

103. Hit up Tacomano’s Late Night for $5 burritos.

104. Go to the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) office to get involved with diversity programs.

105. Keep a UNH umbrella on hand for surprise rain storms.

106. Spend a snow day playing in the snow with friends.

107. Pet a dog in the library during Frazzle Free Finals.

108. Call your family.

109. Check in with friends from high school.

110. Meet President Huddleston.

111. Participate in an open forum with President Mark Huddleston.

112. Go see a guest speaker in the MUB.

113. Play a sand volleyball game outside Stoke or Gibbs.

114. Go to an early morning Tedx Talk in the MUB.

115. Get nachos at Libby’s.

116. Get ahead on homework at Dimond Library.

117. Go to Late Night at Philly.

118. Join a community service student organization.

119. Take a picture with Gnarlz and Wild E. Cat.

120. Meet with your advisor.

121. Book a room in Dimond Library for a study group.

122. Go to Campus Rec’s Fall Fest.

123. Go to Solar Fest, put on by the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC).

124. Check out CAB’s May Day Carnival.

125. Compete to be the Funniest Person on Campus.

126. Get cheesy fries from Kurt’s Lunchbox.

127. Attend a SHARPP event.

128. Thank a UNH police officer.

129. See a hypnotist show at the MUB.

130. Take a picture of a UNH squirrel.

131. Beat the winter blues with light therapy at Health Services.

132. Tune into WUNH at 91.3 FM.

133. Take a unique Discovery course.

134. Watch the 24-hour webcam of the Wildcat statue.

135. Work out at the Hamel Recreation Center.

136. Get ice cream from the Dairy Bar.

137. Stargaze at the UNH Observatory.

138. Throw the fish onto the ice at a UNH Hockey game.

139. Present at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

140. Play Frisbee in the fishbowl.

141. Run in Campus Living Association’s Half-Naked Whole Mile.

142. Sled down library hill during a snow day.

143. Look into the National Student Exchange to study away in the U.S.

144. Play basketball at the outdoor courts.

145. Visit the cows and horses at the UNH barns.

146. Paint your face blue and white for a sporting event.

147. Join the Indian Subcontinent Students’ Association’s (ISSA) Holi: Festival of Colors.

148. Enjoy a UNH Dining outdoor barbeque.

149. Spend a day volunteering at a UNH Serves event.

150. Create your own experience!

51. Decorate a gingerbread house with friends from your residence hall.

52. Go out to eat at Wildcat Pizza.

53. Invite your family to campus for Family Weekend.

54. Pat the cat. (Touch the Wildcat statue’s nose.)

55. Take a nap in a hammock.

56. Watch a movie in the MUB movie theatre.

57. Get help at the Math Center in Christensen.

58. Take the Amtrak from campus to Portland, Maine, or Boston, Massachusetts.

59. Join an intramural sports team.

60. View the latest exhibit at the UNH Museum in Dimond Library.

61. Attend the UNH Career and Internship Fair.

62. Get lunch at Pita Pit in Philbrook Café.

63. Shop for handmade holiday gifts at the annual Evergreen Fair.

64. Celebrate the end of the semester at the Campus Rec carnival.

65. Get extra help during professors’ office hours.

66. Take a class you’re interested in that doesn’t count toward your major.

67. Attend three different Homecoming events.

68. Go to Relaxation Station at Health Services.

69. Go to a SCOPE concert.

70. Take Wildcat Transit to Dover.

71. Attend an event to support a friend.

72. Find your favorite study spot in Dimond Library.

73. Eat lunch at Union Court in the MUB.

74. Rent outdoor equipment from Campus Rec.

75. Take advantage of the Connors Writing Center in the library.

76. Try new foods at the International Food Luncheon during International Education Week.

77. Go to an outdoor movie on T-Hall lawn.

78. Find your favorite spot to grab coffee on campus.

79. Play a pick-up game of wiffleball in the fishbowl.

80. Go for a swim in the Swasey Indoor Pool.

81. Use Tapingo to skip lines at Wildkitty, Union Court, Pita Pit, etc.

82. Confuse a non-Wildcat with all of our acronyms and abbreviations.

83. Go to UNH Dining’s fall Local Harvest dinner.

84. Live in at least two different residence halls.

85. Carve a pumpkin with a UNH theme.

86. Spend a warm day swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding at Mendum’s Pond.

87. Go to Franz’s Food for a JB Breakfast Wrap.

88. Enter your dorm room in UNH Housing’s Rate My Space contest.

89. Get a UNH sweatshirt blanket.

90. Go to a pep rally.

91. Enter your campus photo to be featured as the #instaUNH Photo of the Week.

92. Do a Takeover Tuesday on the UNH Snapchat account.

93. While walking around campus, stop and make friends with a passing dog.

94. Watch the UNH unicyclist.

95. Write a blog post for UNH Tales.

96. Become friends with RAs in your residence hall.

97. Get a job on campus.

98. Take a picture in front of T-Hall on the stone wall.

99. Participate in an on-campus blood drive.

100. Run a table in the MUB.

Part III coming soon!

Answering the question “Why UNH?” is tough because the University of New Hampshire was never part of my plan. I knew UNH was a good school and it had great academics and sports, but I went to a large high school in New Hampshire, which meant that many people from my graduating class had committed to UNH. I liked these people, but I thought it was time for me to move on and go my own way; I didn’t want to experience high school 2.0. I was looking into schools far away, just trying to get away from the small state of New Hampshire. My mom did NOT like that plan; she didn’t want me to go to school hundreds of miles away, so she insisted on UNH. For days she begged me to take a tour of the campus. Finally, I gave in just so she would stop asking. (I knew there was no way I would love the school, so I figured if I took a tour she would stop bothering me about it.) I remember the day of my tour like it was yesterday. It was a gorgeous fall day, and the scenery caught my attention. The campus was so incredible; I really enjoyed walking around and seeing what UNH had to offer. Something just clicked in my head. This was no longer a tour to get my mother off my back; it had become a tour to find my home for the next four years. I listened to every single word my tour guide said. (I wish I remembered her name because I would love to thank her.) She showed me all different sides of UNH, and for the first time, I actually considered going to this school. Finally, at the end of the tour, we walked past T-Hall lawn and it was absolutely gorgeous; it took my breath away. In that moment I knew this was the school for me. My mom constantly says, “I told you so,” but she was right; she knew UNH was my perfect fit.

I’m holding the T in Wildcats!

I love everything about UNH, from the sporting events to the classrooms. Since becoming a Wildcat I have joined numerous organizations and clubs on campus, and I love what I’m involved with. I hope everyone at UNH finds their group of people here and loves this campus as much as I do. UNH is my home and my fellow Wildcats are my family. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. UNH was never part of the plan, but I thank my mom every day for convincing me to take a tour of the place I am now proud to call home.

The ‘Cat Pack gets to Wildcat Stadium for games early. The student’s section is nicknamed “The Dungeon.”

Now, as a senior, I have countless memories of my journey at UNH. From fears while moving in as a freshman to excitement about returning again and again, the ups and downs are endless, but I am proud of my UNH story. Four years have come and gone since that first time seeing campus, and my feeling of home has only grown.

In my time as a student I joined (probably too many) student organizations.

I was a chair of The Grind (open mic. night) for the Campus Activities Board (CAB).

I have been the student director of CATS, a group that works with local elementary schools to try to eliminate bullying, for three years.

I am a member of the ‘Cat Pack Captains, a group that spreads Wildcat spirit to all corners of campus!

I got a few jobs on campus.

I work as a counselor for Camp Wildcat during the summer!

I am a student media intern with #UNHSocial! We have a great team this year!

I fell in love with the opportunities I was given.

I attended Leadership Camp during winter break of my freshman year!

I got to meet the hockey team with Cat Pack!

I get to live on a GORGEOUS campus!

And I found my family at UNH.

I love going to athletic events with friends!

UNH isn’t too far from home, so my parents come up for all the major events in my Wildcat career!

I got lucky and found some wonderful roomies!

The opportunities I took advantage of academically, socially and professionally have given me the tools I need to have not only a successful career but a successful life, too. I have grown as a person, discovered who I am and defined what I want because of this university. It makes me sad to think about leaving, but I know the future is bright for all of those remaining and future Wildcats. #IBelieveInUNH #ThankYouUNH

             

Why did I choose UNH? I could talk for hours about how great this university is and how easy it was to make my final decision to become a Wildcat.

Everyone on campus is always friendly and accepting; since move-in day I’ve felt like I fit right into the tight-knit community this university has been weaving for the past 150 years.

The sports here are incredible. From varsity and club sports to intramurals, there is fun and excitement for all. Having loved and played sports my entire life, I truly value UNH’s passion for sports which was a primary factor in my decision.

UNH Dining Services ranks among the top 10 in the country which always makes eating a pleasure. (I’m currently trying to avoid the freshman 15.)  

The Durham campus is unique and appealing to the eye. The University of New Hampshire had, by far, the most beautiful campus I toured while searching for my future home, and now that I live here, I really get to experience it firsthand. From the warm summer days and falling leaves of autumn to the snowy trees of winter and blooming flowers of spring, UNH will never fail to catch your eye.

The opportunities here are endless. All the different majors, jobs and internships and the variety of resources make the students feel as if we are always the university’s top priority. As long as I am working hard, I know success is in my future. When I sat down to make my decision about where I was going to spend the next four years of my life, UNH stood out as the place that could equip me with the tools and life skills I need to chase my dreams and achieve my goals. I couldn’t be prouder to attend the University of New Hampshire and call myself a Wildcat.

I excelled academically in high school, and a lot of people who knew me thought I would choose a super-selective, prestigious college instead of a state school; however, UNH was the only school that offered all the opportunities I was looking for. As a prospective student, I was surprised by the caliber and breadth of the programs offered here. I’ve continued to be impressed with the range of opportunities UNH has presented me throughout my college experience.

Meeting NBC journalist Chuck Todd of “Meet the Press”

I’ve met award-winning authors and national broadcast journalists; seen presidential candidates give speeches; networked with local professionals and alumni; secured amazing internships; spent an incredible semester abroad, and, most importantly of all, have been inspired by the impressive work I’ve seen my fellow students undertake both in our local community and around the world.

Representing UNH at some Roman ruins in Mérida, Spain, with my study abroad group

Ultimately, the deciding factor for me when choosing a college was the type of people that attended the school. Were they friendly? Would I fit in? Would I meet people with interesting backgrounds? Would I form lasting connections? The answer to these questions was “yes” more strongly at UNH than any other campus I visited.

From my first week at college when I made enduring friendships with the people in my residence hall to the engaging connections I continue to make as a junior, the UNH community has always been welcoming. Time and time again, my intuition has proved correct — I could not have picked a better place to call home than UNH.

So why should you get to know your professors? Well, if you’re confused by a particular topic or lesson, professors can help explain something further.

Second, professors are highly educated, well-connected individuals — and who doesn’t want to know a few of those? College is a time to build up your professional profile, so networking is very important. Your professors can help you get in contact with people in your field, connect you with the right resources, assist you in starting a research project or investigation — whatever you can imagine. They’ll be impressed that you know to leverage your professional relationship.

So, now that you know you should talk to your professors, how do you do it? Here are a few tips:

1. Utilize office hours

Every professor has designated times during the week set aside specifically for meeting with students. These are called “office hours” and will be clearly defined and consistent throughout the semester. You can find them on the syllabus that your professor will distribute on the first day of class. Office hours do not require an appointment, so if you want to ask a question, clarify a lesson, discuss the subject further or even just chat, all you have to do is drop by — although you may want to mention that you’re thinking of stopping by, just to be sure.

2. …Or set up an appointment

If your professor’s office hours don’t fit with your schedule, you can always ask to set up an appointment. Quickly introduce yourself at the end of class, and then follow up via email to see when they’re available to meet.

3. Be respectful

Remember to keep a polite and professional demeanor when speaking with your professors. Be patient in receiving a response to your emails, and always remember to thank them for their time, too!

4. Prepare questions ahead of time

Organize your thoughts and questions before you head into your professor’s office. Your professor will appreciate that you’ve come prepared with your questions or discussion points, and you won’t waste their time.

5. …And make sure they’re good questions

To get the most out of your time with your professor, ensure that your questions are specific and aren’t already answered in class resources such as the syllabus. For example, instead of saying, “I didn’t understand what we talked about last class,” describe a specific topic that you had an issue with or a specific step in a process that confused you. Avoid vague questions like “What’s on the exam?” and instead ask something like, “What material will be most emphasized going forward in class?”

