student voices

Samuel Genovese first walked into a Model UN conference as a nervous high school freshman. Eight years later, he stood at a podium inside USM’s Costello Field House and opened one as secretary-general, the student in charge of the entire event. Behind that full-circle moment is a story most of the 450 high schoolers in the room never saw: months of planning, a student-led leadership team, and everything it takes to pull off the Maine Model United Nations Conference. Keep reading to go behind the scenes with the USM student who ran the show.

Florence Guimont stood at Iceland’s Gullfoss waterfall, mist settling on her jacket, thinking: I can’t believe we’re actually here. Read on to find out how a USM freshman went from seeing a poster on campus to standing at one of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks.

Summer reading lists don’t have to come from a teacher — they can be light, fun, and unique to you. Even if you’re like me, juggling summer classes and work, there’s always time to sneak in a few chapters, whether you’re outside in the sun or beating the heat in the cool, crisp AC. Keep reading to find out the 10 books I plan to read this summer as an English Major at the University of Southern Maine. 

For four years, USM has been more than just a school — it’s been the place where I found my people, my purpose, and myself. Keep reading to hear what I wish I’d known sooner, and what I’m carrying with me as I go.

College Decision Day falls on May 1 — and if you’re in the middle of the process, you know how much weight this date can carry. Keep reading to hear from Ani Roberts, a USM sophomore and women’s soccer player, on what actually made a difference once she got to campus — and what she’d tell her high school self today.

From coffee dates and karaoke nights to beach days and ski trips, one graduating Husky shares her favorite ways to make the most of Southern Maine. Keep reading to find your next favorite spot.

Finals are almost here, and a USM student put five popular study hacks to the test. Keep reading to find out which ones are actually worth your time — and which ones to skip.

Being a college freshman was one of the scariest experiences I’ve had — but looking back as a senior at the University of Southern Maine, I can see how much I’ve grown. Keep reading to discover the five things I wish I’d known from the very start.

As I near graduation, I’ve been reflecting on my four years at USM and the sense of belonging I felt from the very start. Keep reading to see how the campus, community, and experiences made it feel like a true home away from home.

Saving money in college can be a challenge — especially if you’re trying to manage spending for the first time. Keep reading to discover some practical ways to spend smarter and save money as a University of Southern Maine student.