ORONO, Maine — Today six first-year University of Maine business students pitched their side hustles to a panel of judges and a crowded audience, battling it out, much like an episode of the well-known show "Shark Tank."
While the winning prize might not be an investment from one of the sharks, the winner got the chance to win a scholarship prize of $1,000.
"My name is Marcus McLain and I invite you all to stay warm and cozy this winter,” contestant Marcus McLain, said to the judges and audience.
Each student presented a unique vision, from side hustles like selling cozy blankets, and delicious international snacks, to digital planners. However, standing in front of judges and a crowded audience to present their ideas isn't easy.
"Some of the finalists that are here today I worked with since they were seniors in high school making the decision if they wanted to come to the University of Maine,” Julia Van Steenberghe, director of student success and recruitment at UMaine, said.
She said to see these students go from being nervous and unsure about their futures to becoming thriving individuals who have stepped outside their comfort zones is truly amazing.
School leaders are hopeful that the skills they gained from this experience will help them grow beyond the classroom.
"It’s really important that they understand that they are the authors of their own life," Jason Harkins, executive dean of the Maine Business School, said.
After all the hopeful contestants made their pitches for the sharks, one pitch stood out above the rest.
"I'm feeling grateful," contestant Colleen Thamsen said.
Thamsen took home first place with her side hustle called CM Childcare Services.
"I think above all even though we were in a competition, everyone wanted what was best for each other and we all wanted to push each other and show the best versions of ourselves," Thamsen added.
