Skye Loto '26 didn't initially want to come to UNH - but the Paul Scholars program and countless opportunities quickly changed her mind.
HOMETOWN 🏠
Northwood, NH
PROGRAM 📚
Analytical Economics + Political Science Double Major
INTERESTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT UNH 👩💻
Paul Scholar, UNH Tennis Team, Sustainability Institute Intern
Why I Chose UNH (Despite My Initial Doubts)
Like many NH locals, I was dead set against UNH at first. My parents went here. My aunts and uncles and cousins went here. I thought, "I'm never going to UNH."
But then everything just fell into place. I liked campus. The financial aid package was good. And then I went to the Paul Scholar dinner and realized, 'These are my people.' Driven, smart, supportive. But also fun!
The idea of a cohort program really drew me in. I knew I'd made the right choice during early-move in. We spent some long nights sitting in Sawyer in the hallway and getting to know everybody. I met my best friends. It was an immediate friend group that not everybody gets – and I could not be more thankful for it.
Why Analytical Economics?
Well, initially I thought I would be a finance major. But when I took my first economics class here I realized, wow, I really like this. I think it's because I've always been big into math. The analytical economics courses involve a lot more math than business administration.
I also really loved:
- Supportive faculty: Professors are always available to help!
- Flexible curriculum: It was easy to pursue my double major
- Real-world applications: I've already had internship opportunities and experienced hands-on projects
I just want to help people someday through my work. And I think a really interesting way to do that is through economics. To make sure people can afford housing, can afford food. The economy is what makes the world go around. And I want to be able to help keep that as stable as humanly possible.
Personal Growth and Opportunity
I've realized during my time at UNH that there is SO MUCH possibility here. I'm just learning how to grasp it.
I'm taking a summer course at the London School of Economics. I have study abroad plans at the University of Edinburgh. I'm hoping to do a semester in Washington D.C. through The Washington Center program.
And right now I'm interning with New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR) through the Sustainability Institute's Semester for Impact Program. This experience has taught me a lot about myself. How to work remotely, for one. How to network.
It started as a resume builder and now it's changing how I look at the world. I love being able to give back to a company that makes a difference.
So if you're from NH, don't let being "too close to home" hold you back from amazing opportunities!
UNH has done nothing but support my big dreams.
