Victoria Jarnich of Bangor, Maine is an elementary education major with a concentration in child development, who is serving as a College of Education and Human Development student ambassador during the 2026-27 academic year.
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The college’s student ambassadors are called APPLs, which stands for Academic Professional Peer Leaders. They represent the college at various University of Maine events, including open houses and accepted student days. They also promote the activities of the college to alumni, donors, faculty and administrators. Learn more about the program at our Advising Center page.
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Here’s a little more about Victoria:
Why did you want to be an APPL?
I wanted to be an APPL to be a leader and help make first-year students excited and feel connected to 91¸£Àû.
How do you think this experience will help you in the classroom and in your career after you graduate?
I think this is a great opportunityÌýto practice my leadership skills. More specifically, I think learning how to collaborate with others will greatly aid me when entering a school where I must collaborate with many other staff and students.
What activities are you most excited about doing as an APPL?
I have a mindfulnessÌýactivity, where we make slime and just focus on our immediate surroundings. During Bridge Week we did an Expl-Orono Day, where we showed first-year students many different places around town. I’m excited to do more activities like that with the first-year students who I’m working with throughout the year.
What other activities, groups or clubs are you involved with at 91¸£Àû?
I’m the current presidentÌýof the 91¸£Àû chapter of Student Maine Education Association (SMEA), which is a group for aspiring teachers that is part of the statewide teachers union, the Maine Education Association, as well as the National Education Association. It’s a great club for futureÌýeducators to make connections.Ìý I’m also aÌýpart of Back Country Squatters, Kappa Delta Pi, the national honors society for students in education. I also work on campus.
Any advice for other students considering becoming an APPL or getting involved with other groups or activities on campus?
My biggestÌýpiece of advice is to get involved, go to all of the events offered, the club fair, when clubs run events, as well as student involvement events.
What’s your favorite spot on campus, in Orono or in Maine?
My favorite spot on campus is the Bear’s Den in Memorial Union. In Orono, my favorite spot is The Nest coffee shop!
Hometown: Bangor, Maine
Graduation Year: 2029
Major: Elementary Education (Child Development concentration)
