Orientation Leaders
Isaac Alvarado
Architecture
Bellevue, Nebraska
My Major and Career Goals:
As a young kid I always knew that I wanted to go into something dealing with constructing buildings. When I found out architecture was exactly that, I knew that it was the major for me. It allowed me to push the creative abilities that I had, with the passion to sculpt the world into a better place for the people around me. I want to be able to design buildings and homes for people in need so that they can one day have a stress-free life without having to worry about where their next rest may be. Eventually, I want to have my own architecture firm that will branch out to help people in need from all around the world.
Jackson Anderson
Marketing
Prospect, Kentucky
Coming to UNL As An Out-of-State Student:
Deciding to go out of state for college comes with a lot of excitement as well as a lot of uncertainty, but as I moved on campus my first semester, I decided I was going to be as proactive as possible in shaping my experience here at UNL. I spent a lot of my time in the first few weeks on campus attending many club fairs and other campus events. Through these events, I met a ton of great people as well as got a good idea of what organizations I wanted to be a part of on campus. Along with on-campus organizations, I went to great lengths to meet as many people as possible, whether this be in my classes or in the residence halls. Some of my best friends today are those I met just by striking up a quick conversation in some of my classes. It only took a few weeks for me to realize that UNL was going to be a great home for the next 4 years.
Malia Bloemker
Psychology
Columbus, Nebraska
Tips For Approaching A Faculty Member:
My number one piece of advice for approaching a faculty member is not to be afraid to approach a UNL faculty member. Faculty members are here to assist you and are passionate about what they teach. Professors want to connect with their students and find out what part of their courses students need extra help with. I always encourage students to go to professors' office hours. It is one of the few opportunities to receive one-on-one attention from a professor. I have never had a professor who was not eager to talk to me. College is about making connections, finding mentors and networking. Put yourself out there!
LeAnne Bugay
Journalism
Bellevue, Nebraska
Advice for an Incoming Student:
The best advice I could give an incoming student would be to embrace change! You may come to college thinking you know exactly what you’re going to major in and how you want to get involved, but that will likely change as you grow and gain new experiences. I added a double major, changed my minor three times and joined a sorority my sophomore year. I’m on a path that better serves my interests because I was honest with myself on what I enjoyed and didn’t enjoy at college. Change like this may be scary at first because you’re forcing yourself to be uncomfortable, but if you embrace it, you’ll see it as an exciting new path in your future that more closely follows your true self!
Rachel Freeman
Political Science
Des Moines, Iowa
Resources I Sought Out On Campus And How it Helped:
My first finals week I was swamped with the amount of essays I had to finish for my classes. I was feeling overwhelmed and thought that there was no way I would be able to finish all of my work by the end of the semester. A couple weeks before everything was due, I reached out to the Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST), they helped me manage my time and set a schedule of when I needed to work on my essays. It made me feel better that I had a plan going into finals week and took some weight off my shoulders. It feels good that there are people on campus ready and willing to help you in your academic journey.
Dulce Garcia
Advertising and Public Relations
Alda, Nebraska
Involvement in Multicultural Organizations:
Diversity is for everyone, and being surrounded by people who are different from you is inevitable. It can be overwhelming to enter spaces you might not feel entirely comfortable in, but UNL has so many multicultural organizations and events to try out. Don’t think because you are not part of a community you cannot join or help because allies are always needed. Check out the Student Involvement page to find an organization you could join or visit the OASIS website to see events related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Learning about different people, their communities, and understanding their struggles will help you learn to be empathic, listen and have difficult conversations. All these things will make you a better student and overall help you grow as a person.
Santiago Giraldo
Computer Science
Cambridge, Nebraska
Getting Involved in Research:
Here at UNL, there are tons of ways to get involved, gain experience and expand your network. One of my favorite experiences here at the university was being involved in research, which came earlier in my college career than I was expecting. During the summer after my freshman year, I had the opportunity to research as a part of the NIMBUS Lab. What I loved about the NIMBUS Lab is that I was able to be a part of real-world research while at the same time gaining hands-on experiences with new software and hardware. I was able to learn how to build, fly and optimize a drone, work on my research poster, and was able to work alongside graduate students and doctorate professors to test out new features on a research project for the Department of Defense.
