March 2 – 5

Sing

“In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theater impresario’s attempt to save his theater with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists’ find that their lives will never be the same.” More information here

March 23 – 26

Manchester by the Sea

“An uncle is asked to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy’s father dies.” More information here

Rouge One: A Star Wars Story

“The Rebel Alliance makes a risky move to steal the plans for the Death Star, setting up the epic saga to follow.” More Information here

March 30 – April 2

Patriots Day

“The story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath, which includes the city-wide manhunt to find the terrorists responsible.” More information here

Happy viewing Wildcats! After your show is over, let us know what you thought by tweeting us @UNHStudents .

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.

The term Diwali is a literal translation of a row of lights; it’s no wonder this holiday has such a strong emphasis on the power of light overcoming darkness. The official holiday, which originated in India, encourages people to seek out the good — no matter how faint — in the midst of the bad, and encourages an optimistic view of the world through the practice of positive belief. This celebration reflects a common theme across many historical narratives — believing our current struggle will ultimately lead toward triumph.

I got to experience this holiday and everything it represents at UNH’s very own Diwali, which kicked off International Education Week here on campus. The Indian Subcontinent Students’ Association (ISSA) offered performances throughout the night, while the event featured authentic Indian cuisine for its guests.

What caught my attention the most was the women’s traditional Indian clothing. Draped in silk, chiffon, embellished ornaments and beading, their garments were woven together with lustrous gold and silver threads. It may be overwhelming to some, but in traditional Indian culture it’s a symbolic representation of the self. Up close, I noticed the traditional bindi worn by Hindu women at the center of the forehead. Some were more extravagant than others, but all signified the meaning of clarity and the opportunity for enlightenment.   

In some cultures, bowing is a common custom used to show respect for each other. We could all show each other more respect. Whether it be with a bow, a handshake or simply a smile, make an effort to show someone that you respect them.

Want to experience more? Check Wildcat Link for more events scheduled during International Education Week.

It’s that time of year again! The fourth annual #UNHServes Day of Service is coming up on Saturday, November 5. This is the largest annual day of service at UNH, and as we celebrate 150 years of UNH, the community service office and residential life team are making it bigger than ever! Volunteer with some friends or by yourself! You could be doing anything from delivering meals or cleaning up beaches to spending the day in a local nursing home. UNH Serves is a great way to bring students together and give back to the community. Plus, who doesn’t love a free t-shirt?

Don’t forget to share your photos and videos from the day with #UNHServes! Community Service Coordinator Megan Brabec will be taking over the ‘uofnh’ Snapchat for the day, visiting many of the work sites.

UNH alumni will also be volunteering around the country next week to show the Wildcat spirit in their local communities. Learn more here.

Register now at: UNH Serves Registration!

This is the first video in a new series over on UNH’s YouTube channel called Wildcat Tales. Be sure to subscribe to stay up-to-date with the voices of Wildcats!

What else is on your fall bucket list?

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!

Manchester, NH City Hall

Growing up in Manchester, New Hampshire, I knew there was one school I did not want to go to upon graduation, and that school was UNH. With a graduating class of over 450, I thought a lot of my high school classmates would end up coming to UNH. From that point on, I immediately told myself it was my last resort. That year I applied to roughly 30 colleges and was accepted to 28 of them. Deciding I needed something new in my life, the following year I enrolled at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. Initially I went in declared as an international business major but shortly after I switched to political science. As the semester progressed, I kept noticing instances when I did not fit in and how I was vastly different from the average student. This left me wanting more, not only from my fellow students but also my college.

Downtown Baltimore – National Aquarium

     Transferring home after the fall semester, I attended Manchester Community College to keep up with credits. By the next fall, I was at UNH, enrolled in classes and had started working towards my degree, a B.A. in communication. The whole process of transferring was odd for me. You need to complete university exit interviews and questionnaires; get official transcripts sent to your new college, and make sure all your credits transfer (and for their correct credit amount). After the process, transfers are left with a mess of words and phrases to keep in mind. Phrases such as extra semester, J-term, summer classes, TAing for credit, and online courses get thrown around a lot in order to help encourage students to graduate on time.

Andrew Sharp

   Here at UNH, that process had already been streamlined for me. I came in as a Communication major, and my advisor, Andrew Sharp, was more than prepared to help me. At transfer orientation, he not only helped me pick classes that I needed to take, but he also steered me toward classes he thought would interest me. Andrew has helped me navigate crazy semesters with huge course loads throughout my years here, as well as petition into classes that were already full because he knew I was passionate about the topic. Since being at UNH, I have had five- and six-course semesters, I’ve been a TA and I am expecting to grasp the opportunity to use internship experience for credit this coming spring. Andrew has made it possible to schedule not only my classes, but my time here at UNH as well, to help give me the time I needed in and out of the classroom in order to be successful. At UNH, the academic advisors aren’t here to just give you your registration time and code, they are an asset. They’re welcoming and willing to help at any point in your academic career. From helping you find internship opportunities to assisting you in declaring second majors and minors, their goal isn’t just to get you to graduate, it’s to make sure you’re having fun while you do it.

Students talking on a bridge in College Woods

     While going through the transfer process, students can expect to lose the friendships they started at their first school while also having to acclimate to their new school. This includes making new friends which can be a huge stress, but not at UNH. While adjusting to life here, I found my peers to be friendly and supportive. At UNH, more often than not, you can see people talking, chatting and chiming in. Durham’s students are more than happy to engage in a dialogue. From sports and health to politics and more, the student body offers a wide variety of points of view. Students here are fun, upbeat, approachable and excited to be here; they are the heart of this campus, and they are why #IBelieveInUNH.

1. Go to a UNH Football game.

2. Attend a social at your residence hall.

3. Follow @UNHStudents and @UofNH on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

4. Cheer from the student section at a UNH men’s ice hockey game.

5. Meet departments and student organizations at U-Day.

6. Go to a UNH volleyball game.

7. Win prizes at CAB bingo.

8. Go to a UNH soccer game.

9. Attend a UNH dance performance at the end of the semester.

10. Grab food at Wildkitty.

11. Do homework by the fireplace in the Rockingham Lounge in the MUB.

12. Go to a UNH gymnastics meet.

13. Cheer on the UNH field hockey team.

14. Perfect your résumé with help from the UNH Career Center.

15. Go to a UNH women’s ice hockey game.

16. Attend a seminar at the Entrepreneurship Center.

17. See a comedian in the MUB.

18. View the current exhibit in the UNH Museum of Art.

19. Walk in the Homecoming parade.

20. Watch a UNH cross country meet.

21. Read an issue of The New Hampshire.

22. Play games in the Games Room of the MUB.

23. Go to a UNH swimming meet.

24. Swim at the Outdoor Pool.

25. Go to a UNH track and field meet.

26. Spend spring break volunteering with Alternative Break Challenge.

27. Take in the action at a UNH basketball game.

28. Do homework on T-Hall lawn.

29. Go for a walk in College Woods.

30. Take a free yoga class with UNH Health Services.

31. Participate in the Primal Scream at the library during Frazzle Free Finals.

32. Eat in all three dining halls (HoCo, Stillings and Philly).

33. Join a club.

34. See a play at Johnson Theatre.

35. Take a picture on the Wildcat Statue.

36. Spend a semester, J-term or summer studying abroad.

37. Go watch an Improv Anonymous show in the MUB.

38. Test out the rock climbing wall at the new Hamel Rec Center.

39. Go to a UNH a cappella concert.

40. Go on an Outdoor Adventure with Campus Rec.

41. Participate in a new activity.

42. Attend guided meditation from UNH Health Services.

43. Check out CAB’s The Grind coffeehouse and open mic.

44. Go to open skate at the Whitt.

45. Join a group exercise class at the Hamel Rec Center.

46. Go to a UNH Dining theme dinner.

47. Rent a camera or electronic device from the Parker Media Lab.

48. Grab a slice at DHOP (Durham House of Pizza).

49. Take Wildcat Transit to Portsmouth.

50. Attend a LinkedIn workshop with the UNH Career Center.

Stay tuned for Parts II and III!

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.

Welcome to the Paul College family! You’re only days away from moving into your home away from home – a scary but unbelievably exciting adventure! Paul College is a fantastic college to be a part of, recently ranking in the top 100 best undergraduate business schools. You’ll come to love the building and many of the people inside of it, if you have not begun to already. As a former FIRE Igniter and current student on the Sophomore Shadow Committee, I’d like to welcome you to the FIRE Program as well. Within this first-year program, you’ll develop friendships, academic and professional skills and important connections, AS LONG AS you take advantage of what FIRE and UNH has to offer.

