David Grant: Touring Technology

In summer 2013, University of Maine sophomore David Grant of Addison, Maine, got a view of campus unlike any other. Grant was one of the 8,000 successful applicants nationwide to trial Google Glass, a wearable, hands-free smart device. The UMaine political science major was selected for Google Glass based on his proposal to reinvent the college tour experience. Grant says he will use Google Glass to develop a first-person tour of the campus, including UMaine athletics and performing arts events, using the video calling capabilities of the technology. His photographs and video will be uploaded to Tumblr.

How did you hear about the Google Glasses opportunity? I heard about the contest through the Google Glass Twitter account. I decided to try to win Glass because I figured I had nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

How were you informed of your winning submission? At the end of March, I received a tweet from Google Glass telling me that I had won the opportunity to purchase Glass, and that I had to wait a few weeks for more information. I was ecstatic and could hardly believe my eyes.

So you’re bringing Google Glass to UMaine to give others a sense of UMaine. Let’s talk about your UMaine experience, beginning with why you choose the university. I loved the idea of being close to home, but still being able to be outside the immediate influence of my parents.

How would you describe the academic atmosphere at UMaine? It’s great. You have so many tools at your disposal, from the library to the writing lab. There is help for anyone if they look for it.

Have you worked closely with a mentor, professor or role model who has made your UMaine experience better, and if so, who and how? Professor Richard Powell, my adviser, has been a great help, mapping out my courses for me.

Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world? Meeting great friends. There are amazing people here at UMaine.

What is the most interesting, engaging or helpful class you’ve taken at UMaine? Intro to Political Theory with Michael Palmer.

What are UMaine students like? It’s hard to assign them one word. UMaine students are all different. The one thing we hold in common, though, is the love for our university, as corny as that may sound.

What surprised you about UMaine? How much I have fallen in love with the campus.

Describe UMaine in one word. Invigorating.

What do you do outside of class? I spend time with friends, study and participate in a couple clubs.

Favorite place on campus? Alfond Arena.

Favorite place off campus? The Bangor Mall movie theater.

How’s the food? What’s your favorite thing to eat on campus? The food is good, but there is nothing like home. However the grill at Hilltop is superb.

What is your favorite UMaine tradition? Singing the “Stein Song” before every hockey game, after every goal and after every game.

What is your most memorable UMaine moment? The first hockey home win last year.
What do you hope to do after graduation and how has UMaine helped you reach those goals? I hope to become a history teacher. UMaine will help me with this goal because of the unlimited resources I have at my disposal.

What was your first year like? My first year was everything I could have asked for.

What is your favorite memory of living on campus? There are so many. If I have to choose one, though, I would have to stick with the hockey theme. My first UMaine game in the student section was amazing.

What difference has UMaine made in your life? It has made me realize that I should not take this opportunity for granted.

What advice do you have for incoming students? Your first year will be the year that you try new things, meet new people and adapt to the college lifestyle. As long as you stay true to your values — principles — and work hard, you will be fine.