Teneka is a swimmer from Australia and is majoring in film. UNLV has 17 NCAA Division I sports programs, and students get a free ticket to all regular season home games. How great is that? But have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a student athlete? Well, let’s have Teneka tell us all about it. Teneka, let’s dive right in.
Thanks, Alex. Good day everyone. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my love for swimming would take me all the way from Australia to the US. After high school, I was contacted by Division I college swimming coaches, including the coaches here at UNLV. Shortly afterwards, I committed to UNLV and becoming a Rebel was one of the best decisions I ever made. There are 17 NCAA Division I programs at UNLV. During my time as a Rebel, I’ve seen both the caliber and the camaraderie of the athletic body grow. It is a privilege to attend all sporting home games for free and cheering on the football team at Allegiant Stadium is one of the most unreal experiences. Another really cool thing about UNLV athletics is the Rebel training table facility. Every weekday morning, student athletes are able to sit and eat together. This custom has enabled connections between teams and I’ve made friends with UNLV athletes from all across the world. It fuels our community and allows us to support and celebrate each other. I attribute my academic and athletic success to the support staff we have here at UNLV. Student athletes must maintain a certain GPA for NCAA eligibility and the student athlete academic services staff make sure that we get the help we need to excel academically so that we can continue to do what we love athletically. The UNLV athletic staff go above and beyond. I will always remember the moments at UNLV that help me to grow the most, when the time spent in hard practices or waking up at 5:00 a.m. became worth it, when the hours poured into study helped me obtain my degree, or when my voice screaming for the Rebels at a home game became a part of something much bigger than myself. Rebels help turn small opportunities into larger successes and humble dreams into greater realities. Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Teneka. Your team experience seems amazing. UNLV fosters an environment of success for its student athletes, from the exceptional facilities and academic services to the team camaraderie and community support, and let’s not forget the breakfasts. Thanks again for sharing, Teneka. That was fantastic.
It is time to meet Hieu. His love for hospitality brought him to UNLV all the way from Vietnam. Did you know that UNLV has students from more than 90 countries and from every state in the nation? And the experience they get from learning in the global city of Las Vegas is like no other. Take it away, Hieu.
Thanks, Alex. Future Rebel. I am a living example of a Rebel. I am from Hanoi, the exciting capital city of Vietnam, and I am a first generation and non-traditional honors student. UNLV is my beloved home where I enrich my passion for hospitality, entrepreneurship, management, and research. UNLV hosts a special place in my heart. It satisfies my curiosity and lets me grow holistically. Along with my world-class hospitality curriculum, I am exploring research in service recovery and actively learning from mentors who are industry professionals. The faculty and staff here are truly friendly and supportive. They have provided me with scholarships, networking opportunities with hospitality recruiters, and a never-ending source of knowledge and inspirations. There’s never a dull moment living it up here. I enjoy property tours around Las Vegas and art installations in UNLV Barrick Museum. I have felt the excitement of joining conferences, student organizations, and starting my own hospitality book club and podcast, all inspired by the interactions with my professors and friends. I have been on numerous hiking trips and love restaurant hopping around Las Vegas. Living in the international city of Las Vegas, I have experienced diverse cultures both on campus and around town. The opportunity to connect with people from around the world has made me more aware and understanding of traditions and ways of life. Being culturally intelligent is especially beneficial in the hospitality industry. It helps create trust and bonds with guests. From there, I feel more equipped and motivated to make someone’s day by creating meaningful and transformational experiences. This sustains my love for hospitality and I’m truly proud to be a Rebel. UNLV has taught me to never play it safe, to never stop going the extra mile, to dare to take the risk and be a true Rebel. Back to you, Alex.
Wow, Hieu. What an amazing journey. Rebels really do get to experience the world right here at UNLV, and if you’re ready to expand your horizons, UNLV offers students affordable study abroad programs in over 45 locations in 25 countries. Thanks for sharing, Hieu.
You’re about to meet Jaslin. She’s majoring in kinesiology and is a major Rebel fan. When she’s not cheering at athletic events, she likes to celebrate some of UNLV’s oldest traditions. I’m excited about this one. Please take it away.
