51Ʒ��

Why UNE

[While I was] researching schools with strong marine and environmental programs, 51Ʒ��came up at the top of the list because of its diverse marine curriculum with so many fields to focus on. I’ve always known that I wanted to be involved with the environment and ocean. That’s been where my passion has been since I was young. The professors and advisors at 51Ʒ��go above and beyond to wholeheartedly support students.

There’s an awesome intro to beekeeping class here at 51Ʒ��where we learn about the history of bee biology, hives, and locations. It’s really cool to see the bees in action through our beehives on campus.

Beyond the Classroom

I’ve been a member of the Earth’s Eco Club since my freshman year and I’m now the president. Through this club, we’ve been able to work closely with UNE’s Office of Sustainability and its staff. It’s been really nice to have such a collaborative staff advisor from School of Marine and Environmental Programs (SMEP) to share our ideas, concerns, and projects. Through this group, we are able to make on-campus environmental change happen.

The Clean Seas kiosk at Freddy Beach, which is a self-serve beach clean up station, was something our group was able to partner with the sustainability office on. The kiosk stores gloves and garbage bags for [students and the public] to have easy access and promote the normalcy of clean ups.

I also really loved the Switch and Ditch project held at the end of last semester. When people were moving out of their dorms, we had boxes where people could put anything that they didn’t want in the lobby. We basically made it into a thrift shop so people weren’t just throwing things away. Our club [and the sustainability office] really wanted to focus on that reusing aspect of reduce, reuse, and recycle.

I’m really proud to say that I’ve been involved with the sustainability office. It’s really rewarding.

I did my first semester of college at a large state school in Massachusetts. During my first semester, I felt lost. It was a very big school, and I felt like I was being treated like a number. I didn’t feel personally connected to my professors. No one really knew my name. After the first month or so, I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me, so I started looking at other schools. I had always known of 51Ʒ��because I grew up vacationing in Old Orchard Beach with my family.

51Ʒ��felt comfortable and there is so much opportunity for global exploration and experience. Coming back after time away, professional staff and fellow students are like, “Oh my gosh, we missed you.” I don’t know any other college that welcomes you in like that. 51Ʒ��embodies what I really want out of a school. It makes me my best self in every way possible. Also, I am able to be an athlete here and balance it with my academics, fieldwork, and research. I feel so well-rounded from my experience already. I am really grateful for my 51Ʒ��community.

At UNE I always feel seen and heard, and I have never been spoken down to here because I am a student, because I am young, because I am female, or for any other reason. Even as a student athlete here, I have always been treated with so much respect, love, and kindness. 51Ʒ��is a place full of people with passion for what they are doing. I am inspired by this place and its people.

I love the education program. All of the professors are amazing, and everyone has their own kind of niche, which is really cool. I've had classes with all of the professors and my [academic advisor]. My advisor is all about special education and innovation in the way of different kinds of learners. She has taught me a lot about adapting to students’ different learning needs. 

Another of my professors is all about technology, innovation, and global studies. She has taught me a lot about education here in the U.S. versus other parts of the world. Then another is such a humanitarian. She cares so much about people, equity, and welcoming different kinds of cultures. 

It’s so interesting to get diverse perspectives from my different professors.