Let’s meet Aidan, a senior majoring in business marketing. He’s also an involvement ambassador, committed to helping students get the most of their time at Mizzou. With more than 500 student clubs and organizations, there are endless ways to get involved on campus. Aidan, take it away, my man.
Got it, Alex, thanks. My college search process was not that hard. I knew from the moment that I stepped on Mizzou’s campus that this was going to be my new home, and home is a place where you’re comfortable to be yourself. My time at Mizzou has given me the confidence to speak my mind, the opportunity to share ideas, and the experience of being able to make a difference for others. I’ve also gotten to be a leader in my fraternity. I coordinated activities to engage students in fraternity and sorority life. On top of that, I’m an involvement ambassador, which has given me a unique opportunity to help guide others through their campus journeys. Involvement ambassadors are a group of passionate students who are here to help people develop connections at Mizzou. We offer one-on-one meetings with students to learn about their interests and goals, and then we help them connect with opportunities in Mizzou’s 500 plus student organizations. Not only do we help students get involved on campus, we work with them on how to develop interpersonal skills to grow into the best version of themselves personally and professionally. It doesn’t matter if you are a freshman or a grad student, Mizzou will help you find your place here. Campus has an amazing sense of community with hundreds of big and small events throughout the year. To me, it’s things like movie and game nights that make Mizzou feel a little bit more like home. When I sat in my first class freshman year, I couldn’t have predicted where I would be now. I’ve met some incredible people who have helped me throughout my college journey. I am proud to leave my mark and be able to make a difference here at Mizzou. Back to you, Alex.
Aidan, tremendous job, my friend. It’s great to hear how Tigers like you are helping others to find their way, from eSports to student government, to fraternity and sorority life, whatever your interest, Mizzou will help you find the group or activity that’s right for you. Cheers, my friend.
It’s time to meet Kayla. She’s a junior here to tell us about the connections she’s made and how those connections have helped her to grow both personally and professionally. From the first moment you come to Mizzou, you’ll feel an incredible sense of community. There are hundreds of ways to meet people and find your fit on campus. Take it away, Kayla.
Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. I grew up in a quiet suburb of Chicago, about 45 minutes from the downtown area. I developed a love for writing at about six years old, and my passion for journalism grew in high school after doing a career exploration project. With Mizzou being one of the top journalism schools in the country, the choice was easy. Moving to a new place was an adjustment, but I love campus and my classes. While looking for ways to meet new people, a high school friend introduced me to the Black Collegiate Network where I found a group of people who looked just like me and showed me how to enjoy campus life. I found my community. My journalism professors helped by sending emails about opportunities to be involved and I discovered MUTV. I signed up and I found another group of people who were just like me. I learned how to write scripts and edit and produce videos. Now I am the president of the Black Collegiate Network and I am an entertainment editor of MUTV. There are so many ways to find your community at Mizzou. When I’m not hanging out with friends, I have an on-campus job. I am a radio co-host for KCOU, another student run organization, and I just joined the National Association for Black Journalists. How’s that for personal and professional growth? No matter who you are coming into your college experience, there are so many ways to get involved and meet new people. I met so many wonderful individuals just by joining organizations and breaking out of my shell. I really found myself and have grown so much in my time being here, and I’m not done growing yet. M-I-Z. Back to you, Alex.
Z-O-U Kayla. With more than 31,000 students from all around the world, Mizzou posts a vibrant and thriving campus community. With a welcoming and inclusive campus culture plus hundreds of programs to help you get involved, it’s no wonder students like you love Mizzou.
Let’s meet MacKenna, a junior studying biochemistry. She’ll walk us through some of the incredible research opportunities available to students here and how her love of science has transformed her college experience. Mizzou is known for providing its students with unique hands-on learning experiences, and nowhere is that more apparent than with undergraduate research. It’s all you, MacKenna.