Thanks, Alex. Hey everyone. Let’s go, Rebels. When it came to looking for a college, I had no idea where I wanted to go. I knew I wanted to adventure away from my hometown in Georgia where I could be independent, receive a great education, and have a great time making long-lasting memories. When I came across UNLV, I knew it was perfect for me. While attending UNLV, I’ve made some of the best memories I know I’ll cherish forever. As a member of the UNLV Pom team, I have the opportunity to experience all of our fun events and athletic games. One of my favorite events to perform at is Premier UNLV. It’s one of our longest-standing traditions and how we kick off every academic year. Thousands of students attend and get a sense of what it’s like to have Rebel pride. The night starts off with the spirit squads and the marching band hyping up the crowd with our fight song, and then the DJ takes it from there. Besides the live music, there’s plenty of activities and even free food and t-shirts. Plus we cap everything off with fireworks. It’s a great time. Another special Rebel tradition is the painting of the Fremont Cannon. Every year, UNLV football battles it out against our state rival to see who will take home the prized possession. If we bring the cannon home, it’s paraded through campus and everyone can participate in painting it scarlet, and I have to say, having our home field at Allegiant Stadium is amazing. We even get a free ticket to all regular season home games. I’ve had the time of my life here at UNLV continuing these traditions and showing my school spirit. I can’t wait to see you all on campus displaying your Rebel pride. See you at the next game. Back to you, Alex.
What a story. So impressive. Great job, and thank you for taking part in “The College Tour.”
Chiara is a junior majoring in stage and screen acting. When she first came to UNLV, she felt a bit overwhelmed. It’s normal to experience stress as a student, but at UNLV, their state-of-the-art Student Recreation and Wellness Center has incredible resources to help you maintain your overall wellbeing. Chiara, can you tell us how you keep your stress in check?
Thanks for the opportunity to share my story. Hi everyone. My experience with college is a little different than the average student. In high school, I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder and would get consistent panic attacks within the classroom. University didn’t even seem like a viable option. My first day at UNLV was a little intimidating. As a transfer student, I walked onto campus as a fresh faced junior and not knowing how to navigate myself around, I started to panic. I’m not gonna lie, managing my anxiety often feels a little isolating at times, but as I asked for help, everyone was so encouraging and helpful. Day one, I felt that UNLV truly had my back. from the faculty and students alike. That week I was glad to learn about the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. As someone with a mental health disorder, I try to implement physical activity to improve my overall wellbeing. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center is a full gym with basketball and racquetball courts, a pool, and an indoor track. Students can take exercise classes and get personal fitness trainings, but it’s not just a workout facility. It also includes the student health center where you can get a same day appointment at an onsite lab and pharmacy, and if you’re feeling like you need to unwind, they have massage chairs and the UNLV Wellness Zone. When I started at UNLV, I couldn’t have imagined that the people and campus would be so accommodating and resourceful. The culture of the campus alone is so inclusive of everyone prioritizing student health and wellness. I am so grateful to be be a Rebel and will cherish this experience forever. Now back to you, Alex.
Wow, Chiara. That facility looks incredible. I personally wouldn’t mind checking out the massage chairs. Maintaining your wellness is so important, and having all those resources available in one location is awesome. Thank you, Chiara, for telling us about this amazing place.
Let’s meet Michael. He’s a veteran majoring in hospitality. UNLV’s Military and Veteran Services Center is committed to supporting the needs of military members and their families. They have created a veteran-friendly campus environment and recognize that military members have unique needs as they transition to college. Michael, tell us about your experiences as a veteran here on campus.
Thanks, Alex. What’s up, everyone? As a veteran who proudly served over eight years in the Air Force, I found it difficult to transition back to civilian life. I knew I wanted to go back to school, but I just wasn’t sure how. That’s where the Military and Veterans Services Center at UNLV came in. I knew that UNLV is committed to veteran success, and the Military and Veteran Services Center at UNLV is a great resource for transitioning vets. They support dependent, military, and veteran students and have even received recognition as a top 10 military friendly school. Since I’m a little bit older than the average college student, I was a little hesitant about returning to school, but upon engaging with the veteran community, I felt a sense of belonging and can relate to many of the other veteran students. That’s when I knew that UNLV was the right choice for me. The Rebel Vets Organization is a nationally recognized student Veterans of America chapter, which supports camaraderie, strengthens community ties, and offers great networking opportunities. On top of this, eligible students at UNLV will receive priority registration, no out-of-pocket tuition expenses, and in-state tuition. Upon your first semester at UNLV, you’ll be signed a PAVE Mentor. PAVE stands for Peer Advisors for Veteran Education, and they help transitioning vets get accustomed to college life. Being a part of the Rebel Vets Organization has not only helped me get accustomed to college life, but they encouraged me to join the Air Force ROTC program with the goal of commissioning back into the Air Force. I’ve earned scholarships through ROTC that have helped me complete my flying hours and ultimately work towards becoming a pilot. I’m excited to see what the future holds. Now back to you, Alex.