As an incoming freshman, I’m sure you’ve researched and found blogs that describe extra tips or things you wouldn’t necessarily know going into your first year of college; I certainly did. Below, I’ve listed some UNH specific points that I think you can benefit from as you begin your wildcat journey:

• Represent yourself well – As a business student, you’ll be introduced to many alumni, potential employers, and other great connections that may help you pursue your goals in the future. Be careful what you post on social media and how you act in a public setting. You’re going to be given so many opportunities throughout your four years here, one mistake or bad choice may affect those opportunities and outcomes.
• Get involved, fast! – UNH has this awesome website called Wildcat Link where you can scroll through the 300+ organizations here on campus. If you happen to find nothing you’re interested in but have a club/organization idea, you have the ability to create it yourself! Aside from meeting new people who share similar interests, your experience here at UNH may be a lot more rewarding and fun by getting involved.
• Get to know your professors/TA’s – Never hesitate to attend office hours held by your professors and TA’s. Students at UNH are highly encouraged to get to know their professors and TA’s early in the semester so that by finals week they are comfortable asking questions and receiving help outside of class. Not only will your professors serve as great learning aids, but they may also serve as networking tools for future job opportunities. Introduce yourself during the first week and throughout the year give them a positive reason to remember you.
• What’s On Wednesdays – Every Wednesday in the MUB (Memorial Union Building) an activity is held, whether it be free mug making, local singers, comedians, etc. Check your UNH Mobile app to stay updated on each week’s events!
• Dining Dollars – Most of you will have a meal plan that includes dining dollars! Just like a debit card, a swipe of your ID will allow you to purchase food and drink at many locations on campus: Wildcatessen, vending machines, the Dairy Bar, Union Court, Zeke’s, Albert’s, and CornerStone, as well as any dining halls on campus. Take advantage of your dining dollars each semester rather than spending your own money from your bank account.
• FIRE Events/Career Center Workshops – Although FIRE events and Career Center workshops aren’t mandatory, take advantage of them throughout the year. Events geared towards networking, interview prep, resume reviews, cover letter writing and LinkedIn will really help you prepare for summer internships and future job opportunities. There are plenty of activities on campus that are geared towards setting you up for success, but it is up to you to find them and participate in them.
• Late Night – Philbrook Dining Hall, or “Philly” is open until 11pm Sunday-Wednesday whereas other dining halls close around 9pm. If you’re coming back from a late class, an intramural game, or just have a rumbling stomach, stop in and grab a bite to eat!
• Weeknight Activities – There is always something going on, whether it be improv, a capella, yoga, intramurals, varsity sports, club meetings, bingo, Greek life events, comedians, movies, dorm hall activities, etc. Become user friendly with the MUB’s weekly calendar and attend a few events each week! Not only will you receive FIRE points, but you will also meet a lot of people and enjoy a night out of your dorm room.

Becoming a college student may seem intimidating for some and more exciting for others. Just remember that there are hundreds, even thousands of kids on campus who are in the same position that you are in. Meet new people, try new things, have fun and enjoy your time here! Just as high school did, the next four years will fly by. Take advantage of everything UNH has to offer and set yourself up for success!

Go Wildcats!

About Alexis Gray ’19:

Alexis Gray is a determined second-year student at the University of New Hampshire where she studies Economics and Psychology. Alexis completed her education at Somersworth High School as the salutatorian of her class. She was the treasurer for class council, secretary for National Honor Society, historian for student council and a three-sport athlete, holding four school records in track and field.

At UNH, Alexis is an Igniter within the FIRE Program, a volunteer for Aspiring Hands, a student on the Sophomore Shadow Committee, an active intramural player and a new member of the UNH Track and Field team. She looks forward to making a difference amongst the communities she interacts with this year.

It’s never too early or too late to start volunteering. These organizations are always happy to have you! Dedicate however much time you have — not only are you making the community and world a better place, you’ll also make new friends and expand your worldview. Isn’t that what college is all about?

For those who want to make a tangible difference in the community…

SHARPP: SHARPP (Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program) volunteers dedicate time in two areas, either peer advocacy or community education. Through advocating for victims, engaging in educational dialogue, participating in the annual Anti-Violence Rally and Walk and more, SHARPP volunteers help spread the important message of ending sexual violence.

Wildcat Friends: Wildcat Friends pairs up developmentally disabled adults from the community with UNH students to meet once a week. Students take part in various activities around campus with the friends, helping introduce them to the spirit of the university.

Waysmeet Center and Cornucopia Food Pantry: UNH’s Waysmeet Center is a community for students and non-students alike. Students can volunteer their time at the Cornucopia Food Pantry, which offers food to those in need on a weekly basis.

Hall Council: Every residence hall has a council — made up of students, RAs and the hall director — that convenes to plan events for residents. Many of these events are community service-oriented, so joining Hall Council or just participating in their volunteer events is a great way to spend your time.

Best Buddies UNH: Best Buddies provides friendship and leadership opportunities for community members who have intellectual and developmental disabilities by including them in UNH student-run activities and events.

Circle K: Circle K is an all-encompassing volunteer organization. The student branch at UNH is dedicated to a variety of service projects in the local, regional and international communities.

Woods Cleanup Crew: For those who crave hands-on work and want to be in nature, the Woods Cleanup Crew is the student organization for you. The crew has weekly trail cleanups around the area, giving participants a chance to enjoy the fresh air while making a positive impact in our community’s environment.

American Red Cross UNH Club (ARCC): This student-run branch of the American Red Cross aims to connect volunteers with community service projects in the area. Being involved with the Red Cross provides valuable networking and skill-building opportunities.

For those who want to make a difference in kids’ lives…

Aspiring Hands: Students who volunteer with Aspiring Hands go to the Somersworth Early Learning Center once a week to provide emotional support and companionship to kids of various ages who attend the center.

Dance Marathon: Members of UNH Dance Marathon spend the year hosting events to fundraise for the Children’s Miracle Network, meeting child patients and their parents and planning for the year-end dance marathon. The multi-hour marathon entails participants staying on their feet as long as they can to celebrate the total amount of funds raised that year.

Friends of Jaclyn: Friends of Jaclyn matches UNH athletic teams with children living with pediatric cancer, aiming to create lasting bonds and friendships and give the children and their families a source of joy and support.

Project Sunshine: Project Sunshine volunteers visit local hospitals to spend time with children. The group meets weekly to plan hospital trips, make arts and crafts for local hospitals and organize fundraisers.

Students for St. Jude: This student organization aims to raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which provides no-cost care to children with cancer.

BRING IT (Bring Refugees, Immigrants and Neighbors Gently Into Tomorrow): BRING IT aims to make an impact on the lives of New Hampshire’s refugees, immigrants and other kids in need by providing academic, social and emotional support.

For those who want to change the world…

Students Without Borders: This group of student engineers and non-engineers take part in creating engineering solutions for disadvantaged communities around the world and in the region. SWB implements environmentally and economically sustainable technical projects in local and international communities, while developing globally responsible and knowledgeable students.

Oxfam UNH: Oxfam UNH has a multifaceted goal to educate the campus and community about the issues of hunger, poverty, homelessness, inequality and discrimination, health and education, women’s rights, conflict and disasters, aid and development, citizens’ rights and climate change.

Relay for Life: The Relay for Life organization raises funds for and awareness about the Relay for Life event, an 18-hour relay that benefits the American Cancer Society and recognizes and celebrates cancer survivors.

Fraternity and Sorority Life: Fraternities and sororities have specific philanthropic causes that they fundraise and campaign for throughout the year, from autism to heart disease. In addition to traditional fraternities and sororities, UNH offers a coed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, specifically dedicated to community service.

Gift of Life: Students in Gift of Life work towards finding a match for every blood cancer patient in need of a life-saving bone marrow transplant by holding and organizing donor drives on campus.

Alternative Break Challenge: Want to spend your spring break dedicating time to a meaningful cause? The Alternative Break Challenge is perfect for you. A variety of service trips are offered, from nature cleanup to volunteering at an inner-city kids’ program.

Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA): Volunteering with Animal Welfare Alliance would be a perfect fit if you’re passionate about educating the public about animal welfare movements and working to make change. The group distributes petitions, holds fundraisers and volunteers as part of their campaign for the better treatment of animals.

The Freedom Café: Some students choose to volunteer at The Freedom Café, a local coffeehouse in Durham that serves beverages and baked goods in addition to hosting popular open mic nights. But it’s not just a regular café — the Freedom Café aims to end human trafficking in the world by providing a space for discussion, education and fundraising.

Found something of interest? Learn more about getting involved here.

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?

Just a five-minute walk from campus, this downtown Durham hotspot has it all, with flavors from tiramisu and snickerdoodle to mango sorbet and strawberry cream cake.  It’s enough to make even the craziest frozen fantasies reality.

I was able to get the inside scoop on FroZone from Jen, an employee.

They Support Student Organizations

That’s right. FroZone will happily donate up to 20% of their sales to your organization or club if you mention it at checkout. In the past, they’ve helped fundraise for UNH Cheerleading, Friends of Jaclyn, Relay for Life and Army ROTC.

They Offer Special Promotions 

Get this: On certain days you can get 16-ounce cups of froyo, filled as much as you like, for four dollars. Jen says the top three flavors of froyo are chocolate chip cookie dough, sea salted caramel pretzel and jamocha. But vanilla and cookies and cream are not far behind. As for toppings? “Definitely cookie dough — it’s everyone’s favorite,” Jen says, followed closely by Reese’s Pieces and Oreos.

They Are Student Friendly

They accept Cat’s Cache. “That’s a big thing. A lot of students will come in here with Cat’s Cache,” Jen says. So if you find yourself rummaging through your pockets for cash, just use your ID!

After all, with finals on the horizon, wouldn’t froyo be a great use of a study break?

For more fun food and drink options in Durham, check out Emily’s article about the local coffee shops!

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.

Coming to UNH I wasn’t very knowledgeable of the area and its surroundings, and didn’t shop anywhere besides at the mall (Charlotte Russe). Partly because it was all I knew, and also because it was dirt-cheap! Little did I know that right across the street is a store that holds great deals on anything from candle stick holders, to Louis Vuitton purses. Savers! As I explored this unknown territory, I wondered how many others were taking advantage of all the cool and used finds that Savers and other stores in the area had to offer!

If you’re not familiar with the towns around Durham, Portsmouth is the perfect place to start your search for a sustainable, perfectly affordable outfit. It’s a great little town located 15 minutes from campus that has some eclectic and unique stores. They have great options for second-hand clothing that won’t break the bank and will be sure to keep your style fashionably forward. 2nd Time Around (https://www.facebook.com/STAPortsmouth) has some great pieces that are sure to last longer than any item from Forever21 would. While they do carry pricier designer brands such as Alice + Olivia, and Dooney and Bourke, you can purchase these items at a fraction of the original price. Check them out on their Facebook or through their Yelp page.

