Honors Ambassadors

Megan Bladine

• Major(s): Secondary Education Mathematics
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  Minor(s), if any: Spanish

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  Year at NAU: Junior

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  Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona

   

Why did I attend NAU? –

I attended NAU because of the stunning campus and the Flagstaff climate. I wanted to experience a different part of Arizona, and NAU offered so many programs where I could get involved in Flagstaff and build a community. I liked that it was small enough where I felt that I was valued while still having opportunities that a larger university provided.

Why did I choose Honors?

I chose to be part of the Honors College to interact with students who wanted to get more out of their college experience. I liked that Honors provided additional opportunities like explorations, additional advising, and the diverse Honors classes offered. The Honors classes seemed interesting and I liked that they were smaller and more discussion-based so I learned more from the class and my peers than I would have in other classes.

Alec Callahan

• Major: Biology and Spanish
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  Minors: Psychology

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  Year at NAU: Senior

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  Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Why did I attend NAU: I chose NAU because out of all the schools I applied to it had the best connection to me and all the right supporting factors. It is close to home, only about four hours away, it has changing seasons which is something I normally do not see in Tucson and it was financially supportive. All these contributions made up in my mind the perfect option for me.

Why did I choose Honors: I chose honors because I wanted to continue challenging myself in a productive fashion. A way that allowed me to interact with my classmates and professors more. It stood out to me too when applying, the incredible amount of resources available to me as a student, which I believe acted as a welcoming signal to join knowing I would be supported the whole way.

Breelyn Cocke

• Majors: Mathematics and Physics/Astrophysics
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  Year at NAU: Sophomore

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  Hometown: Gilbert, AZ

Why did I attend NAU: As an Arizona resident, I truly believed NAU offered me the whole package. NAU provided the best financial aid, the best weather and climate, a beautiful campus, a perfect population size, and so many more perks. I love calling Flagstaff home, because it is a great college town that I feel safe to live in. Choosing NAU has granted me lifelong friendships and connections. It was the right pick for me!

Why did I choose Honors: Choosing Honors has shaped my time at NAU. It provides countless resources that would not have been available to me otherwise. I also have loved living in the Honors College. The living quarters are incredible, and I have found the Honors community to be so welcoming. The professors are very supportive, and always understanding of student life outside of the classroom.

Allison Douglas

• Major: Biomedical Sciences
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  Year at NAU: Junior

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  Hometown: Litchfield Park, AZ

Why did I attend NAU: I chose NAU because I love the community on campus and in Flagstaff! I also love the cold weather and the complete change of scenery from Phoenix.

Why did I choose Honors: I chose Honors because of the numerous opportunities it provides. Not only does Honors allow you to work one-on-one with your professors and other students, but it also encourages you to approach the material in a different way. My Honors classes have prepared me for writing and critical thinking skills necessary for my major classes.

Ashlyn Easley

• Major: Public Health
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  Minors: Biology and Health/Wellness Coaching

• Year at NAU: Senior
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  Hometown: Bullhead City, AZ

Why did I attend NAU: I chose NAU because Flagstaff is a nice change of pace from Bullhead City. I come from a rather small desert town, so I wanted to experience all four seasons and cooler temperatures. I love that there’s always something to do in Flagstaff, and the town is very community-oriented.

Why did I choose Honors: I chose Honors because I had participated in my high school’s honors program and wanted to continue pushing myself academically. After going on a tour of the Honors College and sampling a creative writing class, I fell in love with NAU’s Honors program. Over the years, I have made so many wonderful connections within the Honors College and grown as a person and student.

Mackenzie Gabany

• Major: Exercise Science
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  Minor: French

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  Year at NAU: Junior

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  Hometown: Las Vegas

Why did I attend NAU: I loved everything NAU could offer me, from extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports, to the Undergraduate Research and Study Abroad programs. I also love the weather and the opportunities to be outdoors and experiencing new things every day!

Why did I choose Honors: There were many reasons, but the Capstone was a big one! I love that I can do whatever I want with the Capstone, and that I will be able to indulge in other interests outside of my major while doing it!

Brooke Harris

• Major: Environmental Science with Biology Emphasis
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  Year at NAU: Junior

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  Hometown: San Diego, CA

Why did I attend NAU? I was really attracted to NAU when I was deciding on a college to attend. It was a mix of beautiful location and weather, exploring something new by going out of state, while still being close to family with my grandparents living in Prescott, and the amazing opportunities I would have here that appealed to me. Now that I am here I know that I made the perfect decision; I feel like I belong to the community here at NAU and have made so many incredible lifelong friendships.

Why did I choose Honors?I chose to be part of Honors because of the small discussion based seminar style classes. I love learning in smaller classroom sizes because I feel that it places an emphasis on each student individually and you really get to form a connection with your professors and peers, which I believe is very beneficial to learning. I also saw the many benefits that come along with the Honors College, such as priority enrollment, so it was pretty clear to me that I wanted to become part of the Honors community. Being in Honors now, I can honestly say that I made the correct decision as I love all of the Honors classes I’ve taken so far and find them much more intriguing than my non-Honors classes.

Zoey Lasch

• Major: Social Work
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  Year at NAU: Sophomore

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  Hometown: Glendale, AZ

Why did I attend NAU? I chose NAU because of the atmosphere Flagstaff has to offer. Glendale, Arizona doesn’t experience a change in seasons, it’s just hot then warm. I also love how inclusive the campus is and the opportunities NAU has to offer.

Why did I choose Honors? I have been an honors student since elementary school so applying to the honors college is what I’ve been working for. I enjoy the small class sizes and what the classes have to offer!

Michael McAnerney

• Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ), Psychology
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  Minor: Computer Science

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  Year: Junior

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  Hometown: Glendale Arizona

Why did I attend NAU? I chose to attend NAU because it was the place I felt most comfortable with when touring schools. Every school gave me a tour, but something about NAU just clicked, from the friendliness of the staff to the cooler weather (a nice change from Phoenix’s highs of 120)

Why did I choose Honors? I chose to pursue honors because my first Honors class showed me that honors in college is much less about more work and a lot more about taking the next step when it comes to evaluating and interpreting things presented to me. I’ve loved all my honors classes and teachers, and the support they’ve offered me is hard to find anywhere else.

Lexi Stroud

• Major: Psychological Sciences with a Human Resources Management Certificate
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  Minor: Queer Studies

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  Year at NAU: Junior

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  Hometown: Avondale, AZ

Why did I attend NAU? I chose NAU because of its location. I was really looking forward to a change, even if it was only a small distance from home. Flagstaff has such amazing weather, and I love living here during the school year.

Why did I choose Honors? I chose Honors because of the opportunity to push myself academically. It seemed that there were also benefits to being an Honors student, which made it feel more worth the commitment. Thanks to the Honors College, I have gotten a fulfilling college experience.