Libby Valerio-Boster

Husker POWER Testimonials

PURPOSE
Testimonial #1 – FOR STUDENTS

1st Prompt: Coming into college undeclared and How/why I chose my major

Like many college students, I came into college very excited for the experience but not
completely sure what I wanted to do with my life. I started on the pre-health track but had no
declared major. I had four or five different ideas of what I wanted to pursue for a career:
anything from psychology to political science to journalism to medicine. So clearly, as you all
can probably tell, I did not quite know what I wanted to do. Now, having just finished my
sophomore year, I do have a declared major. I am a Nutrition and Health Sciences major and a
pre-public health student. However, my journey to picking this major was not linear. I tried
several different classes and talked to many people about future careers. However, the most
supportive people on my journey to picking a major were my advisors. My advisor in the explore
center, Lindsay, gave me several different major exploration options including shadowing
experiences, sorting through the course catalog, using personality tests, and visiting other
advisors. To follow her plan, I met with an advisor in the College of Education and Human
Sciences named AnnMarie my second semester of freshman year. She was incredibly influential
for me. I went to my appointment wanting to talk about potentially pursuing an elementary
education degree. While she did bring information about the education programs to the meeting,
AnnMarie started the meeting by asking me what I wanted to do with my life and what I felt my
purpose in life would be. I started talking about wanting to serve underprivileged communities
and working with families. I told her about my overall desire to make the world a better place.
After I finished talking, she looked at me and said, “While I am sure you would be a good
teacher, I do not think teaching is right for you.” I looked at her, shocked that she was so honest
with me. She then recommended two majors, one that is my current major and one called Child
Youth and Family Studies. I looked over these majors and realized that she had truly listened to
my passions and life goals. I declared my major later that semester and for the first time, felt like
I truly knew what I wanted to do with my college career. While coming in undeclared felt
stressful quite at times, the advisors here at UNL were incredibly thoughtful and friendly as I
went through the process of determining my path in college.
 Testimonial #1 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

1st Prompt: Coming into college undeclared and How/why I chose my major

Like many college students, I came into college excited for the experience but not
completely sure what I wanted to do with my life. I started on the pre-health track but had no
declared major. I had many different ideas of what I wanted to pursue for a career: anything from
psychology to political science to journalism to medicine. Now, having just finished my
sophomore year, I have a declared major. I am a Nutrition and Health Sciences major and a pre-
public health student. However, my journey to picking this major was not linear. The most
influential people in my search for a major were my advisors and my mother. As part of my
Explore Center advising plan, I met with an advisor in the College of Education and Human
Sciences named AnnMarie. I went to the appointment to talk about elementary education and left
with my current major. I was able to leave with a completely separate major because AnnMarie
started the meeting by asking me what I wanted to do with my life and what I felt my purpose in
life would be. I started talking about wanting to serve underprivileged communities, working
with families, and making the world a better place. After I finished talking, she looked at me and
said, “While I am sure you would be a good teacher, I do not think teaching is right for you.” I
was shocked that she was so honest with me. However, overall, I appreciated the fact that she
had listened to me and was able to find a major that fit my vision.
Now, this is where my mom comes in. I had several advising appointments my freshman
year in an attempt to pick a major. I called my mom panicking after every single one. She would
patiently talk with me about what my advisor had said that day. She reminded me that I had time
to pick a major and did not need to decide immediately. She encouraged me to be patient with
myself. When I called her after my meeting with AnnMarie, I was so excited to tell her what I
learned. She told me later that it was obvious to her that this advising appointment meant so
much more to me. While my mom was excited that I had discovered an interesting major, she
also told me to try some of the classes and to keep an open mind. Overall, throughout my entire
journey to find a major, my mom was my levelheaded voice of reason. Her support and care
made so much difference. So, I would encourage being patient with your student and
remembering that they are constantly learning new things and while they may have many
different plans for their lives, they will eventually figure it out. It is perfectly acceptable to not
know right away and being supportive on their search for a major is crucial to their success.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR STUDENTS

