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

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

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

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

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

About Samantha Carlen ’20:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Emily Grone ’19:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Ryan Anastasi, ‘19:

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

If you’re feeling homesick, here are 10 simple ways to add the comforts of home to your dorm room.

1.) Post photos of family, friends and pets, too!

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

I don’t mean “posting” to Facebook; I mean actual hard copies of photos. Whether you decide to hang them on the wall or keep them in a frame, photos are a good reminder of those you matter to. There’s nothing worse than feeling unfamiliar in an environment — photos help remind us of who we are and where we came from. Tip: Try taking a few photos on campus, then hang those up too! Pretty soon, your wall will be filled with memories made on campus.

Remember that it takes time to get used to a new setting. Home wasn’t always home — you grew into it, made memories, left your mark and reached milestones. That will happen at college, too — just allow yourself time to adjust.

2.) Get crafty

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Personalize. Personalize. Personalize! Like I said above, nothing beats having a memory to (literally) look back on, so attend socials in your room. Not only will you meet new people, but you could end up making something to put in your dorm. It might be a DIY stress-ball, spin art or a painted flower pot. They might seem juvenile at first, but in retrospect I’m really happy I attended socials. Not only did I make connections, I also made a home for myself in my new setting.

3.) Add mood lighting

No, it does not need to be anything fancy. However, lighting has a major effect on our moods, and I always found the harsh lighting in the dorms increased my stress levels. The solution? I brought in string-lights, lanterns and low-light lamps. I could finally relax, and it helped me get a better night’s sleep.

4.) Toss in a plant, or two, or three…

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

The more green life, the better. As long as you’re willing to take care of it! For those of us who aren’t green thumbs at heart, start with a low-maintenance plant, like bamboo or cacti. Seeing it (especially in the colder months) will brighten your day.

5.) Anchor the room with an area rug

Is it weird seeing linoleum where you sleep? However durable, it is not the coziest of flooring. To get that “classroom feel” out of your room, roll out an area rug. It makes a huge impact on the space and expresses a sense of style.

6.) Make a space for sitting

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Sitting at your desk may be great for studying, but so is sitting in the library, the MUB and other places on campus. Your dorm should be designated for downtime. It might not be the Holiday Inn Express, but you should at least attempt to make your environment more relaxed. Many students find moon/saucer chairs fit comfortably in their rooms. For optimal use of space, try lofting your bed.

7.) Invest in a single-cup coffee maker

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Nothing beats a warm cup of hot chocolate on a snow day, chamomile tea when we’re stressed or a cup of joe when we need that extra jolt of energy to finish a paper. Nowadays, with a single-cup coffee maker you can have all three! This is an acceptable small appliance in the dorm, and if you can’t make it to the dining hall, it also boils water for quick, on-the-go meals like mac ’n cheese or ramen noodles.

8.) Do some cleaning up

If the weather is nice, crack open the window, let a breeze in and air out the room. Have 10 minutes before class? That’s enough time to run a disinfectant wipe over surfaces that we’re in contact with every day, such as doorknobs, mirrors, table tops, etc. You might not see a huge difference, but you’ll be glad you did it once flu season comes around.

9.) Hang curtains

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Curtains aren’t necessary as there are blinds in the rooms already; however, if you want that extra touch of inviting, homelike decor, do it with curtains. Not only does it give you more privacy, but a bright pattern can really liven up the room.

10.) Keep your door open

If there’s one piece of advice you should take from this post, it’s keeping your door open. Let people feel invited; socialize with students on your floor. Open up (literally) to open up a conversation. The confines are only as limited as you make them, so live outside them — change your surroundings to help change yourself.

I was one of the few students who had never visited Washington D.C. before. Therefore, the ability to travel to D.C. and see some of the breathtaking monuments and landmarks was already exciting enough. Yet, luckily, this trip was meant for more than just sightseeing. It’s sole purpose was to give students the unique opportunity to network and gain insight from some of UNH’s most successful alumni.

As a Hospitality Management Major at UNH’s Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, I was in shock that I was given the ability to partake in this networking trip. This was due to the fact that three out of the seven alumni were also Hospitality Management Majors during their time at UNH, and have worked in the incredible industry ever since. Being able to talk to them was a unique privilege I was grateful to have.

My first memorable experience occurred on our second day in D.C. We shuttled over to the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center to meet with Doug Ridge, an alumni of the Class of ’85 who is the Area General Manger of the resort. We began by sitting down with Doug and his wonderful management team for breakfast in the atrium of the building. Students spoke to managers in charge of areas such as event planning, finance and revenue management, food and beverage, and more; the purpose of which was to show that the hospitality industry encompasses every facet of business. I, however, was fortunate enough to sit next to Doug Ridge and talk about the hospitality program at UNH then and now, discuss internships and job opportunities, and the steps I can take during my time at UNH to one day be as successful as he is. Already blown away by the fact that I was able to network with such a prominent UNH alumni in the hospitality industry, we were given a tour of the amazing property. We were shown the stunning 19-story glass atrium with the breathtaking view of the Potomac River, the over 500,000 square foot convention center, a guest room as well as a suite with a view of the Potomac, their backstage operations such as kitchens, laundry facilities, and employee dining halls, and their rooftop lounge, Pose. Learning about the operations of such as massive resort and convention center combined with the incredible facilities and views left me absolutely speechless.

From there we walked along National Harbor to meet with Stu Damon, a Class of ’78 alumni, and enjoyed lunch at The Walrus, a successful restaurant startup through STAR Restaurant Group. All the appetizers and entrées were incredible, having been made in their scratch kitchen with all fresh seafood. Coincidentally, I had met Stu Damon a week prior to the trip when he gave a presentation in one of my Food and Beverage Hospitality classes. Along with being involved with food and beverage, Stu Damon has been incredibly successful in the hospitality industry, having worked many jobs in many departments through Marriott International. Therefore the ability to discuss about the food and beverage industry even further with him in a personal manner was an incredible opportunity. However, stepping away from hospitality, he also catered to those interested in entrepreneurship by giving a wonderful presentation about how to manage a startup.

