Orientation Leaders
Luke Anderson
Trombone Performance
Lincoln, Nebraska
Tips for Approaching a Faculty Member:
The number one most important thing is to let go of any fear or pride or anything else that might be giving you reservations about reaching out. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help, in fact, it’s a very mature thing to do because it shows that you’re invested in your education, and that you’re making the effort to do the best you can. Most professors are more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have! They know as well as anyone that college can be difficult and can stretch you thin sometimes. Asking for help or showing up to office hours is one of the best ways you can help yourself if you’re struggling in a class. A lot of teachers have specific logistical things they need you to follow when emailing them, just because usually they have hundreds of students and so they get a ton of emails. It’s typically things like including your course and section number in the subject line, putting your NUID in your signature, and general parameters of what you should actually email them about. Most of the time, this information is in the syllabus so be sure you have everything straight before sending off your email, because they probably won’t respond or even read it if you don’t do what they ask. That’s not because they don’t care, it’s just simply because of the sheer amount of emails they receive. Formatting your email correctly helps your professor know that you are serious and intentional about reaching out to them for help.
Chase Auman
Biochemistry
Overland Park, Kansas (a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri)
Getting Involved in Research:
Getting involved in research seems like a daunting task. Especially as a freshman or sophomore, it may seem overwhelming or hard to get started. However, before you even start to look at research that interests you, keep in mind that most professors and researchers love to talk about their research and to work with undergrads! It’s really simple to get involved; just go online and browse through the research being done by department until you find something that jumps out to you. Don’t be afraid to reach out via email to learn more! In my lab, I have learned invaluable information about the field and have met amazing people, making great connections along the way. While your individual research experience will vary, I promise that you will have a great experience!
Victoria Baker
Journalism
Papillion, Nebraska
My On-Campus Job and How it Impacts Me:
As a busy college student, having resources close in proximity that work with my schedule are best. So, when I was looking for a job, I wanted one that was close to my residence hall and would offer flexibility. I then found a job as a front desk assistant at the University Suites. Because the front desk is deemed as customer service, I'm taught how to problem solve and how to help others. I learn how to be self-sufficient and to maximize my productivity during down time. I also learn how be an efficient communicator and how to interact with other front desk assistants. Being a front desk assistant not only impacts me monetarily, but also professionally and personally.
Keller Barry
Biochemistry Pre-Medicine
Parker, Colorado
What It's Like as an Out-of-State Student:
Coming to UNL as an out of state student was initially intimidating for me as I only knew 5 people and had no prior connections to Nebraska or UNL. Arriving to my dorm room on my first day brought feelings of uncertainty and questioning. However this uncertain fresh start enabled me to be whoever it was that I wanted to be. I made an effort to reach out to kids on my floor and in my classes, and to get involved in sports and other RSO's on campus. Within the first weeks of being on campus it was clear to me that I was already a part of the UNL community and that everyone here wanted me to succeed as a part of the Husker community.
Luiza Benvenuti
Psychology
Brusque, Brazil
My On-Campus Job at Career Services:
I have been working in Career Services as a Peer Career Guide since August of 2018. The responsibilities changed over the years but being able to work with students and coworkers from different background impacted me on the way I view myself and my own skills. It has allowed me to improve and develop my strengths and know my limitations. Even the changes in the position have showed me what I would and would not like to do in my future career. Besides that, having an on-campus job has allowed me to network with many offices, faculty, and staff around campus. I created many connections and can feel the support from those that have worked and still work with me. My supervisors and coworkers are a constant source of advice, resources – both on and off campus –, and people that I can talk to in order to learn more about myself, what I want to do in the future, and how I can be successful while and after college.