2nd Prompt: Connections with faculty

I remember the feeling of walking into my first lecture hall, a general biology class, and
being super nervous. I sat through class. The entire time I was thinking about how to
introduce myself to my professor. I had emailed her the previous week with questions about
the laboratory section of the class. Even though she wasn’t exactly the right person to reach
out to, she was very kind about it and answered all my questions. I decided that I should
thank her. After class, I went up and introduced myself and thanked her for helping me out.
She was very kind, and this was the start of a relationship that would be beneficial for both of
us. I went on to attend her office hours every Sunday night and was able to get all my
questions answered each week. I ended up doing well in that biology class and towards the
end of the semester, the professor asked me to be one of her teaching assistants for the
following semester. While I was nervous and not entirely sure I would be a good teaching
assistant, she had asked me personally and I felt that this job was a good opportunity. In the
Spring of 2020, I started as a teaching assistant for this professor. I held office hours and
graded assignments and tests. Halfway through the semester, we were sent home because of
Covid, yet I continued to be a teaching assistant over Zoom. While I am no longer a teaching
assistant, the experience was advantageous. The professor provided me a space to learn and
teach others. I learned to be adaptable in many different ways when school went online, both
from a learning and a teaching perspective. Lastly, I was able to further my understanding of
biology by helping others. This is why developing personal relationships with professors is
important. By simply attending office hours and reaching out and asking questions, I made it
clear to my professor that I was interested in biology. This led to a job opportunity for me.
Relationships with professors can also lead to research opportunities and additional resources
both on and off campus. Professors here at UNL want to get to know their students. In my
personal opinion, lecture halls can seem a bit impersonal, yet one of the easiest ways to make
the environment seem both smaller and more personal is to get to know the professor. Having
connections with professors and faculty in college leads to a myriad of opportunities that can
greatly supplement your college education.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

2nd Prompt: Connections with faculty

I am sure many of you remember your own college experience. Maybe you are still
friends with a particularly influential professor or staff member you met throughout your college
years. Even if you aren’t, being adults, you often have a clearer picture than us college students
of how important networking is as you get older. Halfway through my college experience, I can
definitively say that the connections I have made with faculty at UNL have created a supportive
network for me. One example of this comes from my relationship with my general biology
teacher my first semester of freshman year. The first day of class, I introduced myself to my
professor and thanked her for helping me with my questions about my lab from the previous
week. After that originally meeting, I went on to attend her office hours every Sunday night and
was able to get all my questions answered each week. I ended up doing well in that biology class
and towards the end of the semester, the professor asked me to be one of her teaching assistants
for the following semester. While I was nervous and not entirely sure I would be a good teaching
assistant, she had asked me personally and I felt that this job was a good opportunity. I had
talked to my parents about the job, and with both of them being teachers, they encouraged me to
accept it. Both of them thought that it was a good opportunity to make a connection with my
professor and teach others. My parents also have told me many stories about students that they
have had personal connections with throughout the years including one of my dad’s favorite
students ever who was actually my babysitter growing up. My parents were convinced that I
should give it a try. In the Spring of 2020, I started as a teaching assistant for this professor. I
held office hours and graded assignments and tests. Halfway through the semester, we were sent
home because of Covid, yet I continued to be a teaching assistant over Zoom. While I am no
longer a teaching assistant, the experience was advantageous. The professor provided me a space
to learn and teach others. I learned to be adaptable in many different ways when school went
online, both from a learning and a teaching perspective. Lastly, I was able to further my
understanding of biology by helping others. Relationships with professors can also lead to
research opportunities and additional resources both on and off campus. Professors here at UNL
want to get to know their students and having these connections can lead to a myriad of
opportunities that can greatly supplement your college education. I encourage you to talk to your
students about networking and making connections with their professors and to support them
should they ask you about the best ways to approach others or build a connection.
OWNERSHIP
Testimonial #1 – FOR STUDENTS

1st Prompt: How I have engaged with someone different from me and what I learned from
that experience

