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Laura Hambrick

Junior from Midland, Texas
Business administration, with a marketing concentration

Do you live on campus?
No, though I did live on campus for two years. The best thing about living on your own is being able to be accountable to no one but yourself.

List some of the clubs or organizations you are involved in at UT Dallas.
Vice president of member development, Alpha Gamma Delta; president, Order of Omega; Irish Cultural Club; Diamond Dolls.

List some of your hobbies.
Reading, watching all kinds of movies, being ridiculous with my friends, taking naps, watching Boston Legal and playing intramurals.

What is something that people may not know about you?
I can touch my nose with my tongue. I drown my Mexican food in salsa or hot sauce. Yum!

Why did you decide to become an Orientation Team Mentor?
I joined the Orientation Team Mentor team later than most, but I feel that I have experiences that I can share with incoming freshmen and transfer students that may help them feel more comfortable at UT Dallas. I remember my Orientation Team Mentors and am now good friends with several of them, and if I can help one person become acclimated and love UT Dallas, then it’s completely worth it.

What advice do you have for the freshman class coming to UT Dallas?
Get involved. I personally found a niche with my sorority, but it doesn’t matter how a person gets involved, the important thing is to find an organization or group that reflects your particular interests and allows you to make friends. Every person is different, and the good thing about UT Dallas is that there is an organization for every person and every interest, and if there isn’t, it’s simple to make one.

What do you wish you did during your freshman year that you didn’t?
I wish I had gone to Comet Camp. I don’t remember exactly why I didn’t go, but I met so many people that had gone and had a blast. I wish I had gone, just so that I could have had that head start in making friends.

What do you like about UT Dallas?
It’s not too big and it’s not too small. You can walk through campus and see people you’ve never seen before, even after being here for three years, but you can also walk through and every 10 steps see someone you know. It’s very comforting knowing that you’re not just a nameless face and it’s a very welcoming feeling seeing your friends in your classes and while walking through campus. Aside from that, there’s opportunity to put your stamp on UT Dallas. The University is relatively young and still growing, still changing, and if a person wants to change something, they have that ability to do that, which is invaluable.

Why did you decide to attend UT Dallas?
Truthfully, I came because I was offered a full scholarship. It was also very nice knowing that I would have my own room in an apartment. I decided to stay here because I love the people, I love the experiences I’ve had, and I love the area. It’s a good school filled with good people who can make your college experience amazing.

What has been your favorite/best UT Dallas experience so far?
My favorite experience has been participating in intramurals. I was very active athletically in high school; coming to college, I was no longer really doing sports. After playing with my building, and then my sorority, in intramurals, I can get my sports fix.

What did you learn about college life that you didn’t know before?
Though you understand that you’re leaving home and are essentially more responsible for yourself, it doesn’t really hit home until you have an emergency you have to handle alone. You can’t always call mom and dad to deal with whatever happens. You truly are becoming a grown-up, and the gradual shift of responsibility is something you learn and experience as time goes on.

What do you like to do to unwind after class?
I love hanging out with my friends. I go to the Pub a lot, especially between class to see who’s there, who wants to eat lunch together, that kind of thing. I also watch movies or take a nap. There’s always someone to do something with; just get involved so you find those people.

Other information you’d like to contribute:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether it’s in class, about the University, about an organization or about your future. This is a very friendly campus, and people are always willing to help, from the administration to the students.