So we’ve talked about Savers, which is the ultimate place to get bang for your buck, but there is also the Salvation Army store in Portsmouth. Reviews on Yelp call it one of the BEST thrift stores around, and go on about how amazing their selection is. They also write how clean and organized it is, which are key traits that make shopping in second-hand feel stores feel like a better environment. http://www.yelp.com/biz/salvation-army-family-store-portsmouth

Next up is a store again located in Portsmouth called Wear House. Their pieces range from high to affordable, but they always have great quality items and super cool finds. One women loved it so much, she took to Yelp to explain, “Yes, you can spend “a lot” and walk out with Prada, etc- but you can also score some pretty sweet pieces for under $20. Wearhouse is a definite must for any shopping trip down market st.” – Holly G. South Brunswick, M.E. http://www.yelp.com/biz/wear-house-portsmouth?osq=Consignment

Now, if you can’t make it over to Portsmouth for whatever reason, there is a place called Monkey’s Treasure’s in Dover that may have something you’re looking for. They are advertised as inexpensive and are known for carrying children’s clothes, women’s garments, as well as men’s. The only downside if you’re looking to consign clothes, is they pay you in store credit. Nonetheless this is another good place to look if you’re in the area and are on a budget! http://www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-treasures-dover

Finally, last but not least, check out this downtown Durham spot that is not only a thrift shop, but is an economic and environmentally friendly spot! Echo thrift shop provides ‘gently’ used clothing available for men, women, and children, for very reasonable prices. Twenty five percent of all Echo’s proceeds go to organizations and individuals in need. This is a perfect local spot that truly knows what it means to re-use, recycle, and do good. Check them out at the Community Church of Durham, open weekly 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/Echothriftshop/  http://ccdurham.org/echo-community-thrift-shop/

As students, it can be easy to find ourselves online shopping and saving money as we’re doing it, but there are more sustainable ways we shop. All you need is either a friend with a car, or your UNH student I.D. and the Wildcat Bus schedule, and you can find yourself at most of these places within 20 minutes! We collectively can make a difference with a little bit of research and the good will to be well!

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.

College Woods:

Most people think of T-Hall when they’re asked about the most beautiful places on campus, but no one really thinks of the great expanse of forest that we call College Woods. Home to both a natural, preserved area and a recently cut area, the woods provide the perfect opportunity for discovery and research for students,faculty, and staff at UNH. But it’s vast network of paths opens it up to more than just researchers. Venture deep into the woods on a sunny day and you’ll pass runners, bikers, families, hammockers, and maybe even a class or two. The best part about this particular get-away is that it’s so close to home. With entrances all over the UNH campus, you’re never too far away from the woods at UNH. There are entrances by the Field House, along Mill Road, and even one over by West Edge. The paths will take you down by the Oyster River, where ice is still flowing, all the way to the train tracks by Mill Road. If you find yourself without a car on campus, this is definitely the best place for a nature walk as it is so close to home. And don’t worry about getting lost, the trails are easy to follow and usually end at a fairly recognizable part of campus!

Kingman Farm:

Located on Route 155 in Madbury, Kingman Farm is a beautiful area just three miles from campus. The area is owned by UNH is used for educational field experience for those in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. But of the 330 acres of land, 230 acres is strictly woodland. This vast expanse includes a beautiful trail system used year round for nature walks, biking, cross-country skiing, and even snowmobiling! Not only is there a huge system of paths to take, but wetlands nearby, Kingman is known for its wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might come across all sorts of cool creatures on your travels!

Isinglass River:

This one’s a bit farther from campus, but it’s definitely one of the prettiest nature walks in New Hampshire. Located in Rochester, NH, the 2 mile path takes you down to the Isinglass River and more importantly, to the amazing waterfall found there. Locke’s Falls, during the warmer months of the year, provides the perfect cliff diving spot for all you daredevil Wildcats out there. The Falls, as early as April or May, is warm enough to swim in and is the perfect spot to bring your friends or your dog! The trail is well kept and quite beautiful. The rocks along the coast of the Isinglass River are particularly nice as they have large quantities of mica in them, which make them sparkle in the sunshine, along with the sun reflecting off of the river. Grab your swimsuit and head over once the weather warms up!

Adams Point:

While this hike is about 15 minutes drive from campus, it is my absolute favorite area to watch the sunrise or sunset. Located on the coast of Great Bay, Adams Point is home to UNH’s Jackson Estuarine Lab. At first, all the walk seems to be is a huge expanse of meadow. Yet farther down, you’ll come to the edge of the water. Try to time your walk at low tide, as the beach of rocks is incredible. The coast of Adams Point is home to some of the oldest rock formations in the area, which are absolutely perfect for skipping. The hike takes you full circle around a 1.5 mile stretch, almost 100% right on the water. The area features plenty of rock outcroppings perfect for laying back and watching the sunset, sturdy trees for climbing, and even a geocache or two (if you can find them). If you have a car on campus, or a friend with one, head out around an hour before sunset to this gorgeous spot and escape to nature for a while.

It may not seem like there’s a ton of nature to explore on a college campus, but luckily, we’re not in the middle of a bustling city. We live in Durham, NH, a town surrounded by forest teeming with life. Not only that, but we live no more than 20 minutes away from Great Bay, and only slightly farther from the seacoast! So I implore you, explore the bus routes, ask your friends, or just walk to College Woods, but find somewhere that makes you appreciate nature again. We need the occasional escape from the constant emails, relentless Facebook notifications, and Blackboard updates. So when you’re done reading this, find a friend, head out to one of these beautiful spots, consider leaving your phones behind (or at least on Do Not Disturb), and just go enjoy nature for a little while. I think you’ll like what you find.

“We run the group professionally,” president of NTS Cory Nitschelm explains. “[We] take advantage of opportunities without hesitation, which leads to unprecedented success for a college a cappella group.”

NTS rehearses for six hours each week and spends about six hours per week at various gigs on and off campus.

Not Too Sharp performs on the TODAY Show

All these hours require a pretty serious commitment which Nitschelm describes as the most demanding part of college life for NTS members “with the exception of academics.” Nitschelm and his crew don’t seem to mind, though, as the 14 members are a tight-knit group of close friends. Nitschelm says they are like a family.

At the start of this semester, NTS had the opportunity to compete at the ICCA quarterfinal at the Berklee College of Music after qualifying through a video submission. In the video, NTS performed “Blame It on Me” by George Ezra, “Stay with Me” by Sam Smith, and “How Far We’ve Come” by Matchbox 20. Nitschelm says the week leading up to the competition was hectic, with rehearsals for almost three hours every day. He believes the experience taught NTS valuable lessons, made them better prepared for future competitions and even brought them closer as a group.

“Though I am graduating this year and cannot say for sure,” he says, “I would assume that the group would be interested in competing again and applying what we have learned from this year to improve for the next attempt.”

Members of Not Too Sharp on their way to the ICCA’s quarterfinal

So what’s next for Not Too Sharp? “We are staying very busy with various performances of low- and high-profile visibility,” says Nitschelm. Goals for the group include catching up with some NTS alumni, working on a new music video and planning a concert for the end of the year. Be on the lookout for more exciting news from Not Too Sharp on their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages. You can also check out their latest album, Current.

You won’t believe how much this campus has to offer until you take some time to see and experience it. Your tour guide only gives you a snapshot, so let’s talk about some of the important things you need to know about the Durham campus.

Dining

The one thing that you really don’t get a feel for until you arrive at college is your school’s dining options. Sure, you get to enjoy a meal when you come for a tour, depending on the time of year, but it is nothing like having meals there everyday. Plus, tours don’t show you the amazing themed dinners and everything else that dining has to offer! Luckily, at UNH, we have award-winning dining services and many options available to you on a daily basis. So, where can you chow down? Well…

Holloway Commons – HoCo is the largest dining hall on campus that will have just finished its expansion by the start of the fall 2016 semester. This campus favorite is known for sushi, stir fry, and brick oven pizza — yum! Looking for something to grab and go in the morning? Dunkin’ Donuts is there to welcome you to HoCo and help you get your morning coffee fix.

Philbrook Dining Hall – Philly, as it is called, is a popular meeting place for students across campus. Home to late-night hours and all-day breakfast, Philly can serve your every need. Looking to just grab something and go? Stop by the Philbrook Cafe, also known as the Pita Pit, for your convenience store needs.

Stillings Dining Hall – Stillings is the smallest dining hall on campus but this is not one to skip, especially when it is State Fair night! This hall is known for daily quesadillas, made-to-order deli sandwiches, and some of the best views of the Hills area of campus. If you’re looking for something quick or greasy after the dining halls are closed, Stillings is also home to Wildcattessen. Wildkitty, as it is lovingly called, is our late-night dining option all week. The grill and convenience store offer all the options your heart, or rather your stomach, desires.

So with three amazing dining halls, what else could Dining Services offer? Well, if you don’t feel like hitting up the all-day dining or are just looking for a quick snack or coffee, they still have you covered! Here are a few more options:

Albert’s – Are you spending most of your day in Kingsbury Hall? Stop by this little cafe for a pick-me-up. Located in the northwest lobby of this hub for engineering majors.

CornerStone 1926 – Are you a business major or just passing through the Paul College courtyard? Need a caffeine boost? Stop by this on-campus cafe for sandwiches, snacks, and some of your favorite Starbucks drinks!