Coming into college, I thought I knew what to expect. I have lived in Nebraska for most
of my life so I felt like moving from Omaha to Lincoln would not be a huge transition. I
expected most people to be like me and think like me. While there are a lot of people who are
like me, the wide diversity of ways in which people think, consider, and experience the world
has been one of the most interesting and also most challenging parts of college for me. This
experience was most evident in my freshman year political science class, “Current Issues in
American Politics”. This class still, to this day, is my favorite class at UNL. I went into the class
expecting the students to be pretty liberal, as this was the stereotype, I had heard about college
campuses. Quite honestly, I was shocked by the class. The class was about 70% people with
more conservative views. Often these views were quite different from my own and honestly, I
did not always like what my classmates had to say. But I listened. The class was small, and
discussion based so I spent a majority of my time in that class interacting and even arguing with
my classmates. Interacting with classmates with different opinions that my own was often quite
difficult. I occasionally had to bite my tongue and let them have their opinions and thoughts on a
matter. And while it was hard to sit there and listen to opinions that I may often considered
“wrong,” I was able to learn so much from my peers. While they did not change any of my
positions on politics, I was able to learn why people think they way they do. This was a valuable
and life-changing concept to learn about in my first semester. So, I encourage you to be patient
with the learning process. You will not always agree with everyone here at the University and
they will not always agree with you. But it is so important to be open minded. I was able to
discover how people’s backgrounds, upbringings, and education have impacted their worldview.
Not everyone has the same story, so I encourage you to listen to each story that you hear over
your years here with an open heart and mind. Just because someone is different than you, does
not make them a bad person or someone you would not like, so be open to new experiences and
opinions.
 Testimonial #1 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

1st Prompt: How I have engaged with someone different from me and what I learned from
that experience

Coming into college, I thought I knew what to expect. I have lived in Nebraska for most
of my life so I felt like moving from Omaha to Lincoln would not be a huge transition. I
expected most people to be like me and think like me. While there are a lot of people who are
like me, the wide diversity of ways in which people think, consider, and experience the world
has been one of the most interesting and also most challenging parts of college for me. This
experience was most evident in my freshman year political science class, “Current Issues in
American Politics”. This class still, to this day, is my favorite class at UNL. I went into the class
expecting the students to be pretty liberal, as this was the stereotype, I had heard about college
campuses. Quite honestly, I was shocked by the class. The class was about 70% people with
more conservative views. I remember calling my mom to complain about what my classmates
had said that day many times throughout the semester. She would often remind me of the
importance of having an open mind in college. Interacting with classmates with different
opinions that my own was often difficult and I occasionally had to bite my tongue. And while it
was hard to sit there and listen to opinions that I may often considered “wrong,” I am grateful
that I did because I was able to learn so much from my peers. While they did not change any of
my positions on politics, I was able to learn why people think the way they do. Ultimately, my
mom was right. By being open to learning about a variety of opinions, I was able to discover
how people’s backgrounds, upbringings, and education have impacted their worldview. This was
a valuable and life-changing concept to learn about in my first semester. So, if your students
come to you with concerns about the diversity of college, I encourage you to tell them to be
open-minded. One of the most beautiful parts of college is the ability to have a wide range of
experiences and interactions with different people in a new environment. Education and college
in general is much more difficult when a student is not open to new experiences. So, whether it
be a class or club or organization on campus, encourage your students to go into the experience
open to new ideas, new views of the world, and new opinions.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR STUDENTS

2nd Prompt: CAST (First Gen programs)

I am going to start by being completely honest: high school was pretty easy for me. I did
my homework, did well on tests, and earned good grades. However, I was simply skating
through. I wasn’t particularly challenged. Coming into college, I thought I would be set. I figured
I could use similar methods to high school and still get those high grades. I learned pretty quickly
that this was not going to be the case. Over the first two months of my freshman fall semester, I
learned a couple things about myself. One, I had brought my legendary procrastination skills
with me to college. Two, I was not great at time management now that I was missing the
structure of high school. And three, I did not know exactly how to study and organize myself for
a college exam. Rightfully, in my mind, I was panicking. Knowing only my advisor as a
resource, I asked her what to do. She recommended I visit CAST or the Center for Academic
Success and Transition. That same week, I met with a CAST advisor named Jordan. He was very
helpful. He and I wrote out my schedule and blocked off periods of time for studying and doing
homework. This helped with both the procrastination and time management issues. As for the
studying, he talked me through different ways people learn and different tips for retention of
information based on my own learning style. Both of these sessions were incredibly helpful. I
still use the tips that Jordan gave me to this day. My advice to you all is to take advantage of the
resources on campus. There are so many different people and offices across campus that are in
your corner. In college, you are responsible for seeking out these resources, but I promise you it
is worth it to do a little research and get the help you need. Faculty and staff here at the
University of Nebraska Lincoln want you to succeed so there is no shame in asking for help.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

