We’re going to now head over to Megan. Megan is a marketing student longing for education and discovery. After boarding the MV World Odyssey, Megan realized that this floating campus had even more to offer than she imagined. Megan, tell us more about this ship.
Thanks, Alex. What’s up, guys? “Semester at Sea” is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So, after finishing up on-campus classes this past spring at San Diego State University, I knew my next academic experience had to be “Semester at Sea.” Going to school in San Diego, I thought I was going to college in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Then I stepped on this floating campus. Our ship has everything most colleges have. Classrooms, dining halls, a library and a health center. But also a pool on the top deck, a spa, a gym, and a sports floor overlooking the whole entire ocean. With everything and everybody in such close proximity, you can be at dinner one moment, a cross currence lecture on circum navigation the next, then dancing with friends from around the world at Halls Club. And the next morning you’re getting off the ship in Casablanca, Morocco, driving 10 hours into the Sahara Desert. With limited Wifi connection, the shipboard community is the most engaging and immersive environment I’ve ever been a part of. This incredible community includes gap year students, current undergraduates, post-grad, professors and staff, children, and lifelong learners living and learning together every single day. “Semester at Sea” has given me the best hundred days of my life. It has given me the time and the space to learn more about myself and our global community. Every morning I wake up on the World Odyssey in disbelief that I am traveling all over the world with some of the most incredible, kindhearted, and substantial people. Thank you for listening to my story. Don’t be afraid to try everything and now back to you, Alex. Hey, guys!
– Megan, thank you for that tour of this stunning floating campus. I know we were all dying for an extra glimpse of those special sites like the spa and dining halls. Just what you need after a long day of class. Thanks again, Megan.
There’s no doubt that “Semester at Sea” is the experience of a lifetime. Today Taylor, who’s traveling abroad for the first time, will explain to us the different kinds of ways you can capitalize on your three to five days in each port. Taylor, it’s all yours.
Hey, Alex. There’s nothing like waking up in a new country and stepping out of the ship to experience a new culture. As a first time traveler, I love that “Semester at Sea” really prepares its voyagers for in-country travel. Everyone on the ship is required to take a global studies class. Global studies really dives deep into the history and culture of each country that we visit. We also have pre-port meetings, where staff tell us everything we need to know before we enter a country. When you’re on “Semester at Sea,” there are so many ways you can explore a country. A lot of people travel independently. It’s so much fun going off on your own and finding different activities to do while in port. I have had some of the most immersive experiences when traveling independently with friends. Another way you can travel while on “Semester at Sea” are through field programs. Field programs are pre-purchased excursions that people can do in each country. They allow you to have unique experiences that you can’t necessarily achieve on your own. I love that everything like sleeping arrangements, food, transportation, and activities is planned for when you’re on a field program. If able to, I believe that everyone should do at least one field program while on “Semester at Sea.” The last way you can travel while on “Semester at Sea” is through field classes. Every course that you take has one in-country field class. Field classes bring what you learned in the classroom to real life. I love that you’re able to get a unique hands-on learning experience for each class that you take. Overall, my study abroad experience has been so worthwhile. I could not ask for another study abroad program quite like “Semester at Sea.” Hey, guys. Well, that’s my story.Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Taylor. From independent travel to field programs to field classes, there are dozens of ways you can shake up and shape your experiences here. It all sounds like the perfect combination of learning and education, with a good bit of exploration and fun. You simply cannot beat that. Thank you.
Athena is a student from Union College who is on board to prepare for a career in international diplomacy. And she’s starting by building and enjoying the campus community on the ship. Athena, tell us more about how you seek out these connections.
Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. My name is Athena. I’m from Hong Kong and I recently graduated from Union College with a degree in diplomacy. I’m here to talk about the community aspect of ship life, as it’s something most voyagers don’t expect, but end up cherishing it even more than their experiences in class and all the countries we visit. As I said, diplomacy is my career of interest and I’m really passionate about bringing people together. I’m one of the sea captains for the Arabian Sea, my community within this community. I help organize events such as Spirit Week and the Sea Olympics. One of my favorite memories so far was MCing for our annual talent show and lip sync battle. There’s nothing more fun than doing skits onstage with your friends and bringing everyone together for a good time. Besides the fun, we also spend a good deal of our time learning together and from each other. One of the defining features of “Semester at Sea” is that we get to have our own experiences in port, but then come back onto the ship and get to hear all about what others saw, experienced, and learned. The internet on the ship is pretty limited. Without round the clock access to social media, we have time to get to know one another in real life. Whether playing ping pong after class, grabbing coffee with a faculty member, reading on deck or catching up with friends over dinner, we count on one another to get through the crazy experiences we encounter on this journey. We build friendships that will last a lifetime, which is why so many would say the ship is their favorite port. It certainly was mine. Thank you so much for letting me share my community with you. Back to you, Alex.