Dairy Bar – This option may seem out of the way but it is well worth the trek. Plus, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite while waiting for the Amtrak Downeaster if you’re leaving campus for the day or weekend! Here you can enjoy local produce packed into amazing salads and sandwiches and some of the best ice cream in town!

Union Court – Chances are you’ll pass through the MUB at some point during the day. If you’re not willing to brave the lunch rush at HoCo or are just looking for something different, UC may have exactly what you’re looking for, with numerous grab-and-go options along with made-to-order meals from Creative Greens (salads), Freshens (smoothies), Serrano (Southwestern cuisine), Chick’n Kitchen (fried foods), and Artisan Fresh (sandwiches).

Zeke’s Cafe – This will most likely become one of your late-night study session favorites. This cafe, located in Dimond Library, is open late to help fuel success in your classes. Offering Starbucks drinks, cookies, and other snack options, Zeke’s is the place to get that burst of energy to keep you going!

All of these establishments take Cat’s Cache, Dining Dollars, cash, and most major credit cards. Want to know what’s open and when? Download the UNH Mobile app and check the dining page! Not a fan of lines? Make sure to set up a Tapingo account through their app in order to cut the line!

For those of you looking for dining off campus, Durham has many options just feet from campus. Read about the new options here!

Housing

So, now that you know where to keep yourself fed, how about finding out where to live? UNH has 28 residence halls to fit the college experience you want to have. Housing on campus is divided into three areas: The Hills, The Valley, and The Timbers. Now, as a freshman, you won’t have the chance to live in some of these dorms, but all of the dorms offer a great introduction to campus. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the ups, downs, and lessons that living in a dorm will give you — I lived in on-campus housing all four years! Let’s look at just a few of the dorms based on theme.

First-Year Students Only

Some of you may want to live only with other first-year students during your first year on campus. Alexander Hall, Christensen Hall, Lord Hall, Richardson House, and Williamson Hall offer just that! These communities help provide you with the support you may want or need to make it through your first year of college. Students living in these halls may also be in similar classes to you or have similar interests. Bonus: If you live in Alexander Hall, which is now a Learning Community, all residents will have at least one class together!

Alexander Hall, located in New Quad.

Alcohol- and Drug-Free Living

If you want to live in a place where the students around you have a commitment to live alcohol- and drug-free, Engelhardt Hall is the place for you. You can read all about it here!

Engelhardt Hall, located in Lower Quad

Honors and Making the Grade

If you are a student who holds yourself to high academic standards and wants to be surrounded by Wildcats who do the same, Hubbard Hall should be your home! Read more about the honors dorm here.

International Living

If you want to live in a place with a lot of diversity, Fairchild Hall may be the place for you. Fairchild is a smaller dorm that many international students on campus call home. This gives all of the students who live in this residence hall a slightly different dorm experience in that they interact on a daily basis with students from other cultures. The residents of this hall also work together to bring campus the International Food Luncheon during International Education Week in November.

Fairchild Hall showing some international pride with flags during First Year Move In.

Leadership

If you consider yourself a leader or want to continue to hone your leadership skills, Hunter Hall should be at the top of your housing wish list. A mix of freshmen and upperclassmen, there are some great opportunities to grow and develop your leadership connections here.  

Outdoor Experiential Living

Do you like being outside? Want to live with others who enjoy the great outdoors? Hall House is the place to be! There, adventure is the best way to learn! You can learn more about Hall House here.

The Clubhouse

Go Wildcats! If sports are something that you enjoy, take part in, or want to do, you should consider Gibbs Hall. This small community focuses on sports, wellness, and health throughout the year as a way for its residents to get to know one another.

Don’t see a theme that catches your eye? Check out the UNH Housing website to find out more about all of the housing options available to you.

UNH offers something for everyone, you just need to know where to start looking to find the best fit.

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.

     There is no doubt that when you choose to come to UNH for your Undergraduate Degree that you are choosing greatness. UNH is an amazing institution with so much to offer. Here at UNH you can major in studies ranging from Communication to Zoology to Biology to Technical Theater. The possibilities are endless. There are also over 250 organizations you can join to enrich your experience beyond the classroom. Several departments also provide Student Work positions – possibly even Internships. There are also many speakers and chances to enrich your leadership skills like Leadership Camp, MLK Summit, and so on. In laymen terms: UNH rocks. It rocks so much that leaving seems kind of impossible. However, here are five UNH Alumni all under the age of 25 that prove UNH sets you up for an amazing post-undergrad life. Need not fear – UNH has your back. Here are some of their stories:

Andres Mejias

     2014 Graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Social Work with minors in Women Studies and Ethnic Studies (Race, Culture, Power). While at UNH was the Chair of MOSAICO, President of MOS:DEF and a member of the President’s Commission on the Status of People of Color. Mejias first worked for Teach for America after graduating and now works as an Admission Counselor here at UNH. Mejias has just started the Community Development and Practice Master’s program here, as well.

Summer Olson

    Summer Olson graduated from UNH in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing. While at UNH, Olson was Co-President of the Marketing and Advertising Club, member of the Advancement Student Ambassador Program, and a member of the Senior Class Gift Committee. Currently, Olson is working as the Marketing Manager for Goodwin Hospitality.

Caitlin Schlesinger

     Caitlin Schlesinger graduated from UNH in 2013 where she studied Economics and Finance in a dual major. Schlesinger worked at UNH Phonathon, was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi (a co-ed business fraternity), and was a lead a sector team in the Atkins Investment Group. Schlesinger interned at Eaton Vance, and now works as a Junior Analyst for them since interning there.

David Taylor

     David Taylor graduated from UNH in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. While at UNH Taylor worked at UNH Phonathon and was the President of the 2015 Senior Gift Committee. Taylor now works as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Bentley University.

Amy LaRocca

Amy LaRocca graduated from UNH at 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and International Affairs. While at UNH LaRocca studied abroad in Spain, was the Director of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and was a sister in Kappa Delta. LaRocca currently works as an Account Manager at Sacks Exhibits.

These young professionals are just an example of the outstanding work done both in and outside of ones career here at UNH. It is clear that UNH sets you up for your dream job – whatever you have studied, and whatever that may be.

Hear these five impressive alumni speak as part of the Wildcat Sendoff Program on February 16th, 2o16 in MUB Theater 2 from 5 pm – 7 pm. Let’s support our fellow Wildcats and learn a bit in the process!

Sports

Attend a UNH Hockey Game

Done! And done several times! So far, I’ve made it to six home games, which ruins my goal of attending all of the men’s home hockey games this year, but I’ll live. If you haven’t made it to a hockey game, you still have time. Here are  the schedules to the men’s and women’s teams. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out!

Attend a UNH Football Game

Done! Unfortunately, if you didn’t make it to this sporting event before Thanksgiving, you’re out of luck until next season. This year, our Wildcats made it to the first round of playoffs following a great victory over the University of Maine for the Brice Cowell Musket.

Go to At Least One Other Sporting Event You Wouldn’t Normally Attend

Check! November 21st was quite the day as the Wildcats took on UMaine in football, women’s hockey took on Providence College, men’s hockey took on Boston College and volleyball took on University at Albany for the America East Championships. Did I get to all of the games? No. Did I try? Oh yeah! And that is how I added volleyball to my list of sports I’ve attended in Wildcat Country, and the team made attending all the better as they took home a three-peat title for America East!

Seacoast and Beyond

Go to Downtown Portsmouth

Check! I made my way downtown multiple times during the fall semester, and, hopefully, you did too! Whether it was for the New Hampshire Film Festival, dinner at the Friendly Toast, brunch or just to explore, Porstmouth is always a great time. It might be cold now, but there is still time to check out all Portsmouth has to offer! Plus, there is always getting free movie tickets to the Music Hall with your student ID!

Stay Local and Explore Durham

Done. Honestly, who hasn’t done this yet? Well Durham is changing, and it may be time to do this bucket list item again as some new restaurants and shops are coming to town. So enjoy our little town, and check it off the list!

Take a Train Going Anywhere

Many times done! I love taking the Downeaster; I really do. Sure, it can run late, and that gives me a bit of anxiety, but it is really the best way to travel between campus and Boston (or Portland!). If you haven’t hopped on this Amtrak train yet, now is the time to do it! The Downeaster is offering $16 fares to any station stop during the month of January. Plus, they always have some kind of deal and the ever-popular $86 student six-tix, a six-pack of one-way tickets that let you take the train whenever you want. So be spontaneous!

On Campus

Outdoor Movies

I missed out on this campus favorite, but I hope you didn’t! If you did, you’ll just have to wait until the end of the semester when CAB puts on one last outdoor movie.

Photo With the Wildcat

Done. So done. I’ve got more photos with the Wildcat from last semester than I know what to do with. But that is okay! If you haven’t done it yet, a snowy Wildcat is just as photogenic as a sunny Wildcat!

Events at the MUB

Check that off the list! But I’ll keep going because I always have fun! If you haven’t been to either Bingo, a lecture, the movies or one of the many other events happening in the MUB, you have a whole semester to try and make it! Make sure to check out Wildcatlink for event dates.

Homecoming Parade

This campus tradition has come and gone for the year. It was so great to see President Huddleston marching along with the Wildcat community during this year’s parade, although I think we all wish that he was back out on his motorcycle instead. If you missed out this year, just wait until the fall!

Bonus

At the end of the original bucket list post, I included some fall events to try and catch. I was able to check off Haunted Overload, Homecoming, the first hockey game of the season, U-Day and the first football game of the season. How about you?

How did you do on the Bucket List so far? What other items made your list? Share with us by tweeting at @UNHStudent with the tag #UNHBucketList. Good luck with finishing the list!

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.

