Let’s turn it over to Daniel, a sophomore sustainable energy management major. Daniel’s life experiences from exploring Ecuador’s diverse landscapes to adapting to a new culture in the US, fueled his passion for environmentalism and let him to ESF where he’s helped create new communities. Daniel, please share your story. Take it away.
– Thank you for that introduction, Alex. My passion for environmentalism began during my childhood in Ecuador. Where I explored a diversity of landscapes. At 11, I moved to the US, which meant adapting a new language and way of perceiving the world. Although I was far away from my home country, I found solace and a continued love for nature through fish keeping In fish keeping, I found a community and an understanding of the environment right at home. I turned my passion into a business, creating an online fish store, selling shrimp and aspiring to sell seahorses. My journey with seahorse breeding eventually became a research project exploring breeding methods in captivity. Which fueled my passion for research and led me right here to ESF. I’ve also been able to explore the human aspects of environmentalism from many perspectives. Through classes, committees, and even a trip to Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. This experience was transformative, allowing me to grow as a leader and community member. One of my proudest achievements here at ESF is the creation of the lunar lounge, a safe space for students to socialize and home to intersectional club meetings. I also helped create the Mosaic committee, bringing together all 10 intersectional clubs on campus. We recently held the first ever mosaic quest, one of the largest multicultural events in ESF’s history. And as a person of color, the Lewis Stokes Alliance Minority Participation Program has been crucial in reaching my academic goals in finding a supportive community of students and staff empowering me to become the leader I am today. Here at ESF, I’ve been able to turn my dreams into a reality. Here I feel like I matter. The work I do matters. I matter to my campus community, and I leave an impact not only here, but on the planet as well. Thank you for coming along with me on my journey. Back to you, Alex.
– Daniel, we are so impressed with how you use your life experience to not only create a business, but a whole community at ESF for the intersectional students on campus, your compassion helps move our world forward. We’re all wishing you all the best.
Let’s say hello to Carlos, a junior transfer student studying biotechnology. Carlos discovered his passion for helping others and is turning that into a career in medicine right here at ESF. This is all thanks to an incredibly supportive community right here on campus. Carlos, you are up. Tell us about your journey to ESF.
– Thanks for that intro, Alex. I’m a Syracuse local born and raised. My parents are immigrants from Cuba, and they escaped to chase the infamous American dream. When I graduated high school, I had no hopes and no dreams, but eventually I found the courage to dream again and decided to chase it at ESF. I worked as a technician at a glasses retailer in Liverpool, where I realized I hated selling glasses, but I enjoyed taking care of people, and so I enrolled at Onondaga Community College where I excelled under the guidance of my instructors and peers. I was incredibly lucky to have participated in a joint research program between OCC and DSF. Through this program, I met my current faculty mentor, Dr. Goff. When it came time to transfer, she helped me compare med school admissions criteria and the ESF degree curriculums to help choose the best fit. The faculty I’ve met so far are very serious about nurturing their undergraduate students in the lab, ensuring that they are learning involved and progressing. If you’re excited to learn, they’re happy to teach. One big hurdle science undergrads face at bigger institutions is that they’re competing with hundreds of other undergraduates for the same critical research experiences and opportunities. At ESF, the programs are designed such that there’s a smaller student to teacher ratio. Shifting the odd in your favor. Graduate students said to me, it’s an absolute honor to study here in honor Onondaga Nation. As they have a vision for indigenous rights. I’m walking proof that it just takes one opportunity, just one connection to change your life. Programs here at ESF are designed to give you the same kind of opportunities so that you can chase your dreams too. Back to you Alex.
– Your story is inspirational, Carlos, and we’re sure there are others like you who will find ESF to be the perfect place to chase and realize their dreams. We see great things in your future. Carlos, thanks again.
Let’s check in with Abby, who is in the Heiberg Forest right now, which is a 4,000 acre lamb preserved by ESF. Abby is a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management and earning an associate’s degree in forest technology at ESF’s Ranger School. Abby’s passion for the outdoors and nature is finding room to grow at ESF’s Ranger School, where the Adirondacks is her classroom. Let’s find out how the hands-on experiences are preparing her for a career in the environmental sciences. Tell us all about at Abby.
