How do you choose a major at UNH? Our How I Chose My Major blog series highlights students from different colleges across UNH and explores how they chose their majors and minors, what they've learned through their programs, the coolest places they get to study and so much more!
Today, Ande '24 talks about choosing a double major in Sports Management and Leadership & Women’s and Gender Studies.
Adara Groman (senior in sports management) and I at a poster forum for a social change project in our Social Issues in Sports class. (a great example of how I was able to connect both my majors in one project)
What is your major?
I am a double major in Sports Management and Leadership and Women’s and Gender Studies.
What did you think you wanted to major in before you came to UNH?
Before coming to UNH, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I was really excited about the opportunity to explore different options and learn more about what I enjoyed doing through classes and extracurricular opportunities. Coming into school, I did know that I wanted to work in a field where I was doing some sort of advocacy work for and with people. Knowing this, I applied undeclared to the College of Health and Human Services hoping to eventually transfer into exercise science.
The Women's Soccer coaching staff and I after we won the America East Tournament in 2022. Go 'Cats! Photo Credit: Nichole Films
Why did you choose your major?
As cheesy as it may sound, I feel as if my majors chose me instead of the other way around. While I was an undeclared student, I explored multiple different majors and found myself happy but not as fulfilled as I wanted to be. After taking an introductory class in sports management (Sport Industry) because my advisor recommended it, I quickly found out that it was a space I belonged in. With the intention of just fulfilling a discovery course, I took a class called Gender, Power and Privilege (a women’s studies course) and also quickly discovered it was a space I longed to be a part of. These two spaces created a new way of viewing advocacy for me and showed me a future that I was very excited to be a part of.
What are some of the top places on campus you frequent for your major?
There are two main academic buildings that I frequent for my two majors. New Hampshire Hall is where almost all of my sports management classes are held, and where all the department offices are located. Hamilton Smith is where most of my women’s studies classes are held and where the department offices are located. The great things about my majors though, is that in order to succeed, you must get involved outside of the classroom. This encourages you to visit many different places around campus and interact with many different kinds of people.
Selfie of me from an event called Climate Conversations that I was a part of for my climate activism capstone class (women's and gender studies major).
What’s the coolest part about your major?
The coolest part about both of my majors is how flexible they are in allowing students to take the content and really make it whatever they want it to be. While there are certain courses you must take, the faculty in both departments are very willing to work with students to allow them to have their own unique experiences. Another cool thing about my majors is how hands-on they are. So many of my classes have projects that get you out of the classroom and help prepare you for your future in the field by giving you valuable experience.
What advice do you have for prospective students about choosing a major?
Be open-minded. College is a time for you to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and learn more about who you are and who you want to be. I have grown SO much over my past four years at UNH because I leaned into those ideals and allowed space for myself to make mistakes and learn from them. There is no one right answer when it comes to your future. Allow yourself to try new things and embrace new experiences. Do something you are passionate about because that is what will make your academic experience the best it can be.
explore health and human services
related posts:
Majoring in Biology at UNH
I went back and forth for a while, but then landed on biology as there are so many fields of work you can go into after your schooling. read more about payton