The Juicery

The juice craze is HUGE right now. People of all ages, backgrounds, and demographics love juice. Lucky for us Durham residents, The Juicery is coming to town! With popular locations in Portsmouth and Boston, The Juicery plans to open a new location right on Main Street. The Juicery offers all-natural smoothies, organic juices, vegan wraps, salads, wheatgrass shots, and whole food supplements for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The motto at The Juicery is “Food & drink that is nourishing to body, mind & spirit.” Follow their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information.

Saxby’s Coffee

With 30 successful locations around the country, Saxby’s Coffee plans to open another location in downtown Durham. The store is going to be in one of the commercial spaces in Madbury Commons. CEO Nick Bayer says that Saxby’s mission is to provide a welcoming space with consistently good coffee. Who doesn’t need that? Saxby’s also offers scrumptious breakfast and lunch options, from breakfast sandwiches, to salads, to bakery options. Saxby’s other big objective is to partner with local businesses and create a stronger community presence. I don’t know about you, but I think this is going to be a fantastic edition to Durham! Follow their Facebook, Instagram, Pintrest and Twitter for more information.

Lexie’s Burgers

With three locations in Newburyport, Portsmouth, and Newington, the owners of Lexie’s Joint decided to open another location in downtown Durham simply called Lexie’s Burgers. Assuming the menu is consistent with the other locations, Lexie’s Burgers with offer traditional and exotic burgers in an inexpensive single size or a deluxe double size. As a fries guy myself, I am a huge fan of the hand cut fries, which come in similarly exotic flavors. Being socially responsible is something I always look for in a new company. Lexie’s Joint is an environmentally friendly establishment, one that recycles and composts whenever possible. The folks at Lexie’s Joint also adhere to a zero waste philosophy, remarking, “We feel this effort is an important part of being members of a health, happy community.” The new location is replacing Mixteca on Jenkins Court. Follow their Facebook and Twitter for more information.

The Soupery

Do you like soup? You’ll want to hear about this next restaurant. With two locations in Portsmouth, The Soupery plans to open another in downtown Durham. The Soupery’s mission is to bring delicious, fresh, wholesome soup to its customers. Get ready for some wicked good soup, Durham. Follow their Facebook for more information.

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.

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!

With the holiday season fast approaching, one cannot help but feel excited for all the festive things soon to be part of one’s daily activity. The festive drinks at coffee shops, the decorations, the music, the movies, and the feeling we all get at this time of holiday cheer. However as the holiday season gets closer to being upon us, so does the end of the first semester here at UNH. Really pessimistic, I know. It is something bittersweet because as Wildcats, we love our time spent on this campus but some time home can always do some good. However, it is something especially bittersweet for those of us who are leaving this semester with seven down, and just one more to go as undergrads here at UNH. Let the denial start to sink in, Seniors.

I recall coming to UNH for the first time in October of 2011 for a tour with my parents. I was 17 and had no idea where Durham, NH was, what DHOP was, and no idea how integral the colors navy blue and gray were about to become to my wardrobe. It was a beautiful day and I was nervous to admit I had just found the place I was going to call home for the next four years. I did not want to leave my hometown. It was comfort; it was all I had ever known. I think that is a feeling many of us can relate to when coming to college. You just spent 18 years building a group of friends, a sense of comfort and a routine and now you we’re being asked to pick up and move. It is hard to grasp the concept— but I am so happy that I did.

Deciding to come to UNH was by far the best decision I have made in the past five years. It was a decision I made and without knowing in that moment, it changed my life. It is here that I have met my best friends, become a better person, and figured out what it is, and what it is not. No disrespect to where I come from but, UNH is my home. UNH is where my heart lies. I never thought the holidays could be such a melancholy time for me. However, being a senior during the holidays is a sad thing. It has caused me to reflect on how much time I have spent here so far and how little I have left. I never thought I would want the holiday season to be put on the back burner for a bit. So far this year I have experienced: my last Halloween at UNH, my last Homecoming as an undergrad, and I am on my way to beginning my last semester here.

The holidays are a time to be thankful and reflect on your past year. It is safe to say I am thankful for UNH this holiday season, and is reflecting with a lot of thanks on my past seven semesters here. Being a senior at this time of the year is not easy – but it does make you thankful for the education you have received and the memories you have made.

For the 38th year, UNH will host the Evergreen Fair— an arts and crafts fair featuring 50 local artisans from New Hampshire and Maine. Working to make different products, these artists work with materials including silk, porcelain and metal. Their skills create products like jewelry, scarves, decorations and much more, all available for purchase at the event. The fair runs this week December 3 – 5, 2015, open Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM, and on Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM in the Granite State Room of the MUB.

Not only is this a great event to attend, but participate in as well. The application to exhibit during the fair is open to all local artisans. This year’s fair includes at least two UNH alumni, Betty Lathrop ’66 and Faith Webb Reney ‘80. Betty Lathrop graduated from UNH with a B.S. in Art Education and she is featuring some of her beautifully hand crafted silk scarves this year. Reney, a 1980 graduate left UNH with a degree
 in Animal Science but now creates her own handmade books.

As December approaches rapidly, so does the holiday season. This season, including its gift-giving traditions, can be tricky to navigate. Finding out what everyone wants and what everyone likes can be difficult. What does mom want? How about dad? Maybe even a significant other? Below are my tips on getting off to the right start with holiday gifts this year:

1) Be creative and have fun!

Don’t go with the standard gift ideas that you see repeated every single year, find something cool, something awesome! The more out of the box the gift idea, the more memorable it will be for whoever you’re giving it to. Some creative gift ideas include 3D Printed gifts (for more ideas click here), baskets (teas and jams work well), or take the person on a scavenger hunt with clues as to where their present is hidden on campus. Don’t forget decorations and wrapping tools. Some fun ways I like to wrap things up are with old newspapers, old calendar pages and paper shopping bags with tissue paper.

2) Support local business!

Local businesses take the greatest pride in their goods. Whether it’s from a New Hampshire bakery or blacksmith, there is no greater attention to detail than when artisans prepare their art for the public. With the Evergreen Fair’s local artisans using top quality materials, the level of craftsmanship is also at a very high level. In order to participate in the Evergreen Fair, artisans are required to pass a one time jury review and from there the selected artists receive invitations to the event. Want to go local but can’t make it to the fair? Check out the downtown Durham community which also boasts a variety of stores and restaurants.

3) Make something special!

The easiest way to earn brownie points with gift giving is with something homemade, like a homemade card or baked goods. Homemade things in general tend to be more personal and cherished by the individual receiving the gift (and sweets are another way to spread the holiday cheer). Taking the time and care to design something like a card, or taking the time to bake something special will show your loved ones how much you really care.

4) Keep warm, get UNH gear!

Let’s face it, there’s no way to go wrong when getting your Wildcat Pride on for the holidays! Whether it is a cozy sweatshirt, warm sweatpants, a soft scarf or an oversized beanie, keep your loved ones warm with some gear from the UNH bookstore on the first floor of the MUB. It’s something they’ll cherish for a long time. After all, who wouldn’t want to be a Wildcat?

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.

Here on the seacoast, students visited a local nursing home, created sets of blankets for cancer patients, cleaned up local nature areas, volunteering at a food pantry, and more.

Students set up and participated in a fall harvest-themed dance with the residents of Brookdale Sprucewood nursing home in Durham.

The UNH Serves projects reflect the commitment to service that the university instills in students.”I think that one of the greatest things about UNH Serves is that students get out into the community and feel more connected with people and places in and around Durham,” said Mary Faucher, assistant director of housing and residential life and coordinator of UNH Serves. “They also get to experience the reward of feeling good about helping others.”

I participated in a UNH Serves event this Veteran’s Day in which a group of 23 of us students visited a local nursing home. As music from the 1940s and ’50s played in the background, the other students and I chatted and danced with the residents. It was extremely rewarding to see the excitement and enjoyment of the residents. Many of the residents had close ties to UNH, either having attended themselves or having sent children there. All of the students enjoyed themselves just as much as the residents. There was no groaning to be heard about spending the day off volunteering!

“I’m glad that UNH has a day devoted to giving back,” said sophomore Lea Vivian, one of the students who volunteered at the nursing home. “I really enjoyed spending my day participating in UNH Serves. It was great that the students’ visit to the nursing home made the residents’ day.”

Students share why they give back. Photo courtesy of @UNHService on Instagram.

It wasn’t just current UNH students who spent their day volunteering. UNH Alumni groups from across the country participated in UNH Serves events in their local communities.

UNH Boston alumni spent the day with local charity Cradles to Crayons.

UNH New York City alumni cleaned up Central Park, UNH Northern California alumni volunteered in Presidio National Park, UNH South Florida alumni spent time at the Wildlife Center of Venice, and UNH Seacoast alumni cleaned up Jenness Beach in Rye, just to name a few!

The enthusiastic participation of UNH students and alumni reflects our university-wide spirit of service and commitment to community. “Having people from Durham and the surrounding community see students making positive contributions is really great,” said program coordinator Faucher. “It leaves them with a great impression of UNH and the students who go here.”

Did you give back to your community this Veteran’s Day? Share with us using #UNHServes.

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.

College Woods | Photo by Charlotte Harris ’18

College Woods

Chances are you’ve heard of College Woods, UNH’s own sixty-acre preserve located on the west side of campus. There are a few different places to access the woods from campus. I like to use the map feature on the UNH app to navigate through the trails as I go but you can also look at this map ahead of time. Make sure to find your way to Oyster River!

Kingman Farm

Kingman Farm is used for horticultural research by COLSA students, but it also has some scenic walking trails. It’s located just 2 miles from campus off of Route 155. Plan your route using this map.