– Thank you, Alex, I’ve always loved being outdoors and exploring nature, which is truly something that brings the SUNY ESF community together. Here our passion for the planet expands far beyond the city of Syracuse, which is how I knew ESF was the right college for me. SUNY ESF is actually the second largest college in the United States by acreage. Across eight regional campuses. ESF has 25,000 acres of land used for classes, research, and even public use. I’m lucky enough to be spending a year in New York’s scenic Adirondack Park at the SUNY ESF Ranger School. I’m currently pursuing both my bachelor’s degree in natural Resources management on the main campus. And my associate’s degree in forest technology at the Ranger School as a part of ESF’s unique combined program. As much as I love living in the city, I love being able to spend every single day outside. I’m truly practicing everything I learned in the classroom out here in the field. Up at the SUNY ESF Ranger School, students take on a rigorous coursework tailored to prepare us for future jobs in the industries of forestry, environmental science, and land surveying. Each day is something exciting. For example, our forest technology students get to participate in a logging operation and even conduct a controlled burn to get wildland firefighting certifications. Although the programs here at ESF and the Ranger School can feel challenging, you’ll never feel like you’re doing it alone. Even from the banks of the Oswegatchie River. I am supported by our Academic Success Center, our Office of Career Services, my professors, and a tight knit community of students ready to lend a hand. Well, that’s all from me. Take it away Alex.
– Abby, we are so impressed with how you use the college’s resources to get the most out of your education and plan for your career once you graduate. We know you’re gonna go far. Thanks again.
We are so excited for you to meet Kelsea, an ocean engineering major from Charleston, South Carolina. UNH is world famous for ocean research, so Kelsea knew this was the place to be for her major. Kelsea, let’s hear all about it.
– Thanks, Alex. In high school, I fell in love with both robotics and the ocean. I participated in a national robotics competition called SeaPerch, which combined these passions. However, when looking at colleges, I struggled to find a place where I could do both engineering and marine sciences until I found the University of New Hampshire. From day one, I have been able to get my hands wet, building and testing ocean instruments right here in the Jere A. Chase Ocean engineering laboratory. All the ocean engineering professors do their research here so it’s easy to join any project you’re interested in, from offshore wind turbines to sustainable seafood. This building also houses the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping, a world leader in ocean exploration. Students here get to work with incredible technology like BEN and DriX, our $1 million remote operated vehicles used for ocean mapping. Outside of my classes, I’m also involved in the Society of Women Engineers, a student organization focused on building an inclusive environment for all people in STEM. I joined as a first year student not sure what to expect, and ended up finding mentors and best friends. Now I’m president and have loved becoming a mentor for the current first year students. We make sure our members have a safe place to relax and better themselves. When I got here, I was so scared. Not sure I could do engineering or live so far from home. However, I found support everywhere from the dean of my college to my classmates. This community has taught me that I can do hard things like going for my PhD next year. I hope your college search leads you to a place you love as much as I love UNH. Back to you, Alex.
– What an awesome story, Kelsea. You really did roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet in these extraordinary research facilities. How great is it that UNH invite students at every level to work alongside internationally known professors on important research, and your commitment to supporting other women in STEM is inspiring. Great job, Kelsea.
All right, let’s talk to AJ, an English major from North Berwick, Maine. who plans to add a dual major in Sustainability, something you can do in any academic program at UNH. AJ is just starting his UNH journey. Let’s hear why he chose UNH and how he’s getting plugged in right away with sustainability leadership. Hit it AJ.
– Thanks, Alex. Before I decided on the University of New Hampshire, I was looking for a school that felt right for me. In my senior year, I was the president of my National Honor Society chapter, which helped me find what I love about leadership. What made me choose UNH was their commitment to sustainability and the Changemaker Fellowship opportunity. Incoming freshmen have the opportunity to apply for the Changemaker Fellowship, first year students who are passionate about sustainability and want to take action. Being a Changemaker was exactly what I was looking for to fit in, being surrounded by like-minded people who are all going through the same transition as me. Beyond my other fellows, I was matched with my Changemaker coach, a student-peer mentor who’s there to help guide my small group into the sustainability opportunities that UNH provides. They’re also a supportive figure for any questions I might have as I adjust to living on campus. It was a little hard at first. Back home, I had my family, my friends, and the leadership I had in high school, but as soon as I arrived on campus, I found a community with my dorm mates and my RAs, while also discovering how important sustainability is at UNH. Whether it’s capturing methane gas from a local landfill and converting it into the electricity that powers our Durham campus or the Take Less Waste Less initiative found in the dining halls, it’s clear to see how much UNH cares about helping our environment and giving all students the opportunity to get involved. While my journey as a wildcat has only just begun, I can already see how committed UNH is to sustainability. The future is bright, and thanks to UNH, you’ll be able to stay that way for generations to come. Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, AJ. From energy to agriculture to waste reduction, UNH really is a living laboratory for sustainability with passionate students like AJ leading the way planet Earth, we’ll be in very good hands. Thanks again, AJ.
