Since her junior year at Trinity High School, Angelita Connell had UNH Manchester in mind for college. Wanting to become a teacher, the communication arts major researched many institutions that had the best teaching programs. She chose UNH Manchester not just for the accelerated master’s program for teaching, but also because of the support she would be receiving.
As a freshman, Connell took advantage of events and programs before classes started, such as First Year Service Day, Stepping Stones and Admitted Students Day. However, she felt that she was struggling socially during her first year.
“I wasn’t putting myself out there,” Connell said, “Socially, I was quiet.”
She notes how UNH Manchester mirrored her community in her high school, which helped her become more comfortable with the campus.
“The class sizes are small, professors know who you are and they want you to succeed,” Connell said.
The Orientation Leader (OL) position “came to her.” Connell was sought out because of her growth during the second semester of her freshman year. It was an opportunity for her to meet new people and open up herself to gain new skills.
Now a junior and in her second year as an OL, Connell is thankful for the skills and training she has received. Some things she can put on her resume, but there is also growth that she has seen.
“I have come out of my shell,” Connell said. “A year ago I wouldn’t have gotten up on stage to introduce myself.”
Connell is also grateful for her OL team. The team is outgoing and filled with such diverse people that they “fill the holes” and are able to match students to an OL who shares similar interests or goals.
Connell says the part she always looks forward to within the OL role is to her new students’ stories – who they are, where they came from and what they have accomplished so far. She always encourages students to use your resources.
“Use everyone, no matter what department they are in or what major you are,” Connell said. “Everyone wants to help.”
Her favorite resource is the Center for Academic Enrichment, which she says she “lives in.” She also enjoys the new layout of the learning commons, which enables collaboration between students and departments.
Now going into her last two years at UNH Manchester, Connell is looking forward to pursuing her master’s degree in teaching, but she also wants to make a difference in her leadership role.
“I am looking forward to inspiring people,” Connell said.