Hey, Alex. I gained a love for science when I started participating in science fairs in about fifth grade. From there, it evolved into a focus on medicine. Mizzou’s combination of research and medical expertise made it an obvious choice for my undergraduate degree. When I came to Mizzou, I was astounded by the number of research opportunities waiting for me. I found a professor researching in pharmacology, reached out to him, and within a month, I had a position in the lab. My research supervisor, Dr. Hill, has been an incredible professor to work for. Being in his lab has provided me numerous opportunities to expand my knowledge and apply the material I’m learning in my classes. My favorite event is the monthly Cardiovascular Forum where a large group of specialists representing different disciplines across the university gather and listen to proposals. It’s amazing to see experts collaborating to solve our biggest problems. I love working with Dr. Hill and his team tackling aortic problems related to obesity. It’s extremely fulfilling. Mizzou provides so many opportunities in every single program at the university. Whether you’re interested in comic books, frogs, or studying international business models, you can find research in something that you enjoy. My research has allowed me to make better connections between classes and have provided me with the tools to succeed in my career. At the core of what I do is science, but it has also allowed me to expand my network and improve my communication skills, all while exploring untouched areas of medicine. It’s a truly amazing and gratifying feeling to be tackling new science problems here at Mizzou. Mizzou-Ra! Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, MacKenna. As just one of 35 public universities in the Association of American Universities, Mizzou is committed to transforming lives through education, research, and innovation. And with more than 100 new invention disclosures each year, it’s clear that students like you will have countless opportunities to engage in new research. Thanks again.
You all are gonna love this next segment. Daniel is a senior and biology major who’s gonna share some of Mizzou’s most well-loved traditions. The six iconic limestone columns are all that remain from the first academic call that burned down in 1892. Now they serve as a uniting symbol of perseverance and commitment to excellence for all Tigers. We’re gonna throw it to you, Daniel. M-I-Z.
Z-O-U. Thanks, Alex. Growing up just 30 minutes outside of Columbia, I was raised a Tiger fan and I knew I wanted to come to this university ever since I was five years old. I fell in love with Mizzou because of its deep sense of tradition. The things that bring everyone together to celebrate the university we call home. Traditions are what make Mizzou so special, and it all starts during the first week that you get here. You’ll celebrate traditions like Paint the M, First Roar, and then Tiger Walk, which is when the entire freshman class runs through the columns towards Jesse Hall indicating your official entrance into the Mizzou community. We also rub the David R. Francis statue’s nose for good luck before a test. We share our unfiltered thoughts in Speaker Circle. And we tip our hat and whisper to honor the fallen soldiers as we walk under the Memorial Union Tower. Of course though, Mizzou’s greatest tradition lies in the fact that we are the home of the first and best Homecoming. This citywide celebration has the streets of Columbia electric. You’ll see campus decks, performances at Jesse Hall. You’ll see local stores and businesses painting their windows for the occasion followed, by the parade, and then it all leads up to the big football game on Saturday where tailgates are in full swing before our Tigers take the field. You’ll enjoy traditions like these all throughout your time in college until Senior Send Off, which is when students run back through the columns like they did did during Tiger Walk. However, this time it’s away from campus, symbolizing their transition into the world as a Mizzou alumni. For me, I don’t think it gets much better than celebrating the hallmarks of Mizzou with your family and friends. Tradition is the heartbeat of this campus and a big reason why this place will always feel like home. That’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
Daniel, that was awesome. It’s great to see Mizzou traditions don’t end at graduation. Students become part of an active and supportive community of more than 355,000 Tigers worldwide, and the next generation of Tigers will always be ready to welcome you back home to Mizzou each year. Great job.
It all starts with the Missouri method. To tell us more, let’s meet Rachel, a senior in Mizzou’s world renowned Missouri School of Journalism who will share how the Missouri Method sets Mizzou apart inside the classroom and beyond. This is an active hands-on approach to teaching and learning that gives students the experience they need for academic and career success. Rachel, that’s your cue.
