Danielle Payne almost didn”t join marching band.
As she sat with other freshmen at band camp last week, the 18-year-old flute player knew she made the right call, watching leaders from the Vandal Marching Band run through pep tunes and dance moves.
“That”s when I was like, “This is going to be the best time ever,”” Payne said.
Danielle Payne
Payne, from Central Point, Oregon, said her first days on campus have been a mix of emotions – both excitement and fatigue.
For now, Payne is a nutrition major. But admittedly, she said that could change.
“I have no idea,” Payne said about whether or not she will continue with nutrition throughout her college career.
Payne said she heard about the University of Idaho from family friends. Her boyfriend”s siblings also had a great experience at the university.
“I just think it”s really beautiful here,” Payne said. “It”s a different kind of beautiful from where I”m from.”
Besides, she said the public universities in Oregon have too many students.
Payne said she thought about being a physical therapist, but decided against it after realizing she would have to work with people who have had serious, detrimental accidents. She said it would be hard for her to work in that field.
“Eating healthy – sounds like a great thing to major in,” Payne said of picking nutrition. She said she is interested in learning the science behind nutrition and mentioned she is also interested in environmental science and sustainability.
“Expand my horizons, in a non-crazy way,” she said, adding that she probably will want to say away from parties. “Because some people go crazy.”
Payne said she has plans to study abroad and hopes to make friends in the honors program.
Payne said it was not hard leaving her family, since she knows she will see them over holiday. Saying goodbye to her friends was another experience. With many, she said she has no clue when she might see them next, but hopes to say in touch.
As for making new friends at UI, Payne only has acquaintances so far.
“I know their names and sort of what they major in,” she said. “But I probably haven”t talked to any of them for over like a half hour.”
Ryan Tarinelli can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @ryantarinelli