Now we’re gonna meet Ashley, a senior nursing major from New Braunfels, Texas. Despite being in a rigorous program like nursing, Ashley is involved in numerous campus organizations, including serving as president of the Mexican American Student Association. Over to you, Ashley.
– I appreciate that introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone! I always knew I wanted to pursue nursing. However, after graduating high school I felt the call to serve my country, so I joined the Army National Guard. After completing my training, I began looking for colleges that would provide me with the best path to success. I transferred to TLU from a large local community college system. The entire process was so smooth, and my TLU admissions representative was always available when I had questions. One of the reasons I chose TLU was the small class sizes. I preferred classes with a one-on-one attention from my professors, so the TLU nursing program was exactly what I was looking for. The professors here generally care and want to make sure you understand the training and skills you’re learning, whether it’s in the simulations lab or at clinical visits in local hospitals. During my first semester, I stepped outta my comfort zone to become more involved since I’m a transfer student. I’m enormously proud to serve as the president of our Mexican-American Student Association. I’m also a member of the Student Nurses Association, student government and Xi Tau sorority. Since then, these organizations have become an important part of my college experience. I’ve met many people from all different backgrounds and they have each taught me how to step into leadership roles and create new friendships. My overall experience has prepared me to become the best nurse I can be for my patients. After graduation, I’m planning to work in a neonatal intensive care unit near my hometown. I hope my story has encouraged some of you to attend Texas Lutheran University. You won’t regret it. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Ashley. Hearing more about your positive experience as a transfer student and nursing major, surely resonates with many of our viewers. We all know careers in health sciences are in high demand, and TLU’s programs provide an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a healthcare professional.
Let’s hear from Annie, a freshman double majoring in business management and information systems from Burleson, Texas. She has some great tips on how to successfully transition from high school to college. As a member of the volleyball team and admissions ambassador, Annie offers advice on how to get involved and make the most of your first year in college. Annie, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up everyone? The transition between high school to college can be kind of overwhelming at times, especially between classes, athletics, and learning to live on my own, I wasn’t sure how I was going to adapt at first, but TLU really helped me get through that time and the experience has been an exciting part of growing up. Being at TLU has given me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. I’ve had the chance to reinvent myself into a more confident person. I intentionally made myself join in and socialize more when I got to TLU and it’s worked out really well. I applied to be an admissions ambassador, something I never thought I would do. This job includes talking to big groups during campus tours, so it has made a huge impact on my confidence and public speaking skills. I’m also a member of the volleyball team, where I’m creating long lasting bonds, while having the chance to play with other female athletes who I see as role models. At TLU, freshman experience is a course you’ll take as a first year student. It’s a lot of fun and helps you get to know other first year students who are going through common struggles. You’ll have a peer mentor and a professor who will guide you through the academic process. That includes building your class schedule and a degree plan. The class also teaches great habits, like time management and how to find solutions to common struggles like procrastination and anxiety. TLU has given me the skills and confidence to excel in whatever I do after graduation. With so much support from faculty and other students, everyone can find their place on campus. Thanks for tuning in. Back to you Alex.
– Annie, thanks for sharing your experience, your insight into how freshmen can get involved and be successful from their very first semester is inspiring. We know there are a lot of students and parents out there who appreciate your honesty and willingness to share how you found your place at TLU.
Let’s say hello to Will, a junior majoring in English from San Antonio, Texas, who will tell us more about what it’s like to live and work on campus. At TLU, many students also hold on campus jobs that allow them to gain valuable experience while earning extra money. William, what do you got?
– Hey everyone, I know a thing or two about living on college campus. There are so many benefits to living on TLU campus, including making lifelong friends, improving academically, and taking advantage of leadership opportunities in student organizations and clubs. I always knew I wanted to get involved on the college campus and also support first year students in the transition to college. I was able to become an admissions ambassador in my first year, a resident assistant within my second, two on campus positions that allow me to connect with current and incoming students. As a resident assistant, I’m assigned to a floor in the residence hall, and it’s my job to regularly meet with the students who live on my floor to plan activities for them and to address any questions or issues they may have. I also receive a free room and meal plan for being a resident assistant, which helps makes college more affordable. No matter your interest or major, there’s always a welcome community to reach you. You’ll have no problem making new friends and finding a second home. That’s all for me for now. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Will. You’re providing important support for students who are living on campus. TLU prides itself on being a close knit community, and resident assistants like will play a key role in creating that sense of community for all students. Thanks for showing us what it’s like to live and work on campus.
