Transferring to UNH as a Recreational Therapy Student
How can you find friends in college? How do you find community and resources as a transfer student in college? 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 Sarah Prouty '25, a therapeutic recreation major with a minor in psychology.
Sarah Prouty
1. Why did you choose UNH?
I ended up transferring to UNH due to the resources and opportunities in the therapeutic recreation department, specifically their close connections with Northeast Passage.
2. What advice would you give to your first-year self?
As a senior, my advice would be to do that thing that scares you. This is how you grow your connections personally and professionally. Use this time to explore every opportunity and make mistakes, while remembering that everyone's just trying to figure it out!
Me with my rugby teammates
3. How have you found community at UNH?
I’ve found my strongest sense of community at UNH through the UNH Women’s+ Rugby team, which fosters a culture of family, support and encouragement. This year, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to step into a leadership role as captain, where I’ve worked to carry forward and strengthen that uplifting, positive energy that makes the team so special.
The smaller class sizes within the therapeutic recreation major have also played a big role in fostering a strong sense of connection. Sharing multiple classes with the same peers creates a close-knit learning environment where meaningful relationships naturally develop with classmates and professors.
Me watching the eclipse on T-Hall lawn with friends
4. What have been some of your favorite experiences at UNH so far?
Watching the solar eclipse from T-Hall lawn, surrounded by friends and the UNH community, was an unforgettable experience. It was one of those moments that I felt perfectly captures the spirit and connection of our campus. Additionally, one of my favorite UNH traditions is the White out the Whitt hockey game against the University of Maine — the energy is unmatched!
Me getting ice cream with friends
5. What hands-on learning have you done at UNH?
For my clinical labs class, I had the opportunity to facilitate community outings for individuals with brain injuries, as well as lead group and individual sessions for youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities. These opportunities allowed me to consider who I want to be as a future recreational therapist and develop the hard and soft skills that are necessary for this profession.
6. What's your favorite spot on campus?
Whenever I have downtime between classes, I always go to the third floor of the Memorial Union Building (MUB) and try to get a couch. I think it's the perfect spot to get work done, people-watch or hang out with friends!
Me playing rugby
7. What do you hope to do after UNH?
I hope to work as a recreational therapist for youth with advanced behavioral and emotional needs. My internship at Youth Villages was directly aligned with this future aspiration. At the internship, I had the opportunity to lead group sessions with youth ages 13-18 with severe behavioral needs and a variety of different mental diagnoses. UNH provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience, which made navigating internship interviews — and an internship itself — much smoother and more rewarding.
Me showing my Wildcat spirit with my friends
8. What was unexpected about your college experience?
As a transfer student, I was surprised by how quickly I made meaningful connections at UNH. There’s truly a welcoming community here for anyone who’s looking for it. I’m also leaving UNH with a greater sense of confidence in my abilities and a much clearer vision for my future, thanks to the supportive professors, their valuable connections and the incredible opportunities I’ve been able to take part in during my time here.
