2023 ULM PREP STAFF

Lily Smith

Plain Dealing, LA

Nursing, Junior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Discipline! College is all about being able to discipline yourself. Whether that’s waking up on time for your 8 a.m.’s, making yourself study for classes, or doing all of your homework to the best of your ability, you have to have discipline to make yourself do it. Staying organized and on top of your classes or extracurriculars is also super important!

What's your favorite place on campus?

Definitely the 5th floor of the library! I get most of my studying done here and I LOVE the view of the bayou! It’s so peaceful!

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

Last semester when I sat in my 50-minute math class for a full 30 minutes before I realized that class was cancelled. Not a single soul walked in for the whole 30 minutes. To be fair, the class was at 8 a.m. and I wasn’t fully awake yet. I also couldn’t for the life of me figure out where/what the CNSB was my freshmen year!

Cody Ponthieux

Pineville, LA

Biology (Pre-Med), Junior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Get involved on campus and explore the opportunities that are provided to you.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The HUB because of the variety of food that I can choose from in a relaxing environment.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

Taking the trash out of my apartment and forgetting my wallet with my ID and phone, so I had to get a stick and climb onto the gate to put the stick through the gate and push the door open.

Rachel Meredith

Columbia, LA

Health Studies (Pre-Professional), Senior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

It’s okay to not be perfect.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The HUB because a girl’s got to eat.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

When I was on the cheer team at ULM, I bruised my tailbone at practice. No one could drive me to the doctor in the Coliseum because we were practicing for Nationals. I had to walk like a granny without a walker from Spirit Hall to the Coliseum. Keep in mind, it was pouring down raining, I was crying, hunched over, and had a bag of ice in my britches. everyone driving by definitely got their laugh for the day.

Cat Cowsar

Livingston, LA

Pre-Dental Hygiene, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Cut yourself some slack. You don’t have to come into college knowing everything about everything. I fell into this trap, but my sweet friends encouraged and reminded me that it is OK to mess up. Mistakes are an important part of growth. Although, it is hard to recognize in the moment, I promise, it WILL be okay.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The little booth on the second floor of the library facing the bayou.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

Well, I have a ton of embarrassing moments. It is just my nature. The most embarrassing moment, however, was actually during my PREP interview I was asked, “If you had to lose any one of your five senses what it would be and why?” I answered with, “Probably my ability to speak.” Hours later, I realized my answer was absolutely not one of the five senses.

Jaci Hobbs

Bastrop, LA

Pre-Pharmacy, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Be open to the changes college life may bring. Some students may already have a plan in place, but college has lots of unexpected twists and turns. Being able to take those challenges and use them positively will be beneficial in the end.

What's your favorite place on campus?

Wellllll, it used to be Grille Works at the SUB, but now it’s the deck outside of Bayou Pointe facing the water.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

Giving half of Hawkline COVID a couple weeks before classes started…sorry :)
 

Landon Trahan

Erath, LA

Kinesiology (Pre-Physical Therapy), Junior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Get involved! Whether it's Greek, academic, or religious organizations! Becoming involved allows you to create life-long friendships and connections!

What's your favorite place on campus?

The HUB! You can either grab a bite to eat, study, hangout with friends, or all of the above!

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

When I had to deliver a basket to a sorority big sister’s little in the Kappa Delta Sorority, which consisted of standing on a table and singing “Baby” by Justin Bieber in a packed SUB in the middle of lunchtime! Core memory but embarrassing!

Hannah Habeitstringer

Hammond, LA

Biochemistry, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

The advice that I have for incoming freshman is to get involved. Getting involved has been so immensely important in my college career so far, and it has helped me find new friends, new hobbies, and a sense of belonging, all while making ULM feel like home.

What's your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the bayou. The beautiful campus life here is one of the reasons that I chose ULM. There is nothing like sitting bayou-side watching the turtles or kayaking on a sunny day with a few friends, and it is one of the most unique aspects of campus.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

Living on campus has its benefits, but it has also led to one of my most embarrassing moments. After about a month of living on campus, I returned to my room, and my key was not working period. I must have spent 10 minutes trying to unlock my door. I heard a voice talking inside that I did not recognize, and my head shot up to the door plate. I realized I had made the mistake of getting off the wrong floor and attempting to get into the wrong room. I ran so fast down the hall, and I heard the door open as I turned the corner. I still think about that moment, and I'm so grateful I realized it when I did.

