Plymouth State University

Nate Obin

Plymouth, N.H. – Famed American inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin once said, “Diligence is the mother of good fortune,” and 2012 Plymouth State University graduate Nate Obin is a perfect example of that belief. Obin has worked hard to not only attend college, but to establish himself academically and as a student leader. His story is one of overcoming obstacles and achieving success; and he credits PSU with helping him find his way.

“It has been the best four years of my life,” said Obin, who is receiving a bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Obin’s story begins eight years ago, in 2004, when his family’s Florida home was destroyed by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, and they were forced to move north to Winchester, N.H., to start over. Finances were tough, and Nate had to earn money for all his expenses, as well as supplement his family’s income.  His teachers at Keene High School recognized his potential, and recommended him for Keene State College’s Upward Bound program, where he flourished and decided to attend Plymouth State after graduating from Keene High in 2008. As the first person in his family to attend college, he was apprehensive, especially about the cost of tuition.

He managed to secure some scholarship funding, and arrived on campus in the fall of 2008.

His earnest demeanor and work ethic were quickly noticed by faculty and staff, and they helped him meet the challenges of college life.

“The faculty and staff here have really helped me, fostered my ability to mature and succeed in college; providing me with guidance, advice and stories about themselves, their experiences, that have given me a valuable perspective about my own life and career.”

He is the PSU Class of 2012 President, Treasurer of the student organization PACE, Admission Representative, Orientation Leader and he works as an Office Assistant for the Provost.

Obin was recognized two years ago with a $5,000 “College Equals Opportunity ”scholarship through the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF), which seeks to fund lower-income, high achieving, service-oriented students who are N.H. residents.

Obin is considering continuing his education, but in the interim, he will return to the Upward Bound program at Keene State. He hopes to guide prospective students to a better future, much as he was helped four years ago.

“If there’s a will, there’s a way; there are plenty of faculty and staff that will help you reach your goals –you just have to reach out to find them,” said Obin. “Keep your grades up and don’t ever give up.”

For more information about this release, contact Bruce Lyndes, PSU Media Relations Mgr., (603) 535-2775 or blyndes@plymouth.edu