June Noel

Sophomore, media arts

Years at UM?
I’ve been here since fall semester 2006. I got some transfer credits from a community college and from the Army.

Are you in the ROTC program here on campus?
No, I am in the National Guard.

What is your hometown and state?
I was born and raised in the Philippines and moved here three years ago.

Where in the Philippines?
Manila.

Why did you come to UM?
This is where my mom lives and it is a very nice campus.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Besides the library? (I spend a lot of time there.) I guess my dorm.

Do you have a roommate?
I used to, but now I have a single room since my work-study job pays my room and board.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned at UM so far?
I’ve learned a lot so far. It’s crazy. It moves very fast. I learn something new everyday.

Do you participate in any clubs or activities?
I joined the International Students Association last semester.

What does the ISA do?
We organize parties and activities for international students to get a better feel for American culture and to meet people.

What’s your best tip for saving money in college?
Work as hard as you can. I really like being in the military so that’s no problem for me but for those who don’t want to join the Army – work hard, don’t sit around.

How does your tuition deal with the National Guard work?
Well, I signed in for six years. They pay for your tuition every semester and you get a monthly stipend.

Are you concerned about being deployed?
Not really. I’m not going out there to volunteer, but if I have to go, I’ll go.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Um, I don’t get a lot of sleep. I wake up early and I don’t go to bed till midnight.

What reading material is next to your bed?
Besides my textbooks? Books about running – I’m really into running right now.

What’s your preferred mode of communication?
Texting.

Do you have a hero?
Napoleon Dynamite. I love that movie. It makes me happy every time I watch it.

What’s your favorite Montana destination?
Missoula. You can do outdoor stuff. You can go shopping. It’s got everything.

What’s the best thing about Missoula?
People are friendly. They’re awesome. You don’t even know them and they just smile at you and say, "Hi." I love the people here.

-- Interview and photography by Winona Sorensen