Athena, I so appreciate how you go above and beyond to organize gatherings for and with your shipmates. What you’re doing is extremely important to the learning experience and remaining connected with your peers. Deal me into the next round of Uno and pour me a cup of tea. Cheers.
Let’s hear from Ruby, a gap year student. Ruby is starting her college career on this ship before starting college as a theater major. Ruby is using this time to discover more about the world and herself. Take it away, Ruby.
♪ Do, Re, Mi, Fa. ♪ Oh, hey Alex, and hey everyone! If you had told me a year ago that I’d be doing a semester sailing around the world as a 17-year-old, I either would’ve laughed in your face or been terrified, but going from high school to a semester at sea is the best decision I could have made. I’ve struggled with anxiety in high school but it came to a head during COVID, when I spent 10 months attending classes through my computer. So when I learned about SAS, I leapt at the opportunity. I can be as open-minded and educated as I want, but nothing can give you the global perspective you get sailing to 12 countries on three continents. I wanna gain a better understanding of the people that I share this Earth with so that I may be able to bring more love into it. And with every new country we visit, every connection I make, I fall more in love with life than I ever imagined was possible. The academic experience aboard the ship is really welcoming for gap year students. There are a ton of resources to help you get acclimated to a university environment, find community, and learn how to interact with cultures different from your own. And where else am I gonna take a world music class and then go into port and experience that music firsthand? I feel like I’ve grown so much in these past few months as a person, as an artist, and as a student of the world. I know that if I can learn to thrive in this environment, I can handle college. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Ruby. “Semester at Sea” is so welcoming to any individual, no matter their personal journey. From gap year students to lifelong learners, post-graduate students, and everything in between. You’ll have no problem finding your place here on the waters.
Okay, let’s head over to Talon, a creative advertising and computer science double major and postgraduate. As he’s finishing up his college journey, Talon knew he had to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to set sail and learn more about global opportunities before settling down and beginning his career. Talon, tell us more.
Thanks for the intro, Alex. What’s up, world? Welcome to the amazing World Odyssey. This ship is what we on “Semester at Sea” call college and home. I’m a postgraduate student here, which means I just earned my degree at the University of Miami and I’m adding on a semester of learning and traveling before I start my career on a global stage. Most students who study abroad usually do a short summer trip with a group from their college or spend one semester as a student in a new country. I wanted to see as much of the world as possible and learn as much as I could. There’s only one way to see 11 countries on three different continents in only four months, “Semester at Sea.” Every day, on and off the ship, is an eye-opening experience. Classes on board teach us about the places we’ll go, the people we’ll meet, and help us think about the world as a whole, something you won’t really find anywhere else. On the ship, there are people from many walks of life. Together, we form a melting pot of on-ship life. I’m learning about new cultures and experiences just eating in the dining hall or talking with my friends by the pool. In every country, I’m meeting people at the cafe, at the skate park, or even on the beaches. Meeting them, along with everything else, has really opened up the world for me. After this voyage, I’m taking my first step and moving to Australia to start my career. I now recognize the opportunity that I have to help the world and better understand what global issues I can help solve. After this experience, I feel ready to do just that. Back to you, Alex.
Talon, as a world traveler myself, it brings me great joy to watch you take full advantage of the experiences and education you’re receiving here. From classes both on and off board to genuine connections with those you meet in each country, there’s no better way to learn about your global opportunities. Keep it up and one day soon, I’ll see you in Australia.
All right, everyone, let’s get ready for the one and only, Zaid. Zaid is a junior from Beaumont majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. He’s gonna tell us about research, internships, and the resources that go along with supporting students through those opportunities. Zaid, the floor is all yours.
