Let’s hear from Linden, a double major in biochemistry and integrated science who also grew up in Seguin, Texas. Linden always thought she would have to go to a large public university to do undergraduate research. She was surprised to learn about TLU’S faculty led research opportunities and the amount of research she could do, even as a first year student. Tell us all about it, Linden.
– Howdy, Alex! Growing up in small town Seguin, I never expected to stay around for college. I always assumed I’d have to attend a large public university in order to perform meaningful research. Boy, was I wrong. The more I learned about TLU, the more I appreciated its unique combination of a close knit campus atmosphere and top level research opportunities. TLU offers one-on-one faculty research experiences for students of all majors. The university was recently awarded a five year National Science Foundation grant to support summer undergraduate research and educate the next generation of diverse scientists. I participated in this program the summer after my freshman year, and my experience confirmed my passion for research. Now I manage the TLU Synesthesia Research Lab where we use neuroimaging tools to measure brain activity. Synesthesia is a neurodiversity involving paired senses, and our lab is the first to use real-time imaging to better understand this condition. I’ve presented at international conferences, was named TLU’S first ever Goldwater scholar and to have represented TLU at the annual undergraduate research day at our state capital in Austin. My experience has validated the quality of my research and encouraged me to continue working towards a dual MD PhD program to become a physician scientist. The passionate skilled faculty members at TLU facilitate rare research opportunities for undergraduate students. TLU is a community of faith and learning where all belong. I’ve gained lifelong mentorship from faculty, completed groundbreaking research, and feel more than prepared to enter graduate school. At TLU, you’ll not only earn a degree, but you’re equipped with the tools you need to leave your mark on the world. Go dogs, and now it’s your turn, Alex.
– Thanks, Linden. Your passion for student research is quite impressive. Being able to do research with a professor as an undergraduate student is rare at most universities. You’ve proven you don’t have to attend a large university to get world-class research experience. That was fantastic!
Let’s head over to Dylan, a junior majoring in business from Katy, Texas. While baseball led him to TLU, the opportunities and challenges he’s had in his business classes have helped him realize the value of the student athlete experience. Dylan’s leadership on and off the field exemplifies what TLU students mean when they say, “Learn boldly and live to inspire.” Tell us more, Dylan.
– Thanks Alex. What’s up everybody? In high school, most of my friends were focused on the biggest public universities in Texas, not realizing how unique and incredible attending a smaller private university could be. I went to a huge 6A high school with more than 3,000 students, so the one-on-one guidance and personalized experience TLU has to offer is incredibly appealing. I was quick to figure out that smaller schools like TLU provided many opportunities bigger schools could never offer their students. While baseball and the program’s winning record originally attracted me to TLU, academics, community service and involvement are what inspired me to stay. Not only am I still playing baseball, but I’m also a leader within the community and I see the work we’re doing making an impact. I’m extremely happy with my college experience, and my success on the field has been just as amazing as my success in the classroom. TLU has provided me with several avenues to pursue the best version of myself. I’ve gained real world experience through managing a $1.5 million portfolio in Bulldog Investment Company and also in a newly created charitable foundation called Big Dog Endowment, where our student led board has given away $75,000 in the past year to fund relief efforts in Ukraine, Israel, and Florida. By taking advantage of just a few of the many great opportunities on campus, I’m now working as an equity research analyst for a wealth management firm as a junior, doing exactly what I want to do when I graduate. I’m excited to see what my future as in store, thanks to my time at TLU. Now back to you, Alex.
– Dylan, thank you for that glimpse into the TLU student athlete experience. The ability to participate in a sport, excel in class, and play a key role in managing a nonprofit foundation shows how you can truly do it all, right here at TLU. That was fantastic.
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.