The last alumni we met to have graduated with a degree in Hospitality was Anne Marie Wemmlinger who graduated with the Class of ’87 and works at the Marriott International Headquarters in Washington D.C. This experience was much different, as meeting with Doug and Stu involved learning about the operational and managerial side of the hospitality industry. Instead, meeting with Anne Marie gave me a wonderful introduction to the corporate side of the industry. However, her expertise of the corporate side is derived from her years of experience in operations, making her an extremely successful individual. Even though it was one of the last stops on our trip after a very busy three days, the non-hospitality students were just as amazed with the corporate side of Marriott International as I was. We visited the test kitchens and discussed new food and beverage concepts that are to be introduced on Marriott properties as well as room design concepts for brands such as Westin, Courtyard, The W, and many more. Essentially, we got to see room prototypes before they are built and are available to the public. Being able to talk about the corporate side of the industry with Anne Marie was yet another incredibly opportunity given to me during the trip.

I am so fortunate to have been a part of this incredible trip with eleven other incredible people. The sights, the people, and the opportunities truly turned a seemingly short trip into the experience of a lifetime. Every student understands the importance of networking and creating professional relationships, especially with professionals in their desired industry. To be successful after college, one must do more than strive for good grades; making connections is equally as important. When it comes to success: who you know will get you there, and what you know will keep you there. Aside from the great progress I have made in my professional career, the ability to travel to Washington D.C. for the first time made this trip even more incredible. Seeing the monuments for the first time, especially at sunset, was a jaw-dropping view. That, combined with the city life, made me excited to pursue potential careers in the D.C area in the future. I am grateful to have been chosen to partake in this fantastic experience and would like to thank my classmates and new friends, all the generous alumni, and Undergraduate Program Coordinators Sean Stewart and Tamara Rury for making my freshmen Spring Break an unforgettable memory.

About Jacob Easter ’20:

Jacob Easter is currently studying Hospitality Management at the University of New Hampshire. As a freshman here at UNH, he has focused on becoming very involved on campus and especially within the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. Currently, Jacob is involved in Men’s Volleyball, Ski Club, the Peter T. Paul Gourmet Dinner, and the FIRE Program.

Throughout high school, I held several leadership positions. Secretary of this, historian of that, and even student council president my senior year. Although I held all of these positions and people told me I was a qualified leader, I always felt like something was missing. When I got to college, I knew I wanted to become a better leader. I was nominated as FIRE Igniter to represent my first-year academic experience class, which was a good start, but I didn’t know how to go forward with my goal. When I heard about Leadership Camp through my FIRE class, I thought that this might be the chance to find that missing “something.” And that’s just what it did.

From low-ropes courses to small team-building activities, everything we did at Leadership Camp allowed us to truly see who we were as a leaders. By the last day of Leadership Camp (sadly cut short due to inclement weather), these 43 strangers had all created a bond. We knew each other’s values, passions, personalities, interests, strengths, and even vulnerabilities. We understood how each other worked as leaders. We made friendships with people we would have never spoken to otherwise, as well as strengthened friendships with people we wouldn’t have given a second thought. All of this occurred in the four short days we were there.

Leadership Camp will impact me going forward at UNH. It forced me to think deeply about my core values—the things that I now know that I want to implement in my school work, group work, clubs, as well as relationships. It made me realize that, in the past, I have tried to be this extroverted leader that I simply am not. Leadership Camp made me more aware of my capabilities as a leader so I know exactly what I can bring to the table when it comes to working with others. This camp accentuated all of the things we have focused on in our FIRE classes by emphasizing the importance of working together, staying organized, getting involved, and not losing sight of goals. I know that “camp” can sometimes come with a negative connotation, but I encourage everyone to be open-minded to it and give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.

About Ali Lipinski ’20:

Ali Lipinski is a first-year student at the Peter T. Paul College of Business & Economics. She is majoring in Business Administration and is hoping to minor in Health Management and Policy as well as Psychology. Ali is on the Dean’s List and was offered to join the Honors pro
gram. She graduated from Dover High School (Dover, NH) in 2016 in the top 10% of her class. In high school, she was a three-sport athlete and held several leadership positions.

Aside from academia, Ali is a FIRE Igniter, a tour guide for UNH, and is involved in several intramural sports on campus. She hopes to get more involved in the semesters to come. Ali works at UNH Phonathon and also holds a waitressing position in Dover. She has a passion for helping others, loves to laugh, and enjoys staying active. Some day in the future, she hopes to become a teacher.

One class that I didn’t know much about was FIRE. I had heard about it in brochures and at Accepted Students Day, but didn’t really know what it was. After a few classes I figured out what it really stood for: to make the transition to college easier and to start the process of developing us into business professionals. We were assigned to a group of 20 strangers all in the same position. We asked questions with our peer advisor and were given some fantastic opportunities that other majors aren’t given. And boy did I take some of these for granted!

I always thought, “I’m only a freshman, I still have plenty of time”. Then the first semester was over in the blink of an eye. Second semester started and I knew I wanted to get more involved. There were all these opportunities I missed first semester and to my luck there were even more this time around. Through the FIRE Program, I was given the opportunity to be an Igniter, which lets me represent my class, help plan events, and give feedback on the program. Since the start of the new semester I’ve attended many networking events, the FIRE Career & Internship Fair Bootcamp, and the UNH Career & Internship Fair. I’ve met incredible people from my FIRE alumni advisor, Todd Boucher, to many employers that work with UNH. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone, which FIRE really motivated me to do.

I attended a networking event before the Career & Internship Fair, which helped me build the confidence to talk with complete strangers and expand my network. Additionally, at the FIRE Career & Internship Fair Bootcamp I worked on my resume, practiced my elevator pitch, and how to nail an interview; all with faculty, alumni, and employers. This was one afternoon I will always remember because it gave me more confidence, which carried over into the following week. At the Career & Internship Fair, I felt more motivated and comfortable to talk with employers. I talked with many of them about future positions and internships. Not only did I make several connections on LinkedIn, I have learned what it takes to be a desired applicant in a competitive marketplace.

If it weren’t for the FIRE Program, I wouldn’t be as involved as I currently am on campus. It has allowed me to make my first-year experience more enjoyable and fulfilled. I have absolute confidence, even as a freshman, that I will be able to secure multiple internships and a job post-graduation throughout my career at UNH and Paul College.

About Charles Lamplough ’20:

Charles is a first-year Paul College student from Stow, MA. He is a Business Administration major, planning to concentrate in Finance and Marketing. Currently, he serves as an Igniter in the FIRE Program, and is interested in working for a professional sports team or as a stock broker after graduation.

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 .