Jayven Brandt
Secondary Social Science Education with a minor in Human Rights and Humanity Affairs
Kearney, Nebraska
My Major and Career Goals:
As a Secondary Social Science Education major my passion will always be to educate. From a very young age I knew I was meant to be an educator. By having a minor in Human Rights and Humanity affairs I focus my education aspirations as fighting and educating about human rights, social justice and equality! Some day I plan to go into Educational Administration to be either a principal, Superintendent, or even a college dean or vice chancellor. By being an LGBT African American male, I want to spread the message of diversity and inclusion for all social groups. My dream is to one day implement an educational requirement that students must take at least one multicultural or diversity class of some sort before they graduate high school!
Taylor Daum
English with a minor in Geography
Emerson, Nebraska
Being a First Generation college student:
I kicked off my college career by taking part in First Husker, a program specifically geared towards First-Year, First-Generation students. First Husker helps students get acclimated to campus and get to know a variety of students, staff, and advisors, while also finding a sense of belonging here at UNL. This program thus allowed me to build and create more connections and relationships within the First-Generation community. I found myself wanting to dig deeper and learn more about this new identity I’ve discovered, so I joined the First-Gen RSO which I am now the Secretary of. Through this student organization, I’ve been able to connect with other students and advisors sharing similar stories and experiences. The First-Gen RSO allowed me to analyze and figure out who I am and my purpose for being here at UNL—my purpose for finding the courage to attend college in the first place.
Jared DeHaan
Sports Media and Communications
Taylor, Missouri
Moving to Lincoln from a Small Town:
When I first moved to Lincoln for first semester of freshman year, it was a total culture shock. I came from a small town of Taylor, Missouri where we had 1 gas station and a closed down post office. That's all we had. I had to drive 15 miles to get to the closest school. It was so easy to navigate through life in my small town that I didn't know what to expect my first semester of freshman year. I struggled keeping up with some of my classes and managing my time because there were so many things I could be doing in Lincoln that I could never do back home. Once I focused on keeping up in all my classes and managing my time, Lincoln began to feel smaller and smaller. I began to see so many familiar faces and felt like I was becoming a part of the community. I embraced the city life and now Lincoln doesn't feel so big after all. It was a tough start and shocking to me, but with the help of meaningful friendships, managing my time and embracing the Lincoln community, I felt like I truly belonged here.
Sophia Deras
Civil Engineering
Fort Worth, Texas
What It's Like as an Out-of-State Student:
When I moved into my residence hall as a Freshman, I didn’t know a single other student. Being from a high school where everyone knew each other, I was really worried my peers would already have a social circle coming into college and I would struggle making friends. I was also nervous for the midwestern winters, as I’d never really experienced the cold since I am from Texas. Learning to dress for the winter, getting rides to the airport, and driving in the snow were all things I had to get help with as an out-of-state student. Through my friends and UNL resources I have been able to build a support system here on campus, even though home is more than 500 miles away.
Ashly Felipe-Espino
Pre-law Criminology & Criminal Justice
Lincoln, Nebraska
Multicultural Support on Campus:
I work as a peer mentor for the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services (OASIS). I chose to apply to this specific position because I had a mentor my first year who was extremely helpful, and I wanted to have that same impact on others. What started out as me wanting to have an impact turned into something that really impacted me. My group of mentees have shown me that while we all come from different backgrounds, we face a lot of the same struggles as college students. They have also taught me that having someone to talk to who is a student like you and has most likely gone through what you’re going through can be more beneficial that speaking to an adult. Being able to help them get through their first year, just as my mentor helped me through mine, has been one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.
Audra Heyne
Computer Science
Lincoln, Nebraska
Tips for Approaching a Faculty Member:
One of the biggest reasons I joined UNL is that I felt that UNL was a community that would support me academically, professionally, and socially. I had to learn that in order to best utilize that support system, I had to step out of my comfort zone and ask for help. The biggest tip that I could give a student is to go to office hours. If a professor intimidates you or you aren’t even sure what kind of questions to ask, go to the Teaching Assistant’s office hours. I often just go to TA office hours to work and ask questions as they come up. TA’s are students just like you, and they want to help and be useful! When approaching a professor, whether it’s in person or in an email, make sure that you are professional and give a solid first impression. Professors remember disrespectful students and will be less willing to help if they don’t feel as though you are taking their class seriously.
