Spotlight on a Human Development and Family Studies Major
Welcome back to our Student Spotlight series, where you can meet UNH Wildcats of all majors and class years, who are gaining career-ready skills beyond the classroom, exploring their academic passions, and finding their home on our campus.
Meet Morgan Patla '27, a human development and family studies major with a concentration in child development from Chicopee, Massachusetts.
Morgan initially came to UNH wanting to become an English teacher, before she discovered that human development and family studies offered her the flexibility to explore multiple career paths in education. Now, she's planning to take advantage of UNH's Accelerated Master's program to become an elementary teacher.
Why did you choose UNH?
I loved that the campus felt like the best of both worlds: the farms and animals on one side and downtown Durham with restaurants and shops on the other. It felt welcoming, close to home, and I liked being near the ocean.
What do you like most about human development and family studies?
I really appreciate the hands-on experiences. We have the Child Study and Development Center on campus, which gives us a chance to apply what we’re learning in class to real-world situations.
Through my child development internship, I worked in the infant classroom five to 10 hours a week. I’ve also taken the Exploring Education class, which allowed me to spend a few hours a week in a middle school classroom. I have an upcoming course where I’ll be observing and assessing children at the Child Study and Development Center.
"We have the Child Study and Development Center on campus, which gives us a chance to apply what we’re learning in class to real-world situations."
What’s been your favorite class so far?
My favorite class has been Intimate Relationships and Families. I think everyone should take it. The class dives into different family structures and relationships — healthy and unhealthy relationships, marriage, divorce, and trauma — and gives you a valuable perspective. What I learned has been useful not just academically, but in my life outside the classroom.
"What I learned has been useful not just academically, but in my life outside the classroom."
What are some of your favorite UNH memories so far?
I love going to hockey games and concerts at the Whittemore Center Arena (the Whitt). The dining hall here is also amazing and I love going there and chatting with friends. The snow days here are especially fun! I have many great memories of sledding and building snowmen. Playing in the snow reminds me of being in elementary school!
What are your future plans?
I plan to complete UNH’s Accelerated Master’s program in elementary education and teach second grade in the Seacoast area. Down the road, I’d love to keep growing in the education field, whether that means becoming a principal, guidance counselor, or even a superintendent.