I’m so excited about this one. Jose is a mechanical engineering senior with a sustainability focus. He was drawn to UTD thanks in part to his sister who is a Comet before him, but also because of his interest in wind energy and all things that can help the environment including bees. Oh, and he studied renewable energy in Iceland during his time here at UTD. How cool is that? I’ll pass it over to you, Jose.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, y’all, a big influence in my college search was my older sister, who also studied mechanical engineering here at UTD. Through her, I learned about the wind energy research here, which made me very excited as I’m very passionate about sustainability. My freshman year I joined a wind energy research lab and the environmental conservation organization, and I’ve been a nature nut ever since. I love how I’ve been able to combine my interest in sustainability and engineering here. Now, I’m team co-captain and founder of Comet Wind, our school’s wind energy club that competes in the Department of Energy’s Collegiate Wind Competition. Through Comet Wind, we get students of all majors involved and excited about clean energy. I’ve even learned about renewable energy when I studied abroad in Iceland. An unforgettable experience, especially right before my internship at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. On campus, one of my favorite classes ever was about intersectional environmentalism, and the classroom, Dallas’ Trinity River Audubon Center. It’s not every day you get to go bird watching with your professor. For more chances for hands-on learning, UTD offers many sustainability volunteer opportunities. You can grow your own vegetables at the community garden. Manage a micro farm at the Eagle Hub where the produce gets donated to our food pantry, the Comet Cupboard, and even harvest local honey from our on-campus beehives. I’ll be graduating with Sustainability Service Honors thanks to all of these green initiatives. UTDs Green community has given me the chance to pursue my interests, make a positive impact, and share ideas with like-minded individuals. I feel more prepared than ever to pursue a career in sustainability. If you wanna learn about sustainability, UTD is a great school to grow your mind and your plans. Back to you, Alex.
– Jose, it sounds like your sister led you to the right university! What a tremendous time you’ve had at UTD taking advantage of all the university has to offer from its LEED Certified buildings, the Eco Hub, wind Energy Research, and bees. Now I have some honey to go with my barbecue later on. Thanks a lot, Jose!
You all are gonna love this next segment, Willie, a computer science senior thinks of UTD as more than a university. For him, it’s a place where he has been able to meet and connect with peers like never before. All while pursuing one of his passions, helping other students. Meeting people across disciplines with the same interests was the spark he needed. All right, let’s hear it, Willie.
– Thanks for having me, Alex. Hi, everyone. In high school, I always felt like the odd one out. As someone whose parents never had a residential college experience, I didn’t know what to expect. But at UTD I managed to find a sense of belonging and build my own community. When others talk about UTD, maybe they’ll talk about how well ranked our computer science program is or the fact that our mascot is literally a comet from outer space. But when I think of this place, I think of the nerds. My story starts in summer 2019 when I was accepted into the Clark Summer Research Program, a mentored research experience for incoming freshmen. For the first time in a long time, I found people as nerdy and as quirky and as curious as I was, and soon my freshman year, I was doing research in a lab on campus and getting more involved in clubs than I ever have been in high school. The friends I met that summer encouraged me to stay involved, and soon I was an officer for one of the largest CS organizations on campus. And later I founded my own student group, Nebula Labs dedicated to building software for other students. In doing that, I was able to learn just how interdisciplinary UTD was. My friends, they’re not just CS majors, they’re psychology majors, public policy majors, arts majors, and the thing that unites us all is the fact that we work hard, but we also play hard. If I’ve learned anything about this place, it’s that although we sometimes laugh at our mascot being a comet, we’re not afraid to shoot for the stars. I love this campus because I’ve been able to shape its destiny as much as it’s been able to shape my own worldview and my own intellectual curiosity. Back to you, Alex.
– Willie, nerds everywhere are cheering right now. It’s awesome that you’ve accomplished so much as a Comet and that you’re shooting for the stars. Sounds like a good plan to me. You clearly found the perfect college home at UTD. Thanks, Willie.
I’d like to introduce you to Kara, an International Political Economy senior pursuing a career in law. Kara lives on campus and chooses to spend her time being in several campus organizations to pursue interests outside of her major. That makes her the perfect choice to explain to us how she manages to be so involved on campus. Over to you, Kara.
