Meagan Sather never thought she would go to college more than 3,000 miles away, but she also can’t imagine not having spent the last four years of her life at Thomas.

After traveling to Maine from California with her parents to visit during her senior year of high school, she knew Thomas was the one for her.

When she first began her college career, she thought she might enjoy English. But since she also loved numbers, she decided to study accounting. After an introductory class in forensics, she decided to also study forensic accounting.

At Thomas, Meagan worked a lot. She worked at a local Y, then the College’s Service Desk, as well as several accounting internships— including at a Portland firm and more recently in the College’s Accounting department.

It was tough to juggle classes, jobs, internships, and a social life, but it wasn’t until her father called with news that her brother had died, that she really felt the pressure.

“It was tough, but I’m proud that I was able to finish the semester. I didn’t have to retake any classes, and I was able to power through it and finish my internship.”

Meagan said her professors were understanding and supportive.

Meagan’s favorite memory was her public speaking class her first year at Thomas because it’s where she met her now-boyfriend, Paul Emmons ’18.

“It’s made such a huge impact on my life, meeting him.”

Meagan’s advice to incoming students is to be willing to ask for help and use your resources.

“Get to know the people. I love Mary at the Dining Center. I love having a genuine conversation with her because it’s not just about the relationships you make with your peers; it’s also the people you meet in general. And, enjoy your time; it goes by fast.”

*This story was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2018 Thomas Magazine.