Bekka Hitz
7-12 Special Education
Omaha, Nebraska
Advice for an Incoming Student:
The best advice I could give to an incoming student is to branch out. The easiest time to meet new people and try new things will be when you first arrive on campus. It may not seem like it, but everyone is just as nervous as you are and they are also wanting to make new friends. It is easy to stick with the people you knew before coming to college or to be by yourself, but in the end, making that leap to talk to someone new or join an activity on campus can set the mood for your college experience. On a campus this big you are bound to find someone or something that makes it feel like home.
Wyatt Hubbard
Applied Science
Elm Creek, Nebraska
My Study Abroad Experience:
During my sophomore year, I had the amazing opportunity to study in the beautiful country of New Zealand for three weeks. While we were studying we had the opportunity to become fully immersed in their culture. We had time both in and out of the classroom and were able to travel all around the south island of New Zealand. While there we got to experience all of the wonders the south island has to offer, as well as interacting with the local people. One of my favorite experiences was learning about cricket and how it is played, including getting to watch part of a cricket tournament. This trip not only gave me lifelong memories but also lifelong friendships!
Michael Ilg
Biological Sciences & Psychology
Omaha, Nebraska
Getting Involved in Greek Life:
Getting involved with my Fraternity was the best decision that I have made in college. Coming into college, my mindset on what my experience would be was very linear. I was going to focus on school and stay in my room. That all changed when I was exposed to Greek Life. I met incredible leaders, stellar role models, and my current best friends. Being a part of a Greek organization also introduced me to every other involvement that I participate on campus. It was a springboard to becoming connected to many organizations and people on campus that have aided my journey through the first two years of college. I can’t imagine where I would be right now without the friends, connections, and involvements that have come from my Fraternity and it is something that I would recommend to all incoming students to get involved with their first year at UNL.
Clare Frances Kennedy
Communication Studies & Women's and Gender Studies
Nashville, Tennessee
Tips for Approaching a Faculty Member:
Approaching a Faculty Member can be really intimidating! However, the faculty at UNL are always so excited to work with students. The first step is just going to office hours to introduce yourself. Just letting your professors know that you are interested in their class can go such a long way. Faculty Members are always so excited when students share an interest in their area of study, or just make the time to come ask a quick question. Showing that initial interest could lead to a research opportunity, help you find a mentor in your possible career path, or just better help you understand course content!
Paige Kesling
Restaurant, Tourism, and Hospitality Management
Blair, Nebraska
My On-Campus Job at the Rec:
Here on campus, I work at the UNL Campus Recreation Center (the Rec). I am a staff assistant for the intramural and sports club programs. I started as a referee and worked my way up to eventually be a staff assistant. This job has had an immense impact on me, and I am so grateful for all of the things it has taught me. Starting as a referee, I met so many people and got to experience campus from another perspective. As a staff assistant, I gain a family. This job has taught me how to communicate effectively, be a great leader, and take on situations that test my limits. Leadership and communication are two aspects of this position that will be carried on every single day for the rest of my life.
Emma Krab
Journalism & English
Ogallala, Nebraska
The Most Surprising Thing about UNL:
When I first came to UNL, it seemed really big and daunting. However, I was surprised to learn that UNL can really be a small world if you’re willing to make connections. Even by my second year at the university, there was at least one person I knew in almost every class, and I started to run into acquaintances all the time on campus. Now that I have a pretty big network around me, it’s hard to go from one end of campus to the other without stopping and saying hello to someone!
