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Sarah Hinkley

Senior from Dallas
Double major in child learning and development and psychology; I’m also Pre-Med

What UT Dallas clubs or organizations are you involved in?
Alpha Epsilon Delta, Psy Chi and Friendship Project research assistant.

List some of your hobbies.
Running, yoga, reading for fun and music.

List something unique about you.
I work for a plastic surgeon.

Why did you decide to become a First-Year Leader?
I became a First-Year Leader because I liked the idea of being able to interact with new freshmen and to be able to help guide them and share my experiences with them.

What advice do you have for UT Dallas freshmen?
My advice to incoming freshmen would be to get involved early on, and go to events even if you’re the only person you know or if you feel uncomfortable. I wasted my whole freshmen year hanging out in my apartment watching TV; I really wish I would have done more on campus especially since it was all right there for me.

What do you wish you did during your freshmen year that you didn’t?
There were several things I wish I did during my freshmen year that I didn’t. Socially, I wish I’d done something, anything, I just wish I had been move involved. Academically, I wish I had realized the importance of study buddies and group study sessions; college is so much easier when you don’t have to try and learn everything for every class alone.

What do you like about UT Dallas?
I really enjoy the diversity of the people on campus. I have come in contact with many different types of people in my time here and I learn something new from every one of them.

Why did you decide to attend UT Dallas?
I came to UT Dallas for several reasons. First, it was close to home and I needed to stay near my family. They also gave me a scholarship, which was a big factor. Lastly, I knew people here already and that made me feel more comfortable.

List your favorite UT Dallas experience.
My favorite experience has been getting the opportunity to work in a research lab. I have gained a lot of experience and several wonderful friends and mentors along the way.

What did you learn about college life that you didn’t know before?
I have finally figured out that life in college is all about balance. My freshman year I did nothing but study and I was miserable, but eventually I figured out that there is a time to study and a time to have fun. More importantly, I figured out that I need to make time to do both!

What do you do to unwind after class?
I love the drive home after class; it really relaxes me. I can just sit in my car, listen to my music, drive and not have to think about anything else. It’s the best part of my day!