Gables Woods | Photo by Samantha Gorski ’16

Gables Woods

Behind the Gables apartment complex are some trails commonly used by UNH equestrians but open to anyone. The trails lead through fields, around the Durham Reservoir, and eventually end up at the UNH Observatory and Woodman Farm.

West Foss Farm

West Foss Farm is a UNH-owned property used for research and educational purposes, but it also has some walking and running trails. It can be accessed off of Mill Road. Use this map to help find your way.

Adams Point | Photo by Charlotte Harris ’18

Adams Point

If you have a car on campus, I recommend making the drive down to Adams Point, a scenic spot overlooking Great Bay. It’s about a 15 minutes drive off campus, down Durham Point Road off of Route 108. The trails offer water views and plenty of nature to observe.

Sweet Trail

Durham’s Sweet Trail can be accessed from Longmarsh Road off of Route 108. The trail winds through forest, wetlands, and even a tidal salt marsh.

Wagon Hill Farm | Photo by Charlotte Harris ’18

Wagon Hill Farm

Wagon Hill Farm is a popular spot for UNH students since it is so close to campus and provides beautiful views of Oyster River as it flows into the Piscataqua. Wagon Hill is right off of Route 4 just a few miles from campus.

If you’re a runner, check out this guide to running on some of these trails!

What’s your favorite outdoor spot around campus? Tweet us @UNHStudents or Snapchat us a picture!

As a senior at UNH, I have been to my fair share of Local Harvest Dinners. Every year, the dining halls are adorned with festive fall décor and display some pretty amazing food made from local agriculture. I personally think that this is my favorite UNH dining event of the year. There’s something so personal about how dining services puts together and maintains this wonderful tradition every year. You truly feel as if you’re eating a home-cooked meal on Local Harvest Dinner night!

This year, I was fortunate enough to take on a different view of the dinner, as I was trying to purposely observe in order to write this blog. UNH students are absolutely in love with this event. If the sheer number of students in attendance isn’t enough, the thrilled looks on their faces as they enter the dining hall sure proves my point.

In doing some more research on the event, I came across some interesting information. UNH is a land-grant university. A land-grant university is one labeled by the state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. These acts were made to fund educational institutions by giving federally controlled land to states in an attempt to raise funds and establish institutions of higher education. The mission was then to focus on the teaching of practical agriculture, science, military science, and engineering as a response to the industrial revolution.

I love how Dining Services phrases the importance of local agriculture:

“Small, family farms are not only a part of our state’s heritage, but play a vital, active role in our current economy and culture.”

This is SO important. Not only does local agriculture benefit us in the here and now, it also helps to ensure our physical and economic sustainability in the future.

But now… back to the food. I personally LOVE the pumpkin and sage ravioli every year. I also tried the Yankee Farmers honey chipotle chicken, calico mashed potatoes, roasted cabbage, and, of course, the apple crisp. I cannot stress to you enough how much these items tasted like they were home-cooked, not like they were prepared for thousands of students. I think that this is SO important, especially for incoming students. It may seem insignificant, but a home-cooked meal really helps in creating a home somewhere new. UNH Dining definitely did this for me and continues to impress with each class of new wildcats!

In my book, the 11^th annual Local Harvest Dinner was a huge success. It’s going to be hard for me next October without this wonderful tradition. So, my fellow wildcats, always make it a point to attend the Local Harvest Dinner (and all UNH Dining events)— you won’t be disappointed!

The first group we visited was at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, New Hampshire. Here we met four UNH alumni, and one current UNH student; they all play an important role in keeping the SSC running smoothly:

After taking a walk on the science side, we strolled down to Prescott Park in Portsmouth to see some alumni involved in the arts community of the Seacoast area. We caught a Prescott Park Arts Festival performance of “Peter Pan”, and had the pleasure of seeing not only an impressive number of alumni in the performance, but also working as the Producing Director and Festival Coordinator! Check out this list of UNH alums and their involvement in the production, as well as a slideshow of pictures from the show below! 

CHRISTINE PENNEY, Class of 1999…………………………..….……..………………… “Mrs. Darling”

KYLE MILNER, Class of 2016………………………………………………………………………. “Smee”

NICK MOULTON, Class of 2014……………………………………….…..…………… “Slightly Soiled”

KAYLA LENNON, Class of 2015………………………………………………………………….. “Native”

MELISSA HANLEY, Class of 2016………………………….……………………………………. “Native”

KAITLIN DEYO, Class of 2014…………………….……………….……………….Festival Coordinator

JOHN MOYNIHAN, Class of 2007……………..…..…………..….….…….……….Producing Director

The last alumna that we met with this summer was Michelle Galvin, Class of 2011. She is the entrepreneur behind Pretty Little Things, a boutique in Portsmouth. Michelle showed us around the store, and told us a little about her journey from UNH Student to business owner! Watch it right here:

As a student, it was so exciting to see all the cool things our alumni have been up to, and to realize all the opportunities that I and my fellow classmates could pursue after graduation. Thanks to all the alumni who took the time to talk to me; once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!

Andy Smith and Dante Scala, who will be teaching the MOOC on the NH Primary starting October 19th.

Now, you may be asking why are all of these candidates coming through and talking to us college kids? Why do we seem so important? Well, there is a reason for that. New Hampshire is a swing state with a lot of pull in the primaries. We are, in fact, the first primary held in the US during elections. Now, you may continue to ask why that is since New Hampshire is such a small state. To which I would refer you to the course being offered online this Fall on the history of the New Hampshire Primaries that starts on October 19.

With all that though, why should you care? Why should these candidates stop by and talk to us about their platforms and try to start a conversation with a bunch of 18-23 year olds? And the reason for that is that Millennials (defined as those ages 18 to 34 in 2015 though some would continue this definition to include those with a social media addiction) have a lot of pull during elections. We are that target youth group that all of the candidates want in order to tip votes in their favor. Yet we are the group that seems to care the least or has a history of low turn out when it comes to voting. Personally, I love being able to use my right as an American citizen to vote. I’m from Connecticut and for every election, I fill out my absentee ballot so I know that my voice will be heard even when I’m at school out of state. And because I take advantage of my right to vote, I always try and make sure I have an understanding of the candidates, the issues, and what is being promised to the American people. You should too!

The point of this blog is to remind you to be politically aware. You may not have to watch the news every night or tune in to every debate but make sure that you have enough of an idea to form your own opinions. Make sure to register to vote and then do it. Mark your calendar with when the primaries are and, if you are choosing to vote in your home state, make sure to know if primaries there are open or closed (Open meaning that any one from any party can vote at this election, closed meaning that you must be registered for that party). Make sure that you also see what candidates are coming to the area because hearing them speak in person and attending an event can really shape the way you think about a candidate. Are you looking for info on how to vote? Here’s a great website to bookmark with important dates: unh.edu/main/unh-votes

If you’re not sure what to expect by going to an event, here’s everything I’ve learned through my experiences:

1. Be early!

Donald Trump addresses a full gymnasium in Rochester, NH on September 17. (*not UNH-sponsored)

The two biggest events that I attended so far in this political cycle were Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders, with Hillary Clinton running a close third and followed by Ben Carson. These events all required me, and whoever I was attending with, to get to the venue an hour early. And even that isn’t always enough. Seeing Donald Trump in Rochester proved that even an hour early isn’t always enough time. My roommate and I arrived around 6pm for an event starting at 7pm and found that just trying to get into the high school gym was going to be a nightmare. Some people had arrived hours earlier to get prime parking space and by the time we were trying to park, we were left way out in a field. We still managed to get in and get bleacher seats behind Trump.

Hillary Clinton addresses student loans and interest rates with UNH Students on September 18.

Being early doesn’t end at parking problems though. Some candidates have been in the political circuit for years so they come with their own security, as was the case with Hillary Clinton and her round table discussion on college affordability. When making time to head to some of these events, you’ll need to factor in how long any security check points will take to get through. So think ahead, bring the smallest amount of things you can (think your wallet and cellphone and that’s it). Be prepared to get patted down and don’t make a big deal about it. This is just a safety precaution. And, it would seem, most events won’t make you go through that.

Bernie Sanders speaks to an at capacity crowd at the UNH Field House on September 20.

They will make you go through everyone’s favorite amusement park ride: waiting in line! Another great reason to get to an event early is to avoid the longest line possible. During the Berne Sanders event on September 20, the line to get into the Field House went from the doors all the way back to the recreation fields. To avoid being so far back, some people arrived around 4pm, or earlier, for the 6pm town hall meeting. It may seem insane to get to an event two hours before hand but sometimes, it’s just worth it.

Getting there early can also get you some perks besides your choice of seats. Many of the candidates travel with lots of promotional things such as bumper stickers and magnets as long as you sign in to the event. At Ben Carson’s event on September 30, he was giving away the book Ben Carson: Rx for America by John Phillip Souza IV. So even if you don’t consider yourself a Carson fan, you can read up on why so many people are.

2. Make Sure to RVSP

Most of the candidates that are coming through campus will make you RSVP. They may not ask you to show proof that you did but you should do it anyways. Although that will mean that you will probably get a ton of extra emails from all of the candidates who you go and see (I’m personally at seven a day at the minimum from Clinton, Sanders, and Carson). RSVPing just means that you are guaranteed a spot at the event.

3. Do Some Research

Even if you just look up information about the candidate’s platform while you are waiting in line to get in or waiting for them to come and speak, make sure that you do some basic research. Try and find what their key stances are and maybe even check out some other interviews or town hall events that they’ve lead. Depending on the source you may have some bias or have to deal with trying to see past the editing of News Company, but at least you’ll familiarize yourself with this potential president.