Ryan Laurence

Rosepine, LA

Kinesiology, Junior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

First of all, congratulations! College will likely be some of the best years of your life. Although, it can be challenging, I believe the rewards outweigh the challenges in many ways. My advice for incoming freshmen is to look at college almost as a restart button because they’re now entering a whole new foundation where they have the opportunity rewrite their story or to keep thriving as they were before.

What's your favorite place on campus?

Intramural fields because I enjoy playing intramurals throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

When ULM PD yelled at me for climbing the building to get inside my apartment.

Wyatt Morgan

Livingston, LA

Computer Science, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Be open and willing to try new things. Sometimes getting outside your comfort zone can show you things you never thought you would do. Also, try to interact with as many students as possible. The more friends you make, the better your college experience will be.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The Activity Center, or more specifically, the weight room. The AC offers various activities to students, and you can never be bored there.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

Dropping a plate at the café has definitely been my most embarrassing moment in college so far. Luckily, it was right before the café closed, so not many people saw it, but I was super embarrassed!

Shae Hicks

Opelousas, LA

Kinesiology with a Concentration of Exercise Science, Senior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you. Do not wait too late to get involved on campus because you will probably regret it later down the line.

What's your favorite place on campus?

Definitely the activity center!

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

My freshman semester I had my 8AM English class in Walker Hall and right before that I picked up breakfast from the cafe. As I was walking up the stairs, I tripped on a pencil that was left on the stairs and I dropped my food.

Kiwi Smith

Shreveport, LA

Communication (Integrated Media Concentration), Junior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Hm, my advice for incoming students is to make the most of your experience. What you put into your time being here is truly what you get out.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The dock! It’s always a good place to sit and refresh after a long day.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

One time I stumbled going UP the stairs and two boys tried to stop me from falling and stumbled with me. #ouch

Muhammad Talha

Lahore, Pakistan

Computer Science, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Don’t be afraid of trying out new things. Everyone on campus was in the same place as you at some point, and they will be more than happy to help you with anything.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The Wesley is my favorite place on campus. They have ping pong, snooker, piano, and other stuff. You can go kayaking there, which is one of the best activities you can do on campus.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

My most embarrassing moment so far would be when I was washing my hands from the fountain on campus, and my American friends started laughing. I didn’t even know they were for drinking.

Jonathan Fee

Elizabeth, La

Business Administration, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Never be afraid to go after success.

What's your favorite place on campus?

Chick-fil-a

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

I once had to sing “You are My Sunshine” to a girl in front of everyone at the HUB.

Annabelle Isaac

Downsville, LA

Pre-Nursing, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

College isn’t as scary as it seems! Everyone here is just as nervous as you are, and we all are facing the same struggles daily. Get involved and enjoy your time here! This campus is a place of growth and learning who you are, so have fun with it!

What's your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the HUB! It’s the perfect place to chill and grub! But more specifically, Starbucks is my favorite!

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

My most embarrassing moment so far was my first semester of freshman year, I was carrying a ton of care items to the SSC and tripped on unlevel concrete. It felt like it took me 15 minutes to regain my balance. Once I did, I realized that there were like 20 people around me staring and laughing.

Olivia Rainey

Loranger, LA

Nursing, Junior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Be yourself and get involved! ULM has so much to offer, you just have to find your place to thrive.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The library because you can see the entire campus from the 7th floor.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

At least one time every semester, I walk into the wrong classroom on accident. It never fails.

Amaya West

West Monroe, LA

Biology Pre-Med, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Get involved, but make sure you leave time to focus on your mental health, your priorities, and what you came to college for, which is to get an education that will prepare you for a career after college! Another piece of advice is to work extremely hard for whatever it is you’re working towards, and always give your best in every situation! There will be setbacks and disappointments but let them propel you forward and not hold you back! Also, be kind, smile, and seriously treat people how you want to be treated because you never know what someone is experiencing and the impact that your actions may have.

