Alumna Perspective: Allison Sparta, Class of 2013
Now hailing from San Diego, CA, University of Maine alumna Allison Sparta recently shared her perspectives on her education at UMaine. Allison currently lives in California, where she works as a marketing coordinator in the marketing department for an insurance agency. Her department is responsible for branding and marketing, recruiting new clients, as well as ensuring current clients are retained.
Allison began her higher education at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. After completing two years with no major and feeling as though she had no specified direction, she made the decision to transfer to the University of Maine. Upon arriving at UMaine, she discovered everything she had been missing; a sense of school spirit and comradery.
Allison came to UMaine to participate in the Secondary Education program, but discovered instead a passion for psychology. During her first year at UMaine, Allison took a class with English professor Gregory Howard. Allison credits Professor Howard with “opening her eyes to many other ideas and ways of thinking.” She so enjoyed Professor Howard’s teaching that she sought out multiple classes with him throughout her education.
While at UMaine, Allison created a wide variety of experiences for herself by participating in all the community offered. She enjoyed tailgating and attending football games with friends. She also recalls a day when it was so cold her sunglasses froze to the bridge of her nose, and when it snowed on April first. She drank too much coffee while spending hours upon hours studying in the President’s Room in Fogler Library. She credits her many friends and their wide variety of experiences as helping her learn and grow. Allison encourages UMaine students to spend time getting outside of their comfort zones, to sit with people they don’t know in the library, join clubs and attend parties. Interacting with a wider variety of people gave her access to information about campus resources that she might not have known otherwise.
Having transferred, Allison encountered the frustration of watching many of her friends complete their degrees and graduate, while she had to remain behind to complete her last year. She admits although there were times she felt confused, embarrassed, lost or wanted to quit, she persevered to earn her degree in psychology, with a minor in English. She is glad she stuck it out, and encourages other students to do the same even if it takes a little longer. The benefits of achieving a college education, such as earning a higher salary and getting better job offers, made it worth the effort.
If she could offer any advice to current UMaine students, Allison would encourage everyone to appreciate and respect one another. She suggests remembering everyone has something to offer by bringing a unique perspective and that kindness goes a long way. Finally, Allison recommends not being one of those people who include emojis in your email signature.