Aleksandra Glowik
Political Science
Westmont, Illinois
Why I Chose UNL:
When I started applying to colleges, I looked far and wide across the country, basically anywhere besides my home state of Illinois. I toured colleges in states like Arizona and Colorado because I knew this was the life that I wanted to live. Never in a million years would I think to tour the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. A friend from high school, who ended up being my freshman year roommate, encouraged me to take a tour, as she was dead set on living the Husker life for the next four years. I am so thankful that she encouraged me to do so because I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Yes, it is scary at first. You don’t really know anyone, you’re going to get homesick and you’re going to rethink all the choices that you’ve made up until this point. But stick with it, find your interests and your people, and make the most of the Big Red culture.
Trenton Hammond
Biological Sciences
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Most Surprising Thing About UNL:
Having grown up in Lincoln, UNL has always been my home. But I never expected it to be the community that it is. Although UNL may be a large university, there are a lot of small communities within the university, and they are always welcoming and inclusive. Everyone on campus is so friendly and always provides opportunities to improve the college experience and that is truly what is the most surprising about UNL. Everyone talks about the culture at Nebraska and how important it is, but it is so much more than that and is vastly larger than what people assume. The university is here to help everyone thrive and “Academics + Experiences = Opportunities” is a great quote that I think truly captivates the culture and attitude that the university has, and I think that the importance of this message is truly what surprised me the most.
Adam Kendrick
Forensic Sciences
Bridgeton, Missouri
My Major and Career Goals:
Throughout my whole life, I strived to be an advocate for others without the strongest voice. This translated heavily to my decision in a career. The field of forensic science, as you could imagine, is not for everyone. However, my desire to bring justice to victims of crime and be the voice for my community has been a major influence in choosing my major. At UNL, there are knowledgeable professors who want to see you succeed as they once had. The dream job would be to one day be a forensic toxicologist with the DEA or FBI. More than likely, I will not be the one kicking down doors and arresting the criminals. My work will be less action-packed by analyzing illicit substances through some expensive machinery. Even so, the work I will put forth will aid tremendously in bringing justice to those wronged.
Hannah-Kate Kinney
Advertising and Public Relations
Omaha, Nebraska
Advice for an Incoming Student:
With over 20,000 undergraduate students and a campus spanning over 850 acres, being a new student at UNL can seem a bit daunting—particularly for those from some distance away or otherwise unfamiliar with Lincoln. The best advice then that I could give to incoming students is to find a “home” within our larger campus community. And while it can feel undeniably intimidating at times, attending a Big 10 university like UNL likewise affords limitless opportunities for involvement. Interested in rockets and drones? Check out our Aerospace Club! Passionate about animals and the role that they can play as service companions? Maybe Zew & Companion Animal Vet Med Club is for you! UNL has truly got your interests covered from A to Z. So whether you find your place of belonging through involvement with an RSO, in applying for an on-campus job, or by joining a study group at the union (or perhaps all of the above), don’t be afraid to take a chance to meet new people and try something new. At Lincoln, you’ll find your home away from home—you’ve just got to get yourself out there. Your Big Red family awaits.
Jack Kinney
Business Administration
Omaha, Nebraska
Tips For Approaching A Faculty Member:
Before college, I thought I had a firm handle on my educational plan. I applied myself, worked hard to study successfully and earned good grades. But after my first semester at UNL, I realized that I’d never experienced true struggle until enrolling in an accounting course. Even though I’d taken advanced coursework throughout high school, I hadn’t taken business classes and was entirely outside my comfort zone. Two weeks into the semester, I wanted to throw my TI-84 calculator across the room; I had to figure out how to find success. My advice to incoming students is this: you wisely enrolled in a university entirely devoted to your success, so take advantage of those resources. Perhaps you, too, might find yourself in the midst of a struggle that you hadn’t anticipated. Don’t panic. Take advantage of the student support services on campus. Seek out help, even if you’ve never done so before. For me, that meant signing up for accounting study groups, scheduling meetings with the course TAs, and visiting with my instructor frequently during office hours. After all that, a chapter I felt certain was bound for disaster ended up being an opportunity for the greatest learning.