Each day brought along new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. While there, we networked with UNH alumni and also visited Silicon Valley Bank, Google, Bridge Bank, Sailingstone Capital Partners, GoPro, and an assortment of wineries. My experience was, among many things, eye-opening. Some common themes that were discussed over the week included the stark differences between East and West Coast business, how to build a network, venture capital activity, work/life balance, and so much more. The captivating idea that business can be explorative and experimental is something that we have not grown accustomed to here, but is a frequent sentiment expressed all across Silicon Valley.

In addition to learning a tremendous amount about the culture of Silicon Valley, the importance of networking, and a variety of business concepts, I was most happy to see the success stories of thriving UNH graduates. These individuals were heads of their departments, vice presidents, managers, investors, and entrepreneurs. There was something to learn everywhere that we went, and above all, this trip made me proud to be a UNH student. Before, I had never really thought about the impact that UNH had past New England, but it was inspiring to see how far our UNH community spans across the country.

As students of the University of New Hampshire, it is our responsibility to spread awareness for our school. One of the best pieces of advice that I was given over these few days was to “wave your UNH flag.” As a UNH campus tour guide, this is something I love to do on a regular basis. When trying to educate someone about UNH, I believe nothing is more powerful than using the student experience. I always enjoy being vocal about all of the advantages UNH has to offer. If there is one thing that this trip proves, it is that UNH students are a strong force of elite individuals. The opportunities that our school provides give us the skills that we need to prosper. UNH graduates are dynamic, creative, and innovative. They have the ability to critically think, solve problems, communicate, and form an opinion. These traits make them competitive in the workplace and successful in their positions. When we graduate, it is up to us to honor this reputation and show the world just how phenomenal UNH really is.

In May, when I graduate, I will be leaving my home for the past four years, but I will be joining a network of thousands of other UNH alumni. I am privileged to have attended a school that granted me opportunities such as this trip, and many other enriching experiences.

About Julianne Calef ’17:

Julianne Calef is senior Paul College student studying Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Julianne is a peer advisor for the FIRE Program, Dean’s Ambassador for Paul College, a Principal for the Mel Rines Angel Investment Fund and the Public Relations Chair of Campus Activities Board (CAB).

On campus I have the pleasure of being a Peer Advisor for the First-year Innovation and Research Experience (FIRE), the President of the Atkins Investment Group, and an Ambassador to Dean Merrill-Sands. My involvement in these organizations has allowed me, and continues to allow me, the opportunity to not only receive a stellar business education, but also to gain experience that reaches far beyond the classroom.

The Dean’s Ambassador Program unites 12 Paul College students from a variety of backgrounds and academic interests to act as liaisons between the student body and the Dean while working to enrich Paul College, as well as, carryout the college’s goals. The program has not only allowed me to meet like-minded and caring students, but it has also paired me with two mentors who I cherish, and overall has provided me with unparalleled experiences. I was fortunate enough to join Dean Deborah Merrill-Sands and her colleagues, Tamara Rury and Sean Stewart, as well as the other 11 Dean’s Ambassadors on a 4-day trip to San Francisco, CA to meet with Paul/WSBE Alumni who helped us explore the business ecosystem on the West Coast.

Before I begin sharing the amazing experiences and lessons learned, here is a small disclaimer:

It is incredibly difficult  for me to share details about this trip without sounding as though everything about it was sunshine and rainbows, because for me, it really was! After all, we did see a rainbow every day that we were there!

While my primary educational focus is accounting and psychology, I have received a great deal of exposure to the equity markets and finance as a member of the Atkins Investment Group. Prior to the San Francisco trip, however, I had little to no exposure to Venture Capital and Angel Investing. The Dean’s Ambassadors were fortunate to visit Andy Pelletier at Silicon Valley Bank, and John Demaio at Bridge Bank. There we learned about the Venture Capital Ecosystem, the changes that this Ecosystem has undergone in previous years, and what it may endure in the future. My knowledge was later expanded when we met Rick Marini, co-founder of Dragonfly Partners, serial entrepreneur, and active angel investor in over 45 start-ups. It was truly remarkable for me to be given the tools to piece together the process that companies go through before the equity markets are even introduced. Understanding the underpinnings of a business and the entrepreneurial thought that goes into building the foundation of a company has allowed me to add additional depth to my research and has encouraged me to think about business facets that I had no previous knowledge of.  I am so grateful that we have engaged alumni who shared their knowledge and time to allow us to experience this in person. Without them I may not have been exposed to this space.

Another area that I had almost no exposure to is the food and beverage industry; thanks to the generosity alumni Chris Fehrnstorm and Peter T. Paul, I was able to gain a understanding of the wine industry from farm to table. We were hosted at different wineries as a part of a Napa Valley tour. Throughout the day we were introduced to the wine production process, including the fermentation process in both stainless steel and oak barrels. We were also exposed to the marketing and sales side of the business. This experience made me appreciate the science behind winemaking and the expertise that the industry requires.

The knowledge expansion that the trip brought the Dean’s Ambassadors was equally matched with advice and life lessons:

• John DeMaio shared the importance of working towards a core competency in our careers. He emphasized that it is equally as important to align what you love to do and what you’re good at, with that core competency which will enable success. He told us that it is important to be vulnerable, ask questions, identify areas for growth, and to always, and I repeat always, wave your UNH flag.
• Jeff Moore at Google taught us to give more than we ever receive, and discussed the importance of building our network before we need it, so that it is there when we need it most.
• Rick Marini reminded us of the value of people and the importance of acknowledging that a company’s most important and treasured asset walks out the door at 5:00pm every night.
• Kristen Schultz Markworth at GoPro advised that we be humble and grateful in our careers; that it is ever important to understand the impact that we have on others.

I am excited to share this knowledge and advice with my peers, and I know that I will carry it with me as I finish my degree and start my professional career.

Beyond the knowledge gained, and the lessons learned, I will never forget the feeling that I had every day that I woke up in San Francisco. The culture made me feel as though not even the sky was the limit. I found myself energized (even while jet lagged), curious, and unwilling to stop learning. People don’t stop in California. They use their lunch breaks to bike 10+ miles, attend launch parties to celebrate innovative products on Tuesday nights, and if they work at Go-Pro, they might use their weekly 2 hour break to jump out of a plane! To put it simply, in my eyes, our Bay Area alumni are practically superheros!

