See what life is really like in the Pine Tree State from students at the University of Maine.
Forestry
Alan Chausse from Ewing, New Jersey
As a forestry major and intern for the Baskahegan Company, Alan’s life is literally in the pines. When he’s not in the trees, he spends his time connecting with friends, playing in a band, and rock climbing. UMaine has broadened his worldview and given him friends for life.
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Business Management
Quincy Clifford from Lincoln, Maine
Going to college in the same state she grew up in wasn’t what Quincy planned, but now she says it’s a flex. At UMaine, she has gained a unique perspective by managing the basketball team and studying abroad in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!
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Microbiology & Honors College
Jasper Makowski from Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Giving back to the community isn’t just a passion for Jasper, it’s a lifestyle. Serving as the Circle K New England District Governor, being an Honors student, learning in the Maginnis Lab, and earning grants for undergraduate research has prepared him for medical school and beyond.
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Parks, Recreation & Tourism
McKenna Chappell from Minden, Nevada
Studio time in the morning and outdoor time teaching kids in the afternoon—that’s what a typical day looks like for McKenna. She’s crafted a unique college experience that intertwines creativity and her passion for the outdoors.
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Studio Art
Nico Durkee from Biddeford, Maine
When Nico’s not drumming out on the football field, they are playing with molten metal in the sculpture studio. The art program has given Nico opportunities to explore new mediums and find new ways of making.
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Sociology
Lauren Smack from Bridgeville, Delaware
As a first-generation student navigating UMaine on her own, college felt overwhelming at first. But now, Lauren has discovered a welcoming home in Orono. Her days are a blend of creativity and curiosity, from singing and dancing, to exploring sociology.
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Biomedical Engineering &
Honors College
Isabelle Puccio from Wilmington, Massachusetts
Coming from Massachusetts, Isabelle says “Maine feels like a big hug.” As a fourth year student, she is conducting breast cancer research in a newly constructed lab right here in Orono. She uses her free time to find ways where music and science intersect.
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Elementary Education
Samantha Ney from Saco, Maine
For Samantha, living the island life here on Marsh Island means walking the trails, spending time with her roommates, and cheering the Black Bears to victory. Changing her major after her first year opened the door to a love of teaching.
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Music Education
Jeffrey Nowack from Auburn, California
Being a drum major was not on Jeff’s college bingo card, but he checked off that box this fall semester. Through the exploration of music education, he has found his calling and future career.
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Integrative Biology
Joey Ferguson from Silver Spring, Maryland
Joey finds real-world application for meaningful research at UMaine’s regional campus in Machias. From collecting data on wild blueberries to responding to marine mammal strandings, he is finding purpose in Downeast Maine.
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Ready to explore your life in the pines?
Questions? Contact umaineadmissions@maine.edu
Watch Season 1
Living in Maine
Orono, Machias, Bangor, and beyond…
Four seasons, wild blueberries, fall foliage, ice hockey, stunning coastal views. It’s called Vacationland for a reason. Explore the University of Maine’s flagship campus in Orono and our regional campus on the Bold Coast in Machias.
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Biology (Pre-Med)
Danny Tanaka from Berkeley, California
Growing up in Berkeley, California, Danny took a risk moving across the country to Maine. Wanting to break out of his bubble on the west coast, Danny has fully embraced life in New England and has made himself an invaluable part of the UMaine community.
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Mechanical Engineering Technology
Annabelle Collins from Jay, Maine
Engineer by day, member of the Screamin’ Black Bears Pep Band by night, Annabelle fills her days at UMaine with problem solving and collaboration. Watch sparks fly as she welds in our Engineering Education and Design Center.
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Business Management
Haven Jones from Orrington, Maine
Haven wasn’t sure what he wanted to pursue when choosing a college. He came to learn there are nearly limitless things to explore at UMaine. Haven spends his days on campus bouncing between classes, clubs, hanging out with friends, and exploring the surrounding area.
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Marine Science
Jamie Fogg from Dedham, Maine
Jamie brought her passion for research from high school to UMaine. Now, she’s worked in multiple professional research labs, studying marine mammals and shellfish. See how Jamie balances demanding projects with cultivating friendships.
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Secondary Education
Casey Maddock from Scarborough, Maine
Casey is spending her senior year student teaching at a local middle school. She spent her four years at UMaine building practical work experiences, all while being part of the dance team, Greek life, and All Maine Women.
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Earth & Climate Sciences
Kaidar Donenbayev from Astana, Kazakhstan
After traveling from Kazakhstan to study at UMaine, Kaidar has found his place in the Climate Change Institute, Honors College, and as president of the International Student Association. He also makes sure to create space for a favorite pastime, футбол (soccer)!
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English & Art History
Gabriella Shetreet from York, Maine
Growing up in-state, UMaine sounded like a natural fit for Gabriella. But after her freshman year, she transferred out and spent time traveling. Returning to UMaine with a new perspective, she has found her fit in the arts and humanities, all while being part of the Honors College.
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Outdoor Recreation
Patrick Bilodeau from Hinesburg, Vermont
Our regional campus on the Bold Coast of Maine fosters a distinct sense of community. Patrick has made friends for life while studying outdoor recreation in the stunning natural environment of Down East Maine.
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University Studies
Nina Hollon from Orono, Maine
Nina returned to Maine as an adult after spending her childhood playing on the UMaine campus. After a successful career in California and New York, Nina wanted to finish what she started by transferring credits to UMaine and tackling her bachelor’s degree.
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Full Episode
What’s it really like to be a Black Bear? Introducing “Life in the Pines,” a new unscripted series delving into the experiences of undergraduate students at the flagship campus in Orono, the regional campus on the bold coast in Machias and online.
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