UMass as a community has always been welcoming since day one. Barnstable High School was about 2,000 kids, so I was kind of used to the bigger size growing up. I really liked being able to have all the opportunities here to meet new people every single day. The campus is broken up into different residential areas. When you're living in the same area as people, you end up seeing them every single day, saying "hi", having the same classes with them. For my past two years, I was in the Honors College. By the end of the two years, I was knowing most of the people that I was passing by. I am majoring in Public health, legal studies, and french. Since I was younger, I've always loved to be involved in different elements. And also just kind of challenge myself academically. Next semester I'll be studying in France. I'll be going abroad, which I'm really excited about. Currently, I'm the president of the Student Alumni Association. The Student Alumni Association helps to build a lifelong commitment and dedication to the university. My UMass education means that I am prepared for a job. It means that I value everything that UMass has to offer me, and that I'm going to have a solid foundation for whatever I do in the future. I'm Sara Hickey, Class of 2017. I stand for exploring your passions, and I stand for UMass.