Why did you choose UNK?

I chose UNK because it had a small school feel while still being a part of the University system. UNK’s size has allowed me to take part in several organizations and it feels like home. 

Why do you love being a Loper?

The students and faculty of UNK have really fostered an amazing culture for everyone. 

Campus involvement:

UNK Track & Field, Resident Assistant, Honor's Program, NSE Leader

Favorite spot on campus:

The Health and Sports Center because I really enjoying cheering on the Lopers at home games.

Campus Involvement:

UNK Honors Program, The Antelope News, Choraleers, Collegium, UNK intramurals, Phi Eta Sigma, the Newman Center, LPAC, UNK one acts, Honors Student Advisory Board

Favorite spot on campus:

The Catholic Newman Center because other students encourage me to continue and share my faith. I've made many memories at Bible studies, game nights, and eating meals with friends. Everyone is welcome.

Advice to future Lopers:

Experience college to the fullest. You’ll never get those years back, so make the most of them. The pandemic robbed high school students of experiences, but it did not wipe out all of the opportunities one can find in college. Dedicate yourself to what you enjoy, but don't let it get in the way of studying for that test tomorrow!

Campus involvement:

Residence Hall Association, Honors Program, Nebraskats, Student Government, Model United Nations, Newman Center, Circle K, and Undergraduate Research Fellows. 

Advice to future Lopers:

College is a time to find who you are and what you want to do. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. You never know what you might learn from an experience.

A fun fact about myself:

I found out through the UNK Intramurals that I am so good at broomball that I spend more time in the penalty box than I do on the ice. 

Why did you choose UNK?

The affordability, how close it is to home, and all of the opportunities offered. My first visit to UNK was very welcoming and made me feel comfortable. The decision was easy after one visit to UNK.

Why do you love being a Loper?

Because I feel known, even at a university. 

A fun fact about myself:

During quarantine, I watched all 16 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy in 5 weeks and 6 days.

Campus Involvement:

Christian Student Fellowship and President of UNK’s International Justice Mission Chapter

Campus involvement:

Pre-Law Society - Public Relations Chair, Honors Student Advisory Board - External Affairs Committee, UNK Leads, Intramural Sports

Why do you love being a Loper:

Easy. It’s the community of friends I have made and the ease of getting involved in campus events.

Favorite spot on campus:

It’s the food court in the Student Union. In the morning, it’s the perfect place to get some homework done while drinking hot cocoa, and in the afternoon, it’s and a great place to meet up with friends.

Why did you choose UNK?

Location, location, location.

Advice to future Lopers:

Get involved. You never know when you may want to network with an old friend.

A fun fact about myself:

I raise Pygmy fainting goats. 1 of 3 registered herds in Nebraska.

Favorite spot on campus:

By far, the library is my favorite spot because I can get away from everyone in my house, be by myself, and work on schoolwork. It’s quiet and you can get lost in your work and get it done fast. It’s a great place to work on group projects or study for exams. 

A fun fact about myself:

I'm a Jack of all trades.

Advice to future Lopers:

Treat everyone with respect. You never know when you’ll need that person’s help down the road in finding a job or needing a reference. 

Why did you choose UNK?

The benefits of being from out of state includes the scholarship and bonds you have with other people who are from out-of-state.

Favorite spot on campus:

The Student Union where you can always find a smiling face you know! 

Why do you love being a Loper:

I love being a Loper because of the endless opportunities that UNK can give to its students.

Why did you choose UNK?

I chose UNK for its small-sized classrooms and helpful faculty members. All the professors are friendly and ready to help students anytime.

Why do you love being a Loper?

I love being a UNK Loper because it helps me challenge myself more and be open to many opportunities UNK provides. Being an international student, everything has been a new learning experience for me!

A fun fact about myself:

I can speak six languages of which four I am fluent in! (Fluent: Nepali, Japanese, English, Hindi and Intermediate: Spanish, Korean) 

Campus involvement:

Honors Student Advisory Board (HSAB), Health Science Club, KHOP, The Honors Program, Undergraduate Research

Advice to future Lopers?