Thanks Michael, and best of luck as you take to the skies. Knowing you’ll have the support of university staff and fellow military members makes a real difference when deciding to pursue a degree. At UNLV, the Military and Veteran Services Center will help you reach that goal. Take care.
Let’s meet Alejandro. He’s a graduate student from Ecuador and he’s taken advantage of the many resources available at UNLV to foster innovation. He recently competed in the UNLV President’s Innovation Challenge with his proposal and business model to bring to life his vision of creating a more sustainable future. Why don’t you tell us all about it, Alejandro?
Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hello everyone. I was looking to study in the US, and UNLV was the perfect fit for me. It offers strong academic programs and excellent connections with the businesses in Las Vegas. As an MBA student with a background in economics, UNLV’s connections with the Las Vegas community have helped me learn about different industries. In addition to getting students involved in research, UNLV also helps students get involved in the community and develop their entrepreneurial spirit. One example is the UNLV President’s Innovation Challenge, a “Shark Tank”-style competition where UNLV students prepare and present a business idea to a panel of judges composed of faculty members and influential people from the Las Vegas community. This year, the theme of the competition was how to make southern Nevada more sustainable and more economically diversified. I teamed up with my two siblings who are also attending UNLV and one of my brother’s classmates. My brother is in a PhD program, I am in a master’s program, and my sister is in a bachelor’s program. Our business idea is to create fully compostable and biodegradable alternatives to single use plastics. We placed second in the competition and the university awarded us $15,000 and is committed to helping us succeed. As an international student, UNLV feels like home. Since the beginning, I have truly felt part of the Rebel family because of the university’s inclusive and diverse community. Furthermore, Las Vegas is a global city that attracts people from all over the world. No one here feels like a stranger. UNLV is helping me and my siblings grow academically and professionally and has given us the opportunity of working at the university since the beginning. We’re looking forward to giving back to the community in the future. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Alejandro. There’s no denying it, UNLV encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in all of its students by providing mentorship and ensuring they have access to the facilities they need, like the maker space at Black Fire Innovation, the UNLV Innovation Incubator, and the UNLV Library’s Patent and Trademark Resource Center. Incredible.
Allyssa is double majoring in political science and anthropology and wants to share what she’s learned from her research. UNLV has more than 45 research centers and institutes, making great news in everything from brain health and clean energy to social justice and public policy. More than 10,000 undergraduates participate in UNLV research programs. Allyssa, tell us about your experience.
Thanks, Alex. Hi, friends. I moved to the United States from the Philippines right before my first year of college. It was really an exciting experience for me as it was a new school, new life, and new country. UNLV has never made me feel left out and in fact, I think of this place as my home. Starting out, I solely focused on my classes without thinking much about extracurriculars, until I discovered undergraduate research opportunities right here at UNLV and joined the Rebel Research and Mentorship Program. Through this program, I was partnered with a graduate student who taught me the research process and showed me how interconnected various disciplines are. I was also able to learn satellite imagery or QGIS, which I never expected to learn from both of my degrees. Not only that, but we were also able to present at regional research conferences with us winning best student poster presentation at a southwestern anthropological association. This experience made me realize how important research is for our policy makers who can eventually help underrepresented or minority communities, and because of this experience, I signed up for the College of Liberal Arts Program and Honors Creative Thesis. Thanks to the College of Liberal Arts Program, I got the position of legislative assistant for the Nevada Court Appointed Special Advocates Association. Currently, I am gathering data that can help legislators understand the importance of special advocates in being the voices for abused and neglected children. Because of UNLV, I am now excited to continue on my honors thesis defense. This project focuses on post-modern feminist analysis that can help us understand war crimes and post-Cold War civil conflicts. I hope to get this published with the help of UNLV. That’s my research story and I hope to make an impact. Back to you, Alex.
Allyssa, your research is inspiring. Thanks for sharing. It’s important to take advantage of research opportunities. Not only can they be impactful, but when you participate in research, it enriches your academic experience. It also helps build your resume before you’re ready to apply for your first professional job. That was great.
I’d like you to meet Isabel. She’s a senior studying vocal performance. When she moved on campus, she realized just how seriously UNLV takes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They recognize the unique needs of all students and make sure everyone has the resources they need to achieve their academic goals. Tell us about your experience, Isabel.
Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I chose UNLV to study vocal performance. Not only was it affordable, but I could get experience in opera singing in my undergrad. I quickly found a very supportive community in the music department and on campus as a whole. As a child of parents who did not graduate from college, it wasn’t always easy for me to navigate the process. UNLV offers plenty of resources that helped me make a successful transition to college. The Intersection was especially helpful for me. It’s a multicultural resource center for students, especially students of color and first generation where they can find additional resources to help them achieve their goals. After my first year of college, I decided it was time to enhance my experience and move into our residence halls. Our res halls are co-ed and we also have a few special interest floors such as our engineering, fine arts, and Honors College, as well as Howell Town for our African American Black students and Stonewall Suites for our LGBTQIA+ community. Once I was living on campus, I got more involved. I joined student organizations, took on student leadership positions, and I dove right into any opportunity I came across. I’ve been involved with the Women of Color Coalition and the Filipinx-American Student Association. These organizations bring people together to learn about, celebrate, and amplify each other’s heritage. UNLV is one of the most diverse campuses in the country and we have countless identity-based and interest-based organizations that you can join. I’m in my final year of college and I’m excited to continue my music studies at the graduate level. I feel prepared from the student leadership positions I have held, the hands-on experiences in the School of Music and the UNLV Opera Theater, and of course in the supportive and inclusive community at UNLV, and now back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Isabel. UNLV’s campus community is made up of students from many different backgrounds and beliefs, and there are so many resources that are geared specifically towards supporting the needs of the diverse campus community. Thank you for telling us about the welcoming and inclusive community you found here, Isabel. That was great.
Kaila is a senior studying film and hospitality management and for her, starting college was a bit intimidating, but she found the resources she needed to make a successful transition, like her first year seminar, academic advising and tutoring. Here she is to tell us how her peer mentor made all the difference during her first year. Take it away, Kaila.
Thanks Alex. Hey, y’all. When I first started at UNLV, I thought I wanted to study film, but after taking a hospitality class, I realized that experience design was actually my passion. I wanted to create immersive experiences for others that transported them to other worlds. UNLV feels like home. The welcoming and diverse student population makes it easy for any student to find their people. When I first started at UNLV, I was worried about going to social events by myself. Thankfully, at UNLV first year students are paired with a peer mentor to help them with their transition to college. My peer mentor went with me to social events and we would hang out together. She even encouraged me to complete a Tough Mudder. Together, we trained and completed a 10 mile long obstacle course, something I would’ve never done without her encouragement. No matter where I went or what I did, I had a network of people I could rely on. Because of this experience, I decided to give back and become a peer mentor myself. I work with students to find student organizations to join, teach them how to study successfully, and help them navigate campus resources. UNLV provides all the tools, resources, and support that you need for your academic success. Your advisor will help you plan for each semester and make sure you meet all the degree requirements. If you need help with your coursework, there are plenty of opportunities for tutoring, and academic coaches can help you with things like time management and test anxiety. When I first started at UNLV, I could have never imagined that I could make it to where I am today. With the student resources and the instant connections that are made on campus, it’s easy to make UNLV your home. Back to you, Alex.
Wow, Kaila, congratulations on completing the Tough Mudder. It really helps to have someone in your corner when you’re working towards a goal, whether it’s to complete a race or earn your degree. At UNLV, you’ll find the support and resources you need to achieve your personal and academic success. That was awesome.
I can’t wait for you to meet Lester. He’s a mechanical engineering student from right here in Las Vegas and he’s living proof of how getting involved on campus can change your entire college experience. Between the student organizations, campus events, and outdoor activities, you can’t help but find something that interests you at UNLV. Take it away, Lester.
Thanks, Alex. How’s it going, everyone? Coming from a community college, I was never really involved in too many things. Well, I’m here to tell you that I’m a prime example of what can happen to you if you break out of your shell, find ways to be involved on campus, and discover where you truly belong. I got crazy involved here at UNLV. With over 400 student-run organizations, a diverse community of Greek life, a whole host of intramural sports teams, and of course, student jobs, UNLV offers many ways to get involved. I joined the Rebel Events Board to help plan events and I’m also part of the Glitter Squad. I walk around campus and events covered head to toe in scarlet paint and glitter with my partner in gray. We take pictures with the students and get people hyped up. It’s a blast. I’m also part of the Mountain Club. We do stuff like hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and other weekend excursions. My friends and I like to meet up at the rec center and climb on the bouldering wall. There’s a ton of other things to do there, just take a break from school, or even blow off some steam. I’ve met some amazing people and made lifelong friendships. I can confidently say that I’m happier than I’ve ever been, all because I decided to get involved, seek discomfort, and break out of my shell and experience all the opportunities UNLV really has to offer.Back to you, Alex.
Thanks Lester. The Glitter Squad looks awesome. There are so many different ways to get involved on campus, whether it’s joining student government, participating in volunteer opportunities, or connecting with other students while light saber dueling. Yep, that’s a thing here at UNLV. Just find your fit and go for it.