6. Share your interests

Professors love to see students excited about the subject. If you are really interested in a specific unit, or particularly enjoyed learning about a certain topic, let your professor know! They appreciate hearing your feedback, and they’ll have you in mind when they encounter an opportunity that aligns with your interests.

1. Marine Laboratories

The Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL) is located 5 miles from UNH’s Durham campus at Adams Point on the shores of one of the biggest estuaries in northern New England, the Great Bay Estuary. Students taking courses in the School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering use the well-equipped facilities of the JEL to study coastal ecosystems. Students can also get hands-on research experience at Shoals Marine Laboratory, located on Appledore Island at the Isles of Shoals about six miles off the coast of Portsmouth. You don’t even have to go out to sea to study wave and tidal patterns. In fact, UNH has an on-campus laboratory, the Chase Ocean Engineering Lab, with state-of-the-art equipment to aid research in ocean engineering, mapping and acoustics, hydrogeology and hydrographic surveying.

2. R/V Gulf Surveyor

For UNH students who want to study the latest ocean-mapping techniques, this boat is their classroom. The new state-of-the-art research vessel operates year-round up to 100 miles offshore in the waters of the Gulf of Maine and beyond. The vessel is the ideal platform for a large variety of estuarine and coastal research and educational activities.

3. Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center

This facility is representative of a typical New England dairy operation, giving dairy management students the opportunity to hone their skills and knowledge. Additionally, the center is home to a herd of cows managed by students in CREAM, or Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management. Other animals at the facility are also sources of research for faculty and students. During the academic year, there are typically about 40 students working part-time at the farm at any given time, either as hourly employees or as participants in the CREAM program.

4. UNH Farms

With the broad range of majors and courses of study in the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA), UNH has plenty of farms where COLSA students can gain hands-on experience. Kingman Farm and Woodman Farm provide research facilities for students to explore wildlife management, horticultural and agronomic crops and more. For students studying dairy management, the UNH Organic Dairy Research Farm is their classroom. Students also get the chance to dive deep into their studies at the Macfarlane Research Greenhouse.

5. Nursing Simulation Lab

For nursing students, hands-on experience is key. The Nursing Simulation Lab, located right on campus, allows aspiring nurses to put their knowledge to the test with mannequins and clinical equipment. This facilitates student learning in managing various patient conditions and nursing procedures and helps students transfer their knowledge from the classroom to the laboratory to the hospital.

We’ve rounded up some of the most useful student-written blog posts published on UNHTales over the years. They’ll cover everything you need to know, but if you still have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. You can always tweet us @UNHStudents and we’ll help you out!

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Browse around UNHTales for more posts about life at UNH and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat for an inside look at daily happenings on campus.

Once I got into the swing of starting classes and meeting new people, I decided to join a few clubs. I joined Women in Business, Friends of Jaclyn, and Project Sunshine.  I really enjoyed being in each of these clubs this year and strongly recommend every freshman to try to join at least one club.  It is awesome being a part of a group of people who share similar interests and passions.

Another big way I got involved was through the FIRE (First-Year Innovation and Research Experience) Program through the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics here at UNH.  FIRE is a peer advising program, where first-year students are a part of a team of 20-25 students and are matched with an upperclassmen student. With the help of this peer mentor and an alumni advisor, students in FIRE learn important communication and professional development skills needed to succeed at UNH and post-grad. The first semester focused primarily on transitioning from high school to college, while the second semester focused more on career-building events such as a “Mocktail” networking event and a Career Fair Bootcamp. Additionally, each team developed a product related to a topic prevalent in today’s society.  At the end of April, each team presented their product to a panel of judges at the Undergraduate Research Conference (URC).

One of the biggest components of FIRE this year, was the game aspect. The game encouraged students to get involved on campus. Students received points for participating in events on campus each week, and at the end of the year, the top three teams and top five individuals were recognized.  Each member of the winning team and the top five individuals received an Academic Achievement Prize. Once all of the points were added up, the results were revealed in the beginning of May at the FIRE Awards Ceremony.  Individually, I came in third place for points in the FIRE Program, and my team, The FIRE Fighters, pulled out the win to finish first overall!  Hearing our team name called for first place was a very fulfilling moment for my team and myself.  Throughout the entire year, I was committed to my goal of being involved.  FIRE made that extremely easy, by providing weekly events I could attend. I would go to these events mainly with other FIRE students on my team, but sometimes I went with some of my friends from different schools at UNH as well.  My team really came together the last month of school.  We communicated more than we ever had, all with the goal of winning that prize. In this last month we all grew a lot closer together.  We could not have done it without the support of our peer mentor, Samantha Raymond.  Sam pushed us every week to try to participate as much as we could.  We would not have won this if it wasn’t for her.  You could tell she truly wanted us all to succeed and helped us immensely along the way.

Besides winning the game part of FIRE, I was also able to go on a trip to Washington, D.C. with other Paul first-year students, and meet with distinguished alumni in the area.  Not only did I get to expand my professional network, but I was able to make connections with other Paul students who had similar academic goals as myself.  This trip was definitely a highlight of my freshman year.

It’s hard to believe that my freshman year has come and gone in a blink of an eye.  I wouldn’t change anything from my experience. I met so many great friends, and made great connections with my peers, Paul College faculty, and alumni.  I took advantage of all of the amazing opportunities I was offered through FIRE and the Paul College, and I’m so happy I did!  My advice to every freshman is to get involved and say yes to many (if not all) of the opportunities presented to you.  These experiences just may end up having a big influence on your life.

About Caitlin Coxen:

Caitlin Coxen is a motivated first-year student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire.  She is considering pursuing a major in Business Administration with an option in Marketing, and a minor in Hospitality.  Caitlin graduated in the top 10% of her class at Oyster River High School located in her hometown of Durham, NH. In high school she was the treasurer of the National Honor Society, a member of the French National Honor Society, community service club, and Interact Club. Upon graduation she received the Red Sox Foundation Scholarship, Shirley Thompson Service Award, and John R. and Virginia R. Cooper Scholarship.

At UNH, Caitlin is very dedicated to her academics.  She is a member of the Women in Business Club, Project Sunshine, and Friends of Jaclyn.  In her first year, Caitlin received the Paul College Academic Excellence Award, the FIRE Luminary Award, and the FIRE Unsung Hero Award.  She looks forward to continue being involved at UNH and at Paul College. She hopes to study abroad her junior year.

The FIRE curriculum begins with teaching us three skill sets: problem solving, professionalism, and appreciating group dynamics. By the end of our first year, we pull it all together in the Undergraduate Research Conference. Before I share my experience on the final day of the conference, I want to note an external conversation I had with an outside business leader. He could not stress enough the importance of strong business teams being far more important than any one individual: “If it’s about the company, then it’s about the team”.

Our team, first place winners in the Undergraduate Research Conference, was a mix of different personalities and skills, some analytical, some creative, and some great presenters. All members of the team demonstrated problem solving, professionalism, and the ability to recognize group dynamics. Each member contributed to our success, much like colleagues would in a successful business.

The year-long FIRE curriculum culminates in a one-day Undergraduate Research Conference designed to simulate companies competing to provide solutions to real world problems. All of the teams in the first round did a good job presenting new products and services. The finalists truly captured the spirit of the conference. From a mobile app that filters social media, to an emergency water filtration system, the presentations were so well thought out. Problem solving, professionalism, and teamwork clearly shined. Presenters not only communicated their team’s product, but were asked many questions from judges and other students that helped distinguish the company’s competencies and the team’s preparedness.

Our group challenge was to create a product or service that could help those affected by extreme weather. After a review of real problems facing the world today, our team decided that fresh water will play an even more critical role globally. Our product, “Oasis”, is a compact water purifier specifically designed for natural and environmental disasters (e.g. floods, hurricanes, contaminants).

I enjoyed the opportunity to be one of our team’s five presenters. I recognized the importance of the detailed preparation that went into our business plan. Each of the members of my team played a critical role. No one person can be credited with our team/company success. As previously mentioned, “If it’s about the company, then it’s about the team”.

We made it through the first round with a very relevant product combined with an impactful presentation.  I believe we won in the final round because judges found our team to be professional and our presentation well-designed. Winning the URC for FIRE was so satisfying because it was at that point I recognized the true value of the UNH curriculum.

When I began freshman year I, like so many others had that anxious feeling. Have I chosen the right school? Have I chosen the right major? As the year progressed I valued the real life business experiences of the faculty and the many clubs and organizations that compliment the academics (e.g. Women in Business Club and Student Council Honors Program). FIRE gave me the opportunity to pull it all together. The FIRE program coordinators Tamara and Sean, and my team’s peer advisor Catie, put so much time and effort into helping us develop our skills. I’ve enjoyed my freshman year at UNH. FIRE has only furthered my desire to gain business experience as I continue my education.

The Conference was one of the highlights of my freshman year. I will gain from this experience for many years to come. While companies are different, the fundamentals we’ve learned remain the same. Thanks to the Paul College staff for creating such a valuable program.

About Melissa Schwartz:

Melissa Schwartz is a freshman Honors student at the Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics at the University of New Hampshire planning to major in finance and marketing. She is secretary of the Honors Program Student Council, a member of Women in Business, and as a member of her sorority Chi Omega, she volunteers her time with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Melissa will be a Peer Academic Leader this summer during Paul Freshman Orientation. In her first year, received the Paul College Academic Excellence Award, the FIRE Luminary Award, and the Pursuit of Pi Award. She is from Bedford, New Hampshire.

After May 21^st, I won’t be able to go anywhere without thinking about my second home that has crucially helped shape me. While I’ve grown through the organics of everything that is college life, I’ve understood the college culture and the community that UNH offers, which has enriched me in all aspects of life. Most importantly though is all that I will take away from UNH from learning what it means to be a sustainable Wildcat!

Sustainability has been embedded throughout my life. When I was younger, I thought it was something that was excessive and uncool, but through my mothers guidance and teachings I realized how important it is to give back to the Earth. Coming to UNH was another milestone in my sustainability life. I knew the school was focused in sustainability from eating in the dining halls, to seeing the recycling bin in our dorm rooms freshman year, but I didn’t really know what it meant to be sustainable on campus. Yes I would recycle, and would try and limit buying bottled water, but I didn’t know that participating in something bigger than me at college would make me feel so alive.

After hearing back last semester that I got the position as Engagement and Outreach intern at the Sustainability Institute here at UNH, I was overjoyed because not only was sustainability something I knew about and was passionate about, but felt that I could do something meaningful through my work. Over the past 8 months working for one of the top sustainable institutes and top sustainable colleges in the country, I’ve learned a lot about how our community operates. UNH has been able to change the perception of sustainability by living green and embedding sustainable living into college life. Whether students fully realize it or not, this is something that leaves a lasting impression on students. Many members of campus understand that sustainability is one of the main pillars of our school. It’s not likely that you get a group of young individuals to partake in sustainable efforts throughout their college career, but UNH has been doing a good job of implementing the importance of sustainable habits through its culture.

I’m so proud to be at a school that takes pride in all things sustainable and ‘being green’, because it i helping our environment. As I graduate the one thing I will remember the most about the University of New Hampshire is how it has been able to educate me in all the right ways, and has given me hope and understanding for what it means to live sustainably. It’s helped me look at the way I live my life and how I’m contributing (positively/negatively) to our world, and for this I’m forever grateful. So if you’re a student at the University of New Hampshire, recognize how amazing we are to be gifted with learning what it means to live sustainably at school. There is so much our world has to offer, so why shouldn’t we give back?

I had a dream when I was younger that involved me going to college and becoming successful. It wasn’t until I held my acceptance letter from UNH that I truly saw my dream becoming a reality. Throughout high school, I was not a stand-out student or athlete. I was just your average Joe who was a quiet leader. I preferred to lead by example and let my actions speak for themselves. College was offering me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person. Words cannot describe how excited yet nervous I was to start the school year.