I appreciate it, Alex. Hey, everyone. I love Lamar University because it allows you to apply your studies into the real world with research and internship opportunities. Here, many lecture classes also have a lab component where the small professor-student ratio allows for a more nurturing environment. For every class you take at Lamar, there will be a research or internship prospect that lets you delve deeper into your studies. After taking the stem cell seminar class, I became involved with the professor’s research lab, which focuses on cancer and stem cells. A current project we’re focusing on examines how micro plastics affects wound healing. Lamar University also offers opportunities for off-campus learning. I spent a summer in Dallas at the Thermal and Vascular Physiology Lab. This past summer, I was honored to receive the Beck Fellowship at Lamar University which awarded me a $10,000 stipend to travel to Canada to work on a project involving auto feed receptors and cancer cells. The Office of Undergraduate Research offers students like myself, research stipends and grants as well as many fellowship opportunities. There are also a variety of co-op opportunities for engineering students, career expos, and research conferences here at Lamar. Student organizations such as the Lamar Undergraduate Research Association, of which I am president, seeks to encourage students of different labs to interact, share what they’re working on and to gain insights from their peers. Whatever topic you study at Lamar University, you won’t just read about it in the textbook, but you’ll also get experience doing it. With an abundance of opportunities and a tight-knit student community on campus, you’ll never feel alone. I’m truly blessed to be a part of the LU Family, to gain technical and communication skills to be better prepared for the workforce and to have fun. Back to you, Alex.
Wait, Zaid. You’re telling me that research isn’t just someone in a lab coat doing science stuff? It’s that and more? Wow. That is awesome that Lamar encourages and supports students to do research and internships of all kinds no matter what year in school you’re in, thanks Zaid.
Now, we are introducing Stephanie. Stephanie is a junior majoring in psychology with a biology and chemistry minor and is also part of the Rio Honors College. Stephanie will tell us all about the opportunities there are for students to excel to the next level. Take it away, Stephanie.
Hey, guys. Growing up 15 minutes away from Lamar University, I had always heard of it, but I didn’t know all the amazing opportunities that it provided. The second I walked onto campus, I instantly felt welcomed and accepted. A feeling I knew I wouldn’t get anywhere else. I came into Lamar University as a presidential scholar and a part of the Rio Honors College. The honors college has almost 500 students enrolled which is not surprising since it provides so many benefits. My first year here, I didn’t know what I wanted to pursue but I knew it was in healthcare. Thankfully, I was immersed with other honors students who helped me find my passion. As an honors student, I am provided student focused professors and surrounded by multiple student organizations led by my peers. My first semester here, I became a founding officer of the new organization, Lamar University Hispanic Society, which was led by all honor students and still continues to grow on campus. Lamar University’s Honors College ensures that each one of us has a path to success, offering multiple different pathways for your future plans and goals. Through the college’s mentor program which I help coordinate, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with multiple honors alumni that are more than committed to offer advice on personal and professional growth. By being a part of the Honors College, I’ve been able to meet so many ambitious students who help me push myself to become a better leader and person. The close-knit family atmosphere that you’re able to create here at Lamar University is what I would say is impeccable. Well, that’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
Great job, Stephanie, and thanks for sharing your own experience as a student of the Rio Honors College. Great job being a founding member of the Lamar Hispanic Society. It really sounds like the Honors College has given you a number of resources to be successful, and that is awesome. Thanks, Stephanie.
All right, everyone. Let’s meet Jacob. He’s a senior from Kountze and he’s gonna tell us about campus life here at Lamar University, plus some of the clubs and projects he’s part of on campus. Take it away, Jacob.
