HUMANITIES Ambassador SPOTLIGHT | Pamalatera Fenn

Q: Why did you choose to become an ambassador for the College of Humanities? 

A: I wanted to make a difference. I am a first-generation college student. For my first three years I was only able to go during the fall each academic year; those years were highly confusing having no one who I could relate to or a peer I could trust to lean on to for support. When I found that there was a humanities Ambassador program during my first FKA: Community Student Council meeting, I applied with the hope to be the person I wished who would have helped me through school my first three years. 

Q: What are your major(s) and/or minor(s)? Why did you choose them, what do you love most about them, and what do you hope to do with them once you graduate? 

A: History/Linguistics: I was wanting to be an astro-physicist when I was in high school; I was told by an influential person that I wouldn’t be able to succeed so in college I was lost. Both History and Linguistics attracted me because I knew that I wanted to help students and become a teacher. At my high school, the history classes  were lacking unless  your parents pushed you to take the college level classes. I decided that I would  someday be the catalyst for students who just needed to see the passion from their teacher to truly love this amazing subject.

Q: When you must lock in and study for a hard test or write a long paper, what is your go-to method for staying focused and pushing through? 

A: Time management is key! I have always struggled with this strength; I have ADHD so combating this has been difficult.  My go to tips are:

1. I like to be in a distraction-free environment with music that speaks to my emotional drive through instrumental. If you focus too hard with lyrics, they can be a distraction. I made a playlist called “FOCUS YOU NEED THIS DEGREE.” It is full of stimming music.
2. Make sure you have an alarm to remind you to take a break. Too much information at once can be counterproductive.
3. Figure out when you are the most productive and plan your study time around those hours. I am more productive during the night, so I tackle the hardest parts of my work during those hours.
4. Reach out to ambassadors or advisors if you do not know about your on-campus resources. If you are writing a huge paper try to plan to send your essay to the writing center (a FREE resource for students) for extra help. The writing center helped me learn how to match up sources to the arguments I want to make in my papers!

If you struggle with attentive problem please reach out, you’re not lazy; everyone’s path is different. Let the U help you find the way to a productive college experience you will be proud of!

Q: In what way(s) do you feel “at home” at the University of Utah?

A: Personally, the staff; if my advisor and my career coaches didn’t believe in me, I would have been a college dropout. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t feel as loved and seen as I do today. The University of Utah taught me I am smart, no matter what has been said to me in the past. I have struggled throughout life with the notion that I couldn’t make a difference in the world. I wanted to make the world better for the next generations to come, the University of Utah taught me that I could accomplish my dreams.

Q: What is the earliest or latest class you have ever had? What about that class made it worth getting up so early/staying on campus so late?

A:  I am NOT a morning person. My latest classes happened from 7:15-9:00pm. I loved that my teacher was very involved with the class because of the time. It felt like they were actively involved and not overwhelmed. I also love how empty campus feels after class. It makes campus feel more intimate. Plus, the sunset was amazing to see on my way to class, and avoiding long commutes in rush-hour traffic definitely helps!

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have received in life, and how have you lived up to it?

A: “You Must Be the Change You Wish To See In The World.” You can change the world no matter who you are. So be the good you want to see in the world.  I always wanted a mentor/teacher to be like my favorite teacher, Kaitlyn Bove. She’s an amazing teacher who inspires her students to do their best in life. I want to be like her through my actions in life. I want people to feel like they are seen and that someone wants them to succeed. She changed my world, and I hope to do the same for current and future students during my career.  I think I have lived up to it through my actions, just by being an available open door for my peers. I join many events that are not required of my major or my role as an ambassador to let students know if they want to go, they can have a friend at the event. I try with small actions every day, just try to be the best you can be and you’re doing pretty well.

Q: On a regular day what does your commute to school look like? Do you enjoy it? If not, what are some ways you make it more bearable?

A:  If you can afford to live on campus, DO IT! If you commute by car, take your classes after 3pm for better parking options and fewer people on campus. Look at your public transit options - your U card is also a UTA pass that you should optimize when you can. Another option is to check out our Herriman SLCC programs and our Sandy campus! (I love their parking - 10 out of 10 whenever I park there.)

Q: In what way have you engaged in the college experience that you are most proud of?

A: Being an ambassador! I struggled for my whole childhood finding where I belong. Everyone who I have worked with at the College of Humanities has shown me worth in myself that I didn’t know existed. I am very thankful to have this opportunity. I really hope that more students will take this opportunity if they have the time!

Q: Would you rather have back-to-back classes from 0700-2100 one day a week or have one two-hour class every day of the week including weekends?

A: Neither, I would not do well with that schedule at all.

Q: If you could go back and tell just one thing about your college experience to your past self on your first day at the U, what would you tell yourself?

A: “I wish you could see how smart you are, it’s not your fault and you deserve to be here, don’t listen to them. YOU DID THIS! I’m so proud of you!”