My first few days were not as hectic as I thought. The first-year students were given the weekend to acclimate to their new surroundings and make some friends. After the first few weeks of classes, I received an email from Tamara Rury and Sean Stewart about receiving a nomination to represent my FIRE team on FIRE’s (First-year Innovation Research Experience) student-advisory board.  Members of FIRE’s student-advisory board are called Igniters and we were nominated by our peer advisors due to our discussion in the classroom and commitment to get involved on campus.  That is exactly what I did. I went to events and submitted them for “points”. The point system was intended to make some friendly competition and encourage kids to get involved in all the amazing things this campus has to offer. I was honored to accept the role, but skeptical about the opportunities I would receive.

My first opportunity that I received as an Igniter was to present the FIRE Program to the UNH Foundation and Alumni Boards. I was blown away at this chance and accepted immediately. I had never been so nervous in my life for that presentation. After my peers and I presented, we were invited to network and talk with those board members at President Huddleston’s home. It was completely uplifting to hear how excited they were about the future generation and it was special to see how much they genuinely cared about our education and progression. I met several amazing people that I will never forget and that was only the beginning.

Second semester was just as fulfilling as the first. I got the chance to go to Washington, D.C. with other first-year Paul students. We met with alumni like Stu Damon, Kevin Blafkin, Anne Marie Wemmlinger and Sylvie Balenger that were all seasoned veterans in their fields. I learned a lot about their experiences and about the hospitality management industry. We also met Senator Jeanne Shaheen to discuss college graduate debt and Ashley Rennebu about The Washington Center. We even had the opportunity to explore the city! I met a lot of great people on that trip and it would not have been possible without Paul College and FIRE.

On top of all of this, I served as the treasurer of my hall council, participated in community service, and I am a member of SCOPE. My involvement on campus gave me the confidence I needed to land a co-op position at Cisco Systems as a software engineer this summer. I am very excited to start my job and learn as much as I can. UNH gave me the skills I needed to make a great resume and push myself outside of my comfort zones.

FIRE has pushed me to become a much more hardworking and dedicated person. I believe FIRE pushed me to be successful. I don’t think I would have landed this Cisco job without the help of FIRE and my campus involvement. Coming to UNH was the best decision of my life and overall I would not change my first-year experience for anything. I hope to one day inspire kids to work hard to achieve any goals they set for themselves.

About Derek Steele:

Derek Steele is a motivated first-year, Business Administration student at the University of New Hampshire. He graduated from Bedford High School in Bedford, New Hampshire. He recently accepted a job offer at Cisco systems and is very excited to learn as much as he can.

At UNH, Derek is an Igniter within the FIRE program in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. He also is a member of SCOPE and is the treasurer of his hall council. The Student Committee on Popular Entertainment plays a role in concert planning where they manage a large budget and assist with the setup and breakdown at the event. He is very excited about the future and can’t wait for more opportunities like he has received so far.

Two years later, I got my chance. As a newcomer, I was not quite sure how to manage a class of my own, but I was forced to learn quickly. Wildcat Day, when peer advisors meet their students for the first time, immediately indicated the personal skills I needed to improve upon. I was able to comfortably speak with students, but it was difficult getting them to participate in open dialogue. Following Wildcat Day, I was eager to improve the dynamic of my class environment. By participating in weekly meetings with other advisors, I learned a plethora of tips and tricks to enhance engagement within my class. Additionally, all of the peer advisors had the opportunity to bond and work on team-building skills at the Browne Center. At the Browne Center, we participated in a variety of mini-games and activities that forced us to work as a team. I quickly learned more about the peer advisors that worked alongside me, and I had fun while doing it! Also, I learned more effective communication styles that could be used to strengthen relationships with my advisees.

Following the Browne Center, I felt more prepared to be a mentor. As the weeks went on, I developed professional relationships with the students in my class. Communication improved, and students felt more comfortable asking important questions. This led to meaningful conversations pertaining to: landing internships, resume development, studying for finals, etc. As a result of the improved communication within class, students felt more comfortable getting out of their comfort zones. Many of them joined clubs that I had previously been involved with, while others told me about their participation in new student organizations here at UNH. By the end of the semester, I was constantly answering text messages and emails from my advisees. It was very rewarding. Not only did they see me as a useful resource, but I was able to watch them grow exponentially during their time with me.

Due to this rewarding and educational experience, I accepted an offer to be the “Head Peer Advisor” for the new and improved FIRE program. Not only have I been responsible for managing a new class of 22 students, but I have more administrative duties, such as overseeing the other 30 advisors. Additionally, this role has provided me with more development opportunities. I was able to present information regarding FIRE to the Alumni Foundation Board. I strengthened my public speaking skills by delivering a speech on internship experiences to approximately 1,000 students during Accepted Students Visit Day (ASVD). I have strengthened my project management skills by overseeing my team’s Undergraduate Research Project. And lastly, I have become a more effective teacher through the additional hours spent in front of a class. It has been a fantastic experience so far, and I am excited to see how all of the teams perform at the Undergraduate Research Conference.

To conclude, my experience as a peer advisor has been very rewarding. Not only have I facilitated student growth and development, but I have learned and fine-tuned many skills of my own. Additionally, I have expanded my network to include a variety of interesting alumni, teachers, students, and advisors who have provided me with valuable insights and lessons. Lastly, being a peer advisor has been very enjoyable! Whether it be joking around with the advisors in the office or participating in team events, I have had a great time. Paul College has some tremendous people, and meeting them has been both eye-opening and fun. Without the experiences obtained as a peer advisor, I would not be the person I am today.

About Brian Finney:

Brian Finney is a driven senior at the University of New Hampshire, where he studies Business Administration with a dual concentration in Accounting and Finance. Finney is also very involved on campus. He is currently the head peer advisor for FIRE, a teaching assistant for financial accounting, a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, and an active participant in the UNH Pathway’s Program. Finney is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Golden Key International Honour Society, the Accounting Students Association, and will be one of the Class Marshals for his graduating class.

Professionally, Finney has multiple internship experiences at firms such as Multiplan, Inc. and Ernst & Young, LLP. Following graduation, he will be working in Ernst & Young’s Advisory Practice in Boston, Massachusetts. Additionally, Finney aspires to become a Certified Public Accountant. His favorite leisure activities include: participating in various sports, going to the gym, and playing poker. He looks forward to the future and is thankful for everything he has learned at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics.

After two years of studying Japanese at UNH, I’ve decided to test my skills in a high stakes environment — a homestay in Tokyo where I’ll be living with a Japanese family and speaking only Japanese for a month. While relishing the excitement of this new adventure, I realized that despite Japanese being offered at four levels, an Asian Studies minor program, study abroad options in several Asian countries and amazing faculty, I am in a small pool of students studying Japanese at UNH.

Many native English speakers perceive Japanese as too difficult to attempt, or they give up soon after beginning. The intimidation of three alphabets, stacking verb conjugations, various forms of politeness and a culture vastly different from the United States keeps many people from reaching their potential.

The thing is, anyone and everyone can learn it, and it can even be enjoyable. I want to share the ways my classmates and I have stayed motivated enough to soon enter a third year of Japanese and the kinds of things that lead people like me to fly 13 hours to the home of one of the world’s most difficult languages.

Learn About and Appreciate Japanese Culture

Studying a language without learning about at least one of its cultures is like studying medicine without looking at the human body. It’s not the enriching experience it could be, and it doesn’t work in practice.

Many aspects of the Japanese language come from the culture’s traditions and heritage, and this makes it easier to comprehend. For example, various politeness conjugations take root in beliefs of social hierarchy and respect. You wouldn’t know why you have to add an honorific suffix to the word for older sister or why speaking to your boss requires a different verb conjugation than speaking to your best friend without understanding this. You also wouldn’t understand why there are more than five conjugations used to apologize to someone based on their relationship to you.

Appreciate the Art and Achievements of the Japanese

“Seven Samurai,” “Spirited Away,” “The Wind-up Bird Chronicle,” “The Tale of Genji,” “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa” — Japanese film, music, literature and art are endless and rich.

And it’s not just in Japan: Quentin Tarantino and George Lucas have taken elements from Japanese films (“Star Wars” is basically samurai in space), and Japanese video games dominate markets around the world. Japanese art influenced Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, James Tissot and many other painters, and Japanese animation is internationally renowned. “The Hunger Games” is closely linked to Kashoun Takami’s “Battle Royale” and both Pokémon and Hello Kitty are from Japan.

Japanese art and achievements are everywhere in the U.S. For example, karaoke parties and CD players are both Japanese creations.

Learning about your interests and using them to motivate your studies makes learning Japanese fun and rewarding. This can lead to research opportunities, adventures and increased knowledge about the things you’ve always loved.

Quizlet, Mnemonic Devices and Conjugation Charts

They are your best friends. Create them. Use them. Worship them. Love them.

Connect With Other Learners

Tofugu, GaijinPot and Japanese Stack Exchange are excellent resources for hearing from other native English speakers about tricks, tips and other methods for learning Japanese. Connecting with people in your class and setting up study groups or bonding time is a great way to feel supported through the journey. They may even help you with your weaknesses and show you new ways to approach the material, which will save you time, energy and stress.

It’s Not Easy. It’s Rewarding.

After more than 230 hours of class, I sometimes still forget how to say “cat.” About 40 flashcards, around 12 kanji and anywhere from three to five grammar points every two weeks can make it frustrating to remember something you learned more than a year ago. Reading katakana and realizing it’s derived from a French word you’ve never heard before or trying to figure out how many verb conjugations are in one sentence ending can be a deterrent.

Studying Japanese requires ambition, dedication, pacing and being kind to yourself. It teaches you more about who you are as a person and what you value in education. You will ask more of yourself and learn when to ask for help. New possibilities, friends and more understanding of the world will be available. Your strengths and weaknesses will become obvious and allow you to become a better student.

Attempting one of the world’s most difficult languages is an accomplishment in itself and something to be proud of, whether or not you choose to continue.

HMGT 771, also known as International Wine and Beverage
Management, has filled up early ever since its inception. With such high demand it’s no wonder this is a must-take course for upcoming juniors and seniors. Part of the Hospitality Management Program at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, the course gives students insight into age-old beverages, focusing on wine, but also covering beers (including Craft Beer) and spirits. Taught by Dr. Nelson A. Barber, the course discusses grape growing and processing in addition to wine production, sensory evaluations, marketing and wine service.

Paul College at night

Although the course is fun, it is also rigorous, taking students through all of the major wine-growing regions of the world — both old and new — and teaching the differences between wine produced in distinct styles and from different regions. With an increased knowledge base, students are expected to learn about production as a means of appreciating the wine itself. Later in the semester, students taste wines produced from different regions and grape varietals (different kinds of grapes), rank them and write reflections on the wines they have tasted. With New Zealand, French, Austrian, and Italian wines represented alongside those from California and the Pacific Northwest, students learn about the terroir, or unique environmental characteristics, of vineyards, which affect grape flavor and sugar content as well as what grapes are viable or allowed and the resulting styles of wine produced.

The course also covers skills and knowledge directly applicable to the service industry. Students learn proper tasting technique, study suggested storage and service temperatures and whether the wine needs decanting, based on its age. By understanding these ideas, students learn how to appreciate wine as its producers intended it to be consumed. Students also learn how to pair wine with food based on the bottle description, grape varietal, intensity, and aroma. 

We flew into D.C. on the first Sunday of spring break, and left for home late that following Wednesday; and in those few days we managed to meet a plethora of alumni, learn about what they do, and channel into the real world for a little while.  I have to say that meeting with the alumni was most definitely the highlight of the trip for me.  Each one had their own approach to their career, and all of them gave us great insight to what we would be stepping into three years from now. The opportunity to peek into some of their worlds for even a few hours was beyond generous; for example, being at the Ritz-Carlton headquarters and witnessing their daily  morning reviews with the entire work team, and dining at The Walrus Oyster & Ale House, a newly opened restaurant at National Harbor, hosted by an alum who is a partial owner and runs a restaurant management group.

In addition to more established alums, we were also able to meet and connect with recent graduates over dinner on our first night in the city – a real treat!  It was great to see what directions they took and what their careers looked like only a few years out of college.  It made our futures seem a lot easier to grasp, and in ways, much less intimidating.  From speaking with all of these interesting and unique alumni, I have taken away a much more open mindset.  Each of them, in their own way, expressed how being open to change and new concepts, or even career paths is key; whether it be choosing to studying abroad when you’re not 100% sold on the idea, or changing your entire career path midway through life, or just deciding to start your own business after years of working within a larger company.  Change is good, and in today’s day and age almost inevitable; our UNH alumni expressed that while outlining the great possibilities that come from new job offerings, different internships, and potential majors.

