Callie Greco: Outstanding Graduating Student

What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?
The most valuable aspect of my education at UMaine was the tremendous personal growth and maturity.

UMaine encourages students to be themselves and the campus has a very welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. This platform has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, build confidence, and establish networks with other students and faculty.

UMaine not only teaches you to succeed as a student, but also provides you the freedom to define your own path.

Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
I really appreciate the diversity of the UMaine campus. Each day is an opportunity to meet someone or try something new. There truly is something for everyone.

I enjoyed attending events at the Collins Center for the Arts, taking courses in music, and visiting the on-campus art gallery. The entire UMaine experience — from start to finish — is what broadened my view of the world.

Why UMaine?
I remember very clearly my first visit to UMaine. It was mid-summer when I came with family members, some who were previous UMaine graduates. I remember feeling very relaxed and comfortable walking around campus; something I had not experienced with any other school. It was a deep, inner sense that UMaine was where I belonged.

Besides the campus setting, I was also seeking a school that would challenge me academically and have plenty of opportunity for its students. All together, UMaine was the perfect option. I could not be more proud to be a Black Bear.

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?
UMaine has plenty of opportunities for students, both academic and extracurricular.

I credit a great deal of my success to the dedicated faculty and administration in the School of Biology and Ecology (SBE). They treat each student with sincere respect.

In my first year, I was interested in becoming involved in research related to my major. The staff in the SBE office took the time to identify the research topics I had an interest in and forward my resume to laboratories on campus with similar disciplines.

I have never felt like a number. It was not long before I was on a first-name basis with members in the SBE office. Behind each student, there is a very committed team of staff and faculty, who make success as a student possible.

Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your UMaine experience better?
My greatest and most influential mentor at UMaine was Kristy Townsend. She welcomed me into her laboratory as a very inexperienced first-year student and over time, entrusted me with many responsibilities.

Townsend was constantly encouraging me to think like a scientist. I not only learned essential bench skills, but also gained confidence in my abilities as a student and scientist.

Thanks to the efforts made by Townsend, as well as the other graduate students in the Townsend Lab, I feel well prepared to enter the professional realm of health care and science.

What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically?
Seek opportunities in your field or get involved in extracurricular activities as soon as you feel comfortable. When I started working in my department, it became very easy to connect with professors and peers who shared similar interests. Having a relationship between the people and places on campus is what makes UMaine feel like home.