Originally from Pittsford, Lauren Selby ‘07 majored in Religion and is currently studying at the Warner School. This week, she offers some thoughts on studying abroad and being a transfer student.

What are you currently studying at UR as a graduate student?
I am now in my last year at the Warner School as graduate student studying Mental Health Counseling. When I graduate in May, I will have my Masters as well as be a candidate for LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor).

How is life as a graduate student different than undergraduate?
I never realized how different life as a graduate student would be. I love the field experience that I get and the classes are great. I am fortunate that I went to UR as an undergrad, as I knew what the expectations of work were as I entered grad school. Unfortunately, graduates are not as involved in campus life. I come to school, have my classes in Dewey and go home. There aren’t posters or clubs or events to engage the graduate students like what was available to us as undergraduates. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a graduate student. I do miss many things at UR that have changed over the years. I miss the Common Ground Cafe, the Meliora Express and CLARC. It’s also amazing to watch a new class come in, take over the school and change the dynamics of what once was.

You won the “Transfer Student of the Year” award in 2005. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of coming to UR as a transfer student?
I will never forget my first night at UR, thinking that I had made the biggest mistake to transfer. I did not know anyone, I was in an unfamiliar place and the size of the University was more than double that of my previous college. My main concern was living in upperclassman housing and missing out on the experiences of a freshman at UR. I had the bonding experience at my previous school, which was something that would never be replicated at UR or at any other school. However, I felt as if I was on “cloud 9″ for a majority of the time that I was an undergraduate. I believe that my willingness to explore and engage in activities provided me with many opportunities to make up for the first year I had missed. I was able to meet new people and made some life long friends.

After winning the “Transfer Student of the Year” award, I embarked on an internship with the Admissions office where I worked with incoming transfer students. I created a pamphlet of information that was at one time included in the package that transfer students received. This pamphlet included many of the ins and outs of UR. I also started the TCC, or Transfer Connection Club. I am unsure if this club is still active today, but I do recall reading in the CT a few years ago that it was revived. It feels good that from my experience I was potentially able to impact future transfer students.

What were some unique opportunities or experiences you had while at UR?
I was very fortunate as an undergraduate. I was always busy with something! I was part of Student Government. I also held two executive board positions with Hall Council for Burton/Lovejoy. My involvement with these activities provided the chance to not only plan events but also to meet new people on a regular basis. I worked in the SAO as the Fashionably Late Student Planner. By holding this position I was able to plan weekend evening activities. This position also gave me the opportunity to meet some incredible people such as Hal Sparks, Drew Carey and others.

You studied abroad in Australia. Any cool experiences you’d like to share?
Studying abroad was the most incredible experience of my life. I had been to several other countries prior to studying abroad. However, living in Australia for nine months will always surpass any other trip I take. I was fortunate enough to travel all over Australia, even though I was based in Sydney. I had the opportunity to go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef and drive on the left hand side of the road. The classes were amazing and brought us out into the city to take advantage of the history of Australia. Living in a “college,” and going home with Aussies during school holidays was brilliant! I am looking to move back to Australia after I finish my masters program. If moving back doesn’t work out, I will make sure to be out there for a long visit!

Do you see a lot of alumni visiting campus?
I rarely see any alumni on campus, unless it is for Meliora Weekend. The alumni that I do see, which are a minimal number, hold positions within the University.

How can the University encourage more alumni to come back to campus?
I honestly do not know. The campus has changed so much that it does not feel like the school I went to for three years as an undergraduate.

What is your favorite UR tradition?
My favorite UR tradition is narrowed down between Yellowjacket Weekend and Halloween at the library. Climbing the stairs of the stacks and going up to the top of Rush Rhees was always such a treat!