Isha Kishore
Finance
Omaha, Nebraska
Resources I Sought Out On Campus and How they Helped:
I struggled to transition from high school to college. In high school, my schedule was very structured. I knew which classes I had to take every semester. As a new student at UNL, I was unsure of what courses to take. I had no idea what an ACE course meant. I remember staring at my degree audit in disbelief. All the terms were foreign to me, and I was overwhelmed by the requirements to graduate. I reached out to an academic advisor and scheduled a meeting with her. She walked me through the steps to register for courses, told me about intriguing classes that fulfilled my major requirements, and explained what the terms in my degree audit meant. Now, every semester, before course registration, I sit down with my academic advisor, and she simplifies all of the information I need to know. UNL offers a plethora of courses that may interest you. If you ever feel like you do not understand your major requirements or what classes to enroll in, it is crucial to reach out to an academic advisor for help.
Alijah Mallula
English
Valparaiso, Nebraska
Resources I Sought Out On Campus and How they Helped:
A resource I sought on campus is Career Services. Halfway through freshman year, I realized that I didn’t like what I was doing and began to panic not knowing where I was going with my degree and career. Through career services and the kind people there, I was able to figure out what my strengths are, what my weaknesses are, and how I can channel my strengths and grow my weaknesses in a career path that suits me. This was when I found out about the Emerging Media Arts program! They helped me with my application and walked me through what my majors and degree will look like and helped settle any uncertainties that come with not knowing what major or career to work toward.
Madison Maloney
Computer Science
Las Vegas, Nevada
Coming to UNL as an Out-of-State Student:
I am an out-of-state student, born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I entertained attending UNL as I had extended family in the area. During the two-day drive east to move into my Abel Hall room, the number one question on my mind was, “Am I going to meet new friends?” I didn’t know anyone attending UNL, so this was a totally new experience for me. It was somewhat of a shock coming from high school knowing everyone in my senior class to knowing no one and having to meet all new people. However, my worries were quickly resolved. I reached out to meet new friends in my residence hall, classes and clubs. I grew my social circle and met others from around the world with their own experiences. I had the opportunity to learn about UNL, Nebraska and general Midwest customs and traditions to create a sense of home while on campus. Using on-campus resources and friends that I’ve met at UNL, I’ve created a support group and can officially call Nebraska my “home away from home.”
Gabrielle Modica
Animal Science
Naperville, Illinois
Resources I Sought Out On Campus And How they Helped:
As an out-of-state student in my first semester of college, I began feeling extremely alone, and was noticeably struggling. I had a strong support system of friends here on campus in addition to my family back at home; even though that was the case, I still felt off. I knew that I needed to have someone here on campus that would be able to help me understand why I was feeling this way, and how to cope. After a month on campus, I finally decided to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The entire process was stress-free and simple; I was able to talk to somebody for my first appointment that very day. My psychologist was beyond understanding and made me feel incredibly comfortable. I was able to ask many different questions that allowed me to understand what I’m experiencing, why I’m experiencing it and how to manage it. It was such a relief to hear that I wasn’t alone, and how common it was to feel that way. I had such a great experience with CAPS, so I decided to continue it all year, and can proudly say that it contributed to my amazing freshman year experience.
Osvaldo Palma Vargas
Sociology
Grand Island, Nebraska
My Major and Career Goals:
After switching multiple times, I decided to major in sociology because of my passion for working with students who are like me: first-generation students of color from low-income communities. While I originally started college as an education major, I realized that my interests and paths were to fit best in a different direction. After being undecided for a while, I looked into other majors that would connect with what I love and what I would like to do in the future and that is how I found my current major. What’s beautiful about sociology is that because it’s such a broad field of study, I have flexibility when it comes to how I wish to use my degree and skills after graduating. Therefore, I have more range of what I wish to learn and study while also continuing my passion for education in different ways. I plan to pursue a career in an educational or student services/affairs environment. I can use the knowledge I gained from Sociology to help guide and provide resources to either high school or post-secondary students that will help them succeed in school and pave the way towards a future with more possibilities.
Sydney Spanel
Elementary Education
Elkhorn, Nebraska
Advice for an Incoming Student:
The best advice I could give to an incoming student is to make time for healthy habits. Though college can be overwhelming and exciting all at once, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Moving your body or getting adequate sleep each night might have been things you did naturally in high school but forget to do in college. When I first got to college, I was overwhelmed and felt like I didn’t have time to exercise. My parents came and visited me about a week after I moved in and could feel that I was stressed. One of the best stress relievers for me is exercise, and I completely disregarded it. After their visit, I committed to making exercising a priority each day. Whether I went on walks around campus, took a cycling class at the rec center or used the weight room, I felt my stress levels decrease. When I consistently made time to exercise, I had more clarity in how to manage my time. Though college can get busy, you should never be too overwhelmed to find time for yourself, mentally and physically.
