Olivia Regan, junior psychology major, had a positive experience both looking for a college and attending her first couple years. Not only did she get involved, but the Pelham High School grad found leadership opportunities that both challenge her and lead her to new possibilities.
Having two siblings who went to residential campuses put some pressure on Regan to find the traditional college experience. However, she knew she wasn’t ready to dorm.
“I just knew the entire aspect of dorming, living on your own and partying wasn’t the right fit for me,” Regan said.
Teaming up with her father, they researched colleges close to home. After going on a campus tour and meeting with a UNH Manchester representative at her high school, she knew it was the place for her.
Not having to worry about dorming and all that goes along with it has been a relief for Regan. She said many of those situations are overwhelming, and she feels she has done better in college without the added stress.
Regan found that the community at UNH Manchester was vast and welcoming, and she didn’t waste any time getting involved. Currently, Regan serves as a student office aid in the Student Services Suite, a Peer Assistant Leader (PAL) and an Orientation Leader (OL).
Being an OL and PAL, she said, has certainly opened up many opportunities. And the way she got those roles is a testament to that.
“Just one event I went to was the reason I got involved,” Regan said, citing a Student Activities event where they were giving out hot chocolate.
At the event, Regan was speaking to another student who mentioned several leadership and involvement roles on campus that she should consider. Now in her second year as an OL and PAL, Regan looks forward to making personal connections with students, which she says is so essential. She mentions how they are important, especially for students coming in for orientation, to let students know the community here is welcoming. Regan is confident that she can do this because of the great team she has with OL.
“There are so many great personalities,” Regan said. “The important thing is that we know so much about each other.”
Regan's advice to new students is to find something that you are interested in on campus or to try something completely new.
“Be open to possibilities,” Regan said. "Take advantage of going to events and there will be opportunities after. You never know what you will discover!”