The last great aspect of the trip to Washington, D.C. that I will highlight was the people that surrounded me.  I never would have thought that traveling with eleven other Paul College freshmen and our two advisors would have such an impact on me.  With the guidance of our two advisors I believe each of us grew professionally; and from my peers I can say that they each had their own influence on me.  Every one of us had something to bring to the table, and being surrounded by such like-minded individuals who were motivated and interested, made this trip a tremendous experience.  Coming back to UNH, I now have a group of people whom I didn’t know before, who all have a new outlook that we can take into Paul College together.

The FIRE trip to Washington, D.C. showed me that the University of New Hampshire has even more to offer than I had previously thought, and I intend to take full advantage of these resources and opportunities.  I believe that this has not only benefited me personally, and my colleagues who attended, but all of Paul College.  We were able to spread the word to our alumni about the FIRE Program and now we get to take all of the knowledge and experience we gained, and bring it back to UNH.

About Francesca Molinari:

Francesca Molinari is a motivated first-year student at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Business Administration, Spanish, and International Affairs. She graduated from Queensbury High School, in New York, where she was involved in various clubs including National Honors Society, Spanish Club, and the Madrigal Singers.

At UNH, Francesca is an Igniter for the FIRE Program within the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, where she contributes to the betterment of the FIRE Program and helps with student involvement. She is also a member of The Campus Activities board, which organizes free events for students; and she works in the Center for International Education and Global Engagement, as an administrative assistant.

How do we, as in the community as a whole, begin to eradicate the prejudices that are tied to disabilities?

This was one of the major themes from Tuesday night’s UNH Students with Disabilities panel discussion. Students and members of the community gathered at the Memorial Union Building for a conversation about chronic illness and disabilities, driven by a panel of four students.

“I’m becoming a human being again; for so long I was not,” said Christopher, a sophomore who suffered a traumatic brain injury four years ago. He described it as an “invisible wound,” one that spawned his interest in neuroscience. “I’m intrigued by what I’ve been given back through hard work,” he said.

A positive attitude, like Christopher’s, resonated through all the students’ experiences. Rebecca, a student who’s been studying at UNH for more than four years, finds relief from her chronic pain through blogging as well as utilizing the resources at Health Services, such as yoga and reiki. Rebecca also meets with UNH nutritionists, who offer specific diet regimens based on her needs.

We don’t often think of mobility impairments until they affect us or someone we are close to. The University of New Hampshire has always worked to accommodate all students. Kevin, one of the panelists, said the services at UNH have “enabled [him] to excel.” He recalled the winter of 2015 being the “worst year [he’s] seen,” but said the facilities staff and Wildcat Access Van did a great job making paths wheelchair-accessible.

Academically, the university has been working with Kevin to help him fulfill the requirements for his Spanish major. “UNH has been extremely helpful in working with me, with my specific challenges as a Spanish major,” he said. Studying abroad “takes a lot more planning…the university is fine with that; they understand there are those extra things that go into study abroad.”

The university has also been supportive of students creating schedules to best suit their needs. “I’m on a different path than most, but that’s ok,” says Rebecca, whose professors have arranged a reduced course load that works with her schedule.

Leah, a therapeutic recreation major, couldn’t agree more. Growing up, she said, she fell through the cracks. “I was never taught how to learn,” she said. Leah credits the academic assistance from DSS  as being instrumental to her success. “Without the access center, I wouldn’t be at college,” she said.

Shuttic said the DSS acts like “either a hand or net” to address whatever a student might be going through.

This message has spread across UNH. Students, professors and administrators alike not only want to continue to pursue this vision but also bring attention to the fact that disabilities affect all of us in one form or another.

Find more events like this on Wildcat Link.

Be sure to check out Darkness & Light: A Human Conversation with Eleven Wounded Veterans, featuring a film and panel discussion with veterans and photographer/filmmaker Thi Linh Wernau on March 22 at the MUB from 5 – 9 P.M. For more information, go to unh.edu/cspd.

Social

The 2015-16 UNH Social Team

First off, let’s talk about UNH’s social media resources. The #UNHSocial team is made up of six dedicated students and two managers who run many of the university’s main accounts. You should be sure to follow these accounts ASAP! Particularly UNH Students on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Through these social media resources, you can interact with us, ask questions or find out what is going on around campus.

Beyond following UNH’s social media accounts, you can go to our website to learn more about social media etiquette, safety tips, best practices, and more. This is also where you can find the university’s social media directory, which gives you other ways to get in touch with dozens of different departments, clubs and colleges.

Available for iOS and Android devices.

In addition to checking out our website, you should download our app! The UNH Mobile app is the perfect resource for whatever you need to know about campus. Looking for what time the puck drops at this weekend’s game? Not sure when the dining halls close? Wondering when the next Campus Connector is coming? The UNH Mobile app has answers to all these questions and more.

Academic

UNH wants you to succeed and gives you access to resources to help make that happen. Here are just a few academic resources to bookmark as you begin your UNH experience.

Academic Calendar – The master calendar lets you pick and choose the events you want to attend. By selecting “Academic,” you can see all of the important dates that relate to the academic year including the start of term, breaks and finals.

Blackboard/myCourses – Whether you are taking an online course or a traditional class, make sure you are familiar with these sites. Blackboard is the most important, as it is your connection to course registration, housing assignments, final grades and much more. You will frequently use both sites to find assignments, syllabi and everything you need to know to pass your course. Blackboard and myCourses both feature discussion posting, which your professor may use to further class discussions or to supplement what is going on in class. If you only bookmark one site today, make sure that it is one of these two!

Advising and Career Center (UACC) – Located in Hood House, the UACC is an important resource. If you are an undeclared liberal arts, provisional English or provisional psychology student, this is where you will get your academic advising. The advisors work with you as you navigate through your first year of college. They help you pick classes and decide where to go next should you want to switch majors. In addition to helping you navigate your first year, the UACC is where to go for help moving to the next step: a career. Career advisors will help you with your resume, get you prepared for interviews and give you the information you need to succeed after your time at UNH.

Center for Academic Resources (CFAR) – This may be one of the most important yet underutilized resources on campus. At CFAR, you can get the help you need to succeed in the college classroom. At CFAR’s offices in Smith Hall, you can receive academic coaching, help with GRE prep and assistance improving your study skills. Don’t have time to stop in for an appointment? Check out their website for some great information.

Registrar’s Office – Are you looking for more information on class registration? Do you have a question about your GPA or about whether a class counts toward a discovery credit? The Registrar’s Office, located in Stoke Hall, is the place to go!

Center for International Education (CIE) – For many Wildcats, no college experience is complete without some kind of study abroad. CIE can help you realize your dream of heading off to any number of places through UNH-managed programs and exchange programs. Located in Hood House [although COLA study abroad offices are located in Murkland Hall], you can get all of your questions answered and find information about the dozens of programs being offered every semester

ID Office – If you lose your student ID card, you could struggle with academic issues such as being able to print your term papers! If you need to replace your student ID, head on over to Holloway Commons. You’ll need a photo ID, a $25 replacement fee and the form for a replacement ID, which can be found here.

Wellness

Health Services located on Pettee Brook Lane.

Health Services – Located near Paul College on Pettee Brook Lane, Health Services is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon – 4 p.m. Here, you can receive medical care and counseling and participate in educational programs. Health Services also has an on-campus pharmacy to help you save money on your prescriptions. It’s easy to schedule an appointment for medical care, health education/counseling, massage therapy/light therapy/biofeedback or medical acupuncture/hypnosis by using their online scheduling program or calling.

Healthy UNH – This program began in 2008 as a way to help members of the UNH community make healthy choices. You can learn about these choices on their blog and find resources about nutrition, physical activity, mental wellness and healthcare consumerism.

SHARPP – The Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program on campus works to provide education and outreach while also offering direct service to victims of sexual assault or rape on campus. Throughout the year SHARPP hosts events across campus to raise awareness, with campaigns such as 1 Blue String, the Anti-Violence Rally and Walk and the Clothesline Project.

UNH has extensive resources to help you realize success here on campus. There’s a reason why our alumni are rated as more likely than their peers to be thriving in all five elements of well-being (financial, physical, community, purpose and social). Take advantage of these resources and know that success can be yours.

Sean O’Connell: “Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, I mean, ME, personally. I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay…in it.”

This is an exchange between Walter Mitty and Sean O’Connell, played by Ben Stiller (Walter) and Sean Penn (Sean) from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. For those who have not seen
 the motion picture, here’s a little explanation behind the scene. Sean O’Connell is a photographer for LIFE magazine and is waiting on a ridge to capture the snow leopard a.k.a the “Ghost Cat” when Walter finds him, completing his movie-long journey. Sean does not take the picture when the snow leopard appears and Walter asks why, in which Sean answers with his reply from the dialogue above.

This exchange perfectly describes my philosophy on photography which I’ve followed ever since I started shooting pictures with my iPhone 4 back in 2012. I believe that there are moments in life that are too pure, too amazing, too remarkable to capture with a camera or any other mean of recording. As a first-year student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, I have had so many of these moments from opportunities to network and get my name out into the professional world, to meeting incredible individuals who are always willing to assist me in developing my skills to making sure I am ready for anything that gets thrown at me.

The saying goes: “A picture is worth a thousand words”. However, I like to believe some moments are worth a thousand pictures, in that all of the emotions that can be felt from just one picture cannot fully express some of the moments we’ve all experienced or will experience. It is in these moments that the camera is a distraction. It is in these moments that no words, no pictures, no form of recording from any perspective other than your own eyes and mind, can fully capture the emotion in that moment. These moments and experiences are the “Ghost Cats” in photography.

I have had plenty of these moments in my first year here at UNH, so many in fact that I could not physically take advantage of all of them. Because of this I am extremely thankful and grateful of the plethora of opportunities I have been presented with. Most of which have been through Paul College’s FIRE Program.

As Ruth brought up in her post a couple of weeks ago, students who came to UNH from small high schools with small graduate classes, like myself, might feel overwhelmed by the size of UNH and find it hard to stick out from the crowd. I graduated from Lowell Catholic High School with a senior class of 96 students and a total school population of roughly 400, so coming to a university that is almost 40 times larger is definitely overwhelming. My first semester was tough because I got too involved (yes that’s a thing) and couldn’t handle the work load. However, through the FIRE Program it helped me realize the things that were really important and how to work to make sure I was moving in the right direction while also helping the transition into college smoother. On top of that, I was selected to be a FIRE Igniter.

As an Igniter, my role is to act as an active member on the FIRE Program’s student-advisory board. I, along with the rest of the FIRE Igniters, act as program designers to help mold the FIRE Program to fit the needs of first-year, Paul College students to get them on track and get ahead of the game. To be selected out of the 650 other freshman means so much to me and helped raise my confidence to go out and be more proactive in my studies and personal interests, such as my photography.

The FIRE Program has been a large provider for what I now call “Ghost Cat” moments for and for everyone I know in the business school here at UNH. The FIRE Program moves me to give back and encourages me to do my best as an Igniter to provide more of these moments, opportunities, and experiences for present and future FIRE students. I want to pass on the opportunities I have been given and watch others discover their own “Ghost Cat” moments. Maybe by doing so, I can give someone the experiences they need to show them their purpose or their ultimate goal in life. Maybe, because of my role as an Igniter, I can give someone the thing they need that will allow them to figure out a way to capture these “Ghost Cat” moments. But until that happens, I’m going to stick to taking pictures.

About Matthew Santangelo:

Matthew is an excited first year student in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics studying Business Administration and looking to focus on Entrepreneurial Studies. He is a graduate of Lowell Catholic High School and grew up in Pelham, NH. While in high school, he was on the varsity soccer team and was recognized by his coach to receive the Unsung Hero Award. He was also the President of the National Art Honors Society and an active member of the school organization S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions).

However, the highlight of his high school experience was becoming a published author at age 17 for a piece that was featured in a book titled “Little by Little We Fill the Cup”. The book was a fundraiser to build a clean water well on the school grounds of the Margret Okari Children’s School for orphan children in Kisii, Kenya and features written works by authors from the United States, United Kingdom, and even children from the Margret Okari School in Africa.

Currently, he is a member of the Residents Hall Association as the McLaughlin Hall rep, as well as being the R.H.A. rep of his hall council. Matt also participates in UNH intramurals and is an active member of the FIRE Igniters student-advisory board.

