The University of New England is my home. Well, it used to be my home when I lived on campus, but now I set up shop in my office in Decary Hall as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Coordinator of International Recruitment.
Even though I’m no longer a UNE student, when I pull on to Hills Beach Road and see the Saco River I know I’m home. In fact, I’m in a place that has taught me so much beyond the classroom. Of course I’m proud of the education I have earned at UNE, but I’m eternally grateful for the experiences, relationships and memories I continue to carry with me today.
UNE is where I met my closest, lifelong friends. It’s where I fell in love with the ocean all over again. It’s where I stretched my comfort zone and stood in front of an audience every week for my live talk show in The Hang. It’s where I learned some of life’s most humbling lessons as a Resident Advisor. It’s where I realized that an omelet made by Tammy in the Commons can change your life. It’s even where I broke my foot (but, that’s a story for another time).
Ultimately, UNE will always be the place where I caught the “travel bug” through my study abroad trips to Morocco, Belize and Panama.
When I graduated, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be. I did know I wanted to travel and see the world, and I tried to think of ways I could make that happen with my degree I just spent four years earning.
At first, I thought I may have come up short, but that didn’t stop me from continuing to work towards my goal. I took a job in Admissions at UNE and have loved every minute of it. I’ve helped high school students get into college. I’ve gotten to share my story and show off my home when we’ve had large events on campus. I’ve even travelled quite a bit throughout the United States.
Two years ago, a surprising opportunity came about in the admissions world. Although I truly enjoyed my job, I still knew I wanted to travel more. So, when I learned that the Coordinator of International Recruitment position was open, I went for it. I mean, this was my chance!
Fast-forward to today. Twenty-two countries later, my current role shuffles me around the world, giving me opportunities to meet people from all different backgrounds. I bring my love of Maine and UNE everywhere I go— inviting South Korean students to try lobster bisque as we eat spicy octopus soup and constantly promising that, “it’s not that cold!”
I’m constantly thankful that UNE is a huge part of my story, and I hope it will be a part of your story, too. It doesn’t matter if I’m visiting my family for the weekend or halfway across the world in Asia for a month, I’m always excited to come home.
Post By:
Kate St. Peter
Assistant Director and Coordinator of International Recruitment
Originally from Massachusetts, Kate moved away from home to join the UNE family on the beautiful coast of southern Maine to pursue her degree in Environmental Science. UNE has given Kate opportunities to see the world, be herself, and put her dreams and goals into perspective. When she’s not in the office, you can find Kate exploring the seacoast with friends or hanging out with her beloved cats, Stanley, Kevin and Cece!