I am incredibly grateful for everyone who made this trip possible, and am truly touched by the generosity of our alumni. To Dean Merrill-Sands, Peter T. Paul, Tamara Rury, Sean Stewart, and our esteemed alumni on the West Coast, thank you so very much for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

About Alexys Gilcreast ’18:

Alexys Gilcreast, from Hudson, NH, majors in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a minor in Psychology, and will graduate in 2018. At UNH, Alexys is the President of the Atkins Investment Group, a Peer Advisor for the FIRE Program, and a Dean’s Ambassador. During the summer of 2017 she will intern at Pricewaterhouse Coopers on their Transaction Services: Valuation team. Outside of the classroom she enjoys reading, hiking with her dog, spending time at Lake Winnipesaukee, and running half marathons. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexysgilcreast

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

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

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

About Joshua Jasneski ’20:

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

Julianne Calef ‘

Business Administration: Accounting & Finance

Titles:

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

Why did you choose UNH?

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

What do you do outside of classes and homework?

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

Any favorite classes so far?

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us about one of your favorite UNH experiences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Nooran Alhamdan:

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

UNH Dining to-go boxes

Are you ever in a rush, running late or just too busy to sit in the dining halls and eat? Problem solved: Use the UNH to-go box system. If you ever just want to eat in the comfort of your own dorm; avoid the crowds; grab food before the dining hall closes, or just need something for leftovers, the to-go box is for you. UNH offers this service to anyone who is on the core, campus, premier or swipe plans, and it is available at all three dining halls. You get a plastic reusable to-go box for a one-time fee of $3.25 which you can pay for using Dining Dollars, cash or credit card. When you return for your next to-go meal, you’ll exchange your old to-go box for a clean one for no charge, or you can receive a green “exchange loop” to claim a new box at a later time.

Student with to-go box

You may be asking why we need to use a plastic container instead of a simple disposable container. UNH replaced the disposable to-go boxes with plastic containers to aid the ongoing effort of reducing waste at the university. Instead of dumping old containers, we can now wash and reuse them with the give-and-replace method the dining halls use. You use your to-go box, return it to the dining hall to be washed and are handed a clean to-go box immediately after the exchange. How can you beat that? You don’t even have to go through the hassle of cleaning the containers yourself — the dining halls do it for you! Not only do you get to take home delicious food, you also get to be environmentally friendly while doing it.

Make sure to take advantage of the UNH to-go box today!

1. See what requirements you need to fulfill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Browse the course list.

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

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

3. Fill out a registration worksheet.

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

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

4. Find out who your academic advisor is.

Find your advisor’s name

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

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

3. Select Student Records

4. Select View Major and Advisor

5. Select current term

Find their contact information

1. Go back to Blackboard homepage

2. Select MyUNH Resources

3. Select Faculty/Staff Directory

4. Type in your advisor’s name

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

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

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

For undeclared liberal arts and provisional psychology students

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

For all other students

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

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

5. Register!

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

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

Browse all J-Term courses here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See all January Term offerings.

If you are involved in an org and would like to be featured, fill out the form below.

 Snapchat Snapshot 

PRO:

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

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

CON:

People may not always take what you do seriously.

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

PRO:

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

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

CON:

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

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

PRO:

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

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

CON:

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

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

PRO:

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

Click below for more information from the English Department!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 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 likely that if you’re reading this, you are feeling a range of emotions about the presidential election results and possible presidential appointments. Universities around the country are reaffirming their support of diverse thoughts and communities.

It’s important that you remember you are not alone. It’s important for you to know how to move forward. There are things that you can do. And, we can help.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

The airplane emergency directions always say to help yourself with the oxygen mask before you help someone else. If you don’t, you’re no help to them. Same thing here. The internet is awash in what to do if you’re overwhelmed with the election. We even have a top 10 list of stress reduction ideas.

It really boils down to this:

• Maintain your normal routine. You have to keep going. Do one task at a time.
• Make time for exercise and relaxation. Exercise and mindfulness are scientifically proven to reduce anxiety. So, now’s the time to go to the gym, try yoga, meditate, or even go fishing.
• Limit your exposure to social media. Here’s how to actually, for real, turn off social media.
  

  Hands off the computer! Image source: Giphy/Popular Sciece

• Acknowledge your feelings. You feel how you feel. That’s OK. Don’t compare yourself to others.
• Get together with friends, teammates, classmates and community members. In the words of Karen Lang, “Isolation is the glue that holds oppression in place.”
• Seek help. It’s OK to feel sad, but if it’s interfering with your ability to function in your daily life, please seek help. You have so many resources on campus.
  • The Counseling Center offers students same-day urgent care or ongoing counseling: 603-862-2090
  • Health Services offers students counseling and wellness education: 603-862-9355
  • OMSA (Office of Multicultural Student Affairs) is another resource: 603-862-5204

TAKE CARE OF OTHERS

Make a plan to make a difference. Pick an organization and support it with your passion and energy. As a volunteer you can affect change and find like-minded friends, and it’s good for you. Finally, we need to take care of others and stand up for anyone who feels marginalized. We are stronger together.

One of the aspects of FIRE is your team. Every first-year Paul College student is placed on a FIRE team and I was fortunate enough to be placed on team thirteen, also known as F1R3 Goodell. We are a team of twenty-two students who are all united around our leader, Kevin Johnson (KJ). KJ told us on day one that this program is what you make of it and that he was going to help us realize that along the way. Personally I believe he has done more than that. KJ has opened our eyes, and my eyes especially, to what there is to do around this campus. He has pushed us since our first class to get out of our rooms and go to events. He wants to see us benefit from the different activities around campus.

I have always enjoyed watching sports since I was a little kid. I knew that wherever I decided to go to college, that the sport aspect of the school was big. I knew I was going to go to the sporting events, but I thought that would be it. The FIRE competition between teams has pushed me to branch out and try going to different kinds of events that I wouldn’t have normally gone to. KJ is always inviting us to go to events when he goes because he wants to see us try new things. One event he invited us to is a performance by Improv Anonymous. For starters, I didn’t even know improv existed on campus. On top of that, I didn’t know I would enjoy it. I’ve gone to their performances the past two weeks with members of my team and we plan on going as much as we can.

Everyone has a different experience with this program. I truly believe that if I was on a different team, or not on a team at all, my first semester would be drastically different. Having similar schedules with members of my team has allowed myself, as well as others, to build friendships with one another. If the FIRE Program wasn’t available for me, I believe I wouldn’t have been this successful through the first semester. This program has provided me with friendships that have introduced me to even more people across campus. I have had multiple non-Paul college students tell me how much they wish they had the FIRE Program when adjusting to college life. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of this program. I am proud to be a member of team F1R3 Goodell!