Let’s hear from Luis, a graduate student majoring in business and data analytics from Monterey, Mexico. Aside from being TLU’S all time leading scorer on the soccer pitch, Luis will graduate with both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in data analytics. Luis, you’re up.
– Greetings everyone! I was recruited to play soccer, but my college experience has been greatly enriched by the opportunities I have gained in the business department. At TLU, students pursuing a bachelor’s in business can stay for a fifth year to also earn a master’s in business analytics or accounting. Since I was able to use my academic scholarship for a fifth year, play soccer and remain involved on campus, I decided to stay and earn two degrees. Bulldog Investment Company or BIG is a financial management and investment internship program at TLU created by a TLU alum. It has played a key role in my interest and success in the business department. BIG is different from programs at other universities, because it is open to students of all majors. We have communications, music, and science majors working together with business majors to manage a portfolio that has grown to $1.5 million in value. We work with real money to research and analyze publicly traded companies, while learning presentation and critical thinking skills. Not only have we grown our portfolio by over 40% per year, we have also competed against some of the top MBA programs at public and private universities in Texas, and won first place three years in a row. I’m grateful to TLU for giving me the platform to develop as a student and an athlete. Thank you, Alex, I’ll kick it back to you.
– Wow, Luis! Thank you for highlighting some of the amazing experiences you’ve had as a member of the championship TLU Bulldog Investment Company. What a unique and impressive experience you and your peers have had managing a $1.5 million investment portfolio? Absolutely amazing!
Let’s meet another Seguin, Texas local, Gabriella. A junior nursing major with a passion for playing music. As the first person in her family to attend college, she represents more than 50% of Bulldogs who are also first generation students. Tell us your story, Gabriella.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey everyone, and welcome to TLU. As a first generation student and native of Seguin, Texas, I thought I wanted to go away for college, but I knew that TLU’S nursing students get jobs before they even graduate, so I knew that staying in my hometown and attending TLU was the best decision for my future. The on-campus nursing labs have really enhanced my academic experience, especially the live simulation mannequins that recreate treating patients in hospital settings. The lab equipment that we get to use is the exact same as what healthcare professionals use in clinical settings. I’ve also been able to study abroad at TLU. I studied in Harston, England, and visited the famed Florence Nightingale Museum, learning about the founder of modern nursing. Getting to play in the TLU Orchestra is a cherry on top of my student experience. Even though I’ve never been in an orchestra before, the TLU program director and my fellow students have been so helpful. These are the kinds of opportunities that are available to students here. You really can do it all here at TLU. Being a first generation student can feel very overwhelming at times, but knowing that TLU has specific programming for students like me, means so much. Over 50% of Bulldogs are considered first generation students, but there are plenty of programs, events, and opportunities to address any challenges we may face. At these events, I meet other first gen students to exchange stories with. There’s also a great network of success stories to show just how much we’ve accomplished. I’m super excited to begin my career after graduation. I’ve already accepted a position in the pediatric intermediate care unit at a local children’s hospital. I’m super thankful and forever grateful to TLU and all the opportunities I’ve had here as a student. Go Bulldogs! Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you so much for sharing your story, Gabriella. Being able to major in nursing and playing the TLU Orchestra, while also having the chance to study abroad in England are all possible at TLU. Thank you for showing us how students can truly do it all, right here at TLU.
Let’s hear from our hometown Bulldog. Born and raised in Seguin, Brandon is a graduate student in the accounting program. He’ll tell us all about Seguin and how attending a university in his own backyard was the perfect choice for him. It’s all yours, Brandon.
