UMass Amherst

Nicholas Billman

Major: Finance & Operations Management

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri


"I like my honors classes," says Nicholas Billman. "Because they are small, there is great interaction with professors and students." Currently a sophomore, Nick says he will most likely declare a major in Finance and a minor in Political Science. "I would like to work abroad," he explains, "so it is important to have an understanding of the relationships between politics, governments, business and economics internationally."

A talented goalie on the men's soccer team, his 'goals against average' ratio last season was 0.90, a tie for second on the UMass single-season record. He also competed in the Under-19 National Championships. Nick brings the same energy to the classroom as he does to soccer. In season, he communicates his needs to his professors, so that he can successfully balance academics with his sports schedule. He says his professors and advisors "are very accessible. They take the time to sit down and talk with me, often outside their office hours."

Whereas many students would find it difficult to fit anything else into such a demanding schedule, he frequently takes advantage of the many concerts and events sponsored by the University. "I've gone to everything from Bill Cosby to Bob Dylan to hockey games."

Coming from the Midwest, Nick wanted to attend college in the East to experience a different part of the country. "It's an awesome campus with a lot going on," he says. "The more you allow yourself to be challenged, the more you will get out of it."