“I strongly believe that all UNH students have the opportunity to discover themselves here, as I did.”
After my freshman year at UNH, I wanted to transfer. I did not feel like I belonged here and I was very lost. But I can confidently tell you all that I am so happy I stayed and found myself in Durham. I am a senior journalism major, dance minor and you may have seen me on the @uofnh Snapchat recently. Finding my major, joining the staff of The New Hampshire and becoming involved with the dance department were all things that enhanced my daily life on campus and made me the person I am proud to be today. I strongly believe that all UNH students have the opportunity to discover themselves here, as I did. As a senior, I’d like to share with you what I have learned over the past three years.
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During freshman year, I learned that it is better to be deeply loved rather than widely loved. That year, everyone scrambled to find a “friend group,” and some people started getting trapped with others they didn’t actually like. You meet so many people in college; it is pretty unlikely the first people you meet will be your best friends. Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you don’t have “your people” yet. I didn’t meet one of my best friends until sophomore year and another until junior year. The more involved you get with subjects and activities you enjoy, the more people you will meet who share your interests.
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My most memorable lesson from sophomore year is to always own and know your worth. You’re important, and you matter to this community. That being said, it is really tough to come to a new school and feel like you have a purpose. This was the year I joined the staff of The New Hampshire, and I also started getting more involved in the dance department. Freshman year I was missing a passion — find something in which to invest your talents and passion.
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During junior year, I learned to stop being shy, take risks and chase after my dreams until they come true. I haven’t reached my dream, and I don’t even really know what it is yet, but I am feeling confident that I can get there. You need to have confidence in yourself. If you don’t, nothing will happen. Pick yourself up; push yourself; work hard, and own it.
Although every year had its rough times, I had a lot of fun along the way. Now I am a senior and am almost in tears ending this post. If you’re reading this and are feeling any of the emotions I felt during my earlier years at UNH, I want you to know it is completely normal. Enjoy every second of your time here; it will be gone in a blink of an eye.
Never forget, every day is a great day to be a Wildcat.
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Written By:
Allison Bellucci ’17 | UNH Tales