Audrey Kreun
Accounting
Hull, Iowa
Moving to Lincoln from a Small Town:
I moved from a town of 2200 people to a college that has double that many students in just one graduating class! Personally, I was absolutely thrilled to be moving to the “city” and was psyched for all the opportunities--restaurants, movie-theaters, bowling alleys, musicals at the Lied, the downtown scene, you name it!—it all appealed to me after living 18 years in a town that only had a Subway, Pizza Ranch, and Casey’s gas station. But while I was looking forward to the new experiences, I still had some reservations. My biggest fear was that I was going to blend into the big, red crowd and fall through the cracks in my classes. I was used to attending a school where every teacher knew not only me by name, but also my parents, siblings, and potentially even my cousins. However, I soon learned that it is possible to find community here; it just requires a little more intentionality. Attending office hours, joining clubs and organizations, and simply being friendly to other students in classes goes a long way. I was also very intimidated by the level of preparedness of some of my peers. I came to college with zero college credits as my school did not offer Advanced Placement or college-level courses. Freshman year, I suffered from constantly comparing my academic journey to that of my peers. However, I’ve since come to realize that we all have our own race to run. This year, I started focusing on my own path and aspirations, and the noise about what others are doing has since faded into the background.
Conner Lardenoit
Psychology
Lincoln, Nebraska
The Most Surprising Thing about UNL:
The most surprising thing about UNL for me is how much people care about you. I really never thought that I would be able to receive a unique college experience being at such a big school, but the way that UNL takes care of you is second to none. They truly put your needs above everything else, and it is so easy to find someone to talk to. UNL is a first-rate institution that other large universities cannot beat.
Bobby Martin
Marketing
Omaha, Nebraska
Advice for an Incoming Student:
If I had to give you just one piece of advice as an incoming student, it would be to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I’ve quickly learned at UNL, that it is during the times I am for outside of my element that I experience myself the most. To push myself outside of my comfort zone, I ask myself, “When was the last time I did something for the first time?” Trying something new has helped me meet new people, gain a new perspective on life, find new hobbies, interests, and even lead me to find the career field I want to go into.
Logan Newman
Fisheries and Wildlife and Pre-Vet
Table Rock, Nebraska
Moving to Lincoln from a Small Town:
I really enjoyed living in a small town, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. However, in my senior year, I was ready to try something new. I was really excited about moving to Lincoln. It was a little scary in some aspects. Being a class of only 22 students, there was only one other person from my high school coming to UNL. I knew a few people from neighboring towns who were coming here, but I really didn’t know a whole lot of people. I knew that I was about to experience things and meet people that I would never even think of in my small town. I have really enjoyed my time at UNL, and I have realized that even though there are thousands of people here, and there are more people who live in each residence than in my small town of 200 people, I see people who I am friends with randomly on campus every day. I believe that UNL is just one “big” small community, and I have grown as a person because of it.
Lucy Peterkin
International Business
Omaha, Nebraska
My Major and Career Goals:
The most life changing advice I have ever received was this: "Go where your greatest passion meets the world's greatest need, there is where you will change the world." In the time since I first heard those words, I have continued to reflect deeply on where my greatest passions lie and how I can leverage them to meet the monumental needs we see around us in the world today. I chose to major in International Business because of the great power of business logistics and strategic problem solving to change the world for the better. Through my minors in Mathematics, Business Law, and Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, I have had the opportunity to add unique quantitative and qualitative competencies to my business education. I have enjoyed the breadth of knowledge my major and minors have offered me and the opportunities they have afforded me to explore my passion for justice, equity, and building strong communities. From local Nebraska cities to international agencies, I see a great need for sustainable systems and accessible infrastructure, so I hope to pursue a degree in law and continue on to a career in which I can bring innovative and compassionate solutions to big social problems.
Alec Rome
Broadcasting
Omaha, Nebraska
Starting a Recognized Student Organization (RSO):
Creating UNL Poker Club my freshman year was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I decided, along with the help of my friends, to start an RSO simply because we knew other people might enjoy it. Being involved in an RSO brought me new friends, countless memories and other professional opportunities just from a club around coming together and playing poker once a week. It has enriched and enhanced my life and built relationships that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Jake Schmitt
Chemistry
Hartland, Wisconsin
What It's Like as an Out-of-State Student:
When I made the decision to come to UNL, I was nervous. As an out-of-state student, it takes a lot of courage to leave a place of comfort and step out into the world. I was nervous that I wasn’t going to enjoy my time at UNL and that I wouldn’t be able to create a home for the next few years. However, choosing to leave home and attend UNL has been one of the biggest changing points in my life so far. Leaving home, I’ve made new friends from all over the world and been exposed to many opportunities that I would’ve never expected. I found out I wasn’t the only person with these anxieties and that many people are trying to make a new home just like I was. With my time at UNL, I’ve grown so much more as a person. It’s scary to take a shot in the dark and attend school far from home, but I promise that it’ll be all worth it in the end. You’ll grow as a person in ways you’d never expect and that has made all the difference for me as an out-of-state student.
