Voices of UMF: Eve Poteet

“College was the perfect basecamp for me to grow as a person.”

For 2026 graduate Eve Poteet, UMF was more than the place to get a degree. It was where she found a community, discovered her confidence, and built the foundation for a career dedicated to caring for public lands. An Anthropology and Creative Writing double major now serving as a State Park Ranger with the Maryland Park Service, Eve reflects on the experiences that shaped her path.

“UMF is true Maine! Everything about the town—from the way people greeted each other on the street to the courthouse bells chiming the hour—absolutely charmed me when I toured, and my expectations for loving it there were far exceeded. Its close-knit community was absolutely as advertised, too. It’s a lot easier to excel in school when you’re happy where you are.“

Although she didn’t arrive at UMF planning to study anthropology, one class changed everything.

“I took Anthropology 101 on a whim my first semester, and it was a dazzling kaleidoscopic view of the world. In all my anthropology classes, my professors (shoutout Nicole and Luke Kellett!) gave so much freedom to dive into topics and methods I was excited about, which was the first teaching style that really worked well for me. That 101 class was all I talked about when I went home for my first Thanksgiving break. It was a pretty obvious major declaration.“

Today, Eve works as a seasonal State Park Ranger, helping protect and steward public lands. While she acknowledges that the position itself may not have required a college degree, she says the education and experiences she gained at UMF made all the difference.

“College was the perfect basecamp for me to grow as a person, learn how to learn, and figure out who I am before launching into my next chapter. I had professors who took the time to get to know me, and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. A balance of guidance and freedom helped me grow not only learning and life skills, but the self-confidence required to make what I want out of life.“

Some of Eve’s most meaningful learning happened well beyond the classroom. She studied French at Le Mans Université alongside Canadian and Ukrainian students, an experience that broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of culture. She also participated in the Monson Seminar, where she lived and collaborated with fellow Maine student-artists.

“Only when immersed in a foreign culture could I begin to truly understand, critique, and appreciate my own…[through the experience] I witnessed each of our projects flourish through top-notch mentorship and a kind of organic collaboration I’d never experienced before. Now when I work with others, that’s the example I chase.“

When asked about her favorite classes, Eve immediately remembers a first-year writing course taught by Noelle Dubay.

“It was about swamps. And it genuinely changed my life. That’s all I can say. And of course, Anthropology 101—I think every first-year student should take it.”

Looking back, Eve says the relationships she built at UMF are what continue to stand out.

“Teammates and classmates became family, professors became friends, and UMF became a part of me. I think the fact that I moved 600 miles away and I still intend to visit as frequently as possible is testimony enough.“

Her advice for future Beavers is simple:

“The first and quite possibly the most important thing you’ll learn in college is how to be your own advocate.  You need help, ask for it.  You want something, make it.”