Sam Croteau '25 writes about being a legacy student and forging his own path at UNH.
HOMETOWN 🏠
Bolton, Massachusetts
Analytical Economics + Student Designed Major in Organizational Behavior
Rines Angel Fund, Paul Scholar, Student Senate, Research Assistant
UNH has always been a part of my story. My grandmother, mom, and dad all walked these same paths, and I even attended my first UNH hockey game at seven years old.
But it wasn't until I visited during my college search that I realized UNH wasn't just a family tradition – it was the perfect fit for me.
The Paul Scholars program was a game-changer for me. Not only did it offer a fantastic tuition break, but it also introduced me to a community of like-minded, driven students.
My freshman year, I moved in early and lived in Stoke Hall with all the other Paul Scholars. Those are some of my best friends to this day. I'm living with five of them next year!
Beyond that, one of my favorite aspects of the program is the mentorship component – each of us is paired with an upperclassman Paul Scholar who helps guide us through our first year at UNH.
At UNH, learning extends far beyond the classroom. The Rines Angel Fund has been a cornerstone of my experience here. It's not just about studying business concepts – we're actually participating in angel investing, working with real founders and making decisions about investing actual money.
I think the coolest part is interacting with founders. Especially founders that focus on sustainable issues! We've heard pitches on everything from novel recycling mechanisms to sustainable dog food and healthcare databases. It feels good to be able to make a real impact.
This hands-on approach has helped me realize that while I love data and spreadsheets, I need my work to involve people too. It's why I'm pursuing a unique combination of Analytical Economics and a student-designed major in Organizational Behavior.
One of the things I appreciate most about UNH is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with professors. In my freshman year, I reached out to Professor Karen Conway after taking her microeconomics class, asking if I could help with any research. She said yes! We still meet once a month for coffee, even though that project is done.
I love Paul so much. Everyone here really encourages you to get out of your comfort zone, break out of your major, and find other people that really align with who you are. I've found a home here.
As I prepare for my upcoming internship in commercial banking at Wells Fargo in Boston, I'm grateful for the foundation UNH has provided. The combination of analytical skills, practical experience, and interpersonal development has set me up for success in ways I never imagined when I first arrived.
To prospective students considering UNH, I say this: take advantage of the real-world programs available here. Whether it's Rines, professional sales groups, or marketing clubs, these experiences will prepare you for your future career in ways a textbook never could.
At UNH, you'll find more than just an education – you'll discover your path, build lasting relationships, and gain the skills needed to make a real impact in the business world.