Sara Segal
Human Resource Management
Omaha, Nebraska
Resource I Sought Out On Campus And How It Helped:
During my first semester of college, I was really struggling mentally. I’m not the kind of person to dwell in my feelings without a plan, so I made an appointment with Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Scheduling an appointment was incredibly easy, and the wait wasn’t very long. After going to my intake appointment, I immediately made another appointment with my same psychologist. From there on out, I was able to ask clarifying questions about how I was feeling and understand that I wasn’t alone. After that semester I knew that I would need a longer-term plan, which led me to find another psychologist who could help me. Now, I can say that I am happier than I’ve ever been.
Canyon Skare
English
Lincoln, Nebraska
My Major and Career Goals:
Ever since I was a little kid, I enjoyed reading. I loved diving into stories and losing myself in the worlds they created, so much so that I often recreated them with LEGOS or whatever toys I had lying around, adding my own twists and turns as I saw fit. As I grew older, I began to recognize the stories around us, the everyday stories we tell each other, the big stories that are on our TVs, the legends that make up our cultures. As people, we understand ourselves and our world by telling stories, and it was this fascination that led me to my English major. I’d love to become an author and write stories of my own eventually, but to better appreciate the art of storytelling itself (and to pay the bills!) I plan on going to grad school and pursuing a tenure track position as an English professor at a University like UNL.
Viangri Sontay Lopez
Child, Youth, and Family Studies
Grand Island, Nebraska (originally from Colorado)
How I Found My Major:
I came into UNL as undeclared with two known majors in mind—psychology or civil engineering. As a first-generation student, I had no idea that part of the university experience was to explore and find what I was passionate about. So after transitioning from being undeclared and choosing to major in Psychology, I changed my major to Elementary Education. And after experiencing this major, I changed my major again…twice. I switched to Art and then finally landed on Child, Youth, and Family Studies. I absolutely loved working with children and engaging with them, but I felt that as elementary teacher I couldn’t connect with them on as deep a level as I wanted. So with my major I have more opportunities to learn about family function and further my education to choose from careers of social worker to counselor. Personally, I want to work with scholarship programs so that I can create my own program for first-generation minority students. It’s a big dream, but I want to make a big impact on students and families alike.
Elle Stanley
Biochemistry
Columbia, Missouri
Advice for an Incoming Student:
The best advice I could give to an incoming student is that it is okay to change your direction. This can be anything from your major, to your career goals or the organizations you are a part of. This is a part of growth in college, and it is perfectly natural! I know that it is scary to abandon a plan, possibly even a plan that you have had since you were in high school. But even though the leap is scary, it is the leap of faith that will make your college experience and career path goals much more clear. I would also highly encourage exploring all of the things that UNL has to offer, because you never know if you’ll stumble across something that you are truly passionate about that can change your direction. This is so important as when you find that club, major, career path, etc that you are excited about, you’ll find other students that are passionate about similar things. From those students you’ll find friends and study buddies, people who will influence and enrich your college experience.
Peyton Taylor
Psychology
Raymond, Nebraska
My Major and Career Goals:
During my senior year I felt overwhelmed with the endless possibilities of careers that I had to choose from and the various paths that I could take to get there. It wasn’t until my third major change during my freshman year that I came to the realization of what I truly wanted to do. I declared my major as Psychology, with minors in National Security Studies and Aerospace Studies. I was determined that once I commissioned into the United States Air Force I would be an Intelligence Officer, focusing on protecting information alongside other agencies and governments, collecting data from external threats, and integrating intelligence with combat situations. Once I retire from the Air Force I am interested in working in a Veteran’s Hospital as a Mental Health Professional to ensure the recovery and success of our nation’s veterans.
