Matt Hammond is a second-year student here at the University of Maine. Originally from Wilton, NH, Matt moved to Maine only a few years ago. As he went through high school, UMaine was always an option for college. Matt thought of going back home to New Hampshire, but state tuition “rules everything around him”, or in other words, “S.T.R.E.A.M.”.
Matt studies English and Secondary Education with hopes of becoming a teacher post-graduation.
“I had a few consecutive English teachers in high school who made me want to teach,” Matt said. “I’d like to write fiction or write movies, but realistically I hope to teach English.”
As a film connoisseur, his favorites range from “Good Will Hunting” and “The Departed”, to “Superbad” and “Jaws”. Not only is he a lover of movies, but Matt has a deep love for old-school hip-hop and rap. Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West, Nas and MF Doom are a few of his favorites.
“…I could probably put together a hip-hop mixtape for the ages,” Matt said. “I think it’d be fun to be in a studio, brainstorming, making beats- a Rick Rubin type.”
His love for the arts carries over to his involvement on campus. Matt frequently attends the New Writing Series, which is an exhibition of contemporary writers who get to share and read their own work in front of UMaine students. Another large part of his involvement on campus is Greek Life, specifically the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
“I love the brotherhood. I’m rather new to it, but I love my pledge class and I love how these organizations run within,” Matt said. “It’s like a business. I’m on our executive board and it gives me some political savvy.”
There is somewhat of a stigma against fraternities and sororities on college campuses across the country. Matt believes the benefits of these types of organizations are endless.
“The ties with the members are tighter than any childhood or high school friend,” Matt said. “Your pledge class is your platoon and they always have your back.”