2nd Prompt: CAST (First Gen programs)

I am going to start by being completely honest: high school was pretty easy for me. I did
my homework, did well on tests, and earned good grades. However, I was simply skating
through. I wasn’t particularly challenged. I am sure that some of you have watched your own
students have this experience in high school. Coming into college, I thought I would be set. I
figured I could use similar methods to high school and still get those high grades. I learned pretty
quickly that this was not going to be the case. Over the first two months of my freshman fall
semester, I learned a couple things about myself. One, I had brought my legendary
procrastination skills with me to college. Two, I was not great at time management now that I
was missing the structure of high school. And three, I did not know exactly how to study and
organize myself for a college exam. Rightfully, in my mind, I was panicking. I called my mom,
as I normally do when things are going my way. She encouraged me to ask for some help. I just
didn’t quite know where to go for help. I knew that my advisor was a resource, so I asked her
what to do. She recommended I visit CAST or the Center for Academic Success and Transition.
That same week, I met with a CAST advisor named Jordan. He was very helpful. He and I wrote
out my schedule and blocked off periods of time for studying and doing homework. This helped
with both the procrastination and time management issues. As for the studying, he talked me
through different ways people learn and different tips for retention of information based on my
own learning style. Both of these sessions were incredibly helpful. I still use the tips that Jordan
gave me to this day. While asking for help can be intimidating, I was grateful that I got up the
courage to step outside my comfort zone and get the help I needed. I encourage you all to talk to
your students about getting help when they need it. In college, students are responsible for
seeking out resources, but I believe that it is worth it to do a little research and get the necessary
help. There are so many resources and offices that are in your student’s corner here at the
University of Nebraska Lincoln. Staff and faculty here want to see your student succeed. I
encourage you to instill in your student that idea that asking for help is a positive thing. Coming
into college and becoming an “adult” does not mean that your student has to be perfect right
away. I ask you to be patient with your student as they find their footing and encourage them to
seek out resources if they find themselves struggling.
WELL-BEING
Testimonial #1 – FOR STUDENTS

1st Prompt: How I maintain mental and emotional well-being

Coming into college, I was super excited for the experience. But of course, I was a little
nervous. College can be a big change and while I was prepared for the challenges, I got knocked
down more than a couple times. At the start of my second semester of freshman year, I had some
serious personal issues. I watched my family go through a huge challenge while I was away at
college and was unable to do anything about it. As the semester continued on, I noticed that more
and more things were knocking me down and I was starting to slip into a place of poor mental
health. I decided it was time to go to counseling. Now, I had been very resistant to counseling for
a long time, just ask my mother. However, that was really only because she was telling me to go.
The idea of actually talking to a trained professional about my feelings and grief was appealing. I
decided to give Counseling and Psychological Services (or CAPS) a try. CAPS is UNL’s free
counseling program. I had already been twice before during first semester for more informal
meetings, but I decided to set up a full appointment with a counselor I had already seen. This was
the best decision I have ever made for myself. I went to counseling every other week for five
months and these sessions taught me to identify and face my problems head on. I learned so
many valuable skills for both problem-solving and self-care that I continue to use today. So, I
encourage you to reach out for help if you need it. The staff at CAPS is here to help UNL
students with their mental health needs. There is no shame in getting help if you need it and
honestly, it is encouraged. It can be easy to get caught up in the idea that being tough at all times
is the best way to solve issues. However, college can be difficult. Change can be difficult. So,
use the resources around you. Ask for help if you need it. And most importantly, listen to
yourself.
 Testimonial #1 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