Hi, everyone. Going into college, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that I wanted to have the greatest college experience I could have, but I was really nervous about branching out and meeting new people. In high school, I was involved in band, so I decided to join the Showcase of Southeast Texas marching band. Not long into the football season, a few of my friends and I decided to apply to be orientation leaders and just like that, I became an orientation leader working for the division of Student Engagement at Lamar University. After working’s an orientation leader for one summer, I became a student orientation coordinator at Lamar University. While working in this position, I helped get other students engaged on campus by organizing and executing Lamar University’s two week long welcome events. Week of Welcome in the fall and Welcome Back Week in the spring. It was so much fun being able to coordinate events, from petting zoos to silent discos to first year games. I also learned very early on that Lamar is committed to student success. Classes are extremely important, but a true college experience combines the classroom experience with the relationships built in on-campus involvement and the things we learned off campus. This past summer, the Rio Honors College helped fund me and my friend to visit Alaska as part of the Partners in the Park program. While there, we were able to learn about the culture of people over 2000 miles away from Lamar University. That’s what I’m talking about, bringing what we’re learning in the classroom to life. Thanks for listening as I share my story, I know you too can have the experience of a lifetime at Lamar University. Back to you, Alex.
That is right, Jacob. Wow, you can really do just about anything here at Lamar. Jacob, thanks for telling us about student organizations here and showing us how easy it is to get involved in something you’re passionate about on campus. Thanks, Jacob.
All right, let’s meet Landon, a graduate student focusing on human resources leadership. He’s gonna tell us all about how easy it is for students to connect across campus and take advantage of a variety of resources. Landon, please take it away.
Hey Alex. Thanks for the introduction. I recently completed my BBA in human resource management and minor in communications. Now I’m working on my MBA with an emphasis in leadership. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities such as having my own talk show called “Connecting with Cardinals.” being a Lamar University Ambassador, as well as being heavily involved within the College of Business and throughout campus. However, I would not be the person I am today without the amazing resources Lamar University provides. Lamar University has phenomenal student resources for students who need extra support, such as student tutoring and retention services better known as STARS around here, the Student Health Center and the Center for Career and Professional Development. There is always someone here to help on campus. They’re equipped to help every student in their unique goals, experiences, and situations. I’ve never had to wait in a wait list which is very beneficial whenever I want to handle something quickly. Through STARS, I was introduced to a success coach and fellow student who provided the tools to accomplish my goals and I was encouraged to connect with other resources across campus. Counseling at the Student Health Center can help provide you with the tools to have a healthy mindset and learn how to adjust between the stress and anxiety of being a full-time student. The Center for Career and Professional Development connects students with a career consultant specific to their major or college within the university. That really helped me build my resume and profile on LinkedIn. No matter your unique circumstances or experiences, the student resources are here to help you in your academic career. Lamar University cares about you as a student professionally and personally. Well, that’s all from me. Thank you for listening and back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Landon. I loved hearing your story about how the resources on campus helped you along the way. How impressive is it that you received your undergrad here and are now working on your graduate? Lamar must really have made a positive impact on you, which is fantastic, thanks again, Landon.
Okay, everyone. We’re going to meet Antonio, who’s gonna tell us how Lamar University has worked in recent years to become more diverse and a better support and inclusive atmosphere. Antonio, you are on.
Thank you for that awesome introduction Alex, and hi everybody. I’m originally from Guanajuato, Mexico and came to this country in search of a top tier education around 10 years ago. Lamar University checked out the box for me with affordability, rigorous academics and an inclusive and diverse student body. As the first generation high school graduate in my family, I was afraid the high cost of college would stop me from pursuing a higher education, but Lamar’s amongst the top 10 most affordable colleges in Texas and still awards over 2000 scholarships, provides more than $10 million in assistance to students. One of these scholarships is this Smith Hilton Scholarship, which I was honored to receive. This scholarship targets low income, high potential incoming freshmen. It fully covers tuition, room and board, and books for all four years. After having seen my parents go through the immigration process, I always knew to pursue a career in law. Lamar University has an award-winning moot court team, a student-run competitive speech team, rigorous classes aimed at preparing students for law school and a diverse group of advisors and professors that deeply care about your success. Before I even came to campus, Lamar University showed me its mission of serving and empowering minorities by giving me the opportunity to attend the Leadership Summit along with other Hispanic and black students. The summit aimed to engage students on college and career readiness, identity and brotherhood. I honestly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else other than surrounded by driven, diverse and amicable cardinals who want to see each other succeed. I am thrilled to see what these four years have in store for me here at Lamar University. I rest my case. Back to you, Alex.
Antonio, it’s incredible hearing the passion you bring to Lamar University and we have no doubt you’ll make a killer attorney and thanks for telling us how Lamar University is working to become more inclusive of all students. Take care, Antonio.