Many first-year students are coming from high schools that had rather small graduating class sizes and for them to step into a university population of 15,000 students can be somewhat overwhelming. As a Paul College freshman, I have been fortunate to be a part of the FIRE Program that allows for smaller group discussion. It is relaxing to know that while we have the overall UNH class of 2019, we also have the freshmen class in Paul College of 650, which again gets narrowed down into our FIRE groups of 20-25 students.

The benefits one gains from being part of a team change over time. It is important to start with a strong foundation and the FIRE program at Paul College is here to provide a stable starting place. My FIRE team’s name is District Twelve and is made up primarily of hospitality management majors. Our peer advisor is Jessica Hill, who is minoring in hospitality management. She is the backbone of the team and provides leadership and a central guide. There are only two FIRE teams made up of hospitality students which allows us for more connections and recognizable faces. There are around 20 people in my fire group and we all have almost identical schedules. To most, this is definitely a benefit. While we have classes with other business students it is always nice to see a familiar face sprinkled in, or someone to relate to. It is nice to be able to meet with the small group once a week to vent or ask questions. Students in my group frequently discuss common assignments, frustration with a teacher, or confusion regarding upcoming events. The small group atmosphere allows students who are shy, or like the majority are insecure about talking into a microphone in a class of 200 people, to ask clarifying questions and speak up.

I have friends in other colleges, such as liberal arts, here at UNH who feel disconnected from their peers by not meeting people in their classes or major. They were not provided with the unique opportunity to connect with students with common interests, thus left feeling disassociated from others in their program of study. The primary thing that ties us all together is our major which allows for a variety of personalities, interest, and stories.

In my FIRE team we have a frequently used group chat, we have hosted study groups together, and I have enjoyed meeting for coffee with various people from my FIRE group. I feel more confident knowing I have friends within my major, and can rely on them for support. The point of the FIRE group is not to force us together and make everyone best friends, but if each individual gains the ability to say hi to one more person, or even make a friend, on campus the social goal of FIRE has been met. Since the selection process was random rather than hand selected the teams are not all perfect. Some teams get along and truly clicked, inspiring other teams, while others have chosen to not embrace the team aspect FIRE provides.

For many students, as well as myself, the FIRE teams have made the transition into college more secure allowing for greater self-assurance. Being both an Igniter and a member of a FIRE team has allowed me to do so much networking right from the start. I am already gaining and practicing the essentials skills I will need to present myself professionally in the future. I have connected with several people in my particular field of study, event management, and have been able to hear about their experiences and pick their brains to uncover the secrets of the industry. Personally, these opportunities excite me and give me the drive to work harder and keep my eyes open to all the possibilities coming my way. I did not think it was possible to be noticed or to stand out in a school of 15,000 students, especially as a freshman. However, FIRE has allowed just that. If you truly apply yourself and keep an open mind it is possible to establish yourself early and make some profound connections right out of the gate. The FIRE Program has opened many doors that were once not available to freshmen in the past, allowing the freshman of Paul College to strive for the utmost academic and professional success.

About Ruth Smith:

Ruth Smith is an enthusiastic first year, hospitality management and ego-gastronomy dual-major student at the University of New Hampshire. She grew up in Franklin, TN and moved to Maine when she was 12. Ruth completed her education at Falmouth High School located in Falmouth, ME. There she was an involved member of the executive board for the National Honors Society, received a fine arts endorsement upon graduation, participated in varsity field hockey for three years, and 4-H for a total of 7 years. Throughout high school she was very involved, volunteering much of her time to her church and community.

Currently, Ruth is truly dedicated to her studies and is fully immersing herself in the culture here at UNH. Ruth is a member of Project Sunshine, PCMA (Professional Convention Management Associations), and was selected to be in Paul’s FIRE Igniters group. She is very excited to explore the opportunities here at Paul College, including the opportunities to go abroad. She attributes the majority of her success to her family and all of their encouragement.

Unlike the passive flower, we can create change within others and ourselves. However, sometimes we need a little guidance.  A person, event, or in this case a camp, to really make us look at who we are and what our purpose is; how to properly serve, support, and lead others.

How does one have such a transformative experience you might ask? The answer: go to Leadership Camp. I, along with 57 other leaders, took 5 days out of my winter break and disconnected from the world at Camp Merrowvista. Although it may seem intimidating at first to enter a place where opening up to others is almost contagious, the atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

At the end of the first day it was as though hours were days and strangers were high school friends.  After 9 hours of meeting new friends, we accomplished far more than I would have imagined. Of course the day was filled with icebreakers within the whole group, as well as in our smaller action packs, but more importantly we looked at who we are as leaders and who we want to be.  This was the start to a week filled with self-reflection.

Day two festivities started almost immediately after lifting our heads and filling our stomachs. Divided into small groups, we headed to the ropes course. Like many other students I’ve done ropes courses before, but never has there been this much chemistry between a groups of people. We untied our human knot in a matter of minutes, navigated through a spider web of ropes, completing the task without setting off any bells, and successfully lifted 12 people over a 13-foot wall. Upon reaching the wall we all had the same reaction of disbelief, they are having us do what? This isn’t going to happen! We all thought it but no one said it. Instead, each member of the team listened, planned, and acted to efficiently make this doubt a reality.

We learn how incredibly true Helen Keller’s quote, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much” is. Without that team of people, we as individuals would not have been able to get over the wall that once seemed like a daunting task.  As soon as the last person made it over, we all felt so empowered. If we could conquer the wall, what couldn’t we conquer?

It wouldn’t take much longer for us to approach past walls unclimbed. We all have events, emotions, and thoughts that we’ve hidden from the world for various reasons.  However, this was about to change.  Sitting around a circle with five random people, we each spent a few minutes spilling our deepest secrets saying, “If you really knew me you would know that…” Speaking as someone who likes to shelter these things, there was something about sitting around that circle that made me feel comfortable.  By the end of the activity the air was heavy, but our minds were lightened.

Leaving those burdens behind, we were able to clearly think about what kind of change we wanted to see in the world as we made our way into working on our leadership action plans. These are our visions for the future and how we will reach that kind of world through specific goals. The task seemed daunting but we spent a large part of the rest of the week working on establishing a solid set of steps towards reaching those goals. The next three nights we were left thinking about these plans and the future.

To help us with our future, on the third day, we had the opportunity to speak to community members and alumni of UNH about their roles as leaders in their fields.  We spent a good part of the
morning with them, and the afternoon was spent building stronger relationships with fellow campers.

The fourth and final full day was spent primarily working on our action plans some more and reviewing everyone else’s. It was a great opportunity to see what the others were passionate about and to help them with their potentially impactful pursuit.

The seriousness of that day quickly changed once night rolled around.  As an action pack we created a skit about one of the lessons taught throughout the week. My group got, enabling others to act. We created the “cornbread clique”, a very closed-minded cornbread-loving group. However, through some eye-opening conversations, the clique quickly became inclusive to those who loved whole-wheat toast and other varieties of bread.  Though this skit contained much laughter, behind it all was a serious message about how to positively influence others to stand up for what is right.

Leadership camp shined some light on our blossoms. Even though it was only five days, by the end of the week it was easy to tell that we, as people and leaders, had changed. We felt empowered, like our voices could have an impact on the world because our voices could lead an army, and our actions could start a movement. We were all ready to get back to UNH to start a movement within the community. Personally, with my new found confident voice I was ready to be heard in my Igniter group (a subcommittee in the FIRE program) because there was a presentation in front of the Foundation and Alumni board just a few days later. Further more I was eager to start a moment in my FIRE class and my peers were ready to do the same in their organizations.

Not like the passive movement flowers have when they sway in the wind; we are more than that. We are the focuses of wind moving the flower and helping blossoms develop. If leadership camp has taught me anything, it is that our voices and actions can have more of a positive impact than we realize, we just need to learn how to use them to their fullest potential. We as leaders need find what makes us blossom.

About Emily Grone:

Emily Grone is a motivated first-year student at the University of New Hampshire where she studies Business Administration, hoping to focus on marketing and management.  She graduated from Gorham High School as salutatorian with the presidential scholarship to UNH. Grone was very involved in her high school as president of her class and National Honor Society along with being vice president of student council and chief editor of the yearbook.  In the summers, she owns her own ice cream shack called Scoggins Cool Shack and will return this summer as her 4^th year operating the business.

Currently at UNH, Emily is involved in student senate, women in business, and net impact. She is also part of the Igniters group. As a first-year business student she was part of a FIRE class and was recognized as a leader in her class, so she was chosen as an Igniter. These are the students who act an advisory board to help improve the program and motive more students. She is excited to see what the future has in store for FIRE.

I am intrigued by new challenges, therefore when Dean Merrill-Sands came to my office to ask if I was interested in helping with the Dean’s Ambassador Program I was excited.  What I didn’t know is that it would be one of the best decisions I’ve made at UNH.

The Dean’s Ambassadors are a group of 14 students nominated by faculty and selected by the Dean to serve as her student advisory board.  This year the Dean decided to take the group to visit Alumni in Silicon Valley with the common theme of innovation.

Three days on the ground, five Alumni site visits, two social innovation incubators, one makers’ tour and a redeye later I am still tired.  I am also am eager to share what I observed and learned!

I am a firm believer that success is a combination of working hard, taking risks (calculated risks for my type A personality), staying positive and enjoying what you do.  I have always tried to direct students toward their interests.  I learned I am right!

What I heard: In Silicon Valley we met with Alumni who are all very successful in both conventional financial terms, but also in terms of personal satisfaction.  They all had different yet similar stories of failure and success.  None of them experienced immediate success, many of them were miserable in their early jobs.  What each one of them shared was the classic tale of working hard, overcoming disappointments, taking advantage of opportunities and staying positive.

What I experienced: In my office we talk a lot about goals, attainable, measurable goals.  The Alumni we met with lived by their goals.  I need to raise X dollars by X day.  I need to reach out to X customers per day. They also talked about how their goals changed as they moved along their path. In our planning for student success we talk about skills.  The Alumni we met with ALL talked about the ability to network, to talk with others, to think critically, to be understood.  Basic, simple concepts that all of us can employ.

What I saw:  Everyone “works” somewhere, be it an office on the 30^th floor, a classroom, a rented table or a converted garage.   Success is not determined by where you physically work.  We saw every kind of office space (Google is as amazing as you’ve heard!)  What does matter?  Passion, perspective, perseverance and personality.  Cheesy?  Perhaps.  Attainable?  Definitely!

The current generation of students has somewhat of a bad reputation of considering themselves “special” and having the belief that by being their wonderful self they will stand out and be successful (for more information see Bright Side article).  I am now more confident than ever that the FIRE Program is right on track (even though the current participants may not yet see it.)  Why am I confident?

FIRE encourages team work and collaboration.  The students are forming their UNH network now and working together on grand challenges.  They will share successes and failures.  We hope they will encourage and support each other.  The business world relies on teamwork.  No one we met with experienced success without the support of mentors, teams and partners.    “Your network is everything in life.  You will get back what you give in when you need it.”  Jeff Moore, ’96, Google Staffing Manager

FIRE is introducing research early in the students’ academic careers.  I believe this will help us to create students who can be problem-solvers, thinkers and entrepreneurs.  “Ideas are easy, execution is hard.” Rick Marini, ’94, Entrepreneur & Angel Investor.  

FIRE aims to find a balance between recognizing hard work and helping those who need support.  There are competitions and awards for people who are working hard the traditional way (earning high grades), but also those who excel in specific areas like writing, professional development and communication.  We are challenging students to work hard.  “I think of challenges as an opportunity.  Am I learning something to move my career forward?” Rick Marini,’94.  For those who need support we schedule private conferences because we know most can succeed when guided in the right direction.  We can encourage students to use their resources.  Among the successful innovators, those who used the network and resources had a chance at success.  “We have to be thoughtful about what we know and don’t know.”  Edward Aten ’03, Merchbar Founder. 

FIRE wants students to set goals for their academic career.  FIRE encourages students to look beyond the classroom toward skill development and experience through involvement on campus.  We can encourage students to find their passion.  The FIRE program wants to produce the kinds of students that companies want on their teams!  “I recruit people I believe in.” Brian Lamb, ’99 Swivl Founder.

There is no doubt that today’s students are different than “my generation”.  FIRE will keep working to help our students find passion, encouraging dreamers, but introducing reality as well.  While everyone can’t be “special” your path is one of a kind; enjoy the journey and learn from each step.

