Emily Snell is one of those students who is making the most of her undergraduate years at UNL. Since Emily has been a chemistry student at UNL she has earned the Maxine Wertman scholarship, become a member of the Dean’s Scholar Society, participated in the UCARE program, served as the vice president of Chemistry Club, played in the Cornhusker Marching Band, and has represented the chemistry department at the Women in Science Conference Luncheon to mention only a few of her extraordinary accomplishments.
Emily says her two loves while attending UNL have been conducting research and participating in Cornhusker Marching Band. Some might say that’s an odd combination, but it’s a combination that had helped keep her balanced and focused.
Emily has loved working with the UCARE program because it gave her the opportunity to develop academically. “First of all, I'm a much more hands-on learner than most, and being able to apply the concepts I'm learning in the classroom to my research really helps me gain a better understanding of both. …It has been a very rewarding experience,” commented Emily.
Emily claims UNL has provided her with so many learning and career opportunities.
“I was honestly surprised at how much research goes on in the chemistry department. I knew that UNL was a research school, but the sheer volume of professors and graduate students doing research in the department was still astounding to me when I first learned about it.”
Emily believes anyone can succeed at UNL if they only apply themselves. Her advice?
“I would tell new students to stay ahead in their classes. If you let things pile up until the last minute, you may realize it's too late for you to do well. Non-academically, I would really encourage new students to get involved. If you're interested in a subject, find the club and attend a meeting. You'll meet people with the same interests, people in your position and people that have been there and are willing to help, and people that you'll be friends with for your entire college career.”
However, probably Emily’s sagest advice was to find empowerment from within. “No matter what you're interested in, there are plenty of opportunities. You just have to go find them!”