Biosketch
Name?
Arina Kondakchyan
College?
College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (School of Education)
Major?
Elementary Education
Hometown?
Chelmsford, MA
Favorite hobbies?
Spending time outdoors, photography, traveling, spending time with family and friends.
What is your favorite thing about UML?
There is a lot to like about UML. I really like the UML community. Everyone is very nice and welcoming. The faculty is amazing. You get to have professors that are really passionate about what they do and are always there to help you succeed and support you. There is something for everyone at UML and you get to make great friends and meet people with different backgrounds, which is really cool.
What are your future goals?
I hope to become an elementary school teacher, and during my summer breaks I would like to travel to developing countries and teach kids there where education isn’t really accessible.
What has being involved with the RHSA meant to you?
Being involved with the RHSA has been important to me. I got to participate in activities and events with the RHSA that helped me meet new people and other students that are also first-gen. I met one of my closest friends through this program. Everyone involved with the RHSA wants you to succeed, they are always there for you and have answers to your questions. The first year of college can be overwhelming but I benefited from getting reminders and updates from the RHSA to make sure that I stay on top of everything and at the same time stress-free.
Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself in your first year of college?
The advice that I would give myself in my first year of college is to not be afraid to try new activities by myself. When there are fun activities or events around campus that seem fun or interesting, I usually ask my friends if they want to join. If they cannot, I simply do not go either. I think that I should have gone to those events anyway because there are always nice people that you will meet. You do not need to do everything with your friends and by going to events and activities you will meet new people and expand your connections at UML and beyond.
What advice would you give fellow students?
Do not wait until the last moment to ask for help. If you are struggling in class, go speak with the professor or meet them during their office hours. Office hours are for students to utilize them; if you are shy to go alone bring some friends from the class and make it a group visit.
Why did you choose to attend UMass Lowell?
I heard great things about UML from family and friends. After attending an Open House, I learned that the Education program is amazing at UMass Lowell, and I automatically knew that it was the school for me. One of the things that stood out about UML is that it has a program for first generation students. I think that this is a great addition to the University as it supports students that are first gen and everything about college in the United States is new to them.
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
To me, being a first-generation college student means being the first one in my family to get a college degree in the United States. My parents have college degrees but from their countries of origin. The college system is different in the United States, and I would be the first one to go through it.
What inspires you to want to help first-generation students in the RHSA?
I want to help the incoming RHSA class to adapt to a new environment and also be the helping hand in their transition to college. A first-generation student can have mixed feelings about starting college. I was extremely excited but also nervous. After meeting with the RHSA team before the start of my freshman fall semester, I felt more confident going into the year. I learned more about UML and the RHSA provided me with lots of resources. Now, I want to be part of that team for the incoming RHSA students. I want to let the students know that whatever they need they will get support. It is also important to let the students know that they are not alone on the college journey. I received great support from the RHSA and now I would like to support the incoming class of RHSA students.