1st Prompt: How I maintain mental and emotional well-being

Coming into college, I was super excited for the experience. But of course, I was a little
nervous. College can be a big change and while I was prepared for the challenges, I got knocked
down more than a couple times. At the start of my second semester of freshman year, I had some
serious personal issues. I watched my family go through a huge challenge while I was away at
college and was unable to do anything about it. As the semester continued on, I noticed that more
and more things were knocking me down and I was starting to slip into a place of poor mental
health. I decided it was time to go to counseling. Now, I had been very resistant to counseling for
a long time, just ask my mother. That was really only because she was telling me to go. I am sure
you all can relate to the idea of your student maybe not doing everything you tell them too.
However, the idea of actually talking to a trained professional about my feelings and grief was
appealing. I decided to give Counseling and Psychological Services (or CAPS) a try. CAPS is
UNL’s free counseling program. I had already been twice before during first semester for more
informal meetings, but I decided to set up a full appointment with a counselor I had already seen.
This was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I went to counseling every other week
for five months and these sessions taught me to identify and face my problems head on. I learned
so many valuable skills for both problem-solving and self-care that I continue to use today. At
first, I did not tell my family about my counseling, but after a while, I realized that it was
important for them to know that I was seeking out the help I needed. After I told my parents,
both were incredibly proud of me for taking the initiative to improve my mental health and take
care of myself. So, while teenagers may be quite stubborn, that doesn’t mean we do not need
help. If your student expresses that they are not doing as well as they could be, I encourage you
to remind them that is perfectly acceptable and honestly encouraged to ask for help. As parents, I
please remember CAPS as well as our Big Red Resilience and Well-Being program. These are
resources that you can remind your students of should they come to you for help. Mental and
emotional well-being are incredibly important to success in college and while your students may
want space, a simple check-in once and a while will not hurt. I know from personal experience
that it can be incredibly difficult to ask for help so any kind or encouraging words for your
students can make a world of difference.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR STUDENTS

2nd Prompt: How I stay healthy & active in college

When I graduated from high school, I was not worried about missing that part of my life.
I was ready for a new adventure and to spread my wings. However, coming into college, I
realized that there was indeed one part of high school that I missed: sports. In high school, I ran
cross country and played soccer, so I was very used to sports being a part of my daily routine.
Not only did sports provide me with structure, but they also forced me to participate in physical
activity. When I first started college, I wasn’t really exercising. I would run occasionally but I
found it very difficult to keep myself motivated. I decided that I needed to make a change. I
realized that the “team” aspect of high school sports was the main thing I was missing and the
main thing that had encouraged me to exercise. So, I set out to find a team. I ended up joining
three different programs through the Rec Center. First, I tried group fitness classes at the
beginning of my freshman year and loved them. I ended up going all semester with a friend I
made at those classes. Second, I joined the UNL Running Club so I would have other people to
run with and to bond over those moments when running seems impossible. Third, I participated
in both intramural flag football and indoor soccer. All three programs were super fun and
allowed me to be more active throughout my semesters at UNL. So, my advice to you, if you are
interested in staying active, is to find activities and people that you enjoy. Exercising and staying
active is often much easier in a group. I often find that exercise is the first thing I stop doing
when I get busy, however, I know that exercise is important for my mental and physical well-
being, so I really recommend finding a balance and a time to get out and get moving. Even a
little walk around campus is great for you. Overall, find an activity or group you enjoy and stick
with it. The Campus Recreation Center, the Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Lincoln area in
general have a ton of great programs and resources including a variety of fitness classes, exercise
groups, and running/biking trails. Staying active is important for physical and mental health so
finding something you love to do can greatly improve many aspects of well-being.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

2nd Prompt: How I stay healthy & active in college

When I graduated from high school, I was not worried about missing that part of my life.
I was ready for a new adventure and to spread my wings. However, coming into college, I
realized that there was indeed one part of high school that I missed: sports. In high school, I ran
cross country and played soccer, so I was very used to sports being a part of my daily routine.
Not only did sports provide me with structure, but they also forced me to participate in physical
activity. When I first started college, I wasn’t really exercising. I would run occasionally but I
found it very difficult to keep myself motivated. I had talked my mom about my lack of
motivation as she is an avid exerciser. While I don’t normally enjoy when she tells me to
exercise, I thought she could provide some advice on staying dedicated. She reminded me of all
the teams I have been on, and dedicated to, since I started playing soccer at four years old. It was
then I realized that the “team” aspect of high school sports was the main thing I was missing and
the main thing that had encouraged me to exercise. So, I set out to find a team. I ended up joining
three different programs through the Rec Center. First, I tried group fitness classes at the
beginning of my freshman year and loved them. I ended up going all semester with a friend I
made at those classes. Second, I joined the UNL Running Club so I would have other people to
run with and to bond over those moments when running seems impossible. Third, I participated
in both intramural flag football and indoor soccer. All three programs were super fun and
allowed me to be more active throughout my semesters at UNL. So, my advice to you is to
encourage your students to try things they enjoyed in the past in terms of staying active. College
is all about creating a balance, but your student may be nervous to step outside their comfort
zone and try all the programs that UNL has to offer. I suggest encouraging them to try a new
program through Campus Recreation, the Outdoor Adventure Center, or the Lincoln community
in general. All three offer programs and resources including a variety of fitness classes, exercise
groups, and running/biking trails. Being physically active and healthy can help a great deal with
mental health and with balance. It may go a long way to gently remind your student of this fact.
ENGAGEMENT
Testimonial #1 – FOR STUDENTS

