Erin Trame

How do you help students discover their best path?

I remind them that nothing is set in stone, if you start down one path, but discover another one, don't be afraid to try it. There is also no single path that everyone must follow, choose the one that is best for you. The first step in finding your path is curiosity and being open to trying something new.

What's one experience outside the classroom that shaped who you are today?

As a transfer student, I didn't know anybody when I came here and really struggled to meet people the first month of the term. Joining the Women's Rugby team was a great opportunity to make friends, travel, and be active. I had never played the game before, I hadn't even played sports in high school, but this was just a great fit for me. I still find ways to be active each day and have remained friends with many of my teammates. Rugby made me realize a toughness inside of me I didn't know existed and has helped me when I have faced challenges later in life.

What's something you struggled with as a student, and what helped you in that situation?

I really struggled with asking for help. I thought it was a sign of weakness and was a sign I didn't belong here as a student. A friend reminded me I was paying for these resources whether I used them or not, so I might as well give them a try. I walked by my instructor's office door several times before getting up the courage to walk in and ask for help. I was nervous, I felt foolish, but the instructor quickly helped answer my question and help me get back on track. I started utilizing office hours on a regular basis for my classes whenever I got stuck and started to build relationships with some of my instructors.

What are some places you've lived or traveled to? How have those places influenced who you are or how you see the world today?

I love being outside and in nature so I love going to the National Parks and experiencing the beauty of these varied places. It is a great reminder that despite the many physical differences I might see in the ecosystems, they each share many of the same things, the struggle for the flora and fauna to survive in their respective environments.