Maygan Salazar: Geography

Q: Did you complete an internship this summer? Tell us about your experience.
A: Yes! I had an internship with NASA SARP, the NASA Student Airborne Research Program! We were in Houston for a couple of weeks taking flights and collecting data and then we were split up and sent to separate coast to complete a research project! I was sent to the West coast and was further separated into the Land group, where I am researching wildfires and the Wildland Urban Interface!

Q: How did this summer help you grow personally or professionally?
A: This summer made me go outside of my comfort zone. I got to network with people from so many different backgrounds. It also helped me realize that maybe I don’t want to have a career in research but rather help to educate people about our Earth.

Q: Are there any organizations, projects, or leadership opportunities you're excited to be involved in?
A: Yes! Not only being a CLASS Ambassador but also an officer of the Geography Student Association at UNT!

Q: How can students make the most of their college experience outside the classroom?
A: Go to events, attend some clubs, and make use of everything available to you! Make friends, build your community, and talk to your professors; they are there to help you!

Q: What was your most-used app this summer?
A: Definitely the Camera app and LinkedIn! I saw a lot of new, interesting things and met so many new people that I will continue to talk to!

Avery Marks: Geography

Q: Did you travel anywhere exciting this summer? What was your favorite memory?
A: This summer, I took part in the GIO Study Abroad program in Copenhagen, Denmark. This trip was by far the highlight of my summer. I got to learn about and experience a different culture and society up close, which, to me, is the most worthwhile part of traveling. I spent almost two weeks exploring various museums and historical sites while getting lost in the streets of Copenhagen with amazing friends and travel buddies. One of my favorite memories from the trip was sitting by the water, having a picnic, and talking for hours until the sun finally went down.

Q: What was something new you tried or learned over the summer?
A: Different foods! I tried reindeer for the first time this summer! If you’re ever in Oslo, Norway, Engebret Cafe has an amazing reindeer steak.

Q: What's one accomplishment from this summer that you're most proud of?
A: I'm proud of myself for putting myself out there and meeting new people this summer. After my study abroad program ended in Copenhagen, I stayed in Europe and traveled around Norway and Scotland. I enjoyed having to step out of my comfort zone and embrace spontaneous interactions. I met so many people and had great conversations with locals and fellow travelers.

Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming fall semester?
A: Hanging out with friends and hosting themed dinner parties at my apartment. I am so excited to have a kitchen!

Q: What advice would you give incoming freshmen?
A: Talk to people! About anything and everything, just start up a conversation or ask a random question. Be unafraid to meet people and talk to someone you don’t know, it's the best way to put yourself out there and make friends on campus.

Q: What's one thing every student should do during their first few weeks on campus?
A: Get to know the people they sit next to in class. Whether you become study partners, best friends, or just someone to make a boring class more interesting. You’ll sit near these people for a whole semester, might as well start a conversation instead of sitting there in silence.

Mizneh Alam: Communication Studies

Q: Did you complete an internship this summer? Tell us about your experience.
 A: I have an ongoing internship with Muslim American Society as a Marketing Intern! My work has included creating and editing website copy, providing advice and working on social media design/copy, and more! 

Q: Is there a class you're especially looking forward to taking?
A: This semester, I'm looking forward to taking my first theory class in the COMM department—COMM 4020: Communication Theory. 

Q: What goals have you set for yourself this semester?
A: My primary goal for the semester is to live a life of balance. I'm taking on more leadership roles this year (including becoming a CLASS Ambassador!), among other things. I plan on taking time to hang out with my friends, have some self-care time, and visit home when needed. 

Q: What's one thing every student should do during their first few weeks on campus?
A: Say yes to everything (that you're comfortable with)! Even if you're tired or you feel like you may not fit in—it's better to have tried it than not try at all. Go to events, talk to strangers, ask questions. 

Q: Coffee, energy drinks, or pure determination—what gets you through the semester?
A: Fourth option: matcha. I love the matcha at The Market (specifically the one by Eagle Landing!)

Eliana Moreland: Sociology 

Q: What skills did you gain from your internship, job, or summer project?
A: This summer, I received the unique opportunity to be the caretaker for a local family with two sons, the younger of whom is autistic and nonverbal. Through this experience, I was able to learn alternative communication styles and better my problem-solving skills. 

Q: What are you hoping to accomplish before the end of the semester?
A: This semester, I plan to become more involved on campus, grow my network, and decide where I'd like to attend grad school.

Q: How can students make the most of their college experience outside the classroom?
A: To make the most of your college experience, it's important to stay involved in whatever way best suits you. Denton is full of diverse communities both on and off campus, and whether you like to dance, volunteer, play sports, or game, there is a club, organization, or group that suits your specific needs and interests.