1st Prompt: Managing an on- or off-campus job

One thing that has been consistent throughout all my semesters at UNL has been having
an on-campus job. I have worked in a variety of positions. My first job I applied for and got was
a lifeguarding position at Campus Recreation. I chose to apply for this job during my first
semester on campus because I was a lifeguard all throughout high school, so it was in my
comfort zone. Also, I was very used to having a job and I wanted to work for my own spending
money for any activities I wanted to partake in during those first couple semesters. My second
job on campus was a teaching assistant position for an introductory level biology course. I did
this job during the spring semester of my freshman year. While I only worked as a teaching
assistant for one semester, I loved working with students. My third job on campus is working as
a campus host and tour guide. I started this job in the fall of my sophomore year. And now, as I
stand in front of you all, I am working in my fourth on campus job as an orientation leader. Now,
some of you may look at me and think, “why on earth do you have so many jobs?” And this
would be a fair question. I have found that while I am very busy, I really enjoy working,
especially in on-campus positions. On-campus jobs can be easy to manage if you are disciplined.
Also, having to work throughout the week has improved my time-management skills
dramatically. I have learned to balance working and classes and homework. Besides time
management, on-campus jobs also come with several additional benefits. Employers are aware
that their workers are students first. Hours are typically very flexible. I often choose my own
schedule. And lastly, I am not expected to work more hours than I am able to. Between the two
jobs that I currently hold during the semester, I work between 10-15 hours a week. I have found
this to be a manageable amount that helps keep me disciplined and allows me to earn some extra
spending money. So, I encourage you to seek out employment on campus if you are interested in
working. While I would recommend giving yourself some time to settle in during your first
semester, an on-campus job can be a fantastic way to give yourself some structure, gain valuable
working experience, and give yourself a schedule throughout your college semesters.
 Testimonial #1 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

1st Prompt: Managing an on- or off-campus job

One thing that has been consistent throughout all my semesters at UNL has been having
an on-campus job. I have worked in a variety of positions. My first job I applied for and got was
a lifeguarding position at Campus Recreation. I chose to apply for this job during my first
semester on campus because I was a lifeguard all throughout high school, so it was in my
comfort zone. Also, I was very used to having a job and I wanted to work for my own spending
money for any activities I wanted to partake in during those first couple semesters. My second
job on campus was a teaching assistant position for an introductory level biology course. I did
this job during the spring semester of my freshman year. While I only worked as a teaching
assistant for one semester, I loved working with students. My third job on campus is working as
a campus host and tour guide. I started this job in the fall of my sophomore year. And now, as I
stand in front of you all, I am working in my fourth on campus job as an orientation leader. Now,
some of you may look at me and think, “why on earth do you have so many jobs?” And this
would be a fair question. I have found that while I am very busy, I really enjoy working,
especially in on-campus positions. On-campus jobs can be easy to manage if you are disciplined.
Also, having to work throughout the week has improved my time-management skills
dramatically. I have learned to balance working and classes and homework. Besides time
management, on-campus jobs also come with several additional benefits. Employers are aware
that their workers are students first. Hours are typically very flexible. I often choose my own
schedule. And lastly, I am not expected to work more hours than I am able to. Between the two
jobs that I currently hold during the semester, I work between 10-15 hours a week. I have found
this to be a manageable amount that helps keep me disciplined and allows me to earn some extra
spending money. So, if your student wants to work or wants to earn their own money, I would
encourage you to recommend on-campus jobs. These jobs come with so many advantages that
cannot be found in off-campus jobs. These jobs are a great way to get involved in UNL
community and earn some money. On-campus jobs can be a fantastic way to give students some
structure, gain valuable working experience, and provide a schedule throughout your students’
college semesters.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR STUDENTS