I am hopeful.  I am inspired.  I am excited.  I am ready.

About Tamara Rury:

Tamara Rury is currently the Associate Director of Undergraduate Advising for Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics.  Tamara began working as an Advisor in the Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office in Paul College 10 years ago.  She has worked with the Peer Advising Program since she began at UNH and is excited to help craft a revision of the program through the FIRE Program.  Prior to working at UNH Tamara worked at the Center for Enhanced Performance at the United States Military Academy.  Tamara graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Intercultural Communications and James Madison University with an M.Ed in Counseling Psychology/Student College Personnel.

Outside of UNH Tamara is a proud mom to Amelia (8 years old) and an avid reader and crafter.  During the summer Tamara spends as much time as possible at Lake Winnipesaukee.

Welcome back, Wildcats! After over a month away from campus (unless you took a J-Term) it can be difficult to get back into the swing of campus life. If you weren’t working or didn’t have a schedule similar to what your school schedule is, you may experience some post-winter-break struggles including, but not limited to: oversleeping, lack of interest, forgetting that classes are a thing, etc. But these, and the many other back to class problems you may experience, are all easily overcome. Here just a few easy ways to get back into life here at UNH.

Organize

Instead of living out of your suitcase or laundry basket until you run out of clean clothes, unpack and organize your living area ASAP! You might not see this as a major problem, but starting the spring semester off organized can help set the tone for the rest of the year. So unpack, make your bed, get your physical space organized. Once you do that, you can organize your mental space.

That’s right, we’re talking calendars. For many of us, the best way to keep organized is through numerous calendars (both physical and online), journals, and to do lists. If you have never been the person to do these kinds of things, try it out. You don’t even need to spend any money! You can print out free calendar pages online and to-do lists can be written out on blank paper or using an app on your phone or computer. Once you have what you need, go through your syllabuses, sports calendars, and other important dates you may need to remember as the weeks go by! Seniors, may I suggest including deadlines for graduation requirements which you can find here!

Finally, reflect on last semester. Think about what strategies for studying and organizing worked for you before! Did your usual study techniques work? Want to try something new? The Center for Academic Resources has some great tips and tools for time management, note taking, and study skills. Take a look.

Read and Review

Now that I’ve mentioned syllabuses, let’s talk about reading. If your professor has been kind enough to post the syllabus online, go over it now! Get ahead, if you can, too. Order some of the early required reading (looking at you English majors…) and try and get a few classes ahead. Take some notes and start getting familiar with the material.

Also note that classes are moving to My Courses (not Blackboard any more). If you didn’t have a course on there during the Fall semester or J-Term, login (same as your Blackboard login) and start checking it out, there are actually a lot of cool features such as:

• Color Coded Calendar
• To Do Lists
• Upcoming Tasks

And a lot more! After completing three courses on it already, I can say that MyCourses is a lot more user friendly than Blackboard.

While we’re talking about reading and reviewing to get ready for the new semester, you may want to take a look back at some of what you learned last semester. If you are taking a two semester course, now is the perfect time to review what you did during the fall and refresh.

Take Care of You

The start of a new semester doesn’t mean you need to head straight back into the stressed out version of yourself. Take a deep breath and remember to schedule time for yourself during the week and keep it up throughout the semester. There is nothing wrong with a few episodes of your favorite show on Netflix, or catching up with what you missed through that awesome Comcast On Campus service we get through Housing! If watching the tube isn’t your thing, you can try out many of the great stress relief programs we have around campus.

We are very lucky to have a wide range of services offered for students through UNH Health Services to take care of your body and mind during the school year. Check out some offerings and more information below:

Meditation

Yoga

Light Therapy

Message

And more!

Taking care of yourself is more than a matter of health, make sure to schedule in some fun as well! In the first few weeks back on campus there is plenty of fun to be had so head on over the Wildcatlink and check out some great events.

And those are the basics. For more tips, check out my Fall semester starter guide here! Good luck, Wildcats!

As fall semester ends at UNH and 2016 begins, it is a natural time for reflection. 2015 was a crazy year for myself filled with many highs. I started an exciting new job, jumped out of a plane, went on an incredible family vacation to Europe and ran my first half marathon. However, 2015 also brought one of the lowest lows in my life: watching my mother battle lymphoma. Like most others, I have set high goals for 2016. To help achieve these ambitions I am thinking like a first-year college student and I encourage everyone to try as well…seriously! 

In my new role at UNH as the Paul College FIRE Program Coordinator, my daily routine involves working with Paul freshmen on anything from class selection to extracurricular involvement to planning out a four year plan for their time at UNH and everything in between. As part of the college’s Freshmen Academic Experience class, the students’ first assignment was to write an academic autobiography. This essay was meant for the first-year student to reflect upon their experience in high school and how they would attack their college career knowing their strengths and weaknesses in high school. After going through over 650 essays, it was clear that freshmen wanted to make significant changes in their study habits and become more active participants in the community.

I’m sure many of us, myself included, would like to make changes this year; possibly to a healthier eating and/or exercising regiment.  Maybe we want to join a club or do more community service? Most of us make these resolutions individually and have to hold ourselves accountable, which can be tough when our lives get in the way. This is very similar to a freshmen’s first semester at college. For many, it’s their first time being on their own and having to hold themselves accountable for getting homework done, eating right, staying active, etc. and there are no parents or teachers providing oversight. A lot of the time, this is very difficult to do on our own. Sure the first couple of weeks, we are motivated and it goes well, but as time moves on we get comfortable and tired and lose sight of the goal.

This is why I think the Paul FIRE Program has done so well in its first semester: no one is on their own. Each student is placed on a team with another 15-20 first-year students in the exact same situation as them. Also, each team is paired with an upperclass peer advisor that was in their position just a couple years prior. The Freshman Experience Course syllabus encourages freshmen to evaluate their study skills in order to achieve academic success. Finally, each team is matched with an alumni advisor that can provide real-world support for becoming successful post-graduation. Each student sets his or her own goals, but has a support system that meets weekly to keep him or her on track. This builds a community that promotes academic and professional success for the impressionable first-semester, first-year college student.

As professionals, we need that same support system. Like first-year college students, there are so many distractions in our lives that can derail us from our goals. For example, I ran my first half-marathon a few weeks ago after being inspired by the students’ academic autobiographies and the need to drop some weight. I trained for almost three months and thankfully I had my coworkers and supervisor that would check in on my progress and provide encouragement as I made my way through the training. Without their support, I’m pretty sure I would have stopped training, especially since I hate running. Even skydiving earlier in the summer; if my friend did not go with me, I wouldn’t have done it myself and missed out on the experience. Lastly, changing jobs this past year was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make. I felt like I was making a name for myself in college athletics and even won a national award for some of the projects my team and I had spearhead in the department. Leaving that career path was very scary. But with the encouragement from my friends and family and a little faith, I took that next step forward in my journey.

Making lasting changes in your daily routine is very difficult. There are many theories on the best way to stick to resolutions. As we head into 2016, my advice is to find a community that can support your goals and can keep you on track. It has worked for me and I see it work with first-year college students every day. If 2015 has taught me anything, it is that life can change on a dime for better or worse. You may not have control over all of these changes, but for the ones you can control: work hard, find your team and have a little faith that it will work out.

Have a wonderful and healthy 2016!

About Sean Stewart:

Sean Stewart is currently the FIRE Program Coordinator for Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics. Sean is a 2013 graduate of Paul College and UNH. While a student at UNH, Sean was a member of the UNH Men’s Club Volleyball program and was part of the 2011 national championship team. He was also part of the ‘Cat Crew Marketing & Promotions internship program, the Honors Program and a peer advisor for Paul College. Prior to returning to Paul College, Sean spent three years working in college sports marketing at Harvard University and the University of New Hampshire.

Beyond his full-time role with UNH, Sean coaches the UNH Women’s Club Volleyball team and was named the 2015 National Division 2 Coach of the Year during NCVF National Championships in Kansas City, MO. Sean also coaches for Great Bay Volleyball Club out of Hampton, NH and Great Bay Community College.

When I told my friends and family that I had joined a sorority only a month into my freshman year of college, at first they didn’t believe me. To be honest,  if you had asked me if I wanted to be involved in Greek life when I was in high school I probably would’ve laughed and said “no”. However looking back at these past three months, reminiscing on the events that I have been involved in, and the lives that I’ve impacted, I wouldn’t have wanted my freshman year to have started any differently.

I have to attribute some of my willingness to rush a sorority to my involvement in high school. As a self-proclaimed overachiever at Goffstown High School, I immersed myself in clubs and community service – staying busy was my norm. So when the first few weeks of college had come and gone I had noticed that as the days went by, my boredom had grown. I was so used to being involved that I felt out of place and lonely, and although I was attending the freshman orientation activities, I wanted to do more. So before I knew it, I was signed up for Fall Recruitment and was counting down the days until I would meet the sorority that would forever change my life.

It sounds stereotypical, but the moment I stepped foot into Chi Omega’s house, I knew that it was where I was supposed to be. The girls were welcoming and I had felt like I had known them my whole life. It helped that our conversations flowed, making the decision to choose Chi Omega an easy one; I never wanted to leave! On the third day of recruitment, Chi Omega introduced their philanthropy, Make-A-Wish; there was a tug on my heart – my closest friend had been diagnosed with cancer only four months prior.

I think it’s pretty rare that a single person can have such a big impact on your life in such a short time. My friend, 16 year-old Maddie Carlson, a junior at Goffstown High School was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in May of 2015. Before arriving at UNH, Maddie and I would hang out almost everyday, and when move-in day rolled around it was one of my hardest goodbyes.

After receiving a bid from Chi Omega, I called everyone I knew to tell them the news, including Maddie. I felt so proud to be part of an organization that contributed to something that meant so much to me. A few weeks later I was initiated as a new member, and Chi Omega held their annual “Mr. UNH” pageant, with all proceeds going towards Make-A-Wish. After the event was over, and all the girls were cleaning up, I introduced myself to the current Miss New Hampshire, Holly Blanchard. I wanted to know how I could get more involved and make more of an impact at Make-A-Wish at the state level. Holly told me about an internship that Make-A-Wish offers in their state office, and I eagerly applied that week. At the beginning of my college experience I don’t think that I would have taken the initiative to apply for the internship, but through the sorority, I have gained confidence in myself and my work.

Being immersed in a university full of ambitious, bright students has helped me so much, and joining Chi Omega had given me the push that I needed to set me on the track towards success. I have been handed so many great opportunities at the University of New Hampshire and can’t wait to see where the next four years take me.

About Lauren Gross:

Lauren Gross is a driven first-year student at Peter T. Paul College where she studies Business Administration. She graduated in the top 15% of her class at Goffstown High School and was involved in Student Council, the Leo Club, and National Honor Society. During her time in high school, Lauren was awarded Volunteer of the Year along with other members of an anti-bullying club that she was involved in, and upon graduation she received the Cumberland Farms “Believe and Achieve” scholarship along with the Lion’s Club Community Service scholarship.

At UNH, Lauren is involved in the FIRE Program as an Igniter where she motivates her classmates to get involved in the Paul College and UNH. She is also a member of Chi Omega and has enjoyed getting involved and contributing to Make-A-Wish. In her free time she loves to paint and be as creative as possible, as well as hang out with friends and volunteer her time to the community.

But, it can also be one of the more stressful. The expectations of family friends, not to mention professors, can take a toll. And, we’ve all been there— it can be very difficult to keep a smile on your face when you’re busy worrying about that one course that you may or may not have skipped one too many classes in (definitely in the former category, parents). So, in light of the holidays, I’ve collected some helpful hints and brought them to one place. Read on for some ideas on how to enjoy the holidays while juggling exams and other “higher-education” priorities.