What's your favorite place on campus?

My work study job at Residential Life office! I have enjoyed working with everyone that I get to work with, and I’ve met so many amazing people through working there. I have also made many valuable connections as well.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

Working hard on a presentation for an event I was hosting for an organization that I am a part of just for no one to show up other than a few members of the organization who technically had to be there.

Gabby McLeod

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Radiologic Technology, Sophomore

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Invest in a planner or calendar that isn’t just on your phone. Having a way to keep up with all of your important dates and activities is a necessity.

What's your favorite place on campus?

My favorite on campus is the Activity Center. I enjoy using the weight room and the indoor track.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

It would be a big tie between me being able to sing and playing the oboe.

Jesse Drake

West Monroe, LA

Health Studies Management Marketing, Senior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Try everything once so that when senior year comes you don’t regret not doing something. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

What's your favorite place on campus?

The activity center because of intramurals and the activities it has to offer.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

One time during Browse on the Bayou, I was giving a tour to 50 people, and I ripped my pants in front of all of them. They all saw and laughed.

Haley Belle Hearron

Blanchard, LA

Elementary Education, Senior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Take chances and step out of your comfort zone. You will truly find your people, but you have to put yourself out there. Even get involved, you get out what you put into college.

What's your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is Malone Stadium. There is so much spirit, win or lose the atmosphere is what really gives me chills. The ENTIRE school and community are there cheering on the Warhawks.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

During a Pep Rally before a football game, the band played the wrong song for Hawkline. It was a song nobody had practiced and we did not know the dance. And they played it fast so we could not keep up. The entire school saw us, parents, and friends, and I vividly remember being so embarrassed and humiliated.

Sydney Andrews

Monroe, LA

Communicatin, Senior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

My advice to the freshmen is to break out of their shells and do things that make them uncomfortable, which creates growth.

What's your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus has to be the grove! It is where all the tailgates happen and I get to spend time with family and friends while eating good food!

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

My most embarrassing college moment was the time I was locked out of my apartment and had to sleep in my car!

Garret Darden

West Monroe, LA

Kinesiology Pre-PT, Senior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Take advantage of the community events that the campus puts on. It is a great a way to get out and meet people that can possibly be your forever friends in your college journey.

What is your favorite place on campus?

Ahmaad’s office because we are besties.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment?

Being embarrassed is for the weak.

Enrique Gonzalez

Spring Hill, LA

Risk Management, Junior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

My advice for incoming students is to ALWAYS have an umbrella in your booksack!

What's your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place on campus is the library or the dock on the bayou.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

One time I was in Organic Chemistry, I had just opened a Celsius. I went to move my laptop and knocked over my drink, and it spilled everywhere.

Raquelle Franklin

Alexandria, LA

Speech Language Pathology, Senior

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

Embrace your truest self throughout your college journey and show everyone exactly who you are without holding back. Take full advantage of every opportunity thrown your way! Lastly, take risks and step out of your comfort zone because you never know what could be waiting for you around every corner!

What's your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place is probably Ahmaad’s office because I basically live in there at this point. It’s where I work, do homework, and occasionally nap.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

When I tried to jump a ditch to test my athletic abilities, but it was rainy and wet. Therefore, I slipped in it into a split and kneed myself in the face. I had never had my left leg split until that moment. The most pain I have ever been in and unfortunately, there is video proof.

Victoria Sterling

Abbeville, LA

Speech Language Pathology, Graduate

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?

My advice for the freshmen is to get involved, by getting involved, it will make your college experience so much better. But don’t forget you are here for a reason and education comes FIRST!

What's your favorite place on campus?

Bayou Park is my absolute favorite spot. It is so pretty outside and hammocking or studying there really just brightens my mood.

What has been your most embarrassing college moment, so far?

I missed the last step on the stairs in Sandel Hall and tore 3 ligaments during PREP one summer.