Thanks, Alex. Hey guys. 1908 was a very important year. That’s when the Missouri School of Journalism was founded right here on Mizzou’s campus. Since then, it’s grown to become one of the top journalism programs in the country emphasizing real world hands-on learning experience. We call it the Missouri Method, and I can’t begin to tell you how it’s made a big difference in my college career. Essentially, the Missouri Method means learning by doing, and today it permeates every academic discipline at Mizzou. Even as a freshman, you get to be right in the mix. You might manage an investment portfolio, work at one of our ad agencies, conduct a research experiment, or report on a breaking news story. That’s what I do. As a broadcast journalism major, I’ve had the chance to work for an NBC affiliate TV station as a requirement for class. I’ve covered everything from a train derailment to elections all before graduating from college, and I think that’s what’s so unique about Mizzou. You could sit in a lecture course and memorize information, or you could go out and do it, and that’s made all the difference for me. I’ve learned lots of lessons outside the classroom as well. Being involved in multiple student organizations on campus has taught me how to be a leader, how to listen, how to problem solve, and how to be prepared, and so much more. If I have one piece of advice to give incoming freshmen, it would be this. Embrace the Missouri Method and get involved on campus. I take pride in going here because I feel like I’m getting the most out of my college experience and I’m walking away with amazing real life skills that I can’t get anywhere else. Learning by doing. That’s the Tiger way. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks Rachel. It’s easy to see why Missouri is still known as the Show Me State with how integral the Missouri Method is to the academic and student experience at Mizzou. Tigers in nearly every degree program can try out their career, develop new skills, and gain key resume building experience before they even graduate. Thanks, Rachel.
Let’s head over to meet Rachel. She’s a sophomore majoring in chemistry pre-med and says she finally felt at home after transferring to Xavier. Finding your community and college is so important. Rachel, tell us more.
Thanks, Desi. I’ve always had a passion for helping people. When I began looking for a college I knew I needed to be able to support my passions and growing up in the big city of Atlanta, my college also had to be in a big city to feel at home. After transferring from three schools my freshman year, I was certain that I never found the school that’s right for me. Xavier exceeded my expectations in every way. Our pre-med department emphasizes excelling and expects nothing other than greatness. Xavier also encourages us to pursue different passions. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at local animal shelters. We help with feeding, taking care of and walking the pets. It’s great that I can take a break from class and have fun with the pets. I was also able to join the marching band where I’ve met some of the most amazing people and I can build a reputation for the school while pursuing my passion in music. Xavier is extremely rigorous and dedicated to its students so it’s a no-brainer than we produce the most black doctors. The campus has many resource centers and opportunities to find help in your classes. I appreciate that the review sessions are run by students so I feel more comfortable which makes it easier to ask more questions. I’m always proud to say I attend this school and I have all the hoodies to prove it. I’m not just sitting in a classroom learning about medicine but I’m giving hands-on experiences to ensure my understanding. I know I’m in the right place and the southern hospitality from everyone encourages me to stay. Back to you, Desi.
I love it, Rachel, and the hoodies, of course. I’m glad you found your home at Xavier. Best of luck in your career. Thanks again.
Getting involved on campus is a huge part of the college experience. Celeste is a senior majoring in public health science and has been a part of so many clubs and organizations during her time here. Tell us, Celeste, what are you up to these days?
Hey, y’all. Being a native New Orleanian, I practically grew up on Xavier’s campus. Between attending all of the Star summer programs hosted by Xavier’s science department throughout high school and being around alumni, family and friends, the campus under the green roof has always felt like home. Since attending those summer camps, I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare right here. I have spent time as a peer dean student research assistant in the SGA presidential cabinet and in many other organizations but never really felt like I found my thing. Nearly 20 academic and department clubs and almost 40 special interest organizations are available on campus. In 2020, a group of students got together to create a new recognized student organization calling it the Women of Xavier. Just a few months later, the Covid 19 pandemic hit sending everyone home and making it virtually impossible for the new organization to grow. After returning to campus, the founding president asked me to take her position and grow the organization as she would be graduating that December. Our organization has created a safe space on campus for all female bodied and female identifying students to grow and network. We’ve been able to host all kinds of activities, service opportunities and kickstart several initiatives on campus. Xavier has afforded me so many opportunities to expand my knowledge, broadened my perspective on the world and empower myself as a young black woman in academia all while being surrounded by people who look like me. My time here has taught me that knowledge is power and that it is my duty as Xavierite to share my knowledge with those who haven’t been afforded the same opportunities in education as me. Well, that’s my story. Back to you Desi.