– Thanks Alex, and welcome y’all. When looking for a college, I wanted a place where I would be more than a number, and professors would know my name. I wanted to take advantage of being in one of the fastest growing areas in the US, while receiving a great education for a great value. I quickly realized at TLU, the school in my own backyard was a perfect choice for me. Now, being a native of Seguin, people often ask me what there is to do here. Well, it’s the perfect place for outdoor activities such as hiking, tubing the river, and kayaking. We’re close to Austin for live music and concerts, and San Antonio for professional sports and sightseeing. With many businesses moving to central Texas, it’s the perfect place for jobs and internships upon graduation. Now, TLU’s a very tight-knit community, with the average class size of around 20 students, and as such, you’ll build very meaningful relationships here. And for me, Tschoepe Hall, room 250 symbolizes that feeling of home. It’s where I had my SAT as a high school student. It’s where I had my first class at TLU with a professor that inspired me, and it’s where I started as a peer mentor. So that room has changed my life and see me grow, and developed since I was 16 years old. When I graduate, I’ll leave TLU with both my bachelor’s and my master’s degrees and multiple job offers in hand. And as I reflect back on my time here, I can say that TLU has changed my life and I’ve had an incredibly special experience. I love this place and it’ll always be home and I know that I’m miss it when I’m gone, but I leave knowing I’m ready to conquer anything. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Brandon. It sounds like TLU students have it all. Amazing outdoor recreation activities all year long, beautiful parks, trails, and rivers, and a small town feel with close proximity to large urban areas, like Austin and San Antonio. Fantastic!
Joining us now is an incredible woman who has balanced school, work, and motherhood. Natalie is a proud mother of six and a student in the pre-nursing program. She’s about to share her inspirational story on why she chose the nursing program at Santa Ana College and all the students support services made available to her. Natalie, the microphone is all yours.
– Thank you, Alex. I am a proud mother of six and a pre-nursing student here at Santa Ana College. My oldest son, who was born premature at 28 weeks was cared for by amazing healthcare professionals that showed me how much they truly cared about helping him through the process. It was then that I knew when the timing was right, I would transition into nursing to be able to pay it forward to help moms like me. At first, the anticipated long years of schooling kept me from pursuing my goals. With the help of SAC Student Resources I’m able to juggle raising my kids, working, and a full class schedule. EOP S or Extended Opportunity Programs and Services and CalWORKS give students more opportunities without the stress of additional expenses. These services help me come back to school by paying for my books, my laptop, and my classes. More than this. Students within the program are provided tutoring services and early priority registration so I’m able to choose my classes and the schedule that works best for me and my family. And thanks to the care program I’m provided free childcare whenever I need it. Physically on campus is the Diaper Bank where I can pick up diapers and wipes at the Thrive Center. After that, I can stop by the Food Bank and snack pantry once a day to pick up any food I may need. I am so glad I was able to come back to school to pursue my passion and receive the support I needed as a single mom of six. Through Santa Ana College I can confidently continue my education to become a nurse practitioner and a midwife. My ultimate goal after graduation is to open a medical spa that acts as a birth center and provides postpartum care to moms. That is my story. And back to you Alex.
– Natalie, it’s inspirational the way you balance life and how wonderful to hear that Santa Ana College offers wraparound services for students like tutoring, basic needs, childcare, and more, which fosters student success. Thank you for sharing your incredible story Natalie.
Okay, everyone, let’s meet Morgan, an online student majoring in political science working towards university transfer. Morgan is in the honors program which offers a variety of benefits including priority consideration for university transfer to several universities including some private institutions. Here to share it with you all, please welcome Morgan.
