Photo by Connor Nowak
If hard work were a person, it would be Connor Nowak. As an aspiring doctor, and Pre-med neuroscience major, Connor is set to graduate in the year 2024 with some big dreams ahead. He plans to combine his love of the outdoors and travel to rural places in the United States for those that need medical care. And if you were wondering, international work is a later goal. His motivation and drive come from before his time at UNE; he shares that he used to live a very unhealthy lifestyle. He was overweight, never had energy, and didn’t have a passion. Fortunately, when covid hit, Connor knew this was his chance to focus on his health. He knew things needed to get better, but that it would be a hard, slow process. “…If it takes time and you do it right, that means it’s working” Connor states. He talks about delayed gratification and knowing that, yes, it sucks now, but it will be so worth it later. This mindset helps him each day and continues to get him through hard times.
As he reflects on who he was before University, he feels a sense of appreciation, because he’s seeing the outcome of his hard work. When he’s not studying or volunteering as an EMT, Connor enjoys backpacking, rock climbing, and wishes to hike in Europe. After knowing what it’s like to live an unbalanced life, he’s learned to balance the work with equally rewarding play. And finally, some food for thought…”I’m writing this to tell you if you want it, you can get it.” He enthusiastically explains his favorite quote that continues to motivate him. To work hard and give life your best because
“All that grinding is worth it.”, in the end.
Photo by Haley Enos
Gracie is a Junior Psychology major with minors in Mental Health Rehabilitation and Education, set to graduate in 2024. When asked about her experience at UNE she expressed that managing a school-life balance was difficult for her when she first started college. She explained that she had a tendency to self isolate and focus 100% of her energy on school assignments leaving little to no time for self care or socialization. This quickly burnt her out and caused her to feel overwhelmed and depleted. She explained that “when you burn out that quickly, you’re not making enough time for yourself or for your work”. Gracie explained that “having designated ‘fun days’ to hang out with friends and reset for the week ahead without having to work on school assignments has helped me so much. For me, it just so happens to be Friday”! In addition, having specific times blocked out during her week where she knows she will be doing homework has improved her productivity and mental health since freshman year.
When asked about her experience using resources on campus Gracie said, “You have to reach out if or when you’re struggling. There’s a resource for everything around here and if you don’t say anything you’re not going to get help”. Gracie explained that professors and friends at the university have been one of her biggest resources during her three years here. “The psych professors here are so great to go to when I am feeling overwhelmed and just need someone to talk to. I’ve also used the counseling services here and those are great too when it comes to other things. I think just making yourself aware of what’s available to you for resources is the most important. You might not always need them or use them but it’s comforting to know where you can go”.
