Kathleen Hill: 2016 Division of Lifelong Learning Outstanding Graduating Student
What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?
UMaine has made me more cognizant of all of the possibilities in the world and that I have the ability to attain whatever I set my mind to. I have greatly increased my network in my time here, and I know that will serve me well in the future. The classwork itself has made me a more well-rounded person and the gained knowledge has given me more self-confidence.
Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
My work with a team of nine other students on the Maine Business School’s International Trade Show booth changed my outlook on teams and created a desire in me to learn as much as I can about how teams work and how to improve their impact.
Why UMaine?
I have worked on this campus for almost two decades, so it would be fair to say that UMaine is in my blood and in my heart. When I decided I wanted to obtain a bachelor’s degree, there really were no other options for me; it was going to be UMaine or nowhere.
How would you define the opportunities for student success at UMaine? Is there any particular initiative, program or set of resources that helped you succeed?
As with most things in life, success does not simply fall in your lap at UMaine; you have to want it and work for it. Becoming a writing tutor was definitely beneficial to all of my studies, and my adviser was always a good sounding board as well as bank of advice. However, aside from my own drive, the professors themselves were probably my biggest aid in my success. I found all of my professors were more than willing to help with any struggles if I was putting in the effort and approached them with respect and reasonable questions.
Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your UMaine experience better?
I have had several professors who really stand out with me: Deborah Rogers, Clint Relyea, James Brophy, Robert Roper, Niclas Erhardt and Laura Cowan. Each of them helped me reach a new level either academically or personally. However, the biggest impact on my learning and my life has come from Shawn McKenna. His philosophies and teaching practices made learning seamless and fun, and his complete faith in our abilities have brightened my outlook on people and life. He has also been a huge asset as the supervisor for my capstone project.
What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically?
Buy the books, attend every class, actually take notes and then read them later, use all available resources like the Writing Center and other tutoring assets, and listen to your professors — they really do know what they are talking about. Quite simply — show up and pay attention.