Lara Christley

Freshman Admissions Counselor

University of Minnesota

Direct: 612-625-3284
Toll Free: 1-800-752-1000
Email: larac@umn.edu

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Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Major(s): Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management

Why she chose the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: "I grew up in Minneapolis so the U of M seemed like a natural choice. I loved my experience at the U of M because it is located in the middle of the Twin Cities. I also knew that I would find what I was looking for whether it was academics, extra-curricular activities or social events because the U of M offers a taste of everything. "

Favorite University of Minnesota Class: "I really enjoyed the History of Walt Disney, but Natural Resources as Raw Materials was the class the focused me eventually on my major in natural resources and environmental studies (now called Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management). It talked about people all over the world and how and how much we use different natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable."

Favorite Student Organization: "I participated in many student organizations as an undergrad. I found it to be a great way to make the U of M a smaller place and to find my own place. I really enjoyed being a counselor for New Student Weekend (which has now become Welcome Week). I was also a participant, facilitator and planning committee co-chair for a leadership development retreat. I loved being a participant in the Leaderquest program."

Favorite U of M Memory: "Putting together floats and housefronts for the Homecoming parade, living in the residence halls freshman year, painting my name on the Washington Ave bridge."

Favorite Random Fact about the University: "We developed the best tasting apple ever: the Honeycrisp apple, which is now Minnesota's state fruit!!"

Best Place to Study on Campus: "In the back corner of the 2nd or 3rd floor of the Magrath Library on the St. Paul campus. No one goes there so it is completely quiet and very conducive to studying."

The One Experience Students Shouldn't Miss: "Find a way to participate in Homecoming. You get a good dose of school spirit and have tons of fun."