– Thank you Alex for the introduction. When deciding on a college, I wanted one that was flexible with my schedule and could support me in transferring. Santa Ana College did just that. They also offer an amazing honors program that I’m extremely involved in as a political science major. The honors program at SAC has 36 transfer agreements with four year universities that offer priority admission to honor programs, priority consideration for admission to universities and guaranteed acceptance to a few universities depending on your GPA and major. In addition, SAC has some fantastic honor societies. Some examples are Alpha Gamma Sigma, the California Community College Honor Society, and Phi Theta Kappa The International Community College Society, both of which I am in office job. SAC offers a variety of resources for students to take advantage of like the Wellness Center. Going from high school to college honor classes is a transition. With the center I was able to get support and focus on my mental health. SAC also has every support service available on their website which makes being an online student extremely easy. When I talk to counselors or admission officers I can join the online drop-in or set up a virtual appointment. Other examples include the Thrive Center where students pick up free necessities or the Career Center where they help fix up your resume and find an internship or job. Younger me would’ve never thought that I’d be able to balance my academics, work, and extracurriculars, but here I am. I’m so thankful I chose Santa Ana College because they made college attainable for me. Thank you so much Alex. See you at the graduation ceremony.
– Morgan, you are a scholar with a bright, bright future. Now everyone, the honors program offers several transfer agreements with universities that offer priority consideration or in some cases guaranteed acceptance. The honors program experience is characterized by close interaction with honors transfer program faculty, small class sizes, and special projects and activities. Thanks again Morgan.
Okay, everyone. Now Johnny is going to take to the stage to discuss his experience in the school of continuing education at Santa Ana College. At the School of Continuing Education, all classes are free. Johnny has taken a variety of classes, including English and is a leader in associated student government. He has made many friends and enjoys serving the community. Johnny, you are up.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello everyone. I’m from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and as a child I always dream of working in movies. In 2018, I moved to California and I started taking classes at the Santa Ana School of Continuing Education. This place has been a blessing to me. I met people from so many different countries and made some good friends along the way, including filmmakers. Santa Ana College offers many activities and programs for the community. I joined ASG, the Associate Student Government program which provides student with the skill for leaderships and plan student events. These experiences give me and other ESL students the opportunity to practice English outside the classroom. Joining ASG has given me the opportunity to volunteer for food distribution and receive student aid funds from the CARES program. Also apply for job opportunities. The School of Continuing Education also offers citizenship classes and lots of other programs to support the community. Attending Santa Ana School of Continuing Education has given me a positive outlook on life and I’m very grateful to be part of this community. And you know what the best part is? Most of the classes are free and knowledge is priceless.
– That’s awesome Johnny. It’s great to hear that your journey from Puerto Rico to California has been memorable and that you’ve gained many skills through the programs available at the School of Continuing Education. Remember, everyone classes at the School of Continuing Education are absolutely free and include citizenship, career education, English, GED, high school diploma, and more. Absolutely incredible.
Oswaldo is an accomplished professional and lifelong learner. He decided to change careers to become a business owner. So he turned to Santa Ana College to pursue new skills. Oswaldo I’m so excited for you to share your journey with everyone here. Take it away.
– Hello everyone. I am very happy to share why Santa Ana College was the perfect choice for the next steps in my continuous learning. For the last couple of years I’ve been reinventing my professional career and transitioning from salary employee to business owner and entrepreneur. As part of my journey, I am attending SAC to gain new skills and knowledge in audio, video, and production to enhance my technical skills and keep up with the changes in the digital media industry. Continuing education is essential to keep up with the job market changes whether through online courses, certification programs or degrees, SAC provides professionals with the ability to stay current and competitive in their field. During this process, I was able to approach professors at the media center that provided me with recommendations that best suited my specific endeavors. And that allowed me to concentrate on the classes that provided immediate value in my new career. I’m fully engaged with my business and meeting with potential clients limits my time during regular business hours. I am very happy that SAC provides evening classes so that I can focus on my studies without affecting my work. Education has been the foundation of this next chapter in my professional life. It has opened doors to new opportunities and has helped me to maximize my previous skillset in a new industry and profession. I am embracing the power of lifelong learning. I am following my passion in digital media and I am investing in my future. Santa Ana College is providing me with the skillset and network that will assist me in my future endeavors as a business owner and entrepreneur. Well, that’s all from me. Back to you, Alex
– Oswaldo. Truly fascinated to hear how you transitioned from a professional career to a business owner. The new skills you secured from SAC have proven to provide immediate value in your new journey as a business owner. So well done Oswaldo and thank you for sharing your story.