– Thanks, Alex, and howdy everyone. I went to high school in a tiny town and there weren’t many opportunities to try new things there. I knew I wanted the ability to explore and develop new interests when I went to college, all while receiving a world-class undergraduate education that would prepare me for my career. When I came to UTD, it felt just like home. Literally, because I moved into our state-of-the-art dormitories. Now I live in University Village, our on-campus apartments. Living on campus gives a real sense of community. Community is very important here at UTD and there are many opportunities for mentorship. I myself, mentor students who are interested in going to law school. My own interest in law has been supported by our incredible pre-professional school advising here at UTD and student organizations, like Women Pursuing Law, and Moot Court, which has offered me comradery and support. UTD also encourages its students to engage with their passions. Last year I studied abroad for a full semester in Spain and I participate in our top choir here, even though I am not a music major. Here at UTD, students are encouraged to explore beyond the boundaries of their major and collaboration across disciplines is embraced. UTD is a top public university located in one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan regions. Because of this, we have a wide range of classes and majors, a wealth of student organizations. and endless incredible opportunities. I learned so much more at UTD than what will appear on my degree. I learned to embrace the diversity of my interests and I will carry the incredible experiences I have had into every corner of my post-graduate life. Well, I’m off to try something new. Back to you, Alex.
– Kara, wow, your time management skills are off the charts! It certainly sounds like you found the perfect spot at UTD to pursue all of your interests and even find new ones. I hope you enjoyed your time in Spain. Gracias, Kara.
Let’s head over to Paul, a chemistry senior who also appreciates the opportunities he’s found at UTD, especially those involving undergrad research, not readily found at most universities. What else does he love about UTD? The many resources available to help students achieve their goals. And UTDs nurturing of student leaders. Paul, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks for that awesome introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone. I remember in high school being nervous about which college would be the right fit for me. But now I can confidently say that UT Dallas fully invests in their students to create a great atmosphere here on campus and to attract the best and the brightest learners from around the world. UT Dallas offers many nationally ranked academic programs and encourages their students to expand their learning between the different schools to develop well-rounded, critical thinkers. At the heart of UT Dallas are research opportunities that are available to both undergrad and graduate students. In these positions, students develop close working relationships with professors and colleagues. One really neat opportunity is the UT Dallas Green Fellowship where students can work in a research laboratory on UT Southwestern Medical Center for one full semester while still being enrolled as a full-time student here at UTD. Throughout my chemistry degree, hands-on experiments both in classes and through independent research have been fundamental in the exploration of my major. On top of that, there are tons of tutoring and group study resources focused on your specific class and how to navigate your college career. UT Dallas drives students towards success and the multitude of resources ensure that no student feels left behind. Wow, that was a lot to talk about and honestly, I wish I could keep going. There is community here for everyone and together we build each other up to be the best that we can both in and out of the classroom. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Paul, thank you for telling us about the variety of research opportunities and study resources on campus. It’s nice to know there’s so much available to students at every point in their academic journey. It seems like you found the right balance right here at UTD. Thank you so much.
Let’s meet up with Sarah, a healthcare studies junior with her eye set on med school. The beauty of this campus is more than just easy on the eyes. Sarah says it is served as an important backdrop to her college life, inspiring her to stretch herself academically and socially. We’re all intrigued. Sarah, you are on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hi, everyone, welcome to UT Dallas, located in one of the fastest growing and most dynamic areas in the country. UT Dallas is keeping up with the change with modern new buildings and ever-growing diverse student body, and new academic resources. As an orientation leader and student ambassador, I have the pleasure of showing new students, faculty, and donors around our beautiful campus. One of the most distinct parts of this campus is a 116 Magnolia trees that line the five reflection pools. These reflection pools stretch across campus leading to the Plinth, one of my favorite spots here at UT Dallas. If you are ever visiting UT Dallas and are not used to the Texas heat, I highly recommend walking through the mister located right in the center of the Plinth for a few seconds of cold breeze. My favorite thing to tell guests is that no matter who you are or where you come from, somehow everyone fits in on this campus. UT Dallas’s commitment to student success goes beyond the classroom all the way to the design of the buildings. The Engineering Computer Science West building exposes systems and components to demonstrate engineering concepts at work. In addition, the outside of the Science Learning Center is designed to look like DNA separation as seen in gel electrophoresis. UT Dallas’s aesthetic campus has given me a place to truly enjoy learning. I’ve gathered knowledge about my interests while learning from a diverse student body. UT Dallas has no doubt equipped me to be a successful leader. Whooshing it back to you, Alex.
– Whoosh, Sarah, thank you for sharing your story of your college experience, this dynamic part of the Lone Star State and UTD’s campus beauty, which is truly remarkable, it’s clear that you’ve tapped into a big reason UTD is growing so fast. Thank you, Sarah.
