My UNH Journey Toward Becoming a Teacher
How do you make the most of your college experience? How do you get hands-on experience 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 Kayla Hart '25, a human development & family studies major with a minor in education.
Kayla Hart '25
1. Why did you choose UNH?
I chose UNH because of its strong academic opportunities, particularly the five-year accelerated master’s program for elementary education, which allows me to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees efficiently while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Beyond academics, the lively campus atmosphere immediately stood out to me — from the excitement of UNH hockey games to the energy of a community that is always engaged and active.
The university’s location is another major draw, offering the perfect balance between the ocean and the mountains, allowing for both relaxation by the coast and adventure on the slopes. UNH truly provides the ideal combination of academic excellence, school spirit, and an inspiring natural environment.
The New Hampshire Outing Club welcoming new members at the University Day picnic
2. What is something most people don't know about UNH?
One thing that most people don’t know about UNH is that they have a club for nearly everything you can imagine! Whether you're passionate about a specific hobby, sport, or cause, chances are there’s a club or organization for it. A standout among these is the Ski and Board Club, which offers students the chance to hit the slopes at local ski mountains without the hassle of arranging transportation. The club provides affordable trips, often at discounted rates, to popular ski spots in New Hampshire, making it easy for students to enjoy the winter season to the fullest.
Another amazing opportunity is the New Hampshire Outing Club, which is incredibly popular for students who love being active and exploring nature. The club organizes a variety of trips each month, from surfing and hiking to camping and rock climbing. Whether you want to catch some waves on the coast, hike the White Mountains, or spend the weekend camping under the stars, the Outing Club offers a way to make the most of New Hampshire’s stunning landscapes. These clubs not only give students a chance to stay active and explore the great outdoors, but also provide a sense of community, as you can bond with others who share your interests.
Kayla Hart '25
3. What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Don’t rush through the process. College can feel like a race sometimes, but it's important to take time to really enjoy it. Don’t worry too much about having everything figured out right away. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life by your second semester. It's okay to explore, change paths, and take risks.
Also, remember to appreciate the small things — those late-night talks with friends, the quiet walks on campus, the random adventures, and the quiet moments of reflection. College is more than just grades and accomplishments — it’s about making memories and discovering who you are.
4. How did you choose your major?
I chose to major in human development & family studies because it offers a unique and deeply rewarding combination of hands-on experience and academic learning. One of the main reasons this field appealed to me is the opportunity for countless practical hours in real-world settings, particularly in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool and various elementary schools. The Reggio Emilia approach allows me to immerse myself in child-centered education, where I can observe and engage directly with children as they learn and grow in dynamic, supportive environments.
Ultimately, my major allows me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping me with the tools to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. The hands-on experiences I’ve had are shaping me into an educator who is not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and skilled in creating environments where children can thrive.
Kayla Hart '25
5. How have you found community at UNH?
First and foremost, I’ve felt incredibly supported within the education program community. The faculty, staff, and students in my program have created an environment where collaboration, encouragement, and shared passion for teaching thrive. Whether through group projects, student teaching experiences, or simply engaging in conversations with peers who share similar goals, I’ve always felt like I belong and am part of a collective effort to make a positive impact on the future of education.
In addition, the hockey community, particularly through intramural sports, has been a great way for me to stay active and connect with others. UNH has such a vibrant sports culture, and joining the intramural hockey league allowed me to bond with classmates and make new friends, all while having fun.
Lastly, I’ve built lasting friendships through my first-year residence hall. That close-knit living environment created bonds that have stayed with me throughout my entire time at UNH. We’ve supported each other through all of the ups and downs, from navigating freshman year to celebrating milestones together. It’s amazing to look back and see how those early friendships have developed over time, providing me with a sense of home and belonging on campus.
6. What is one of your favorite memories from your time on campus so far?
Reflecting on my time at UNH, one experience that truly stands out to me is my student teaching experience in a third-grade classroom. It was a year-long journey that not only allowed me to put everything I had learned at UNH into practice but also shaped my identity as an educator. What made the experience especially meaningful was the sense of responsibility and growth I felt throughout. I was given the opportunity to lead the classroom while receiving feedback and guidance from both my mentor teacher and my UNH faculty advisor. The constant reflection and support were invaluable in refining my teaching methods and strategies. There were moments of struggle, but those challenges helped me to grow as a teacher and as an individual.
Thompson Hall (T-Hall) aerial view on campus
7. What is your favorite tradition at UNH?
The clock tower chime tradition at UNH is more than just a catchy sound marking the passing of time — it’s a symbolic part of the campus experience that makes you feel truly at home. Wherever you are on campus, whether you’re walking across the quad, studying in the library, or hanging out with friends, you’ll inevitably hear the iconic chimes of the Thompson Hall (T-Hall) clock tower. Each time the bell rings at the top of the hour, it’s a moment that connects all of us, whether you’re a first-year student, a senior, or an alum.
UNH students relaxing outside on a warm day
8. What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot has to be sitting outside in the Fishbowl (the lawn in front of Scott Residence Hall) or on a bench on Main Street on a sunny day. There’s something so refreshing about being outside on campus, surrounded by the energy of campus life. The Fishbowl, with its wide-open space and beautiful natural surroundings, offers a peaceful place to relax while still being connected to vibrant student activity. It's the perfect spot to sit, reflect, or even get some studying done while soaking up the sun. There’s also something special about sitting on a bench along Main Street, just people-watching. On a sunny day, the whole town of Durham comes alive — students, families and locals alike are out and about, enjoying the beautiful weather. You can feel the happiness and excitement of everyone enjoying being outdoors, and it makes you feel like you're part of the bigger Durham community. It’s those small, simple moments that make UNH feel like home.
9. What do you hope to do after UNH?
My aspiration for the future is to become a teacher — to inspire, guide, and make a positive impact on students' lives. My time at UNH has been instrumental in preparing me for this career, offering me countless opportunities to grow both in and out of the classroom.
10. What was unexpected about your college experience?
One part of my college experience that wasn’t what I thought it was going to be was the balance between academics and self-care. Going into college, I had a very clear vision of focusing all my energy on my studies, thinking that success in school meant prioritizing coursework above everything else. However, I quickly realized that it’s not sustainable or healthy to put everything aside for academics alone.
At first, I expected it to be easy to maintain a straight-A focus, but I soon found that self-care and mental well-being are just as important as academic performance. In the beginning, I struggled with feeling overwhelmed by the demands of assignments, exams, and classroom observations. It wasn’t until I started building a routine that included regular breaks, physical activity and social connection that I began to feel more balanced and productive.
The support systems at UNH, like access to mental health resources, fitness centers and activities to relieve stress, played a crucial role in helping me understand that college isn’t just about studying hard — it’s about nurturing your mind and body, too.
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