1. You know that planner you bought at the beginning of the year that you swore you were going to use and haven’t touched since that first day of classes?  Go digging and whip that out. If you’re neat and organized, you’re one step ahead of us. Actually, if you’re neat and organized, you’re probably already winning this part of the holidays so just bear with me for a minute. Alright, this part is crucial. The problem with finals and holiday shopping/party planning is that they happen simultaneously. Sure, the actual exam usually takes place on one day, but for most people, studying happens days, maybe even weeks, in advance. Try planning out some time for other priorities. And keep it essential. If you only have a saturday or Sunday to get shopping done, shop only for people you know you won’t see over break.
2. This part follows nicely from above. Once you planned out the when, plan out the who.  I am the worst when it comes to sticking to plans. If you’re like me, but have little time to waste on your own flakiness, choose a friend with a similar schedule to your own, and plan to go shopping with them. It’s easier to follow through on plans when you’re accountable to someone else besides just yourself.
3. Studying. When you’re in the lib, with countless textbooks and an infinite amount of eraser shavings surrounding you, find small ways to incorporate your favorite part of the holidays into your five-minute study breaks. Pack some cheer into your thermos in the form of Hot chocolate. Like living in the lap of luxury? Try one of these awesome recipes!  If Christmas music is your thing, try creating a playlist and making it your background study music. Just because you’re stuck reading about Orwell’s dystopian society, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holidays. Just remember to spend more time on that paper than on your Holiday DIY page on Pinterest. 
4. Usually I’d tell you to take some time for yourself. I still stand by the need for a hot bath shower or hot-pot of tea every once in awhile. But, this time of  year, it’s especially important to remember why we do what we do in the first place. The most important thing you have this holiday are the people in your life. I know, I’m getting sappy on you. But, we spend so much time running around like chickens with our heads chopped off, trying to find the perfect gift at the perfect price, it can be easy to forget what the holidays are actually about. Plan a cookie exchange with your friends, or maybe a wine party. Or maybe even a movie night (Home Alone, anyone?). Just don’t stress out so much to the point of alienating yourself from the people you should be loving right about now. The thought really does count, and in the end they’ll be happy just to spend some time with you. 

Well, that’s it for my gleaming pearls of wisdom. Remember, you know yourself best so keep a check on how you’re feeling, and, if finals and the holidays are getting to you, take advantage of the people around you (and the pets) and give yourself a break. Happy holidays and good luck studying, Wildcats !!

Starting school at UNH was an entirely different experience. Most students entering freshman year have never been forced to introduce themselves to hundreds of strangers.  Throughout high school there was not a single day that passed without the comfort of a team or organization. For this reason the first weeks of college, without a “group”, were daunting. The Freshman Innovation and Research Experience or FIRE was my catalyst.

Knowing that I would stumble upon a club eventually I was hesitant to seek one out. Despite this, and the fact that I only went to U-Day to earn FIRE points, there were numerous groups that I wanted to learn more about. Unsure of my course load, I was afraid to make a commitment to an organization. Speaking with my peer advisor who had taken the same courses gave me the confidence to take on the challenge. FIRE has allowed the peer advisors the opportunity to mentor freshmen in this capacity and I truly believe that I would not have taken advantage of the opportunities I did without this guidance.

Capitalizing on an opportunity, I rushed Alpha Kappa Psi, the coed professional business fraternity at UNH. After interviewing I was fortunately accepted into the fall pledge class. In just eight weeks pledging Alpha Kappa Psi I developed a professional resume, established crucial interview skills, and fostered extraordinary relationships to create some of the closest friendships I’ve ever experienced. It was one of the most demanding periods of my life, despite the difficulty I would not trade a single minute of it.

While AKPsi is a remarkable organization, other groups also peaked my interest. Following up on years of experience volunteering with both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Best Buddies UNH was my next step. Best Buddies is an organization that matches an adult with disabilities with a UNH student. Whether it is attending a UNH volleyball game, bowling a couple of frames, or enjoying an ice cream cone at the Dairy Bar, the friendship with my buddy Scott has been unbelievable. Learning an entirely new sort of responsibility and patience, our bond has been transformative.

From an early age I knew I needed to choose a profession that can make a positive impact on someone’s life. For me, I believed education was that field. However, when college application season arrived I had second thoughts. After being bombarded with comments such as the classic “you are never going to make any money in education,” I left that ambition behind for what many perceive to be greener pastures. After arriving on campus, through Alpha Kappa Psi and Best Buddies I realize that working hard at something I am passionate about makes everything else in my life better. For that reason, I am now pursuing a degree in education as well as my studies in business.

UNH is full of opportunities; the beauty of FIRE is that we are being rewarded for taking advantage of these opportunities. It is not another obligation but rather an opportunity in itself. I was able to win the first semester of FIRE because I was not afraid to listen to advice from people who knew more and got involved. FIRE allowed me to see what I wanted to get involved in at UNH and through that what I want to do for the rest of my life.  The future of FIRE is an exciting one. We, as the class of 2019, have the chance to help shape what it will look like for business students of the future and that is something we should all make the most of.

About Brian Dezurick:

Brian Dezurick is a diligent, focused individual. He is a first year student at the University of New Hampshire where he is studying Economics and History, and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Education. He has been inspired to be a teacher by his amazing mentors through the years; specifically of the social studies department at Nashua High School North.

He graduated from Nashua North in 2015 as his class’ secretary, and was fortunate enough to be granted the school’s Economics achievement award upon graduation. He was a member of the student body senate and the student Activity Coordination Team. He was a two year captain of the swim team, and a one year captain of the cross country team. He is excited to pursue leadership opportunities on campus.

At UNH, Brian is involved in the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. He served as his pledge class’ secretary. He is a part of UNH’s chapter of Best Buddies as a peer buddy, and was selected to be an Igniter for the Freshman Innovative Research Experience or “FIRE” program. In his free time he enjoys watching sports, playing tennis and golf, as well as tinkering with his fantasy football lineup.

Study Abroad

The obvious choice is to study abroad. UNH’s Center for International Education does an amazing job of curating study abroad opportunities for students. There are several UNH-managed programs to choose from, meaning that the programs are directed and administered by UNH faculty members and are closely aligned with coursework you would have on campus. In addition, UNH has approved a number of programs that are developed, managed, and administered by professional third-party providers or universities but meet UNH’s criteria. There are around 500 UNH-approved programs, so you’re bound to find something that interests you! You can also participate in a UNH Exchange program with select universities abroad that have directly partnered with UNH to provide students of both universities a unique educational opportunity.

National Student Exchange

If you want to experience a new part of the world but feel more comfortable staying in the United States, the National Student Exchange (NSE) is a great option. UNH is one of 170 accredited colleges and universities across the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories that participate in NSE. NSE allows you to continue making progress on your UNH degree while studying at a different university in a different area of the country.

The Washington Center

UNH’s affiliation with The Washington Center allows students to attend internships and seminars in Washington, D.C. The city is home to hundreds of government agencies, major corporations, non-profit organizations, think tanks, advocacy groups, law firms, and more. This makes it a perfect fit for students of many different departments and majors. Living in D.C. allows students to be immersed in the capital culture and make important networking connections.

Semester in the City

The Semester in the City program is a new opportunity for UNH students through the Center for Social Innovation and Enterprise. Beginning in fall 2016, students will have the chance to complete an internship with a leading social change organization in the city of Boston. This program is perfect for students passionate about community development, social justice, health, education, environment, and other areas dedicated to the public good. Through the internship and additional evening seminars and leadership workshops, students earn 16 credits.

Iwan Effendi and Maria (“Ria”) Tri Sulistyani of The Papermoon Puppet Theatre came to UNH all the way from Indonesia, as a part of Cultural Stages: The Woodward International Drama and Dance Initiative. The initiative is funded by Ellis Woodward, UNH Class of ’74, and is intended to connect the UNH to other cultures through theater.

Iwan and Maria brought with them puppets and a concept. They wanted to create a show to honor the victims of a genocide that occurred in Indonesia fifty years ago. They cast their student actors, and got to work devising a show with puppets, masks, no speaking, and a heavy meaning. If you’re wondering how this is possible, student stage manager Emma Perkins was, too, when they first embarked on this journey. Her reservations, though, were soon alleviated. She says, “Ria and Iwan were able to take a tragic event, and a group of people, and make it into a masterpiece.”

Ria and Iwan built this piece from the ground up; they were behind the direction, the costumes, the puppets, the set, as well as the inspiration for all of the “love and passion” that went into it, according to student actor Isabelle Beagen. The students involved, though, were also an integral part of the show’s development. One of the student performers, Sarah Hurley, shares: “The entire process was an exploration. We we’re given a framework and some history and from there we created a world built around a community being eaten away at by secrets and fear. This was contrasted by how close we grew to be as a cast – puppets and all.”

Photo from papermoonpuppet.com

Presenting such a tragic story in a medium that was brand new to them, presented many challenges to this team of students. Rachel Noland, who appeared in the show both as a puppeteer and masked villager, says “Genocide is not easy to talk about, and not easy to feel. But it needs to be talked about and felt. I think our story, presented in this way, touches everyone.” The students also had to learn how to communicate through the puppets and through movement. Another student actor, Jake Compagna says he’s gained “an appreciation for the artistic value of silent theatre, and a better fundamental understanding of how the human form can convey messages without a single word”.

The team of students all have plenty to say about what they’re taking away from this process, and what they’ve loved about working on it. The common theme in all of their comments, though, is clear. “Working on Sematakaki was truly a one-of-a-kind experience that I will always remember. Ria and Iwan are amazing directors and fantastic people to work with,” says student actor Ina Nakuci. The couple from the Papermoon Puppet Theatre are at the soul of this production. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved is palpable from every seat in the audience. If you have the opportunity to experience it, I highly recommend it!

SEMATAKAKI has performances December 2nd through December 5th at 7pm, and on December 6th at 2pm. Get your tickets online, or from the PCAC Box Office.

Online Courses

Want to learn how to market yourself as a Liberal Arts major? Interested in the story of human evolution though DNA and fossils? How about dystopian and apocalyptic fiction? You could earn up to 4 credits from the comfort of your home with UNH’s online course offerings. This is a great way to get a Discovery requirement out of the way or get ahead on your major or minor. There are courses available from almost every college on campus, so you’re sure to find something of interest. Here’s a list of the online offerings for J-term 2016 and some cool featured courses.

On-Campus Courses

If you live near Durham or are staying around for winter break, you can consider a traditional classroom experience for a J-term course. There are plenty of course offerings right here on campus, including the fundamentals of real estate, rope ice climbing, general chemistry, and more! See all the course offerings here.

Photo taken by a UNH student studying abroad.

Study Abroad

The J-term study abroad programs are great for those who want an international experience but don’t have time in their schedules to do a whole semester abroad. There are some awesome UNH-managed study abroad programs during J-term. Want to learn archaeological mapping in Belize, travel writing in London, or cruise ship management while on an Atlantic cruise? Those are just a few of the opportunities for J-term study abroad! See them all here.

Now that you’ve seen your options, are you considering taking advantage of your J-term? Find out more information here!

Unfortunately, I also found children with protruding, malnourished stomachs. I met grown men and women who had never been to school. I saw wives with more children than they could care for. And I heard children following behind me, asking for nothing but a pen for school.

It never really hit me until I got back home that those children following me only asked for a pen. Not money, not food… they just wanted a pen. Because school in Ethiopia is not a promise for children, as it is here in the United States. Because without a pen, you can’t go to class or do work or get an education. Something so small, that to me was trivial, could change those children’s lives. That’s when I decided to do something.
Two years, three months, and one week ago I brought together nine friends and siblings to start a nonprofit that would support education in developing countries. The group was formed because we all had one thing in common: we wanted to find a way to impact the lives of young people just like us, but who did not have access to an adequate education. We wanted to make a difference.

Now, I could get into the story of our charity Your Eyes Wide Open, how we started it, what we’ve accomplished and why and how we do what we do. Instead, I’ll let you learn that on your own so I can go ahead and share the impact that Paul College, and specifically the First-Year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE) program, has had on my organization. So check out youreyeswideopen.org for more information on the work that we do.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in running my nonprofit is that I have no experience in founding and running a company, and neither do any of my siblings and friends.

Paul College has changed that for me. Since starting this semester, I have learned how to market a company, how to create the brand for a company, how to manage a business, and much more. The FIRE program has made me aware of ways in which I can put those skills to use, and reach out to professionals who can help me take Your Eyes Wide Open to the next level.

I have learned about pitch competitions that I can enter. I have learned the importance of networking with UNH alum. I have learned how to put together a stand-out presentation that is both professional and personable. The University of New Hampshire Paul College of Business and Economics, and its FIRE program, has given me more than just one semester’s worth of knowledge. It has provided me with the skills and resources necessary to benefit my nonprofit and the lives of students from around the world. And for that, I am very grateful.