About Justin O’Donnell ’20:

• York High School Class of 2016

• UNH Class of 2020

• Majoring in Business Administration with a focus in Management

• FIRE Igniter

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

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

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

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

About Abigail Kourafas ’19:

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

During freshman year, I learned that it is better to be deeply loved rather than widely loved. That year, everyone scrambled to find a “friend group,” and some people started getting trapped with others they didn’t actually like. You meet so many people in college; it is pretty unlikely the first people you meet will be your best friends. Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you don’t have “your people” yet. I didn’t meet one of my best friends until sophomore year and another until junior year. The more involved you get with subjects and activities you enjoy, the more people you will meet who share your interests.

My most memorable lesson from sophomore year is to always own and know your worth. You’re important, and you matter to this community. That being said, it is really tough to come to a new school and feel like you have a purpose. This was the year I joined the staff of The New Hampshire, and I also started getting more involved in the dance department. Freshman year I was missing a passion — find something in which to invest your talents and passion.

During junior year, I learned to stop being shy, take risks and chase after my dreams until they come true. I haven’t reached my dream, and I don’t even really know what it is yet, but I am feeling confident that I can get there. You need to have confidence in yourself. If you don’t, nothing will happen. Pick yourself up; push yourself; work hard, and own it.

Although every year had its rough times, I had a lot of fun along the way. Now I am a senior and am almost in tears ending this post. If you’re reading this and are feeling any of the emotions I felt during my earlier years at UNH, I want you to know it is completely normal. Enjoy every second of your time here; it will be gone in a blink of an eye.

Never forget, every day is a great day to be a Wildcat.

If you’ve been paying attention for any significant percentage of time, you might be experiencing what political scientists call “voter fatigue,” or, an indifference toward the whole political process. It’s also possible, given the tone of this election, that you’re tired of hearing from and about the candidates. Perhaps because Trump and Clinton are the least favorable nominees in American history, both campaigns have been focusing their energy on attacking their opponents. It seems as if the only thing everyone can agree on is that this has been a stressful election.

To be fair, both major candidates have published policy plans on their websites. However, these have been less the focus of our national conversation than why one candidate or the other is unfit to be president. (Clinton, in particular, seems to have a plan for everything short of the zombie apocalypse — but if a fear of zombies is your primary reason for voting, you might want to check out this guy.) Or, to put it another way, both campaigns have had the CAPS LOCK on for months, and the forum moderators are on vacation.

So, as American voters, what should we do in the face of such vitriol? Assume elections are meaningless and ignore them? Assume elections are hopeless and despair? Assume elections matter, but that we’re too overwhelmed to engage, and think only about anything but the first couple episodes of season seven of “The Walking Dead?” (Actually, I submit that this will leave you equally frustrated.) None of these seem like good ways to participate in democracy. But what are you supposed to do when what is happening around you causes you to feel empty, hopeless or anxious?

Obviously, learning about the issues and the consequences of different policy decisions is important for understanding who and what you’re voting for. Education can also provide perspective and clarity about the world we live in. For example, as bad as things might seem now, be glad this isn’t the election of 1824, in which none of the four candidates won a majority of the vote, and the election was essentially decided through backroom deals in the House of Representatives. It’s also not the election of 1860, the dawn of the Civil War, during which more Americans died than in both world wars combined. It’s also not 1912, when one of the major issues was whether the U.S. should enter World War I, which would turn out to be one of the most destructive and deadly conflicts in human history. In other words, as bad as things seem now, history can help us understand that things have been worse before. Education matters.

But, it’s maybe less obvious that mental health is an important part of being an educated voter. For this to make sense, we have to acknowledge that mental well-being plays a role in our decision making, in how we relate to the world and in how we process news we receive. If you’re a first-time voter, learning to navigate the flood of information might be hard enough, let alone figuring out what you believe is right.

College is an especially important time to pay attention to mental health, as it’s a time when you begin to establish your identity and make choices about your future. For the record, there’s plenty of support at UNH if you’re struggling with stress and/or anxiety. But mental health isn’t just about addressing problems; it’s also about growing and learning as a human being so you can make smart, educated choices about what to do (and not to do) with your life.

Of course, figuring out who you are and what you believe can turn family dinners and holidays into shouting matches. This is one reason elections (especially this one!) are stressful: Political issues are complicated, and our political views are difficult (and maybe impossible) to separate from our personal lives. It’s reasonable to have pretty strong #feels about politics; hundreds of millions of peoples’ lives are shaped by the decisions our leaders make. Which is to say, exhausted is probably how we should feel. That’s a sign of democracy working.

(By the way, if you’re about to vote for the first time but need to get registered, start here.)

Image from: http://www.clipartkid.com/democrat-vs-republican-cliparts/

The FIRE program is something that I personally connected with because I was the founding member of something very similar in Nashua. My program was called Titan Connections, a freshmen mentorship program created to ease the transition from middle school to high school. The inspiration for the program came from Nashua North students that mentored me throughout my years as an underclassman and they were my role models. I wanted to pay it forward. Every freshman deserved to have someone that they could ask for help. After a summer of meetings with teachers, principals, the superintendent, and the board of education, Titan Connections was born. The 400 freshmen were split into 40 groups of ten and assigned a senior mentor with whom they would meet with on a bi-weekly basis. Throughout the school year, the program had many ups and downs. Often times it was difficult to motivate kids to participate and mentors were frustrated. These issues were discussed in “mentors only” meetings and the plan for a charity fundraiser was created. The kids were asked to vote on a charity as a group and then raise money towards it. Whatever group raised the most money was given a pizza party. In the end, the program raised over $500 dollars for “Cure for Hope”. At the end of the year, a survey was given to the freshman asking about their Titan Connections experience and the majority of kids said they had benefited in some way from the program. The program continues to run and grow this year.

After being so involved in my high school, having no extracurricular commitments in college was a foreign feeling and I felt lost. However, the FIRE program has helped me fit in at UNH. By going to events for points, I’ve become much more comfortable with the campus and have met so many new people and have made friends because of it. My mentor, Jon Tamposi, has assisted me with assignments, provided exam tips, suggested groups to join and worked with me on my resume and cover letter, which helped me receive a job at People’s United Bank. He also provided me with the opportunity to become an Igniter which has allowed me to become more involved within the FIRE program. I get to share my ideas with my peers and work to improve the program. I now have something I can be passionate about at UNH and it has improved my college experience tremendously. Paul FIRE has made everyday a good day to be a Wildcat for me. One day, I hope to be a Peer Advisor and be able to do for a freshman all that Jon has done for me. I want to get everyone FIREd up about UNH.