Ben Carson takes a selfie with a student on September 30.

I know that going into all of the events I had varying levels of knowledge about the candidates. I honestly had no idea who Ben Carson was when I heard he was coming and confused him for Michael Steele, the former RNC chair until 2011. That confusion is why you should definitely at least do a basic Google search on any candidate coming to the area.

4. Know Where YOU Stand

It is really hard to know if you should support a candidate or not if you don’t form your own opinions or know which issues matter most to you. To help you figure this out if you don’t know already, check out this online quiz: I Side With. It will take you a decent amount of time to go through but by the end, you’ll have a good idea of what the main issues are for this political cycle and where you stand on them. The quiz will even list off percentages of how much you side with each candidate. So set aside an afternoon and take this quiz. And if you want to do some more, carry on with tip three and do some more research.

5. Have an Open Mind

As Ben Carson said at his event in Huddleston Hall, “We are not republicans and democrats first, we are Americans first.” Try to keep that in mind as you attend these political events around campus and the area over the next year or so. If you side more with the democrats, stop by a republican event. If you side more with the republicans, attend a democratic event. Think about the issues that are most important to you and listen to what the candidate from the other side has to say. Maybe you’ll find something you agree with. Maybe you’ll listen to the candidate you thought you liked most and find that you disagree with them on the issues that matter most to you. Just listen to what the candidate has to say. You can even ask them as question at almost all of these events. Trump, Clinton, Sanders, and Carson all offered a Q&A portion during their town hall meetings. All you have to do is listen and then find the mic runner to share your concerns and questions.

The take away from all of this is that as members of the University of New Hampshire community we are extremely lucky to be in this situation. By going to this university, we get the opportunity to possibly shake the hand or take a selfie with the next president of the United States of America! So be involved; stop by an event and listen to what these candidates have to say; do some research and know where you stand on the issues; make your own opinions. Is that what our professors have been asking from us all along? In the end, enjoy the experience.

It only happens every four years!

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.

College Woods

Located west of most campus buildings is a scenic wooded area known to UNH students as College Woods. If you love trail running, this might be your new favorite spot. Each trail intertwines with another that leads you right back to campus. For you shy new runners, this might also be your secluded running getaway, a judgement-free zone (come on, we’ve all thought that).

West Foss Farm

Right off Mill Road, on the south of campus, you’ll find West Foss Farm, another hot spot for trail runners. This one starts off encompassed by woods, opens up to a beautiful field before being transformed back into a wooded labyrinth. This is also a great place for new runners as the trail is almost all flat.

Wagon Hill Farm

Here’s one for those of you with some form of transportation: Located about 10 minutes east of campus is Wagon Hill Farm. This site features plenty of flat running trails and fantastic views of both the Oyster and Piscataqua Rivers. Definitely a must for those who like to run by the water.

Wagon Hill Farm, Durham, NH

Mill Road

Trail running may not be for everyone. For all you street runners, here’s an option right off campus. Mill Road is on the south side of campus, starting up by Durham Market Place. This winding road offers amazing New Hampshire scenery without having to venture into the woods.

Old Landing Road   

If you like running by the water, but have no car to get there, here’s your best bet. Old Landing Road runs right along a small portion of Oyster River. I normally run through Faculty neighborhood (right off Mill Road), cross Newmarket Road to Old Landing, and circle right back via Main Street.

View from the beginning of Old Landing Road

That’s it Wildcats— pick your favorite spot, grab your sneakers and get out there! Wildcat Country is waiting for you!

SPORTS

In case you haven’t seen yet, we Wildcats get pretty into our sports and the events that surround them. So don’t miss out on these three items to check off your list!

Attend a UNH Hockey game

Hockey is a favorite at UNH and everyone should go to at least one game a year. The student section is the place to be Friday and Saturday evenings and you don’t want to miss out these game days. Thanks to the Cat Pack Captains, the students are led through an amazingly energetic set of chants and traditions that are really what make going to these games so fun. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the whole game (actually you’ll be standing because that’s how we do it in Wildcat Country!) thanks to the energy brought to the section with the help of a cowbell and a dead fish. Don’t know what I mean? Go to a game!

Attend a UNH Football Game

Now I’ll admit, my junior year was the first time I made it to any football games. I’m not much of a sports person, aside from hockey, but I figured I should go to at least one. Little did I know that I would love going to games, especially when it isn’t raining, because they are truly some of the most fun that I’ve had on a Saturday afternoon. Plus it helps when the team has a consistent streak of getting into the playoffs! So go to a game and support the team! Just watch out for footballs… the student section is behind the field goal post…

Oh, and did I mention that we’re getting a new stadium? If that isn’t a draw, I don’t know what is!

Go to at least one other sport that you wouldn’t normally think of going to

“2014 EAGL Championship at the Whittemore Center “

At UNH, it is pretty obvious that Men’s Hockey and Football are the most popular. None of the other sports have lines for tickets starting at 5am (or earlier) for their major rivalry games. But that doesn’t mean that they should be ignored. As Coach Herrion said at this year’s Cat Pack Welcome Rally, “Get involved, don’t just sit in your dorm. Make an impact! … You can’t put a price tag on school pride!” Personally, with that in mind, I’m planning on going to at least one basketball game. So pick a sport and see what all of the other sports (Women’s Hockey, Gymnastics, Volleyball, just to name a few) have to offer!

SEACOAST AND BEYOND

We’re very lucky to have such great transportation options to get us around campus and beyond. Don’t believe me on that, here’s my proof: example 1, example 2, example 3, and example 4.  So take advantage of the transportation we have and go and explore!

Go to Downtown Portsmouth

There are so many great shops and places to hang out in Downtown Portsmouth that after one visit you’ll probably start making excuses to go and visit all the time. Personally, when it comes to this item of the bucket list, I’m planning on making the most of the free movie tickets at The Music Hall!

Stay Local and Explore Durham

While you’re on campus you might as well see the best of what Durham has to offer. Get a hot cider from Breaking New Grounds in the fall. Stop by Thai Smile for some delicious cuisine. Get something for your sweet tooth at the Candy Bar. While small, Durham has something for just about everyone!

Take a Train Going Anywhere

We’re very lucky to have an Amtak stop right here on campus. So why not take advantage of it? Hop on the Downeaster and spend the day walking around Boston and enjoying the sites. On a tight budget? No problem! With your student ID you get into the MFA for free plus you get 10% off in the gift shops—pretty sweet, right? You also get discounted entry at locations like the New England Aquarium with your ID, so don’t forget it!

Not looking to spend the day in the city? Head north of campus! Seasonally, the Downeaster makes stops at Old Orchard Beach (May 4- through October) giving you the perfect beach day trip if you don’t have a car on campus to head over to Hampton. You could even go further up to Portland, Freeport, and Brunswick. So make the most of this great resource and explore the Northern New England Area!

ON CAMPUS

Outdoor Movies

These are some of my favorite events during the Fall semester and this year is no different, especially when the movies are Pitch Perfect 2 (September 11 at 9pm) and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (September 18 at 9pm)! So pack up some blankets, throw on your favorite UNH sweater, make some popcorn and head on over to the Great Lawn for a night of great movies! Plus they’re free!

Photo with the Wildcat

If you haven’t done this yet, do it. It is a must do for any and all Wildcats. Plus, if you tag it with #InstaUNH you may just get to be UNHSocial’s featured Instagram photo of the week!

Events at the MUB

There is always something fun and exciting to do at the MUB. Whether this is your first year at UNH or your last, there is always something new to try. So pick an event each month, or each week if you’re feeling like challenging yourself, and head over to the MUB. I’ve always been a big fan of the MUB lectures and stress relief nights and would highly recommend those if you need a place to start.

Homecoming Parade

This has been one of my favorite Fall events for the last two years. Maybe that’s because Homecoming and my birthday were always the same weekend and I had “Happy Birthday” sung to me last year during the parade. But it is always so much fun to be a part of the parade, to work with your dorm to create a great banner or float, and walk around campus before heading to the football stadium for an afternoon of excitement. If you haven’t participated before, do it and check it off your UNH bucket list.

This is just a small sample of many of the amazing things that, as a Wildcat, you just have to do– even if you only do them once. My personal senior year bucket list is forty items long and that’s probably going to be a bit of a challenge. So have fun with it and make it yours. Your UNH experience is what YOU make of it so make it the best you can!

To better help you make YOUR UNH Bucket List, here’s a few events happening now through October:

• A Cappellafest featuring NBC’s the Filharmonic on September 12th at 8pm in the GSR
• U-Day on September 16th, 3:30-6:30pm
• UNH Family Weekend, September 25-27th
• Homecoming, October 2nd-4th
• Apple Picking and Haunted Overload at DeMeritt Hill Farm
• Hockey home opener vs. St. Francis Xavier on October 4th
• Football’s first home game of the season vs. Central Connecticut State University on September 26th

The balancing act known as college: schoolwork, friends, student orgs, clubs, your work study and getting that paper in on time can seem awfully difficult, especially when it leaves little time to yourself. We all know how important it is to be involved through campus run activities, but it’s just as important to take care of your mental health and well-being. That’s why if your feeling stressed or overwhelmed, taking a walk can release some of that tension as well as boost the endorphins in your brain.

The sixty-acre woods was donated to the University in the late 1800s. Since then, it has become a New Hampshire novelty. What makes College Woods unlike other recreational trails is—like many protected forests and parks across the country—the University has taken as little action as possible from altering the natural processes of decaying forestry. Feel free to explore them yourself and the many species of plants and animals that inhabit them throughout the year.

To find more physical wellness head on over to Campus Recreation, where you’ll find everything from group fitness classes to sign-ups for intramural sports.

