Aliya Uteuova: Outstanding Graduating International Student
What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?
Being able to peacefully study what I’m passionate about. I am very thankful for this incredible opportunity.
Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
There are so many experiences that shaped my worldview, from doing homework at Fogler Library where we students are surrounded by knowledge, to being on air at WMEB 91.9 and sharing music of the world with Mainers.
Recently, working with Catherine Schmitt of Maine Sea Grant and writing about marine science in Maine sparked my interest in science writing.
Why UMaine?
It’s a beautiful university that allowed me to pursue education without the harsh financial burden. UMaine was recommended to me by a fellow Kazakh, Auken Tungatarova, who graduated from the Political Science Department in 2012.
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?
The Honors College has definitely pushed me to work harder. I presented my work in honors conferences in Chicago and Seattle. Melissa Ladenheim was my first preceptor and since then I looked forward to every preceptorial and weekly lecture at Neville 100.
Everyone at the Office of International Programs has been there for me when I needed help or a motivational boost, they’re like family to me.
Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your UMaine experience better?
Every professor on my thesis committee has steered me to the right direction with my research.
I’ve taken three American government classes with Solomon Goldman and all of them tremendously contributed to my understanding of numerous Supreme Court cases.
Mary Cathcart, senior policy associate at the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, has been a mentor to me since my completion of the Maine NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership program in summer 2016.
What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically?
Getting involved and being busy will pay off, but so will taking time for yourself. Enjoy the changing seasons, go on walks, read by the Stillwater River, and put your well-being first.