All right, y’all, it’s time to meet Thomas, a business analytics graduate student. Thomas was looking for a college that would challenge him when he enrolled at UTD. And that’s exactly what this university did. It seems he met that challenge expecting to finish his undergrad and graduate degrees in just five years. And then there’s something about improv and barbecue. Take it away, Thomas.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, y’all. When I was looking for college campuses, I wanted one I could really make my own. I didn’t need a massive campus full of traditions. I wanted one that challenged me academically and let me carve my niche. In high school, I was a solid middle of the pack student. As I stepped onto campus here, I was blown away by how academically driven everyone is. Being surrounded by these individuals and taking tough classes led me to fall in love with learning. I went from an undergrad student in business administration to a fast track graduate student in analytics, learning coding and statistics that high school me would’ve never attempted. With a wide variety of electives, research opportunities, minors, and concentrations, at UTD, you can tailor your degree to what your most interested in. Socially at UTD, it’s all about your niche. For me, I joined Club Improv freshman year and after the break from COVID, it was up to me and a couple of close friends to restart that club. There’s tons of big events on campus and with over 400 clubs, including ours, UTD really shines in meaningful connections in small communities. We don’t have the massive football games or centuries old traditions, but we do have a barbecue group that does monthly cookouts and the fabrication shop and maker space, give free training and access to power tools and 3D printers. We have weekly smash tournaments, pick up volleyball games, and everything in between all to help you find intimate communities all across campus. I’ve loved my time at UTD and I will always cherish the sense of community and drive for excellence that I’ve built here over these last five years. Well, that’s my story. Back over to you, Alex.
– Now that’s a very UTD kind of story of challenges sought and challenges met. Multiple degrees, maker spaces, improv, and a barbecue club! How cool is that? Note to self, I might have to meet that barbecue group before I leave Texas. Thank you, Thomas, and please save some brisket for me.
It’s time to meet Jonathan. He studied biology as an undergraduate and these days he’s all about keeping people smiling. UIC students are uniquely passionate about their institution. Many stick around after graduation and join the various graduate and professional schools to become pharmacists, lawyers, physical therapists and more. Tell us all about it, Jonathan.
– Thanks Alex, hi everyone. As a kid, I knew I wanted to spend my life putting smiles on people’s faces. As I grew older, I found purpose in the field of dentistry. The joy and laughter that my dentist brought to the clinic inspired me to follow in his footsteps, and it was there that I first set my eyes on the UIC College of Dentistry. While shadowing at that dental clinic in high school, I learned about UIC’s guaranteed admissions programs and was encouraged to apply to dental school before I began my undergraduate studies. Once I was accepted to UIC and the honors college offered a four year full ride scholarship for underrepresented students like me, I knew that UIC was the right place. From the first time I stepped on campus in the residence halls, I made lifelong friends, explored my interest in music and research and just had fun. During my time as a pre-dental biological sciences major, I joined a community of brilliant students, researchers, academic advisors and mentors to develop my skills. Now I’m a proud UIC graduate and I feel unstoppable. UIC is the perfect place for aspiring researchers and scientists. It’s part of the school’s identity as a Carnegie research 1 institution, the highest distinction a research university can achieve. UIC professors are experts in their fields. They discover what some others only teach. These working scientists are great resources in the classroom and the lab, helping students make an early scientific impact in their field. When I first started at UIC, I couldn’t imagine where I’d be today. I’m so grateful to call UIC my home for research, learning, friends, mentors and family. I can’t wait to bring the world more smiles through dentistry and research. Back to you, Alex.
– Amazing Jonathan, it sounds like the unlimited opportunities and your passion for dentistry ignited a perfect match. Your success is a great example of how the full support of academic advisors, support programs, financial resources and faculty converge to help students like yourself reach their goals.
I’m thrilled to introduce you to MummyPraise and Madonna, sisters who chose UIC to pursue a common passion for helping others. The world needs those who wanna make a difference and at UIC, this commitment runs through the entire curriculum. With so many devoted students on this campus, we couldn’t pick just one. Take it away you two.
– [Both] Thanks, Alex, hello everyone.
– We’re here together as two sisters who chose to attend UIC. I’m studying integrated health studies with a minor in kinesiology.
– And I’m in the School of Public Health.
– It wasn’t until my high school anatomy class that I knew that I was made for medicine. Throughout my college search, I found that UIC was the best place to help me reach my dream.
