New to the U: Get to Know Humanities First-Year Students
John Braunstein | Lucy Fivecrows | Norman Rentschler | Megan McMullen
Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from?
I’m from Huntington Beach. I played Volleyball my whole life.
What is one thing you're most excited about when you start at the University of Utah?
I’m most excited to meet new people and explore Utah.
What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list?
Graduate!
What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U?
My goal for my first year at the U is to get good grades.
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
By joining clubs and going to sports games.
What book, film, podcast, or piece of media has influenced how you see the world?
King of Moab by Max Jolliffe.
How do you express yourself creatively (writing, languages, art, storytelling, etc.)?
Athletics.
If you could collaborate with any professor, club, or group at the U, who would it be?
The One Love ski/snowboard club.
What’s something on campus you’re curious to try even if it’s outside your comfort zone?
I want to try Rock climbing.
What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect?
Ultra Running.
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
I chose to major in English and communication because I love to read, write, and edit. With my degree, I hope to work in literary publishing.
Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from?
In my hometown of Portland, Oregon, we’re known for our abundance of hippies. What people don’t often know about is our incredible and diverse food scene.
What is one thing you're most excited about when you start at the University of Utah?
I’m so excited to participate in Greek life, attend football games, and get to know new people!
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
I hope to get involved through Greek life and volunteer work. I’m also excited to spend time outdoors with my community!
What book, film, podcast, or piece of media has influenced how you see the world?
The film “Amelie” changed the way I see the world. It inspires me to be a kinder, bolder, and more empathetic person.
How do you express yourself creatively (writing, languages, art, storytelling, etc.)?
I express my creativity through screenwriting. I love seeing the way human interaction is portrayed in films, and the way different writers see society.
What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect?
I’m an incredible cook and baker! Find me in the Kalhert community kitchens any time.
Norman Rentschler
Major(s): Communication
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
I want to work in sports media. I have always wanted to be a sports journalist, specifically working as a broadcaster.
Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from?
I’m from Payson, Utah. People don’t know how much we love sports there!
What is one thing you're most excited about when you start at the University of Utah?
I’m most excited to continue my education.
What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list?
Go to a football and basketball game.
What book, film, podcast, or piece of media has influenced how you see the world?
Harry Potter.
How do you express yourself creatively (writing, languages, art, storytelling, etc.)?
I express myself creatively through podcasting.
If you could collaborate with any professor, club, or group at the U, who would it be?
Something to do with sports!
What’s a talent or skill you have that people don’t usually expect?
I was a former college basketball player.
Megan McMullen
Major(s): Communication
What inspired you to choose your major or current area of interest?
I love writing and all things media-related, and I hope to combine the two.
Where is your hometown? What's one thing you wish people knew about where you're from?
I'm from Dallas, and I wish people knew that it's not all southern country type people there. It's more urban and accepting than people think.
What’s one thing on your University of Utah bucket list?
I hope to join a sorority!
What’s one goal you have for your first year at the U?
I hope to figure out and solidify my plans for the future.
How do you hope to get involved on campus?
I hope to participate in community service events.
Any views, experiences, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this student highlight do not necessarily represent those of the College of Humanities.