We’re about to meet Kaitlyn, a Dartmouth, Massachusetts native who came here to study Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology. This nature lover grew up near the coast and has been using her knowledge of animals and ecosystems to rescue and rehabilitate freshwater turtles with a local nonprofit. Kaitlyn, tell us all about it.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi, everyone. During my college search, I was looking for strong academics research opportunities in a welcoming campus environment. That’s why I chose the University of New Hampshire. As a Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology major, UNH allows me to explore my passion for the unknown and marine organisms, opening up endless possibilities. As a top tier research university, UNH makes it easy to gain hands-on experience and explore your passions. I discovered an interest in animal rehabilitation, which led me to finding a volunteer role at the New Hampshire Turtle Rescue, a non-profit only minutes away from campus. Being a part of the Turtle rescue team has been a really cool experience. While volunteering, I have gained insight into local freshwater turtles and the operations of a rehabilitation facility. This experience has widened my knowledge on topics within my major and sparked new research interests within wildlife rehabilitation. From volunteer roles to internships, UNH’s advisors and faculty offer incredible support, helping undergraduates connect with opportunities that get their foot in the door and truly make a difference. UNH offers so many ways to explore your interests. From study abroad programs to hundreds of clubs and on-campus events, there’s always something exciting happening. Volunteering at sporting events has shown me the incredible school spirit that thrives here at UNH, showing how vibrant and engaging campus life truly is. The University of New Hampshire has given me so many opportunities. Next semester, I’ll be studying abroad in Portugal, exploring new courses in language and literature. I’ll also gain experience in research here on campus before heading off to graduate school. UNH keeps me excited for what’s next. Thank you for hearing my story. Now, let’s hear back from Alex.
Wow, I love it. Turtle Rescue School spirit study abroad in Portugal. You’ve really made the most of your University of New Hampshire education and everything this vibrant community has to offer. Way to go, thanks so much, Kaitlyn, and best wishes at grad school.
Let’s look in on Tiffany, a Business Administration major with a Marketing concentration from the small town of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. She’s found a wealth of support within the Paul College of Business and Economics and plenty of connections to real-world hands-on experiences. Tiffany, tell us all about your time at UNH.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. In high school, college shopping was difficult for me because I couldn’t do any tours or college visits. All I knew was I wanted to go into business. I had an image of myself working in a huge skyscraper. UNH went to the top of my list after I was admitted into the Paul Scholars program for academically talented business students. This program is where I made my first friendships and even met my roommates. Since being at UNH, I have gotten involved all over campus. Last year I got involved with a professional sales group. We’re a fast-paced group of students working outside of the classroom to prepare for sales competitions that emulate the real business world. We compete at different companies showcasing our skills, and many of us earned jobs just by networking at these events. One competition I participated in last year helped me get an internship with Amazon Web Services. I was able to move to Seattle last summer to work at Amazon’s headquarters and experience what life would look like after graduation. Through groups like the professional sales group, I am able to gain real world experience that transfers straight into jobs. This university has helped me grow into who I am. I’m even on the university’s Social Media team. I get to interview students all over campus, film events and sports games and make funny videos. Working this role and learning from other students is the reason I have so much love for UNH. When I came to college, I had no idea how many things I would experience. UNH taught me what the real world looks like and prepared me for my future. I’m so excited for this next chapter, and that’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– We’re excited for your next chapter too, Tiffany. Your work with the professional sales group and as a social media content creator makes you a great example of how UNH prepare students in really practical ways for personal and professional success. We know you’ll be sitting in that skyscraper very soon. Thanks again, Tiffany.
Let’s go over to David, a Nursing and Women’s And Gender Studies dual major from Fort Collins, Colorado. David is combining his love for helping people with his medical training and a healthy dash of entrepreneurship to launch a new business. David, we want to know everything. Please take it away.