– And I wanted a career dedicated to giving back and improving communities, and that’s what UIC is all about.
– UIC has so many resources to ensure that I am on the right track to success in my future. From internship and research opportunities to tutoring, UIC offers all the support you need to succeed. I personally found a home in the Math and Science Learning Center, a place here on campus where STEM students like myself can go to interact with teaching assistants, peer leaders, and other students in similar courses. Spaces and resources like these allow me to feel more confident in my math and science skills. UIC’s curriculum is definitely one that will allow you to go beyond your thresholds of learning. My university always impresses me with all of its resources, from study lounges to cadaver labs, to kinesiology clinics, UIC has it all.
– With over 400 clubs and organizations at UIC and with so many activities and events, it was impossible not to get involved. One of my favorites is Spark, an outdoor music festival for students that features live music and food and it’s always a great time. Performers have included Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, HER, Nick Jonas, 21 Pilots and Flo Milli. It’s really a highlight of the fall semester. UIC has a lot of resources both social and academic, which helped me expand my horizon. I realized that college is about more than attaining a degree, but also about creating new experiences, meeting new people and rediscovering myself. And that’s the lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
– [Both] Thanks for listening to our stories. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, MummyPraise and Madonna. It sounds like both of you have made the absolute most of your time at UIC taking advantage of all that life on campus has to offer. We know you’ll both be doing big things in the years ahead.
Max is eager to share his story of how he has taken different aspects of his college experience to form a greater whole. With more than a hundred undergraduate majors and minors, UIC students can combine different academic fields, explore classes and programs, and create new paths across disciplines. Tell us more, Max.
– Hello there everybody, hi Alex. I was inspired to go to the University of Illinois Chicago by my mother. She attended UIC and her experience on campus in the city led me to look at the school, and once I learned more, I was all in. UIC is a place of opportunity. I believe that it is a university where you get to make what you want out of it. Right in Chicago, so close to downtown and surrounded by some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, there’s always something to do and something to learn. Even though my major is in the College of Business Administration, I’ve still been able to get involved in academic opportunities in policy, law, humanities and so much more. On top of my studies, I’m conducting research and working side by side with renowned professors. I’m also a residential advisor, which means I manage a floor in one of our many residence halls. And I’ve even had the opportunity to intern at NPR, also known as National Public Radio. And since we have unlimited access to Chicago’s public transit, it’s great being able to jump from my classes and be a quick train ride away from my internships. I’m also working on a project where I’ll take my passions of business policy and environmental science to evaluate the impact of environmental labeling on products and consumer behavior. My goal is to learn more about how businesses can become leaders in environmental progress with the aid of policy. UIC has opened my eyes to many aspects of business I never thought I would explore, by pairing business policy and creating a positive impact in the world, going to UIC has helped me spark my path to the greatness. That’s my story, back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Max, UIC really means business. Being able to customize your own experience to match your goals creates endless opportunities for students. It sounds like you’ve got it all figured out and your future is most certainly looking bright.
Every year students from all over the world choose UIC for so many reasons. Anna, a student from Switzerland is here to tell us why UIC’s astounding program in urban education inspired her to set a course towards the classrooms of Chicago. Anna, you are on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex and hi everyone. Even though I come from a long line of teachers, I hadn’t seriously considered education as a path for me. But after transferring to UIC and taking my first course in the Urban Education program, I understood why so many in my family chose this field and it all just fell into place. To me, the Urban Education program at UIC is great for two reasons. One, the urban focus. In UIC’s program, we are specifically preparing to work in underserved areas that need teachers. And two, early hands-on experience in Chicago’s public schools. To prepare us for our careers, we begin field experience as early as our junior year. Twice a week, I work alongside mentor teachers planning lessons for multiple grades. During the final two years of our studies, we refine our skills with hands-on opportunities and lead our own classrooms. These experiences have given me exposure to different grade levels, schools, districts and the diverse communities within them. As an international student myself, I know the importance of a globally connected campus community. And here at UIC, there are students from every background. Engaging with students from all over Chicago and all around the world add so much to my college experience at UIC. I am both excited and nervous for what the future has in store for me. Although there are many challenges in education today, if there’s one thing I’ve learned here is that things won’t change until we do. Thank you all and back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Anna, the world needs passionate teachers with different global and cultural perspectives, and it’s great to hear that UIC is working to make a difference in the classrooms of Chicago and beyond. That was awesome.