Spotlight on a Pre-Veterinary Animal Science Major
What is life at UNH like? How can I decide on a college?
Welcome back to our Student Spotlight series, where we highlight students from all majors and class years, showing you what your college life can be like.
Meet Emily-Grace Raphael '27, an animal science major in the pre-veterinary program. Learn more about Emily-Grace's life-changing UNH experiences, including studying abroad in Italy and Namibia, finding mutually-supportive friendships, and working with inspiring professors.
Why did you choose UNH?
I knew I wanted to be in New England after high school and was looking for a university that offered a wide variety of opportunities in terms of academics, location, lifestyle, and student involvement. Not only does UNH offer a pre-veterinary program with knowledgeable advisors, which satisfied my academic checklist, but the campus location is also perfect. I feel a lot more connected to surrounding areas and industries because of the physical campus location. There is access to farms and the agriculture industry, as well as opportunities in nearby cities (specifically Boston). Additionally, being near the coast has offered me a lifestyle I've never been exposed to before.
What is your major and what do you love about it?
My major is animal science and I'm in the pre-veterinary program. I love my major because of the people. I am truly so grateful for each and every faculty member I've crossed paths with. In every animal science class I've taken, I feel like my professors genuinely want to see me succeed and help all their students. A lot of the courses I have taken have a unique, applicable approach to learning which reminds me of why I am here doing these things in the first place.
What's the best academic experience you've had at UNH?
I am fortunate enough to have studied abroad twice this past year. The first experience was by taking Livestock and Wildlife Management in Namibia. This experience was the perfect combination of learning about a culture and lifestyle that is very different from what I'm familiar with and also studying specific animals that impact these systems. Understanding the conflicts that Namibians undergo definitely stuck with me, and going to see it firsthand made it all the more impactful. As someone who sees herself working with animals for the rest of her life, it was very special to see species such as cheetahs, black rhinos, lions, and many more. It made me realize how remarkable these animals are and the importance of their survival. Animal science now feels like a personal calling, and I can confidently say that I do not think that was the last time I'll go to Africa.
What's the best experience you've had at UNH outside of the classroom?
Spending a month living in Italy while simultaneously learning about the culture and impact food has on locals was incredible. Not only was the food AMAZING, but I noticed a change in my quality of life while living there. I felt so peaceful constantly being around others and just enjoying the simple things. Eating meals intentionally and understanding the connection between people and food allowed me to have a different outlook on how we should share our meals with loved ones. I now appreciate the work that goes into a good meal from the farm where it was grown to the cook who prepared the meal.
How is UNH preparing you to achieve your goals?
Academically, UNH has taught me how to balance a heavy workload, ask for help when I need it, and, quite honestly, my college experience so far has humbled me. I have had bumps in the road throughout my journey, but those are the things I am most grateful for as they have prepared me to endure more strenuous tasks. UNH has taught me a lot about community and leadership, specifically how much those that you surround yourself with impact your failures and successes. I find that when I am around people who are like-minded and challenge each other, I am more productive and feel like I have a strong support system. Those are the people who look out for me and help me to stay motivated when days are hard and studying doesn't sound very appealing. On the reverse side, I have also learned to love being the person that reaches out and uplifts others. I have found it very fulfilling to be the person who holds their friends accountable and checks in on them.
What should prospective students know about UNH?
Go into your experience with an open mind. You'll do things that you never anticipated doing. Opportunities are going to present themselves to you and you should take advantage of as many as possible. College is the time to explore these things while you still have freedom and flexibility. Stepping out of your comfort zone is when you will learn the most and potentially have some of the most memorable experiences. Luckily, UNH makes this a very easy (and not scary) thing to do.