About Hanzla Sheikh ’20:

• Nashua High School North Class of 2016
• UNH Class of 2020
• Majoring in Business Administration with a focus in Finance
• Teller at Peoples United Bank in Durham
• FIRE Igniter

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Kim Moran ’15:

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

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

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!

For pumpkin carving tips, take a look at this How to Carve a Pumpkin Perfectly video from “Better Homes and Gardens!“

October 27 – 30 

The Purge: Election Year

“It’s been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night. Now serving as head of security for Sen. Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), his mission is to protect her in a run for president and survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent. But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive until dawn … or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state.” Read full description here 

Ghostbusters

“Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.” Read full description here 

November 3 – 6

Jason Bourne

“The CIA’s most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past.” Read full description here

November 10 – 13

Hell or High Water

“A divorced father and his ex-con older brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family’s ranch in West Texas.” Read full description here

Star Trek Beyond

“The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test.” Read full description here

November 17 – 20

Nerve

“A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of ‘watchers.'” Read full description here

Happy viewing Wildcats! After your show is over, get back to UNHTales and let us know what you thought in the comments or by tweeting us @UNHStudents. 

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.

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

I’m holding the T in Wildcats!

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

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

Regardless of which season you like most, there are good reasons to go adventuring. First, it’s a great way to disrupt your life’s routine if you’re feeling stuck or stressed. What makes an adventure an adventure is it takes you somewhere new to do something you normally wouldn’t.

Second, traveling with friends — which is much easier to do if you go somewhere close — can help you build relationships. Seeing your friends in new places and trying new things helps you see different dimensions of their personalities which, in turn, brings up conversations you might never have had before. This might sound like a little thing, but it certainly contributes to building quality relationships.

Third, if  “eat local” is a thing, it seems to me that “travel local” should be, too. Traveling locally keeps your money local, it has a lower carbon footprint and it is often delicious. Traveling locally is also about getting to know and understand the place you live: its resources, people and traditions. This is, of course, something we value as UNHers and as New Englanders.

So, get your friends, old or new, into a car — preferably one that belongs to one of you — and go on an adventure! Here are a few ideas for some local trips.

Check out Portland, Maine’s food game.

Portland, which is just an hour north of Durham, has an incredible restaurant scene. The high-profile places like Duck Fat (a panini place where the fries are fried in duck fat) and Otto’s Pizza (try the “Masher”: mashed potatoes, bacon and scallions) are borderline life-changing. And then there are places like Schulte & Herr, which only has, like, six tables and serves really exceptionally legit German food. Portland also sits on Casco Bay, which is home to historic lighthouses and World War I-era forts. Easiest way to get there is to take I-95 north to I-295 north. You can also take the Amtrak Downeaster, which leaves from campus. Once you get to Portland, you’ll probably need to take a cab/Uber/bus to get downtown, but it is an otherwise absurdly pedestrian-friendly city.

Yes, New Hampshire has beaches.

In case you don’t feel like an all-day (or all-weekend) road trip, here’s a fun fact: New Hampshire has 13-miles of seashore, all of which is pretty close to us. It’s getting a little late in the year for sunbathing, but you can still walk on the beach. You might start at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. Bonus: Jenness Beach in Rye is dog-friendly, and if you go on a weekend morning, you can witness a lot of romping and seagull chasing.

Just a kittle bit of Maine.

Another close, delightful New England destination is Kittery, Maine, which is just 20 minutes away by car. (Getting there by bus is possible, but it includes a fair amount of walking. Then again, maybe walking should be an important part of your life.) Once you get there, probably the first thing you should do is head to Lil’s Cafe downtown for one of their crullers. You might not know what a cruller is, but if you have ever enjoyed a baked good, then it is high time you found out. Kittery is also home to a number of outlets, including the adventurer’s mecca, the Kittery Trading Post. And Fort McClary State Park is a bit of a New England nature microcosm: There’s ocean, forest and, right in the middle of it, an historic fort that’s been in use since the American Revolution.

Probably the best pancakes anywhere, ever.

New England does breakfast right. I could write an entire piece on just New England breakfast joints that are not messing around. But the pancake place that is, in my opinion, messing around least of all is Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire. I can’t describe it — you just have to try them yourself. The only challenge is, Sugar Hill is a two-hour drive on I-93 north, and if you get to Polly’s pretty much any time after 9 a.m., odds are there will be a 2-hour wait (or more!). What I’d suggest doing is, head up to the White Mountains, hike something fun (here’s a good place to begin if you’re planning a hike), camp, wake up early and head to Polly’s. Then eat all the pancakes. All of them.

Books you don’t need, in a place you can’t find…

…is the slogan for the Montague Book Mill in Montague, Massachusetts. This is one of my favorite places in New England, and not just because it’s full of old, weird books. There’s an adjacent café, The Lady Killegrew, where you can read said old weird books while eating one of their delicious sandwiches, sipping maple milk — which is exactly what it sounds like — and glancing up every so often to look at the Saw Mill River rushing past. Now, you probably don’t want to drive two hours just for this (though it’d probably be worth it), so while you’re in the area, you should check out Northampton, Massachusetts, which has to be high on the list of most eccentric towns in the country. Northampton is where the Ninja Turtles and the graham cracker were invented. One time I was in Northampton and a group of people in Imperial Stormtrooper costumes emerged from nowhere to create a flash mob to “Party Rock Anthem.” This was at 3 on a Tuesday afternoon. Also, the bread at the Hungry Ghost bakery should be considered a #lifehack.

If you’re looking for exploring buddies, consider going with Outdoor Adventures on one of their trips. I know it might be shocking — with a name like that — that they like to adventure. But they do. Also worth checking out: UNH’s Outing Club (must like hiking!).

Wherever you go, don’t forget to bring back jars of the best-tasting jams from any eccentric small-town general stores you encounter. I don’t know if that’s a New England tradition, but it’d be better if it were.

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

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

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

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

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

I got a few jobs on campus.

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

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

I fell in love with the opportunities I was given.

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

I got to meet the hockey team with Cat Pack!

I get to live on a GORGEOUS campus!

And I found my family at UNH.

I love going to athletic events with friends!

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

I got lucky and found some wonderful roomies!

