What Students Really Say About Farmington


Can you describe your major?
It’s pretty much how it sounds: a lot of Chemistry and a lot of Geology courses and trying to find a happy medium between the two.

What are some of the classes you’ve taken?
I’ve taken general Chemistry classes, general Geology classes, a Surficial Processes class and some more. I’m taking a Soil Science class right now, which is the first time I’ve seen Geology and Chemistry integrated with each other and it’s pretty nice. Right now, we’re learning basic soil profiles and during the lab we’ll go out and dig big old pits and identify the soil profiles we see. We’ll collect soil samples and analyze them back in the lab for texture and color, and then classify them.

Is that your favorite class?
For this semester, yes.

What about overall?
Probably Instrumental Analysis, which is a Chemistry course where you get to use instruments to do the chemical analysis for you. You plug a solution into the machine and it’ll pop out an answer. It’s like stuff you see on the TV show, “CSI.”

Did you always want to be a Geology / Chemistry major?
I actually came in as an Environmental Science major and switched to Geology/Chemistry.

Do you plan on going to graduate school?
I’m hoping to, though I haven’t even really started looking around. It’s just a thought I’ve been entertaining in the last year. I’m talking to a lot of professors right now — I just need to find my way. I don’t actually know what I want out of grad school, how high I’d want to go, whether I’d go for a Master’s degree or a Ph.D.

Where do you see yourself going with this major?
Over the summer, I was actually talking to a few people who worked in the field, specifically Hydrology, and they were saying there was a lot out there and having my Chemistry background was really the way to go within the Geology field.

Have you taken a class here at Farmington that has changed your view?
Outside of my major, I’d say my Philosophy course really changed the way I look at life. It was an Introduction to Philosophy course with [Lecturer] Frank Underkuffler, a lawyer here in town. It was a really interesting class that focused a lot on religion and science.

Coming from out of state, why did you choose UMF?
I liked the size of the school. I first applied to [a large Connecticut university] and went to their open house and it was set in this huge auditorium where they play basketball and this guy was talking to us through a loudspeaker, and all that. It just wasn’t my style. Coming here to Farmington, I actually got to shake people’s hands and I knew I’d be known. I knew I wanted to get out of Connecticut and I’ve always loved Maine. Also, at UMF I’m able to have a close relationship with the professors who help out and help me explore what career opportunities are offered in the major and beyond. I think a closer relationship with your professors is key to a better education.

What do you think Farmington does really well?
Honestly, I think they put together really strong programs, things you aren’t going to get too many other places. You get professors who care about the students and I think it’s reflected in their classes and the positive attitudes they bring.

What does a Liberal Arts education mean to you?
Basically, it means you receive a well-rounded education. A little bit of this, little bits of that. It’s good because some people come to college and they don’t know exactly what they’re going to do. So it gives you a taste of everything. Even if you thought you knew [what you wanted to do], you have the opportunity to change your mind. You have choices out there and you can make better, more informed choices. I’d say it’s been a good thing — I’ve taken classes I probably wouldn’t have taken anywhere else.

Do you ski or hike?
All those. I just picked up skiing last year. I’d say that the whole Farmington atmosphere, not being in a big city, was a draw for me. I’m not too keen on living in a big city.

Are you involved in any student clubs here?
I used to be in the Outing Club and now I’m in the Geology Club as well as the Science Club — which has just been started this year. I also run on the varsity cross-country team.

Who do you go to for Academic Advice?
My advisor [Associate Professor of Geology] David Gibson and [Professor of Geology] Dr. Eastler. I talk to Dr. Eastler quite a bit about choices for the future.

Do you feel UMF has prepared you well?
I think they’ve done the best they can — now, it’s up to me [laughs]. I don’t really know what to expect for the next step. You don’t know if you’re truly prepared unless you’re tested. I feel comfortable now and if I could move on now, I would. I think my experience here has been well worth it.

Any advice for a new student?
Just get out there and meet a lot of people. Get out there and try things you haven’t tried before and talk to people, see what they’re all about.

Would you recommend UMF to a friend?
Sure would. Again, depends on what they’re looking for. But if they share the same interests as me and are looking for the type of atmosphere UMF provides, then yes.