Libby Valerio-Boster
Nutrition and Health Sciences
Omaha, Nebraska
Advice for an Incoming Student:
While this advice may seem obvious, the best advice I can give to an incoming student is "do not be afraid to ask for help." When I say this, I mean in any part of your college experience. There are resources and people who are in your corner from the second you register for classes. There are also resources to help you with any struggle. I would recommended meeting with your academic advisor frequently as they are one of the most important and helpful people on campus for you in terms of academics. Also, use the programs that are there to make the transition to college smoother. CAST and the Explore Center are fantastic resources if you are looking for advice and help with study skills, determining a career path, or help with note taking and time management. But most importantly, ask for help if you are struggling mentally. College is not easy and we live in an every changing world. the counselors at CAPS are a wonderful resource. The Big Red Resilience and Well-Being program provides resources to help students navigate transitions, manage stress, and connect with others. Overall, UNL provides fantastic resources for students and it is important to take care of yourself and take advantage of these opportunities.
Emma Vazquez
Animal Science Pre-Vet
Omaha, Nebraska
The Most Surprising Thing about UNL:
For me, the most surprising thing about UNL was the student body. Coming from Omaha, most people from my high school came to UNL. This worried me because I wanted to be able to make a new set of friends in college. How was I supposed to do this if I already knew everyone? I stressed about this every day leading up to the start of freshman year, only to realize that it was all for naught. I met so many new people the first day of classes, that seeing familiar faces almost felt like a refresher. These connections I had from the past even allowed me to make new connections in college. I now have a network of peers I can reach out to for help in a class or to hang out with. This unconditional support has definitely helped me become a more engaged and outgoing student. UNL’s student population is the definition of “Nebraska Nice,” and this has been proven to me over and over again.
Gracie Williams
English/Language Arts Education
Broken Bow, Nebraska
Advice for an Incoming Student:
The best advice I could give an incoming student is to listen to and trust yourself. Truly. This past year, I struggled with accepting the fact that I was not feeling well mentally, and instead of addressing it, I pretended that I was fine. This, of course, fixed nothing, and it wasn’t until I actually paused and listened to myself that I started to understand emotions were not to be ignored or made to feel unimportant. I really had to trust that I made the right choice by seeking help, and trust that utilizing resources was actually really brave. Listening to what I was feeling and trusting myself to make healthy choices is what I had to do to be successful, but it looks different for everyone. Listening to and trusting yourself can look like not spending money on coffee every time your friends do, following a career path that you truly adore over simply doing what is expected of you, or choosing to cultivate the friendships that are fulfilling rather than those that are draining. Learning to cultivate these practices in my college career has helped me create the positive university experience I was so excited for as an incoming freshman.
Malayna Wingert
Biological Systems Engineering
Sterling, Nebraska
Getting Involved in Research:
Before attending UNL, I knew it was the place I wanted to be by the vast amount of opportunities there were to explore new ideas. One way I have done this is through research. As early as the summer after my freshman year I took part in two research projects. Not knowing what I want to do after I graduate has steered me towards using research to expand my horizons of career options. I have done research with a faculty member as well as through the Summer Nebraska Engineering Research Program (SNERP). Throughout my research experience I was very vocal about not having any prior research experience and wanting to have a hands-on opportunity. My research with a faculty member included looking at how different nutrients affect organism growth in Holmes Lake (an urban lake in Lincoln). This project allowed me to apply knowledge I had learned in my first chemistry and biology classes which was really cool! The other research program allowed me to have a part in looking at how microplastics travel through agricultural soils, a fairly new and innovative idea. This program also introduced me to writing research papers and presenting a poster on my work. These experiences gave me the confidence and skills to continue my career search with an open mind.