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

             

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Meeting NBC journalist Chuck Todd of “Meet the Press”

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

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

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

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

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

Of the many renovations that have been happening on campus, one that needs to be recognized is the kitchen remodel in Babcock, UNH’s graduate residential hall. The building hasn’t seen a renovation this big since it was erected in March of 1968. Prior to the remodel, each floor had a designated community kitchenette. With the new kitchen installation, the entire dorm can cook on the first floor. It allows a “central place to cook meals together” rather than having the kitchens divided, says Sean Winston, the project’s manager. The floor plan includes seating for up to 20 people, and the modern openness “gives more people more opportunity to socialize” while they cook. Preserving and encouraging community was identified as a central goal during the planning process.

One question raised during construction was how many people would be cooking at the same time. With that in mind, three ovens and one four-burner and two six-burner stoves were installed, as well as a large reach-in refrigerator and two-door freezer, all commercial-grade, stainless steel appliances.

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

The eight-week remodel, which started in May and ended in mid-August, ran into hardly any issues. The old incinerator had to be removed and ventilation improved.

What do residents think? They love it. The multiple stoves, ovens and vast counter space allows many residents to cook at the same time. While the updates are nice, graduate housing manager Holly Ange says the best part is “there’s now plenty of space for sharing meals, including multiple tables and chairs that can be moved around and even a booth toward the back of the room for a more relaxed seating option. Seeing people share meals together definitely makes Babcock feel more like home.”

Photo by Ellen Gibbs

“The response to the kitchen has been fantastic,” continues Holly. “I believe the best part of living on campus is the community you live in, and the renovation has certainly created new opportunities for our community to grow.”

From energy-saving features to potential opportunities for community growth, Babcock has it all. We only have one question: When’s the next potluck?

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

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

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

1. Utilize office hours

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

2. …Or set up an appointment

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

3. Be respectful

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

4. Prepare questions ahead of time

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

5. …And make sure they’re good questions

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

6. Share your interests

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

Matthew ’12 first laid eyes on Kim in Stoke Hall during his freshman year. They have been inseparable ever since. Eight years later, Matthew proposed to Kim in the very same dorm in which they met.

It was a sunny morning in June. The spring semester was officially over. Students had turned in their keys, packed up their cars and gone home for the summer. The dorms had become shadows of their former selves.

Well, all except one.

While nearly identical to all the other rooms on the floor, Stoke 654 contained one minor difference: Pictures of Matthew and Kim were on display and the bureaus were adorned with candles and lavish bouquets. Was it a dorm room, or some sort of romantic time machine?

Photo by Christina Rowland

Claiming they were “just passing through,” Matt casually led Kim down memory lane — also known as the sixth floor of Stoke — to the room, where he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

Photo by Christina Rowland

It was Stoke’s first engagement, but hopefully not its last.

Who said UNH Housing can’t write a love story? Matt and Kim — from everyone at the Housing Department and the entire University — congratulations. May we suggest Thompson Hall Lawn as a venue? We also know a great caterer (wink, wink).  

Here’s how I spent the day.

I shared my day on the UofNH Snapchat for Takeover Tuesday. You can watch the video below, and don’t forget to add ‘UofNH’ on Snapchat for more fun Takeover Tuesdays!

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.

“The ECenter’s goal is to continue building the positive and supportive ideas, innovation and entrepreneurial culture at UNH,” says ECenter program manager Heather MacNeill. “We’re excited to spread the word so more students can make use of the ECenter.”

The #UNHSocial team recently shared a Snapchat tour of the ECenter and all it has to offer. Here’s what we saw.

Alpha Loft at the ECenter

In this bright, comfortable new space, you’ll find New Hampshire’s leading business “incubator,” Alpha Loft, which is dedicated to assisting with and accelerating the beginning stages of startups. As a founding partner and leading contributor, UNH has brought the resources offered by Alpha Loft to students. Entrepreneurial students can use the co-working zones, conference rooms and training rooms — all equipped with digital screens — for team meetings and work sessions. Teams can keep their projects safe in lockers, use app-building and graphic design software on the fully equipped Macs and PCs and access the extensive network of Alpha Loft member businesses.

According to MacNeill, “The UNH location of Alpha Loft is a perfect way for students to leverage Alpha Loft’s entrepreneurial knowledge, networks and events provided all year long.”

Another perk for students working in the ECenter is access to free nitro cold brew coffee, provided by Nobl Coffee. The organic coffee company was founded by UNH alum Connor Roelke, who received his Bachelor of Science in business administration from Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics in 2015. UNH Today recently featured Roelke in an article and animation that explore his experience in the UNH Holloway Prize Competition and how he brought his idea to life.

Makerspace at the ECenter

Just down the hall is the ECenter Makerspace (also recently featured in an article in UNH Today) where students can bring their vision to life. “The ECenter Makerspace is a dynamic place for students to work on prototypes or fun personal projects,” says MacNeill. The Makerspace has design and fabrication tools including three 3-D printers, a laser cutter, an industrial sewing machine and more.

The laser cutter in action, creating a precise design in piece of wood.

Having access to these tools is a game-changer for entrepreneurial students getting their business ideas off the ground, especially if the business features a physical product. Kate Aiken ’18 and Devin McMahon ’18 used the sewing machine to create the prototype of their improved sanitary napkin product, LilyPad, which was a runner-up in the 2016 Holloway Prize Competition and a winner at the 2016 Charles & Miriam Nelson Poster Competition hosted by Paul College. The young entrepreneurs describe the ECenter as “open and inviting, like the people in it. It has become our favorite place to be on campus.”

Other entrepreneurial students have also found success working with the ECenter. This spring, two student-formed business, Project OASIS (Sid Nigam ’16, Paige Balcom ’16 and Ethan Pirie ’17) and RAIDX (graduate student Andras Fekete) were selected to split the $10,500 Summer Seed Grant. They spent the summer developing their early-stage ideas with the help of mentors at Alpha Loft and tools at the ECenter. They recently presented the results of their work.

“It’s amazing the progress they made from the start of the summer,” says ECenter program manager MacNeill.

The Makerspace resources are available to all students during Makerspace hours, where students can come in, get trained and then gain access to the tools.

Left: One of the 3-D printers; Center: Objects designed and made by students using the 3-D printer; Right: The industrial sewing machine

Here’s a recent video that gives a student’s perspective of the ECenter Makerspace:

Get Involved

Whether you have a business idea, aim to develop your technological skills or just want to connect with other student entrepreneurs, the ECenter is a great place to start. “We offer students from any UNH college co-curricular programming — like bootcamps, a speaker series and a hackathon coming this semester — designed to engage and support students,” says MacNeill. “We also offer one-on-one mentoring and coaching to students at any stage of an idea, including business plan review. The ECenter/UNHInnovation staff worked with the three top teams from the 2016 Holloway Prize Competition — and many other entrants as well — on their ideas and business plans.”