Caitlyn Jenner on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine

Caitlyn Jenner’s emergence in June brought transgender topics into mainstream conversation worldwide and has inspired many individuals who are transgender to come out as such. We spoke with Rory Wilson ’18, incoming chair of the UNH Alliance, the LBGTQ+ student group, to find out how all of the attention might shape the dialogue here at UNH.

The Wildcat: What does Bruce Jenner’s transformation into Caitlyn mean for the transgender community at large?

Wilson: Overall, Caitlyn Jenner is raising awareness. I think when most people hear about a transgender person, or the community, they don’t really have a perspective on it. Sometimes what it means to be transgender often gets tied up in general LGBTQ issues, and people see it as the same as being gay or think of it as cross-dressing. The trans community is very diverse, with many identities, but most people only seem to know what is often called “the trans narrative.” This is the monolithic idea that there is one way to be trans. I tend to think of it as the introduction to every trans news story, something like: “Marissa was not like the other girls, she liked playing with trucks and having short hair. That was because Marissa was a boy, and when she was 17 she became Max.” (Please note that these are the wrong pronouns to use when referring to a transgender person even when talking about their past; always go with the pronouns they identify with.) A lot of people tend to think if you’re a trans man you have to be very masculine, and a trans woman very feminine. That’s not always the case. Personally, I consider myself not to be a feminine trans man, but I was never a “tomboy” either. I really think with Jenner — who has always been seen as a very masculine figure — coming out, some walls will be broken with these stereotypes.

At UNH, are individuals who are transgender accepted in the campus community?

I think it’s kind of a mixed bag of who will accept you as a trans student and who will not be so welcoming. I personally am a trans man and I have met some incredibly supportive and willing-to-learn people, but plenty who are not. I prefer to focus on the positive, and UNH has very active students in a wide array of diversity groups who are open-minded and understanding. Most students at UNH are simply not that educated on the matter. You can never blame someone who doesn’t have the opportunity to learn, but a lot of students don’t seek the opportunity or try to learn. I just hope everyone takes Caitlyn Jenner coming out as the opportunity that it is to learn about the community.

Will Alliance be doing anything special in the coming semester to capitalize on this news in order to help raise awareness?

We are always working to raise awareness with events like GIA — Gender Identities Awareness week. Coming by our office hours and meetings is also a great way for a person to learn. Currently we don’t have an event planned specifically around the news of Caitlyn Jenner. To be frank, I’m not convinced Jenner will still be in the news by the time the school year rolls around, but she’s a well-known figure that we can make reference to in our regular events and meetings to give people an idea of a transgender person. Though, there is talk of a documentary on Jenner’s transition coming out, and if this is true, I’d love for Alliance to host a viewing of it.

Give me an example of something a cisgender individual could do to be more in-tune with or sensitive to those who have different gender identities than their own.

Do your research. It can be hard to find the right sources on the Internet, but watching videos and visiting blogs run by trans people can give some real insight. It’s great to talk to transgender people you meet along the way, but not everyone is comfortable discussing their identity, and it can be really tiring to constantly explain your gender identity. So while it really is very appreciated when someone comes with questions, it is best to look online to get a base understanding before you talk to someone about their identity. If anyone does just prefer to talk about it, I am always willing to talk about my identity and they are welcome to stop by my office hours in MUB 7. Come by an Alliance meeting sometime, too.

Generally I would say the least one can do is respect others’ identities as you learn them. Gender is a sense of self and the only person to have that sense of self is that individual. Use their preferred pronouns and respect what they are not comfortable doing or talking about because of their identity.

The next Gender Identities Awareness Week will take place in mid-November 2015. For more info on UNH Alliance, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WildcatLink! And for a list of more LGBTQ+ student orgs, resources, and events click here!

Upon entering this cozy, crafty retreat, my roommate and I were met with a friendly and family oriented atmosphere. The front section of the store is full of beautiful, locally made trinkets – everything from penny jewelry to woven dog collars and leashes to post cards. The back room is dedicated to the “weekly $5 craft” – which was sock owls on the particular day we went on our crafting adventure.

We wandered to the back room to scope it out – music was playing softly in the background and a small group of people (two kids, their mother, and an instructor) were settled in at the crafting table.

The first step was to pick out our materials, all of which were laid out on a table on the far side of the main crafting area. There were all kinds of goodies: a container of buttons, different colored and patterned socks, and a rainbow of felt colors. Giddily, we picked out our favorite combinations of materials and started working on our owls.

The materials table

My pre-sock owl parts

We were supported through the process by a helpful craft guide – first we cut the sock into a tube, then sewed one end shut and stuffed it. On the other end of the sock, we cut a small V and sewed it giving our owls little ears. The buttons we had chosen got glued onto a piece of felt along with the beaks which in turn was glued onto our stuffed socks. With the final touches of feet and wings, the sock owls came to life as adorable homemade stuffed animals. We had been anticipating spending about a half an hour to finish craft time but got so invested that the whole process, we ended up staying about an hour. Truth be told, we could have stayed longer, as we were so immersed, but had to leave when the store closed at 5 pm. Before we left, however, the owner took a picture of us with our owls for the wall of fame – a board filled with Polaroids of the happy faces of crafters with their art projects.

Meet my sock owl, Bartlett

My roommate and I were embarrassingly excited as we left with our owls and wondered why we’d never been in there before. I have been keeping tabs on the upcoming crafts (which you can do too at the Main Street Makery’s website or follow on Instagram) and have decided that it’s something that I need to do again. The activities they have are for all ages and levels, from experienced crafters to beginners.  If you haven’t visited the Main Street Makery- I highly suggest it, even if it’s just to poke around the shop itself.

Interested in other Main Street adventures? Stop by the Candy Bar after your crafting adventure!

Roommates

Being the oldest of two in my family and growing up in a two family house, I was used to having a roommate and sharing a space. I didn’t even have my own bedroom until I was thirteen, so the thought of sharing a room didn’t really bother me. What did bother me was sharing a room with a complete stranger. Yikes! The first thing I wish I knew was that there is nothing wrong with having a random roommate selected for you. I found my roommate through Tumblr and while it wasn’t a terrible match, we definitely struggled through the year. Part of that was due to a lack of communication, so first and foremost: Talk to each other! I cannot stress that enough. You find out your roommate assignment pretty early in the summer so Facebook them, email them, text! Start talking as soon as you can! And once you’re here, make sure to go over the Roommate Contract/Guidelines and know what you are both okay and not okay with! Here’s what Meghan, Sam, and Amanda from the classes of 2016 and 2018 had to say…

“Let your roommate know if you are going to have people over.” says Meghan van Hoose ’16. “A heads up text is always nice” is the repeated sentiment of Sam Booth ’18 and Amanda Morris ’18. When you are sharing a space, you want to let your roommate(s) know when you are going to have guests over, whether during the day or overnight. This goes for both friends and significant others. If you aren’t comfortable with your roommate having people over or have certain hours where you’d like to have the room closed off to guests, just talk to your roommate. Again, it is all in the Roommate Contract—it is your friend, so use it.

Dining

UNH has one of the best dining programs in the country and unlike a lot of schools, we have three dining halls to choose from! Each has their own specialty and are all equally good. The food isn’t the issue for incoming students, it’s the idea of possibly sitting alone. For many new students, the idea of not sitting with friends during every meal can be daunting. I know in my Freshman year, I would do to-go meals so that I didn’t have to sit by myself. The ideas of “everyone else is with friends” or “I’ll just seem lonely” or “I don’t want to take up a whole table just for me” definitely crossed my mind multiple times. I wish I had known or had realized that sitting alone is okay! Everyone else is doing it too! As a third year student, I honestly love days where I can sit alone and enjoy my meal without having to keep up a conversation at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, dinner with friends is always a blast, but sometimes you just need some time to yourself. Especially if you live with multiple people.

Seating arrangements aren’t the only thing that students wish they had known earlier.

“No trays!” says Christina Lemire ’18. You’re going to see this statement come up a lot among all current students. Trays aren’t really used, unless you’re an athlete with a lot of food. There is this unspoken rule throughout campus that you do not use a tray.

Dorm Life

Get involved! Your dorm life doesn’t have to be restricted to your four walls! Get out and go to a social or join your

Fairchild Hall residents take a “family portrait” during their Winter Holiday Social in December.

hall council. Make your residential life what you want it to be! I wish that I had had “GET INVOLVED” yelled at me more during my first year because I would have gotten more involved. Even if you don’t want to be a part of your hall council, try and make it to one social a week. They are usually a great way to meet other people who live in your dorm and to learn or create something new!

Campus Life

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Get Involved! Join a club or get a job on campus, work study or not. Do something that will make your campus experience better. If you happen to gain a skill or earn some extra spending money, that’s great too! Find something that you love to do and do it! UNH has over 200 student organizations on campus so there is something for everyone. Even if you don’t find the right club for you, make your own! It is simple and you can say that you started a new club and gained leadership experience! For me, I was in and out of clubs throughout my first year of college and didn’t fully get involved with campus until I started my work study at #UNHSocial. Now, I make myself get out and see more of what campus has to offer. Which is a lot!

Campus life is about more than just getting involved, it is also about how you get around campus as one member of the class of 2018 says.

“You don’t realize the magnitude of walking you have to do around here!” says Tori Lorvig ’18. She is most definitely right! Just in most students’ daily walks to and from classes, their dorm, and the dining halls, you easily can walk over a mile or two a day. Not to mention all of the stairs and walk ways around campus! Note: a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers should always be brought with you to campus!

What else are you concerned about as an incoming freshman? Have questions? Tweet @UNHStudents or send us a message on Tumblr!