2nd Prompt: Joining an RSO

Growing up, service was a large part of my life. Through my different schools and my
church, I have always worked in my community. Coming to college, I knew that I wanted to
continue to serve my community in some way. However, I was at a loss of how to do that. A
friend of mine who is a couple years older was involved in a recognized student organization (or
RSO) called Kesem. He encouraged me to come to some meetings and try it out. My freshman
year, I went to a couple meetings. However, during my sophomore year, I became more fully
involved in this RSO. Kesem is an RSO on campuses all across the country. We work throughout
the year to fundraise and provide services for children who currently or have had a parent
battling cancer. In the summer, we put on a week-long summer camp that is free for these kids.
We serve children anywhere from ages six to seventeen. This RSO has allowed me to give back
to my community and meet some other students who are passionate about service and helping
others. So, as you decide what to get involved in your freshman year, I have some pieces of
advice. I recommend trying a club that is aimed towards your major and one that is something
you enjoy doing for fun. Joining clubs that align with your interests is a great way to make
friends as you most likely will have something in common with the other club members. Also,
find RSO’s that cover topics you are passionate about. There is no one way to go through college
in terms of RSOs and activities you partake in, yet it is important to follow your interests. If you
join something and it isn’t for you, there is no shame in trying something else. So, join as many
RSOs as you would like, pursue your passions, and take advantage of all of the opportunities for
engagement that UNL provides.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

2nd Prompt: Joining an RSO

Growing up, service was a large part of my life. Through my different schools and my
church, I have always worked in my community. Coming to college, I knew that I wanted to
continue to serve my community in some way. However, I was at a loss of how to do that. A
friend of mine who is a couple years older was involved in a recognized student organization (or
RSO) called Kesem. He encouraged me to come to some meetings and try it out. My freshman
year, I went to a couple meetings. However, during my sophomore year, I became more fully
involved in this RSO. Kesem is an RSO on campuses all across the country. We work throughout
the year to fundraise and provide services for children who currently or have had a parent
battling cancer. In the summer, we put on a week-long summer camp that is free for these kids.
We serve children anywhere from ages six to seventeen. This RSO has allowed me to give back
to my community and meet some other students who are passionate about service and helping
others. So, as your student moves on to this new phase in their lives, I advise you to encourage
them to get involved on campus. We have hundreds of RSOs and daily opportunities to get
involved in the campus community. As a university, we encourage students to join a least two
clubs their freshman year: one that is aimed towards a future career/major and one that is a
hobby your student has. We need your help in encouraging your students to be involved and try
new things. RSOs are a fantastic way to make friends as your student will share at least one
common interest with the other members of the club. There is no one way to go through college
in terms of RSOs and activities you partake in, yet it is important for your student to follow their
interests. If they join something and it isn’t for them, remind them there is no shame in trying
something else. Overall, encourage your student to join as many RSOs as they would like, to
pursue their passions, and to take advantage of all of the opportunities for engagement that UNL
provides.
RELATIONSHIPS
Testimonial #1 – FOR STUDENTS

1st Prompt: How I got to know a faculty or staff member

As a grade school and high school student, I always got along with my teachers. I grew
up with two teachers as parents and spent a lot of time in schools. So, I have always enjoyed my
relationships with teachers. In college, especially at the UNL, I knew that I wanted to continue to
build strong relationships with the adults in my community. One of the main ways I have done
this is through the Honors Program. I am the current president of the Honors Program Student
Advisory Board. I have worked very closely with our advisor Dr. Burnett. While I work with her
in a professional capacity, I have also gotten to know her personally. She has become one of my
most trusted advisors at the university. She allows me to talk to her about my issues and provides
me with both personal and academic advice. Overall, she has been a really good sounding board
and trustworthy person for me. The Honors Program has given me this opportunity to both have
a leadership position and continue to expand my network on campus. So, as you move into your
years as a Husker, I encourage you to find a faculty or staff member that can be a confidant and a
mentor. While we are all adults, it is helpful to receive advice and a network from people who
have seen more of life. The faculty and staff here on campus want each and every student to
succeed and they are in your corner. So, I suggest finding your community, whether it be a job,
club, or other activity, and foster the relationships with both other students and the faculty and
staff around you.
 Testimonial #1 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

