Hana Davis: Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Hana Davis of Tsawwassen, British Columbia is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, She will receive a bachelor’s degree in communication with a double major in marketing. The scholar-athlete is captain of the field hockey team and a four-time NFHCA National Academic Squad honoree. Davis served as Spread Respect chair on the UMaine Student Athlete Advisory Committee and represented the university on the America East Conference Student-Athlete of Color Leadership Group. She also is a Mind Spa volunteer. Davis plans to pursue an MBA at UMaine while playing her last year of eligibility.

What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?
UMaine has made a major impact on my life and I believe that I would not be the same person I am today without taking the risk to attend. My classes, professors, athletic career and connections have helped me grow into the independent person I am today. Being a UMaine student as also taught me resilience, work ethic, confidence, and the skills needed to succeed in the future.

Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
I have loved every minute of my time at UMaine. It has provided a space for me to grow into the best version of myself. It is the place where I have made lifelong connections and opened my mind up to new perspectives. I have obviously struggled with being homesick, but I would not change any of my experiences one bit.

Why UMaine?
The campus culture and environment. The first day I visited UMaine it reminded me of home, even though I was across the continent and in a different country. The atmosphere of being a supportive and welcoming environment that would allow me to thrive and make lifelong connections was present in my first few minutes. I knew right away that UMaine was the school for me.

How would you define the opportunities for student success at UMaine?
Professor office hours! Take the time to get to know your professors and take advantage of the opportunities they are offering to further your understanding. There have been multiple times where I have struggled in my classes and was able to turn my grades around with extra effort on my part. Also, to take advantage of the library and its amazing resources. I used to plan weekly trips to bunker down and grind out my assignments. It allowed an environment that persuaded me to work harder and allowed me to access resources to be successful.

Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your UMaine experience better?
Professor Liliana Herakova has been a professor that I have had for multiple classes throughout my college career and has become a mentor, role model and friend. She has taught me kindness, compassion and a drive for education and equality that I will cherish with me forever.

What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically?
To learn how to fall in love with learning. We are given such an amazing opportunity with amazing resources and professors. Take pride in your academics as I have learned throughout my time at UMaine on how much those individual classes have impacted my life and have taught me little things I will take away with me forever. Also, to enjoy our beautiful campus and surrounding areas. Be brave to challenge yourself with hikes in Acadia or go ice fishing on Pushaw lake. We are blessed with this beautiful campus and I sadly failed to take advantage of it.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu