"see blue." #selfie: Loretta Stafford

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 2, 2016)  Want to get to know the people behind some of the biggest student leadership positions on campus? We did, too! That's why we've introduced "see blue." #selfie  a series on UKNow that lets student leaders from across campus tell us a little bit more about themselves and their organizations. Up this week, Loretta Stafford, a 2016-17 University of Kentucky 101 peer instructor liaison!

Loretta Stafford is one of this year's UK 101 peer instructor liaisons! Stafford, a senior integrated strategic communication major from Madisonville, Kentucky, has taken on this leadership position since her sophomore year. She enjoys Crank & Boom ice cream, being involved on campus and making sure new students are welcomed and supported throughout their freshman year.

UKNow: What is your major and what year are you?

Loretta Stafford: I'm going to be a senior and my major is integrated strategic communication, public relations path and I'm minoring in Arabic and Islamic studies.

UK: Where are you from?

LS: I'm from Madisonville, Kentucky.

 

UK: Tell me about your position as a UK 101 peer instructor liaison.

LS: There are four of us. We do a variety of different things. We revise lesson plans and we have a small group of peer instructors that we mentor, train and assist before the class starts. We facilitate a meeting two times a semester where we do a progress check and at the end we host a big celebration of all our peer instructors.

UK: How many years have you been a UK 101 peer instructor liaison?

LS: This will be my third year. I've done it since I was a sophomore.

 

UK: What led you to this position?

LS: So, my freshman year, I had a great UK 101 peer instructor, Kahlil Baker. I had a great experience with his class and the two peer instructors — they were awesome. They helped me a lot outside of class, too. I knew I wanted to do that the next year. The next year I taught with Annie Kelly, and then on to Lauren Goodpastor. As the years go on, I just keep getting more and more great classes. They are super helpful and I really enjoy it.

 

UK: How do UK 101 peer instructor liaisons play an integral role in the transition and success of our new students? 

LS: We are the ones that serve as a liaison to the peer instructors, but we too are peer instructors. We have our own classes, but we are also mentoring other peer instructors. They can bring ideas and issues to us and we can help resolve and do whatever to make them have a good experience. In return, they can help their freshman or transfer students. It's all about what's best for the students.

UK: Were you in UK 101 as a freshman?

LS: Yes.

 

UK: What else are you involved in? 

LS: Theta Nu Xi, I'm a publicity chair. I'm going to be the treasurer of Public Relations Student Society of America. I am a student program coordinator for The Study, I was a Chellgren Fellow and I did research with Dr. DeSantis on the rhetoric of hip-hop music. I'm also a super crew leader during K Week.

UK: Do you have any tips for students taking UK 101?

LS: Definitely, go to class — it's only half a semester and it's only one credit hour. There's not a ton of homework, but you get so much out of it. It only helps. It doesn't stress you out! They are giving you such great information. Build a good relationship with your peer instructor and class instructor as well — they are still going to be there with you when the class is over. Your instructors are more than likely a professor of some sort somewhere and they can help you find opportunities and be a resource for you.

UK: Why did you choose UK?

LS: My family is all huge UK fans. I went on a lot of campus tours and UK has such a beautiful campus and it feels like home. I didn't feel that magical feeling anywhere else. I'm not too far away from home, but I'm not too close.

 

UK: Where's your favorite place to eat on campus?

LS: Rising Roll. I love rising roll. I miss it.

 

UK: What is your dream job after graduation?

LS: Working in diplomacy, using my Arabic. I think it would be so cool to be a press secretary for the White House.

 

UK: What is your favorite vacation spot?

LS: I like anywhere with museums. I think the coolest I've been to is in St. Louis. I love St. Louis.  

 

UK: What's a favorite thing to do on weekends in Lexington?

LS: Eat. I like to go to as many local restaurants as possible — always Josie's for breakfast.

UK: What is one local place you've visited in Lexington recently?

LS: I love Crank & Boom! I love ice cream. It's a hidden gem.

UK: What's the best ice cream they serve there?

LS: Blueberry Lime Cheesecake.

 

UK: What's one of your favorite things at UK in the fall semester?

LS: I wish we could have another Thursday night football game. I love K Week, I'm a super crew leader and I love seeing all the new students and all the free stuff!

 

UK: What's the best gift you've ever received?

LS: Probably my first car when I was 16. That was pretty monumental moment. I was not a very good driver.

 

UK: What is your Starbucks order? 

LS: Trenta passion tea lemonade, light lemonade and lightly sweetened.

 

UK: If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be and why?

LS: Beyoncé, so her grace and eloquence could just rub off on me.

UK: What is one word or phrase you're guilty of saying too often?

LS: Probably "can we go get something to eat?" or "do you have any snacks?"

 

UK: What would you tell an incoming freshman? 

LS: Try new things. If you try something and you don't like it, you don't have to stick with it, but you'd never know until you try it.

UK: You are happiest when…

LS: … my tummy is full. For sure.

"see blue." #selfies will appear every other Tuesday on UKNow. Know a student leader we should feature? Contact Rebecca Stratton at rebecca.stratton@uky.edu to nominate someone.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Rebecca Stratton, rebecca.stratton@uky.edu, 859-323-2395