1st Prompt: How I got to know a faculty or staff member

As a grade school and high school student, I always got along with my teachers. I grew
up with two teachers as parents and spent a lot of time in schools. So, I have always enjoyed my
relationships with teachers. In college, especially at the UNL, I knew that I wanted to continue to
build strong relationships with the adults in my community. One of the main ways I have done
this is through the Honors Program. I am the current president of the Honors Program Student
Advisory Board. I have worked very closely with our advisor Dr. Burnett. While I work with her
in a professional capacity, I have also gotten to know her personally. She has become one of my
most trusted advisors at the university. She allows me to talk to her about my issues and provides
me with both personal and academic advice. Overall, she has been a really good sounding board
and trustworthy person for me. The Honors Program has given me this opportunity to both have
a leadership position and continue to expand my network on campus. So, as your student moves
into their first year as a Husker, I ask you to encourage them to branch out and find a
community. Building relationships with professors and potentially finding a mentor is a crucial
part of the college experience. The faculty and staff here on campus want to see each and every
Husker succeed. They are 100% in your students’ corner but reaching out to faculty and staff can
be intimidating. So, encourage your students to reach out and to build a community. Each and
every student is better off in college when they are surround by positive and helpful
relationships.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR STUDENTS

2nd Prompt: How I managed a roommate relationship

Coming to the university, I knew a couple people from my high school, but I did not
really want to live with any of them. I decided to use the random roommate finder in the UNL
housing portal for my freshman year. I found my roommate on the last day the portal was open.
Her name was Zuha and she messaged me on that last day and asked if I wanted to be
roommates. I, in my true procrastinator style, had not found anyone else, so I agreed. This ended
up being one of the best decisions I have made in college. Zuha and I were never best friends,
but we were good friends and we lived in our room very amicably. We lived in our own social
circles and has separate majors and interests but were always there for each other in times of
need. However, the main reason that our roommate relationship worked so well was honesty. We
were honest about our needs in the room. Zuha liked to stay up really late and type paper well
into the early morning, and I liked to go to bed before 12. You would think this would lead to
disagreements, but it did not. I only requested that she use a small lamp instead of the overhead
light. Also, because I agreed to the lamp, she had no problem with my listening to audiobooks to
go to sleep. By simply making each other aware of our habits, we were able to come up with a
solution and avoid conflict. So, I have a few pieces of advice for any roommate situation. First, I
encourage you to be honest with your roommates. Honesty can go a long way in avoiding
conflict. Second, adjusting to college is not easy so it is important to give grace to your
roommates. Third, if you have a random roommate, get to know them. You will be living in
close quarters, and while they do not need to be your best friend, they are certainly going to be a
part of your college experience. Overall, roommate relationships are important and can greatly
impact your college experience. So, have an open mind and advocate for yourself. Being honest
is much easier than the feeling of suffering in silence.
 Testimonial #2 – FOR PARENTS/FAMILIES

2nd Prompt: How I managed a roommate relationship

Coming to the university, I knew a couple people from my high school, but I did not
really want to live with any of them. I decided to use the random roommate finder in the UNL
housing portal for my freshman year. I found my roommate on the last day the portal was open.
Her name was Zuha and she messaged me on that last day and asked if I wanted to be
roommates. I, in my true procrastinator style, had not found anyone else, so I agreed. This ended
up being one of the best decisions I have made in college. Zuha and I were never best friends,
but we were good friends and we lived in our room very amicably. We lived in our own social
circles and has separate majors and interests but were always there for each other in times of
need. However, the main reason that our roommate relationship worked so well was honesty. We
were honest about our needs in the room. Zuha liked to stay up really late and type paper well
into the early morning, and I liked to go to bed before 12. You would think this would lead to
disagreements, but it did not. I only requested that she use a small lamp instead of the overhead
light. Also, because I agreed to the lamp, she had no problem with my listening to audiobooks to
go to sleep. By simply making each other aware of our habits, we were able to come up with a
solution and avoid conflict. So, as your student moves into their residence hall and has their first
interactions with their roommate(s), encourage them to be open minded and honest but also,
make sure to ask your student about their situation and check in on them when necessary.
Relationships with roommates can be tricky, especially when a student is used to living with
their family, so it is important to make sure your student feels comfortable in their environment
in order to make their first couple semesters on campus as smooth as possible.