by Christie Oneill, Staff Writer
Annie Christensen is a new student this fall at the University of Presque Isle (UMPI). For Christensen, this will be her second time attending university. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick, Canada.
This time, Christensen will be a commuter student, pursuing a degree in elementary education at UMPI.
“I had to find a phone plan that works in both Canada and the U.S.,” she said, explaining the kind of preparations that go into studying across the border. “You have to get something like a visa. I got all worried that my passport was expired, but thankfully it’s not.”
Christensen often gets questions regarding whether she drives across the border each day. It’s a common reaction to her status as a cross-border commuter, but it doesn’t faze her!
“I get to stay at home and drive over,” she said. “I’m most excited to learn, and I’m happy it’s a small university since that’s what I’m used to.”
Known for its small class sizes and friendly campus atmosphere, UMPI is an ideal fit for students like Christensen who prefer a more personal academic experience.
Outside of class, Christensen enjoys music.
“I play guitar and sing,” she said.
If she could take any elective just for fun? “Musical theatre,” she said. “I took a couple of classes at St. Thomas, and I liked them.”
