Mikayla Pagh has fully immersed herself in life at the University of Nevada, Reno. From donning the mascot suit and representing the University as Luna, Wolfie Jr. and Alphie, to living on campus, joining a sorority, working at the Child and Family Resource Center and continuing her education as a graduate student, Pagh has experienced Nevada from nearly every angle. In this Q&A, she shares how stepping outside her comfort zone and saying “yes” to new opportunities helped her find her Pack.

Q: You’re not from Nevada, correct? How did you find out about the University of Nevada, Reno and what made you decide to come here?

A: I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago, IL, but graduated from high school in San Jose, California.

I first found the University after looking at schools that were somewhat close to my parents, but also not too close. My family had taken a trip to Reno when I was in middle school and so when I was looking for colleges, I thought I'd look at the University of Nevada, Reno and see what there was to offer. 

Q: You’re now in a master’s program here at the University, but can you walk us through how you first picked what you wanted to study?

A: I came into my freshman year with the thought that I wanted to be a social worker. During my first semester of college, I took SW 101 and fell in love with not only the professor, Jose Parra, but also the class content and the different careers I could have as a social worker.

In my sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to get a minor in substance abuse and looked into the University's Centerfor the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies CASAT program. Those classes helped me to grow my knowledge about substance abuse and how substance use can relate to social work in many ways. I was able to complete the CASAT minor program by the end of my junior year. 

The social work program was intimate – most of my classes were with the same people my entire four years. When deciding if I wanted to stay in Reno for my master’s program, most of my peers were applying here, so I figured, why not apply and see if I get into the graduate program?

Q: Were there any professors along the way who had a special impact on your education and experience?

A: I would say that all of my professors helped me individually. I was a very quiet student sitting in the middle of the classroom and not really asking for help.  But by being a student athlete, I would miss class a lot for sporting events and practices. In my last year of undergrad, I had never felt more supported by two professors, specifically: Dominique Montgomery and Lucy Cummings. Both provided me support when I needed it most when missing classes, as well as when I had questions about assignments.

Q: Were there any moments in your undergraduate experience that really stood out and helped you get the most out of the college experience?

A: Some of my fondest memories were getting involved!

I joined a sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, and found some of my best friends. I started attending a church in town and was welcomed with open arms, which also helped me create friendships in addition to my on-campus extracurricular activities.

I am still best friends with my freshman-year dorm roommate. Living in the dorms was something I am so glad I experienced, whether it be late nights in our rooms laughing or just being on campus for easy access to everything, it was an experience I will never forget.

I also got a job at the University's Child and Family Resource Center working in the daycare and the children and the teachers have shaped my college experience. I enjoy going to work, which is not something most people can say when they're in college, because I get to work with such an amazing group of people who make work fun and exciting.

Q: You are a student-athlete who embodies the school’s mascot. Can you tell us a bit about what that has been like?

A: It was really great. I get to leave behind a legacy. I was the first woman in school history to be all three of Nevada's mascots! I was Luna my freshman year, moved to Wolfie Jr. my sophomore and half of my junior year, and then moved to Alphie for the rest of my junior and my senior year. 

"I was the first woman in school history to be all three of Nevada's mascots!"

Being the mascot for the University was an unforgettable experience. Highlights include the football games, basketball games, going to elementary schools and interacting with kids, performing in parades and even traveling with our sports teams to other cities. I have gone to Dayton, Ohio for the NCAA Tournament as well as to Las Vegas all four years of undergrad for the Mountain West tournament, and I went to Hawaii twice with our football team!

Being inside the suit brings a different kind of joy and energy. Sometimes it's not just the kids that go crazy for the mascots, but also adults. Seeing people's faces light up makes the interaction so much better. 

When I applied to the University and got accepted, I did not expect to become the mascot, but my mom pushed me out of my comfort zone, and at my freshman orientation, I asked how to become the mascot. I was lucky enough that the previous Luna had just graduated, and they were looking for females to join the team. 

Q: Did you get any scholarships while attending the University?

A: I was fortunate that the mascot position came with a scholarship. That helped out a ton when it came to figuring out our financials. I was also awarded the Graduate Student Access Grant for my master’s program. 

Q: As someone who didn’t grow up here, what do you think about Reno and Northern Nevada?

A: I was not born and raised in a city, so coming to a decent-sized city for college was definitely a culture shock for me. Since moving here, I have lived on campus, in my sorority house, and now on the outskirts of town, about 15 minutes away from downtown.

I really enjoy the seasons of living in Northern Nevada and the easy access to the nature around us, whether it be Lake Tahoe or Truckee – there's always something to do!

Some of my favorite things outside of campus are the little coffee shops that we have in town, as well as going downtown and exploring every once in a while, because there's always something new. I really enjoy going to Aces baseball games in the summer with friends and just enjoying the time.

Q: What is your advice for anyone considering the University of Nevada, Reno for their college education?

A:  Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try something new! Also, don't be afraid to have a busy schedule. I was a student athlete, in a sorority, had a job, and during my last year of undergrad, I had an internship. I definitely kept myself busy and that is how I made the most of my experience.

Friends will come and go during your entire college experience, but there will be a few friends that stick around, and those are the ones to make memories with. Explore the town, go on trips – don't just sit in your dorm room or apartment, because once the college experience is over, it’s over, and the real adulting world starts.

About Find Your Pack

“Find Your Pack” is a video series that highlights real students at the University of Nevada, Reno as they explore their passions, overcome challenges and discover who they are. From student-athletes to researchers, artists to engineers, each story showcases the diverse paths students take — and the supportive community that helps them thrive.