• Junior
• Environmental and Climate Change Studies major

Maddy is a junior here at UNE double majoring in Climate Change and Environmental studies. She is an officer in the aquaponics club and works in a lab for a professor right here on campus. She is a huge advocate for mental health and says “…it should be a priority. If you aren’t taking care of yourself it’s hard to stay afloat [academically].” She does admit it’s difficult to separate mental health and social life and academics, but breaks are essential. While studying in her favorite spot, the second floor commons, she said, “I like to take walks around the commons between each thing I do.” She likes the second floor because there is the living wall, a nice view, and an area to birdwatch and share what you see in the community book. “Long weekends are a lifesaver, too – taking one day out of it to catch up is awesome and then you also have a day or two to relax.” She also walks to class rather than taking safe-ride or other transportation resources on campus. That way you don’t have to rely on anyone but yourself to get to class on time. Getting familiar with the campus your first few days is also really important so you have an idea of where you’re going. Maddy’s main piece of advice is get help when you need it. “If you need help in a class, get it. Professors are here to teach and help you. If they know you’re struggling and they see you are attempting to make an effort they will be so much more accommodating then if you wait until the last minute. More often than not, they’ll be willing to give an extension here and there.”