– Hey everyone. How’s it going? My entire life, I’ve wanted to help people in my community. That’s why I’m interested in healthcare innovation and equality for everyone. Ever since my first day here at the University of New Hampshire, I knew I was welcome. From the dorm life to the clubs and activities, I always had something to do, a ways to connect with my community here. A good example of this is my unexpected interest in medical entrepreneurship from which I was able to create a small business and ended up working with engineers, doctors, and medical facilities all across the country. We created a non-invasive technology that can help detect urinary tract infections before they become a problem. The Paul Entrepreneurship Center here on campus provided me guidance to grow my interest and help me to improve my presentation skills through competitions like the Holloway Innovation-to-Market competition and funding opportunities like the Summer Seed grant, all of which contributed to my interest and success in the field of medical entrepreneurship. The ECenter as well as all the colleges here on campus love to work together to encourage students to bring out what makes them passionate and nurture that drive to become successful. This network of support helps students focus on what they truly love. With the help of UNH’s Nursing and Women and Gender Studies program, in connection with the Paul Entrepreneurship Center, I was able to design my own medical device, start a business, and create my own path to a bright future. UNH has taken my dream of helping others and made it a reality. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
Thank you, David. We absolutely love that you can have such diverse academic interests, be involved all over campus and receive financial and technical support from UNH to launch your own business. It’s absolutely amazing. UNH never limits students to just one thing and you are living proof. Awesome job.
Okay, everyone, let’s check in with Noa, a Theatre major from McKinney, Texas and their service dog Ender, but don’t let that far away hometown fool you. This Texan comes from a long line of UNH Wildcats and they love nothing more than welcoming new members to the UNH family. Take it away, Noa.
– Hi everyone, and thanks Alex. I was born into a family full of Wildcats. With the two generations before me being University of New Hampshire alumni, I grew up with Wildcat Pride all around me. When it came time to make my college decision, I officially joined the rest of the family as a Wildcat. On top of being a university that feels like home to me, UNH is also a place of possibilities. I’ve had so many impactful experiences in my Theater major: costume construction, performance marketing, and off-campus internships are just a few of the hands-on learning opportunities I’ve been a part of over the last two and a half years. I’ve also had amazing opportunities outside of the classroom through UNH’s partnership with Northeast Passage, an adaptive recreation nonprofit with a long history in New England . With Northeast Passage, I have been able to do everything from weekly court sports in the rec center to kayaking to higher intensity opportunities like learning sled hockey while sharing the ice with members of Team USA. I love welcoming New Wildcats to UNH. As an orientation leader and admission student representative, I see a lot of new and perspective students. I absolutely love getting to show them everything I adore about UNH and in many cases being the smiling face, welcoming them to their new home for the next four years. Even after a lifetime of anticipation, attending UNH still lives up to my expectations and frequently exceeds them. I’m honored to be carrying on my family’s legacy, but even more than that, I’m honored to be a part of the Wildcat family as a whole. That’s all from us. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Noa. Your UNH pride is overflowing and we love hearing about the awesome experiences you’re having doing hands-on work in the theater department, giving tours, and living your best life at UNH, just like your parents and their parents did. Thanks again, Noa.
Let’s find out about Roman, a dual major in Nutrition and Ecogastronomy from Avon, New York who has a passion for people. Every wildcat will tell you about the supportive community here and Roman is a great example of how making connections with faculty and other students can make all the difference. The floor is all yours, Roman. Take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. I grew up in the northeast, but I always dreamed of going to a college thousands of miles from my home. Looking back, it was the best thing that never happened. A handwritten letter in the mail from a professor here at the University of New Hampshire changed my mind and that changed everything. We ended up talking for a long time and after that, I knew UNH was where I wanted to be. From that first faculty connection to making new college friends, UNH has allowed me to invest in myself and meet incredible people. As a freshman, I was able to get a group of friends to join me at the gym early in the morning. This created a sense of community and made UNH feel like home. I’ve always loved leading people and helping them on their journey, and because of this, I applied to be a resident advisor on campus. I’ve been an RA for two years now and that’s allowed me to get to know the university better outside of its academics. This opportunity has given me the college experience I was looking for. UNH office programs you can’t find just anywhere. I study Ecogastronomy, looking at food from farm to fork, while also considering nutrition and the pillars of sustainability. It’s important to study the connection between our food system and society to promote well-being. Ecogastronomy feeds my passion for people while also feeding people. Saying yes to opportunities allows you to meet friends like I have and make memories that you’ll have for a lifetime. I’m excited to leave UNH equipped with the ability to make connections in whatever community I end up in. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
I love that story, Roman. Your ability to create community as an RA and with those early morning gym sessions is making UNH into a special place for more than just yourself, and we’re sure those friendships will last a lifetime. Thanks so much, Roman.