Will I meet friends in college? Will I be supported in my academic major? Welcome back to our Student Spotlight series, where you can meet real UNH students, see campus through their eyes and learn more about why they love UNH. Meet Sam Vose '25, a Classics and anthropology major.
Sam Vose
1. Why did you choose UNH?
Although UNH initially wasn’t my first choice, the first time I toured campus it immediately felt like where I was supposed to be. As someone who came into college undeclared, it wasn’t the programs that swayed me – it was the welcoming atmosphere, sense of community and the surrounding Seacoast New Hampshire area. As a native Maine resident, UNH was close enough that I could feel away from home while also keeping my family close.
2. How did you choose your majors?
I did come in undeclared and made the jump to a double major after my first year. My decision of majors (Classics and anthropology) ultimately came down to elective courses I was taking as a freshman. I was introduced to Robert Scott Smith in the Classics department, who teaches the very popular Intro to Greek Myth course and I immediately fell in love with the program. A semester after that, I declared anthropology as my second major with the belief that it would complement Classics very well – which it undoubtedly has!
3. Why do you love your majors?
The Classics department, although small, has an immense sense of community and some of the most outstanding professors in the entire school. I can confidently say that I have had the honor of developing relationships with most of individuals associated with the Classics program. The same is true for anthropology. The comfortable size of classes and the people I’ve met all contribute to why I love my majors. Of course, I am also deeply invested in the academic content of what I learn, and I truly love to spend time in the classroom being taught by passionate instructors.
4. What has been your favorite experience at UNH so far?
I would have to say meeting my friends. Before UNH, I had never experienced friendships like the ones I have made here. My group of friends are everything to me; they are my family. These relationships all stem from our shared experiences as UNH students, but I'm confident they will last for the rest of my life.
UNH COLA Fellows
5. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned at UNH so far?
This is a big world we live in, one with many opportunities that I would never have been introduced to if I hadn't decided to attend UNH. Before I came down to New Hampshire, I was very secluded in a Midcoast Maine bubble, with a striking lack of educational opportunity or diversity. Becoming a student here has opened my eyes to the opportunities that exist in the world if you dive outside of your comfort zone.
6. Have you received any scholarships or funding from UNH that has made a difference for you?
The scholarships that I have received from UNH are the sole reason I am able to go to this school, and I cannot stress enough how impactful receiving them has been for me. As an independent student, the financial aid I have received from UNH has allowed me to continue my education past a time where I feared I would have to drop out of school entirely solely because of financial barriers. These scholarships and aid haven’t just made a big difference — they have been the determining factor for whether or not I am able to afford a college education.
7. Are you involved in any student organizations on campus?
I am involved in many clubs and organizations here, which are some of my favorite aspects of being a UNH student! I am currently a member of Pre-Law Society, Ski and Board Club, UNH Cycling Club, Campus Recreation, Eta Sigma Phi (Classics honor society) and Anthropology Club. Additionally, I’ve been a part of many intramural sports teams (soccer, flag football and kickball) and am the captain of my intramural basketball team. I also work as an intramural sports referee for both fall and spring seasons.
8. How has your UNH education prepared you for future success?
As a double major in liberal arts, I feel as though my education gives a very unique and broad perspective on the world of academia and one that would translate well into many different professional fields. A liberal arts education often doesn’t fit into a box, and while other majors like engineering or nursing point you in a quite linear career trajectory, a liberal arts education allows you to cover more ground with less specialization. My hopes are that this understanding will allow me to continue my education further to a master's program of my choosing.
9. What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
As I mentioned before, I am a fully independent student. I do not come from a wealthy place, nor do I come from a family that is able to financially support me in my academic endeavors. I am a first-generation student and the first person in my entire family to leave the state of Maine. It has been far from simple, but I think it is important to acknowledge my hardships to fully enjoy the fruits of my labor. I don’t work so hard just for myself, but also so I can one day give my children everything I didn’t have the luxury of enjoying growing up.
10. What are your plans for after graduation?
I am currently in the process of applying for jobs at UNH, so I would be able to stick around and get my master's degree! This is a goal I have always yearned to achieve, and I would love to stick around to do it here. By holding a position at UNH for at least six months, I would qualify for free education for my master's program. As someone who thoroughly enjoys their academics but is also fully independent in paying for their education, I would be overjoyed to stretch out my time here a little bit longer.
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