Don’t beat yourself up if don’t have everything figured out right away. College is a place where your opinions, interests, and goals can change. Pursue what you are genuinely interested in, and the rest will follow. 

A fun fact about myself:

I have had the chicken pox two and a half times (vaccination and all)!

Why did you choose UNK?

I came in as a transfer student and it was the perfect choice for me. I love the city of Kearney and UNK has an amazing campus and staff that made me feel welcome. 

Why do you love being a Loper?

UNK has been such a welcoming community to me as a transfer student and I would love to pass along the same Loper Spirit! There are also so many amazing opportunities and resources here at UNK. 

Favorite spot on campus:

I spend most of my time in West Center because that is where my classes are located. West Center has Brewed Awakening coffee shop, printing stations, and lots of quiet areas to study – everything I need in one building. I have also gotten to know many awesome people in West Center. 

Why do you love being a Loper?

I truly feel like I belong here and that I have a home away from home. I have made so many friends that encourage me to be the best version of myself.

Campus involvement:

Director of Social Media in Alpha Phi, Club President and District Governor for Circle K, Senator in Student Government, Club Secretary for the Advertising and Public Relations Club, and Honors Program 

Advice to future Lopers?

Go for it! That position! That new club! The sorority! The cheer team! Intramurals! Whatever it is that you want to do, do it!

Why did you choose UNK?

UNK was the first college campus I visited in Nebraska. I felt I belonged here. The welcome, environment, staff, faculty, and peers – everything pointed me here. I was hoping to find a campus moderately big where I could be myself, but also to leave my mark. 

Advice to future Lopers?

Keep your best interests and goals at heart, read the posters around campus, and find a hobby. Those aspects are key to a good first year and will indirectly influence your future. Of course, don't forget to study!

A fun fact about myself:

I was born in Cuba. And last year, I listened to 63,954 minutes of music on Spotify.

Why did you choose UNK?

I liked the size of campus and it's not too far from my hometown. When I visited UNK, it just felt right!

Campus involvement:

Honors Program, Honors Student Advisory Board - Marketing Committee, Ad/PR Club, Phi Eta Sigma, Loper Leaders, Holy Cross Campus Ministry

Advice to future Lopers:

Put yourself out there and try new things. You'll be introduced to so many great opportunities!

A fun fact about myself:

I love to travel and have been to seven different countries!

Why did you choose UNK?

I chose UNK because of the scholarships I was offered, specifically KHOP, and it was a better size for me than other schools where I was offered similar financial aid.

Campus involvement:

Alpha Omicron Pi, Cheer Squad, Health Sciences Club, Honors Program, KHOP, Phi Eta Sigma, TSLC.

Advice to future Lopers:

Time management is key!

A fun fact about myself:

I held a human heart and brain during a cadaver lab once.

Why did you choose UNK?

It has the best education program in Nebraska, and it was relatively close to home.

Why do you love being a Loper?

The classes are small, and I feel like I actually have the opportunity to build a relationship with the faculty.

Favorite spot on campus:

I would say the fountain. I enjoy sitting there and playing songs on my guitar.

Advice to future Lopers:

Keep a planner! It’ll save your life.

Why did you choose UNK?

I chose UNK because of the positive, safe, and welcoming attitude that the campus portrays. I also love the diversity at UNK! 

Campus involvement:

Thompson Scholar, Define American, Nebraska Cultural Unity Conference, Alpha Omicron Pi (social sorority), Order of Omega (Greek Honor Society)

Favorite spot on campus:

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion because it’s full of people who are dedicated to promoting growth and improvement through hard work and teamwork. The office promotes unity and morale within the campus and the Kearney community so students feel at home.

Why did you choose UNK?

The moment I stepped onto campus it just felt like home. The UNK community is friendly, you know the people on campus, your professors care about your grades, and everyone is willing to help you.