One semester in, and I’ve gained more than I ever imagined I would. With the base that the FIRE program is providing me with, the sky really is the limit, and I’m excited to see where it helps me get to down the road.

About Devin McMahon:

Devin McMahon is the oldest of five children, and a driven first year Business Administration student at the University of New Hampshire. She graduated from Pinkerton Academy as Student Council President and Future Business Leaders of America Community Service Coordinator. McMahon was chosen to represent the state of New Hampshire as a delegate for the United States Senate Youth Program March 2015, and placed fourth at the national FBLA conference June 2015.

McMahon is currently the founder of Your Eyes Wide Open, and attributes her success to her work with Student Council and FBLA, her family, and the opportunities that she has had to travel and understand different cultures.

The Mathematics Center (MaC) is a free walk-in tutoring center for 400-level math courses. They are equipped with answer keys and quiz solutions to ensure they guide you in the right direction. Open nearly every day of the week, they’re conveniently located on the ground floor of Christensen Hall and will help math make a little bit more sense. The students who work there can only work there if they’ve done well in the classes they’re tutoring you in, so they know their stuff.

The Connor’s Writing Center (CWC) is a free writing assistance center located in Dimond Library. Sign up for a slot with a writing assistant and sit down to talk about any paper you have to write. Whether you have a prompt and some ideas, or what you call a final draft – no matter where in the process you are – the CWC is there to guide you. They won’t fix your paper for grammatical errors, but they’ll help you improve your paper and most professors care about content and writing skills more than your ability to use flawless English.

Other notable academic services include:

The Programming Assistance Center (PAC) in Kingsbury, which helps with programming classes in the CS and IT departments;

Pi Mu Epsilon, the math honor society, which helps with 500-level math courses;

Phi Sigma, the biological science honor society, which provides free tutoring for BIOL 411 and 412;

Alpha Chi Sigma, the chemistry honor society, which provides introductory chemistry assistance; and

The Society of Physics Students, which provides free tutoring for PHYS 401/402 and 407/408.

Many of the departments on campus also have a list of private tutors that are willing to meet with students who seek out their assistance. The university also provides the Center for Academic Resources, or CFAR, which is the hub for all thing academic. They hire their own tutors, and also provide academic counseling for those who want to discuss their academic needs and goals. If you’re struggling, you should visit them! You can wander into their office in Smith Hall on the second floor Monday through Thursday from 11:00-3:00pm, or make an appointment during some other time of the week.

Classes are hard, but you’re not in this alone, Wildcats.

FIRE is an expansion of the peer advising program which helps address impending gaps in school and social curriculum, with focus on the transition from high school to college, time management, study skills and more. The experience includes key components of points, class time, and research. The system of points and prizes is used to encourage Paul freshmen to get involved on campus. Classes with qualified upperclassmen peer advisors teach us essential academic and professional skills. And finally, a competitive project called, “The Grand Challenge” introduces us to UNH as a research institution. By gaining this widespread exposure through FIRE our freshman class is made significantly stronger.

FIRE improves our individual brand by heightening the professional identity of our entire Paul graduating class. When you get out into the real world and someone sees Paul College-UNH, you want them to think you are one of many intelligent and qualified individuals. But this only holds true if every UNH student achieves this high standard. As one of 670 Paul freshmen you could get lost and underachieve. This would affect all of us negatively. This program makes us 670 strong because we are only as successful as our weakest representative. A better student body reflects well on our school and makes our degrees worth more. We all have to take advantage of FIRE to achieve these results.

FIRE is essentially an awareness program. We are learning, hands on, all of the skills we need to be successful students and therefore successful professionals. We’re taught about UNH so we can utilize our resources. We are motivated to get involved to access every opportunity. Most importantly, we focus on professional and personal development so we can excel beyond schooling. FIRE is valuable. The Paul freshmen class is given incredible opportunities through it. I’m here to absorb what I can to be a better student for Paul and I hope my classmates can develop in the same way.

For more information on the Paul College FIRE Program, click here or contact Sean Stewart at sean.stewart@unh.edu.

About Kate Aiken:

Kate Aiken is an ambitious first-year student at the University of New Hampshire where she studies Business Administration. Aiken completed her education at Manchester Central High School in the top fifth percent of her class as a New Hampshire scholar and received the prestigious Mayor’s Award upon her graduation. After an extensive high school career in DECA, she boasts several leadership and competitive awards for her business and professional skills. Kate also served as managing editor of the Little Green school newspaper and chaired the Manchester Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.

Kate presently serves as CEO of Project PLAY NH, a non-profit organization she help found that sponsors children to play sports in Manchester, NH. Aiken attributes her success to and continues to support Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership as a seminar speaker and facilitator. In college, she enjoys being a part of the business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi where she serves on her class executive board.

Hubbard Reading Room at Dimond Library

Quiet rooms at Dimond Library:

The quiet rooms at the Dimond Library are airy and filled with natural light, making them a pleasant place to be even if you have a pile of homework. If you prefer working with no noise or distractions, the quiet rooms are the perfect place for you.

 Zeke’s Café:

If you like the library environment but don’t mind some noise, try the tables outside Zeke’s Café on the 4th floor of Dimond Library. As a bonus, you can easily grab a Starbucks coffee to keep your energy up.

Zeke’s Cafe in Dimond Library

The Works:

The Works has delicious bagels and smoothies to keep you going throughout your study session. Plus, they have comfortable booths and a pleasant atmosphere for working.

Union Court in the MUB:

Union Court is always filled with people during the daytime, but it’s a good place to meet up for group projects or studying with friends, especially when the crowds thin out in the evenings.

Union Court in the MUB

Rockingham Lounge in the MUB:

This cozy lounge on the third floor of the MUB has plenty of tables and couches for getting some work done and even has a fireplace that crackles away on cold days.

Dairy Bar:

Grab a fresh salad or sandwich (or ice cream!) at the Dairy Bar and settle into a booth with friends for some studying as you eat.

Peter T Paul College of Business and Economics, Photo by Anton Grassl/ESTO

Classroom buildings:

Many of UNH’s newly-renovated classroom buildings, including McConnell, DeMerritt, and Paul College, have designated areas for studying. With a little bit of exploring, you can find an uncrowded study space near your classes. If you need a quiet study space to work with a group, rent a breakout room in Paul.

What’s your favorite place to study on campus? Tell/show us on Twitter, Instagram or Snapchat with #instaUNH & @UNHStudents.

1) The first thing I really want to put out there is this: You’re parents know best, except when they do not. Look, my mom is my rock. So is my dad. And whenever I’m having a bad day or need to vent, they’re always first on my “must call and freak out to” list. That being said, college is a balancing act. Especially the first couple of weeks. Everyone from your grandmother to your father’s best friend from high school, the uncle who’s not really your uncle, is going to have some grand piece of advice about how you should, or should not, be spending your first year. “Get involved in clubs”, “Have a really active social life”, “Get really amazing grades.”

They’re not wrong, and all of this is important. But, recognize that this is something you work up to, and feeling comfortable is the first thing you should be worrying about. Other than getting involved with UNH Tales, I chose to focus more on my social life and my classes the first semester. I found a group of strong, independent, and caring girls who are currently my roommates at the Gables, and I managed to get acclimated with my workload, and create a college time management plan. It may not seem that important, but not knowing how you work in a completely new system can harm you worse than anything else. Heed advice; just make sure to listen to yourself in the process.

2) Please, please, please do not worry about being best friends with your roommate! This may be a bit late, some of you might be learning this, some might already know this, or already knew this before getting on campus but I find it really important to say.

I absolutely loved my roommate my freshman year, in fact we’re still living together. However, despite how lucky we got, in terms of actually getting along with one another, the first coupe of weeks we didn’t push anything. Where she felt more comfortable going to Willy’s special orientation events the first week, I felt more comfortable staying in and meeting people gradually. We both did our own things, and let the friendship go where it went naturally.

No one is expecting anything with that relationship, although you might think they are. You will, without a doubt, hear everything from the truly ideal to the truly horrific about fellows and their roomies. Do not pay attention. There are so many different people on campus —we wildcats are truly a special breed — that you will find your niche somewhere. Of course, don’t settle for being disrespected or maltreated. You may not be best friends with your roomie but everyone deserves respect unless otherwise proven, you and them both.

3) I might sound like your mother here but something that I did not at all expect to get stressed out about was taking care of myself. That’s a bit obscure and you’re probably thinking “WTF, I know dude.” But I think it’s important for you, child to your parents, to figure this one out for yourself. You need to understand what’s normal and not normal for your body, and how to be proactive about taking care of it.

You’re around a bunch of other 19-22 year olds who are not your parents and are not as apt to notice when you’re “off.” This includes knowing the difference between being tired because you’re sick and being tired because you’re stressed out, haven’t been able to workout for a bit, or aren’t getting the sleep you need. I know it seems trivial to point out but knowing yourself is key. I was all too ready to shake off lethargy last year and not make a big deal out of nothing. Don’t become a hypochondriac, but you might need to get checked out or intervene in your health, and you’re the only one who can do that for you. Which also leads into…

4) FUN TIME! THE BEST THING ON EARTH! As stated above, I am a firm believer in cutting yourself some slack. Of course, that’s not to say that I don’t encourage working hard and challenging yourself because it’s always good to accomplish what you set your mind to. But, no one is superhuman and everyone needs to slow down at some point and just chill. Last year, at the end of the year, I finally broke down in a fit of tears on my bed, covered in sheets, surrounded by pillows, and just generally looking like a hot mess because I suck at admitting when I’m in too deep (I’m not saying this will happen to you, but it’s OK if it does). When the above list of stresses gets to you, don’t be that person. TAKE A BREAK! Here’s how and where:

a) The Dairy Bar! Their ice cream really is bomb. But when it’s cold out, grab a light salad or hearty sandwich and enjoy their cozy, quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

b) Breaking New Grounds: It should be no surprise that there are a lot of coffee shops here on campus, all of them pretty good. But my personal favorite is BNG because not only do they serve great tasting coffee, they’re just plain awesome. There’s a little couch/armchair section in the back that’s great for relaxing, talking with friends, and the numerous small tables scattered throughout the tight but peaceful space offers a nice alternative to the lib. Check it out!

c) This list is in no particular order; that’s why Portsmouth is third, and not numero uno. Plus, I’m lazy and it’s a Monday so my fingers are fighting my brain on reorganizing the numbering, but… PORTSMOUTH IS PRIME! Now, I wouldn’t recommend going there all the time. I think it’s nice to rediscover it every couple of months when campus is making you stir-crazy. But, when the first leaves begin to change color and the air is a bit more brisk, but the sun is still shining, and sweater weather is upon us…go to Portsmouth if you haven’t already.

The streets are cobblestoned and the shops are mainly small, independent boutiques and knick-knack shops. If you’re into magic tricks, pranks, humor, and old-time candy, check out Marco Polo, a entertaining joke shop on Market Street. Also, in keeping with the theme of food, Popovers is a must-visit, as is Flatbread if you’re going for a more dinner friendly menu. There’s also a book cafe (reading and eating?!?! Hell yea!) that I’m dying to try but have not yet had the good fortune of venturing near. Clearly, I like Portsmouth. So, please. Go. 

d) The Great Outdoors/the gym: Despite what working out does for your body (shout out to you, Mr. Tatum), being active is the best mental break that I can offer you. And we’re in New Hampshire so where better to do it? The university is really great about offering a whole bunch of fun outdoor activities for students and faculty. The outdoor club usually hosts adventure trips on a first-come-first-serve basis. They’re creative and fun and designed with small, intimate groups in mind.

But those aren’t always accessible and not everyone has a car at school. If you’re in this latter category, go to the gym. And, no you don’t have to kill yourself physically to get those great mental benefits. If I’m feeling especially drained or frustrated, I rent a racquet from the desk downstairs, and a ball (though I believe you have to buy them now), and hit a couple of rounds on one of the courts in the back. The rec center also offers great classes (yoga, boot camp, kickboxing) in the studios on the lower level, free for all students ( fill out the release form here ).

Oops, I almost forgot!

…use your friends and the university, as a resource. When I was obnoxiously crying my eyes out, my friends stuck with me and made me laugh and just listened for a bit. There are also multiple services on campus that are there for YOU and want to offer you all the support that they can. The same goes for balancing your diet and trying to stay nutritious while away from home. Hit up this website for both.

Have a great year, Wildcats!!