University of Southern Maine
The professors here have you dive into thinking about politics in terms of how people behave politically. What motivates our politics? How do we think about our government? What are all the different angles involved?
This summer, I have an internship in the Portland office of Sen. Susan Collins. It’s amazing how professionally things are done. It’s an amazing learning opportunity and I’m trying to get everything out of it that I can.
A lot of the professors I’ve had just dish it out: Here’s what to expect, you can choose to do it or not do it. If you do the work, you’ll gain something very valuable. The past two years I’ve learned that to be true. Mahmud Faksh is a really good professor. He really makes you work for your grade. He’s very well-versed in his field and has a real passion for what he’s doing. I take note after note in his classes. Everything he has to say is worth remembering.
Really put the time in early. The first year is the hardest. It’s a transition year; you’ll be tempted to slack off. If you do that, you’ll lose ground and you’ll regret that later on, because you’ll have to work that much harder to make up for it. Socially, open yourself up to anybody as a friend.
Did not expect such a diverse community. It’s not just USM; Portland is very diverse. And it’s not just color. It’s background, experience, and expectations. It really is a diverse community and it welcomes you with open arms. You really get a sense that there’s a spot for you somewhere in this college, and this community.
There’s so much to do. If you can’t get off campus, there is something to do on campus. You don’t have to sit in your room. There are three or four parks you can walk to from the Portland campus. You can walk around and explore the real guts of the city. You don’t have to be 21 to enjoy Portland.
For the first two years, I was in the dorms. I started out Upton-Hastings, then I was an RA in Philippi, then they moved me into the New Hall. Right now, I’m in an apartment with a friend in South Portland for the summer. I’m looking for another place for the fall.
I was a referee in the recreational sports programs: basketball, dodge ball, floor hockey, and flag football. It was a great way to meet people.
I’d have to say the heart of the city. If you explore the heart of Portland, you’ll find something you’ll like. Also, there’s the beauty of the place. The views around Back Bay are amazing. You’d expect to see that up the coast, but not in the city. When I first saw that, I was like, “Why didn’t anybody tell me about this?”
Next up is law school; it’s only a question of where. Right now, I’m learning as much as I can, getting my grades together, and preparing myself for the next level. After that, I want to practice law.
