Undergraduate Student Spotlight
Emily-Grace Raphael '27, from Montrose, CO, is a B.S. animal science major in COLSA's pre-veterinary program. Emily-Grace shared her experience as an undergraduate student, including two study abroad experiences in Namibia and Italy.
Why did you choose UNH?
Emily-Grace Raphael: 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 general involvement. Not only does UNH offer a well written out Pre-Veterinary program with knowledgeable advisors which satisfied my academic checklist, but I have found a place that I can say has changed my life. I feel a lot more connected to surrounding areas and industries because of the physical location of campus. There's access to farms and the agriculture industry, as well as opportunities in nearby cities (specifically Boston), and even being near the coast has offered me a lifestyle I've never exposed to before.
Growing up, I was always really into sports and fitness so going to a college that had sports teams (especially hockey!!) was also something I took into consideration. The gym is easily accessible which was another huge score for me as I'm a big gym-goer, and Hamel Rec Center is an awesome facility for exercise. On another note, UNH really is the big kahuna for me with mountains nearby as well, so when I am missing home I still have some familiarity with the outdoors. As for the involvement, I have truly met the best people in my life through the organizations and communities at UNH. I never thought I would end up in a sorority (seriously, that type of community was never appealing to me) but yet I'm now the President of one.
I've also gotten so much first-hand information that has helped make decisions about my path to vet school thanks to the weekly Pre-Vet Club meetings I've attended. Not to mention, campus is a beautiful environment that is not only appealing to the eyes, but also appealing to the mind. I feel safe walking the sidewalks, I know the faculty and staff care about every individual, and UNH makes mental and physical health a priority. The Health and Wellness facility makes it easy to be seen and there's so many other helpful resources on campus related to that field including PACS, SHARPP, CFAR, the Civil Rights and Equity office, and much more. As a Pre-Veterinary student, some other things that really stood out to me about UNH was the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab on campus, Fairchild Dairy Research Center, and access to other animals on campus at the horse barn, high tunnels, and the PAWS Veterinary Clinic. UNH was the only school that I had toured that checked all these boxes and more that I didn't even know I was looking for at the time.
Growing up, I was always really into sports and fitness so going to a college that had sports teams (especially hockey!!) was also something I took into consideration. The gym is easily accessible which was another huge score for me as I'm a big gym-goer, and Hamel Rec Center is an awesome facility for exercise. On another note, UNH really is the big kahuna for me with mountains nearby as well, so when I am missing home I still have some familiarity with the outdoors. As for the involvement, I have truly met the best people in my life through the organizations and communities at UNH. I never thought I would end up in a sorority (seriously, that type of community was never appealing to me) but yet I'm now the President of one.
I've also gotten so much first-hand information that has helped make decisions about my path to vet school thanks to the weekly Pre-Vet Club meetings I've attended. Not to mention, campus is a beautiful environment that is not only appealing to the eyes, but also appealing to the mind. I feel safe walking the sidewalks, I know the faculty and staff care about every individual, and UNH makes mental and physical health a priority. The Health and Wellness facility makes it easy to be seen and there's so many other helpful resources on campus related to that field including PACS, SHARPP, CFAR, the Civil Rights and Equity office, and much more. As a Pre-Veterinary student, some other things that really stood out to me about UNH was the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab on campus, Fairchild Dairy Research Center, and access to other animals on campus at the horse barn, high tunnels, and the PAWS Veterinary Clinic. UNH was the only school that I had toured that checked all these boxes and more that I didn't even know I was looking for at the time.
What is your major and what do you love about it?
Emily-Grace: My major is animal science on the pre-veterinary track and I love my major because of the people. I am truly so, so grateful for each and every faculty member I've crossed paths with. In every animal science-related class I've taken I feel like my professors genuinely want to see me succeed and help their students. After high school, I had felt burnt out and was really looking for a fresh start to help me fall in love with learning again. My major and academic program at UNH did exactly just that. Instead of dreading the school year, I now yearn for classes to start and look forward to going to classes with my peers everyday. 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?
Emily-Grace: I am fortunate enough to have studied abroad twice this past year. The first experience was by taking ANSC 690 Livestock and Wildlife Management in Namibia. I think this experience was the most impactful on my mind and life. It was the perfect concoction of learning about a culture and lifestyle that is very unique to what I'm familiar with and also studying specific animals that impact these systems. Understanding the conflicts that Namibians undergo was content that definitely stuck with me and then going to see it firsthand made it all that more worthwhile. I found that part of the class very eye-opening. However, studying the wildlife and livestock specifically is what really had a lasting impact. 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 much more. It made me realize how remarkable these animals are and the importance of their survival. It definitely felt 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 the classroom/lab?
Emily-Grace: 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 appeased to constantly be around others and just enjoy the simple things. Eating meals in a manner that had intention and understanding the connection between people and food allowed me to have a different outlook on how we should share our meals with our 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 said meal. It was an eye-opening experience where I just felt grateful. I was thankful to have access to fresh and delicious food, to be surrounded by people who are caring and happy to spend time with each other, and to be in a gorgeous area where the landscape was breathtaking at all times. I spent a lot of time reflecting in Italy about how I can take some aspects of what it was like to live there and feel so emotionally fulfilled and apply that in my daily life.
How is UNH preparing you to achieve your goals?
Emily-Grace: Academically, UNH has taught me how to balance a heavy workload, ask for help when I need it, and quite honestly it 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 that person who holds their friends accountable and checks in on them. I've realized that I essentially cannot get anywhere in life without a support system or team cheering me on. There is no way you can get to where you want to go entirely on your own. That was something I did not understand in high school, and thanks to UNH I now value my connections and relationships with others in a way that is a lot more healthy than it was in the past.
What should prospective students know about UNH?
Emily-Grace: Go into your experience with an open mind. There is going to be something that you never would have anticipated doing that you will come across. 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.
Please share one unique or interesting fact about yourself.
Have you received any UNH scholarships/grants/awards, and if yes, which one(s)?
UNH Non-Resident Tuition Grant
Presidential Scholarship
Keller Memorial Scholarship
Caroline Wooster Scholarship
Huntington Family Scholarship
Presidential Scholarship
Keller Memorial Scholarship
Caroline Wooster Scholarship
Huntington Family Scholarship
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