Lydia Storm
Biochemistry
Lawrence, Kansas
Advice for an Incoming Student:
Starting off college can be extremely overwhelming in terms of social connections ranging from friends to classmates, but also because of professional relationships. Coming into college as an out-of-state student, I had no social or professional relationship and I had to start building from the ground up. I did not know where to begin in creating connections that would further me in my field of study. As a first step, I would recommend starting with your advisor in creating and building a relationship. It makes life so much easier when they know your passions and goals because it makes them want to help you succeed. My advisor had been extremely impactful beyond just the everyday tasks of an advisor, like picking out classes. I have been sent jobs, scholarships and so much more. These opportunities have ultimately helped expand my professional network beyond just my advisor. Advisors want to help you succeed in all areas of life and are more than happy to point out other options for involvement, but also services for mental health and wellbeing. I have found having a professional relationship, whether that be an advisor, a professor or other various community members, makes such a large school a tight-knit community and I am ecstatic to be part of it.
Conner Utech
Accounting
Bennington, Nebraska
Tips For Approaching A Faculty Member:
Approaching a faculty member can seem like a daunting task. However, it shouldn’t be! For starters, understand that they are people too. In fact, they are some of the nicest and coolest people! My advice for approaching the faculty member is to first identify how you want to approach them. If it is over email, be polite and address them by their title. Keep your message concise and, if asking for a favor, don’t be too aggressive. If you are talking to them in person, find a mutual topic. If they are your professor for a class, talk to them after class and bring up points from the lecture. Ask them questions, get to know them and be friendly. If a professor gets to know you more personally, they’ll be more inclined to write you letters of recommendation, provide guidance within a career or assist you with research later on in your college career.
Madison van Ophem
Forensic Science
Overland Park, Kansas
My On-Campus Job as an Ambassador:
I am an ambassador for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) on East Campus. With most of my classes being on City Campus, I didn’t get the opportunity to learn much about East Campus my freshman year. Working on East Campus has allowed me to learn more about the university, while also interacting more with CASNR students and faculty. As part of my job, I assist the East Campus Visitor’s Center with campus visits and other recruiting events. I am a presenter for CASNR’s welcome presentation, I take visitors to their academic appointment and I often give families tours of East Campus afterwards. We also take families to the dairy store and get them free ice cream! I always love interacting with prospective students and their families because I get to show them a unique experience that many non-CASNR students don’t have. It is also very rewarding to see the faces of the families light up when they see what we have to offer. I love the feeling I get when I see that someone has found their new place within CASNR, and that’s why I love being a CASNR ambassador.
Kate Vermilyea
English
Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Resources I Sought Out On Campus And How they Helped:
Making the transition from high school to college seems extremely daunting at first. Coming to a new school with completely different surroundings is hard enough, and then on top of everything, your academic schedule and format are turned upside down. I found myself embracing the change, but also in need of guidance when it came to finding professional experience and completing simple but important tasks like drafting a resume or preparing for job interviews. I turned to the College of Arts and Sciences website and discovered the page for the college’s career services. I had just scored my first official job interview as a college student and by booking an appointment with a career coach, I was able to not only get organized and prepared for the interview but also gain skills I will carry with me when I graduate.
Abby Waldo
Secondary Education (English)
Republican City, Nebraska
The Most Surprising Thing About UNL:
All throughout high school, I had been told that college would be tough, and the professors would be even tougher. I was prepared to go to class, be faced with difficult questions, and have professors not know my name or care about me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From the first class I attended, I could tell the faculty here at Nebraska really cared about me and wanted to help me succeed. Professors were interested in my life and my goals. My advisor was the best listener and wanted to make sure that I was transitioning to college smoothly. Even the person who scanned my N-Card at the dining hall always asked how my day was going. The kindness and compassion that surrounded me at this university was something I wasn’t expecting, but I’m so thankful for the kind and genuine people I have met.