My name is Madison Smith, and I am a senior Hamel Scholar in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. I was admitted to the Hamel program as a senior in high school, and it was that admittance which led to my decision to attend UNH. My experience with the Hamel Scholars Program, and by extension the Honors Program has greatly impacted my college career. When I attended the admitted students’ event for the Hamel Program in my senior year of high school, I met one of my best friends and future roommates. The Hamel Program is amazing in that it connects you with other students who are similarly driven. My first year of undergrad I took a class specifically for Hamel Scholar students called Global Citizenship. This was such an impactful experience as someone who was just beginning their college career. The class provided an opportunity to get to meet other Hamel Scholars and discuss our ideas. Our professor was so supportive and took us to the symphony and out to dinner. I immediately felt as though that class, and by extension the Hamel program, had become family.
My sophomore year I joined the Substance Use Prevention, Education and Reform task force group. I was surrounded with Hamel scholars who were also passionate about addressing the opioid crisis in New Hampshire. Together we were able to organize wound care kits, Narcan kits, and clothing drives for distribution to individuals who were struggling with addiction in NH. We invited guest speakers to talk about the opioid crises and discuss ways that the broader UNH community can help. What I loved about the task force was that it gave me the opportunity to give back to my community, in the way that Dana Hamel had given to me.
Now, as a senior, I reflect upon my four years at UNH, and I am immensely grateful for my involvement in the Hamel program. The lessons learned will impact me as I move on from my undergraduate experience. Should you make the decision to attend UNH and become a member of the Hamel program, I encourage you to take every opportunity to get involved. You will find through that involvement a supportive community who will motivate you throughout your years in undergrad.
