Never pass up an opportunity

College is a time where you are supposed to have an idea of what you want to do in life. But your classes, helpful as they may be, are a small part of the education experience. There are many helpful opportunities available to people on campus. Some are available to nearly everyone, and some need to be sought out and pursued. For instance, UNE holds many networking events where students can talk to employers in their field of study. This is not only important because you gain their knowledge about the field, but also connections with them that you can use for jobs or internships in the future. Many students have access to Work-Study programs that can introduce you to both your peers and professional staff, all while getting paid. Many students are also required to do an internship to graduate, and the connections you make now can set you up with a great internship opportunity, which can lead you to make real-world connections after you get your degree. Another good way to build connections is to go to seminars like the Global Humanities talks on the Portland campus. There is usually a reception where you can talk to guests of honor as well as alumni, people in the academic community, your professors, peers, and even people from the local community. It is also important to take advantage of the many clubs UNE has to offer so you can build your friendships and interests in a structured environment. Another big opportunity most people can seek is a mentor. A mentor will help you not only navigate college but help prepare you for life out of school (or grad school). There are opportunities all around us, but with no one holding your hand in college, it is easy to miss them. I implore everyone to see what is around them and take on some extra responsibility that will assist you in building yourself outside of school.