You can find the UNHInnovation wing in Suite 101 of Madbury Commons at 21 Madbury Road.

Stop by the Makerspace open hours

Get trained using the 3-D printers, laser cutter, industrial sewing machine and software programs and bring your ideas to life!

Attend a bootcamp, seminar or event

Develop critical entrepreneurial skills at bootcamps; hear expert presentations at seminars; and network at events.

Enter your idea in a contest

UNH offers plenty of opportunities for young entrepreneurs to get their start. Develop your idea at the ECenter, then enter a contest like the Holloway Prize Competition or the Social Venture Innovation Challenge.

Did you miss our Snapchat feature on the ECenter? Watch it again here, and be sure to add ‘uofnh’ on Snapchat for more glimpses into campus life.

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.

✔︎ Update your résumé

A current résumé is important for college students to have on hand at all times. You never know when an opportunity for a job might pop up, and you definitely want to have one ready for the UNH Career and Internship Fair this fall. Don’t know where to start? The UNH Career Center has great online resources including résumé samples, lists of suggested wording, tips on writing and structure and more. Also, the Career Center is open during the summer, so if you’re located nearby or are living on campus, you can schedule an appointment.

✔︎ Create or update your LinkedIn profile

Another way you can prepare for professional opportunities is to have a LinkedIn profile. Update your college details, job experience, volunteer projects, etc. Don’t forget to join the official University of New Hampshire networking group and follow along on the UNH page. Now that you’ve taken care of your résumé and LinkedIn, log on to Wildcat Careers and check out the job and work study offerings.

✔︎ Sort through your email inbox

Now’s the time to delete all that junk mail that accumulated in your inbox throughout the semester. Go through your email inbox, delete any unneeded emails and unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists. You’ll love starting the semester with a clean slate! An organized inbox will also ensure that you don’t miss any important emails from professors in the coming semester.

✔︎ Organize and back up your devices

Take a few minutes to upload photos from your phone to your computer, delete unused apps and update your software. On your computer, back up your files, organize your documents and photos and download the latest version of your operating system. If you need to upgrade your computer, you’ll find the best deals at the UNH Computer Store, and you can order online through them, too. Once you’re done organizing, check out this technology checklist from UNH Information Technology to make sure your devices are all set up for the semester.

✔︎ Clean out your notebooks and binders

You know all those notebooks and folders from last semester that you put in the corner of your closet as soon as you got home for the summer? You should really clean them out! Go through your papers and recycle any you don’t need. Save the folders that are in good shape to reuse next year.

✔︎ Wash your dorm bedding

Make sure to run your dorm comforter, sheets, mattress covers, etc., through the washer so they’ll be fresh and germ-free for fall semester.

✔︎ Clean your dorm appliances

In fact, anything that was in your dorm room all year could probably use a good cleaning. Dust off your television; sponge down your mini fridge; give your rug a thorough vacuum. You’ll be glad to bring back clean appliances next year.

✔︎ Donate your unworn clothes or unused items

Have old clothes you never wore or items you bought for school that you ended up not using? Donate them to your local secondhand shop or charitable store. Decluttering is always good, and you’ll know the items will be used by someone who needs them.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we’ll see you on Move-In Day!

Here are some tips to keep in mind while going through your first week at UNH:

Wildcat Days

Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28 (Check out the full schedule here.)

• Say hi to people: Greet your hallmates with a smile and a “hello.” You never know who could be a new friend! I met some of my first friends by walking through my hall and popping my head into their rooms. A compliment on their dorm room decorations is always a good place to start.
• Keep your door open: This applies to basically your entire freshman year of college, but it’s especially essential during the first few days. Keeping your door open is a great way to meet people.
• Embrace it: Chances are you might feel a bit silly during the many “icebreaker” activities that you’ll participate in with other residents of your hall. Just keep a good attitude and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Learning not to care what others think is one of the most valuable lessons of college — and it starts with the first few days!
• Go to the events: From the Wildcat Barbecue to the Cat Pack Kick-off Rally to the Jukebox event in the MUB… There’s clearly a lot to do during Wildcat Days! Keeping busy will distract you from any potential homesickness and it will help you meet new friends.
• Don’t feel pressured to party: No, not everyone goes out the first few nights of college. If you’re not comfortable, remember that it’s always okay to stay in. Play some cards with your hallmates or get to know your roommate. There are always other things to do!

First Day of Classes

Monday, August 29

• Show up prepared: For the first day of classes, come prepared with a pen/pencil and paper so you can take notes about what you’ll need for the class. Also, bring a folder to put syllabi in.
• Plan out your route: Look at a campus map beforehand to see where you’re going, and download the UNH mobile app, which has a map that you can consult on-the-go.
• Leave yourself time to get to class: You’re still getting to know campus, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to find your building and classroom. No one wants to walk in late!
• Find friends to walk with: Ask around your hall to see if anyone has the same classes as you or has a class in the same area around the same time as you. You won’t be as nervous if you can walk to class with a new friend.
• Talk to your classmates: Get to know the person sitting next to you and exchange emails or become friends on Facebook so you can exchange notes or meet up for study groups.
• Make lunch plans: See if you and your roommate or hallmates have a time to up for lunch. You’ll be thankful you made plans in advance to grab a bite to eat in the middle of a busy day of classes.

First Week of Classes

Monday, August 29 – Friday, September 2

• Don’t worry if you’re confused: Remember not to stress out if you’re feeling confused. A lot of information will be thrown at you this week and it may feel like a lot to digest, but no one’s expecting you to have it all figured out in the first week.
• Stay organized: Use a planner to write down tasks and assignments so you won’t forget. You don’t want to miss your first deadline!
• Get enough sleep: It may be exciting to be in college where you get to go to sleep whenever you want, but remember to get enough rest so that you can focus in classes the next day.
• Eat healthy: Make time to eat three healthy meals a day in order to have energy to get through your busy days. Don’t forget to leave time to eat a good breakfast, which is essential. The dining halls have tons of healthy options throughout the day, so make sure you stop by.
• Explore: Invite some new friends to get out and explore campus. Go for a walk in College Woods, grab coffee in downtown Durham, get an ice cream cone at the Dairy Bar or get some exercise at the Hamel Recreation Center. There’s definitely no shortage of things to do!

And don’t forget to rub the Wildcat statue’s nose for good luck!