Campus involvement:

Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, criminal justice program, first year leaders, and psychology club. 

A fun fact about myself:

I can speak Spanish and all my friends are very shocked the moment I speak it. 

Why did you choose UNK?

The opportunity to live in a Living Learning Community (LLC) my first-year due to receiving a scholarship, reassured me that I could find a close-knit group of friends and have a good support system to help me academically and personally.

Why do you love being a Loper?

The atmosphere, because there is nothing more contagious than throwing your Lopes!

Favorite question asked on tours:

How long did it take you to find your place at UNK?  I'm still finding my places. I have numerous friend groups and it's still growing the more I do at UNK.

Why did you choose UNK?

I chose UNK because of the vast academic superiority of the institution and an amazing unique culture.

On campus involvement:

Exercise Science Club, Christian Student Fellowship, LPAC, The Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Phi Eta Sigma, Honors Society, Undergraduate Research, the Honors Program, and Intramurals

Why do you love being a Loper:

The bonds you create with other students and teachers are bonds that only happen at UNK and that's why I love being a UNK Loper. 

Why did you choose UNK?

The campus size was ideal for me. I did not want to be in giant lecture halls with little to no connection to the professors. At UNK, I am able to build connections with my professors and advisors; it makes me feel more welcomed and comfortable to be here for college.

Campus Involvement:

Men’s Project Participant, Loper Leader, President of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, New Student Enrollment (NSE) Leader  

A fun fact about myself:

My younger sister and I were born on the same day, but different years! We share a birthday on April 3.

Why did you choose UNK?

I always came here for state speech in high school and I just loved the atmosphere of the campus. I knew it was the right place for me!

Advice to future Lopers:

Get involved right away at UNK and really put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to try new things and meet new people; it’s very rare that you’re given a completely clean slate of new people to meet, so take advantage of it. 

Favorite question asked on tours:

Any question about the residence halls and what my favorite events and memories are on campus.

Why did you choose UNK?

When I toured campus, it felt like home away from home. The students and staff were kind and welcoming.

Favorite spot on campus:

My favorite spot is Mantor lounge because you never know what you’re going to see when you walk through it.

Why do you love being a Loper:

I love being a Loper because it gives me a sense of pride. I know so many great people who graduated from UNK and I see how successful they are based off of what they learned while they attended UNK.

Why did you choose UNK?

UNK has a great program for education/speech pathology majors, as well as a great graduate program.

Favorite spot on campus:

My favorite spot on campus is the hammock by the Union. I like to get Starbucks, and write, read, or work on homework there. It’s so relaxing!

A fun fact about myself:

Right before college, I went on a road trip down the entire west coast. It was the coolest thing I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to travel more. Next on my list is to swim with sharks!

Why did you choose UNK?

I chose UNK because of a huge amount of financial support and a small community where I can create connections.

Advice to future Lopers:

Step out of your comfort zone! There are so many cool people to meet in different campus activities and so many amazing opportunities just waiting to be explored.

A fun fact about myself:

I have never been to a concert before (I totally want too, but haven’t yet)!  

Why did you love being a Loper?

I feel accepted into a family of people that includes students, faculty, and staff who always push me to be my best self. I never feel like just a number because everyone is so caring and passionate about the goals we are working towards.

Favorite spot on campus:

My favorite spot is the football field. Whenever I’m on that field hanging out, sitting in the end zone studying, or cheering in the stands, I feel so excited and honored to be a part of something so great.

A fun fact about myself:

I can eat an entire jar of pickles (and drink the juice) in one sitting!

Why did you choose UNK?

I chose UNK because it was very well recommended for my majors, at a distance from home but still in state, and when I came to visit I immediately loved the campus and atmosphere.

Campus involvement:

Forensics Speech, Christian Student Fellowship, Circle K, and Teachers Scholars Academy.

Advice to future Lopers:

Don’t worry too much about the future right now. It’s going to come anyways, so enjoy being a college student while you can!