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Laura Lockwood

Freshman from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Biology and criminal justice

Do you live on campus? If yes, what do you like about living on your own?
Yes, I do live on campus and I have the best roommates. I really like the apartments and the other facilities, such as the pool and gym, and also being so close to my classes.

List some of the clubs or organizations you are involved in at UT Dallas.
Along with being an Orientation Team Mentor, I am a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.

List some of your hobbies.
Some of my hobbies include photography, working out and hanging out with friends.

What is something that people may not know about you?
In high school I did an internship with the Albuquerque Police Department that involved going on ride-alongs with an officer. It gave me a completely new perspective that many people never get to experience.

Why did you decide to become an Orientation Team Mentor?
I wanted to become more connected with the University. I also saw being a part of the Orientation Team as an opportunity to really help the new students. I appreciated the hard work of the Orientation Team Mentors when I came to UT Dallas and jumped at the chance to do the same for new students.

What advice do you have for the freshman class coming to UT Dallas?
I would encourage incoming freshmen to take advantage of the organizations, study sessions and events that UT Dallas offers. College is an opportunity to explore your interests while expanding your education in a direction that you choose, and getting involved is the best way to make the most out of the experience.

What do you wish you did during your freshman year that you didn’t?
I wish I had done more things in the community beyond UT Dallas. Since I’m not originally from Texas, there’s a lot that I haven’t seen here, and I didn’t leave campus much my freshman year.

What do you like about UT Dallas?
I love the environment that UT Dallas provides. Everything seems to be about the students and there’s always something to do and opportunities to further develop your education. It’s also small enough that your professors can know you, and you get to know people in your classes or other organizations that you’re involved with.

Why did you decide to attend UT Dallas?
I heard about UT Dallas when representatives visited my school. I researched and found that there was a double major directed in the field in which I was interested. Once I visited the school and found out about the apartments, I was sold!

What has been your favorite/best UT Dallas experience so far?
My favorite experiences at UT Dallas haven’t necessarily been the things that I’ve done but the people I’ve met. I think that it’s easy to get to know people at UT Dallas and there are so many opportunities — like events or classes — to meet people with similar interests.

What did you learn about college life that you didn’t know before?
There are so many things that you take for granted when living with your parents. There’s always something you should be doing, and although I was very independent when I lived at home, I had to assume a lot more responsibility for myself when I moved out. Also, your education is really up to you, and at first it was difficult for me to seek out my professors because I was used to my teachers coming to me in high school.

What do you like to do to unwind after class?
When it’s warm out, I like to relax by the pool. One of my favorite things to do to unwind from the day is workout at the gym.