Meet Clara Gomez Santa, a senior from Sabadell, Spain, a business administration marketing option major, and a member of the UNH Women's Basketball Team.
The Journey from Spain to Durham
I was incredibly shy and uncertain when I first arrived at the University of New Hampshire from my small hometown, near Barcelona. My English wasn't confident, and I felt completely out of my comfort zone. Now, as I prepare to graduate, I can hardly believe how much I've grown.
I transferred to UNH looking for a change, drawn by the strong academic programs and the promise of real-world experiences. Coming from Spain, I believed the U.S. offered more advanced opportunities in business, and I wanted to challenge myself.
Storytelling in Marketing
Studying marketing with a focus on business administration wasn't just a degree for me—it was a journey of discovery. I fell in love with marketing because it's truly about storytelling. It's about creating connections, building communities, and bringing ideas to life. Every project and every class became an opportunity to explore my creativity and understand how brands communicate.
At the same time, being a student-athlete added another layer of complexity to my experience. Balancing basketball and academics was challenging, but it taught me invaluable life skills. Organization became my lifeline. I learned to manage my time carefully, communicate with professors about my game schedules, and give my full commitment to both my studies and my sport.
My capstone experiences were particularly transformative. I worked with The New Hampshire student newspaper, developing a comprehensive marketing strategy. It wasn't just an assignment—it was a real-world project that gave me hands-on experience and confidence in my abilities.
Strength in the Paul College Community
The community at Paul College became my family. My professors were always supportive and always willing to help. They weren't just educators but mentors who genuinely cared about my success. My teammates became my support system, helping me navigate the challenges of being an international student.
There were moments of doubt, of course. If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be leading projects in the classroom while performing well in athletics, I wouldn't have believed you. But here I am, proud of how far I've come.
What’s Next
As I look to the future, I'm excited by the possibilities. I'm considering pursuing a master's degree, either in the U.S. or back in Europe. The opportunities feel endless, and that's the greatest gift UNH has given me—the confidence to take risks and believe in myself.
To other international students who might be nervous about studying in the U.S.: take the risk! UNH has so many resources, and the community is incredibly welcoming. It might seem scary when you're looking from home, but it could be the best decision you'll ever make.
To my family, coaches, teammates, and professors—thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and helping me become the person I am today.