Celeste, it’s clear you have finally found your thing and it’s so inspiring to hear about what you and your club are doing on campus. Maybe I’ll swing by for the next meeting. Thanks again, Celeste.
Here to tell us about what XULA has done for him is Josiah, a sophomore sociology major who knew because of Xavier’s diverse learning and teaching environment, this was the place for him. Take it away, Josiah.
Thanks, Desi. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Hello to y’all out there. Since a young age, I knew that I wanted to pursue a higher education. I knew that I wanted to excel academically and experience my college in a new city therefore leading me to the illustrious Xavier University of Louisiana. My time at Xavier has been incredible. I was presented with so many opportunities and have met similar-minded people and built connections. Xavier instills the mentality of work hard, play harder and I continue to live by that. Being this is a predominantly STEM institution, Xavier still ensures that all majors get their shine. With dedicated faculty, real world experience and global research for the arts, humanities and social sciences, Xavier prepares students for a meaningful career and a purposeful life. Xavier is not one to shy away from assisting the what’s next. If you leave with anything, it’ll be with plans after college, job in interviews and internships, just to name a few. I can say that these past two years Xavier has shown me the keys to success. I’m a part of a proud heritage and I continue to be eager to learn more. College is an experience and is something that I am grateful to be in. I’m excited to continue my education at a higher level especially at the point that Xavier is at. I love my HBCU and will continue to utilize the many opportunities and benefits that Xavier has to offer. XULA out! Back to you Desi.
Work hard, play harder. I love it. Josiah, I can tell you are going to soar in your career. Thank you for sharing your story.
I can’t wait for you all to meet our next student, Jayla. Jayla is a junior majoring in political science and is here to share how Xavier creates a space for her and other students to give back to the community. Jayla, take it away.
Thanks for the introduction Desi. Hey, everybody. Growing up, I always admire my mother and older brother. Their hard work in the medical field also inspired me to want to study medicine. Therefore, when it became time to choose a college I chose the Xavier University of Louisiana. They had all the cultural expectations and educational challenges that I was looking for. Science is a huge focus of Xavier’s academics. Xavier is the number one school in the nation in the production of African American medical school graduates. Professors have pushed me and challenged me enormously while I’ve embarked on my college journey. Academically, I have been able to push myself, accomplish goals and participate in the wonderful programs. For the summer of 2022, I participated in the Meharry Medical College BS/MD program. I was able to take classes in order to further my education and prepare myself for the MCAT. I also made numerous friends and got the inside look on life as a college student. Though academics have been my main focus I have also had amazing social life. Campus is full of activities, organizations and clubs to join but the most participated activity is community service. Service is a way for students to help give back to the community in numerous ways, gardening, cleaning, educating children, and so much more. These service opportunities help build humility in the students and push them to want to continue to change the world for the better. At the beginning of my college journey I would’ve not imagined the impact Xavier will have on my life. Not only did I learn the materials I needed in order to further my education, but I endured an experience that was wholesome and beneficial to my future career. That’s everything about me. Back to you, Desi.
What an inspiring story Jayla. You are all definitely changing the world for the better. Thank you for sharing.
Xavier strives to build a strong sense of community that supports excellence across the academics and the campus. It’s time to meet Kayla. She’s a senior working toward her degree in public health and is here to share a little bit about campus life. Tell us more Kayla.
Thanks Desi. As a student that didn’t have Xavier is my first choice, let me tell you, it’s been the best decision I’ve made. I always thought I was gonna major in biology and be a big college athlete but everything changed on decision day, when I thought to myself, other than knowledge what did I want out of my college experience and well, the other schools never stood a chance. The community on campus is truly one of a kind. We are a melting pot of different cultures, ethnicities, religions and more all in one space for one goal to create a more just and humane society. Xavier creates opportunities for students to explore and get involved to make real changes and the University Center is the center for campus life at Xavier. You’ll find a mix of cultural, educational, social and recreational programs to balance coursework and free time. The UC provides services and offices for organizations, mail service, dining service, a game room and a large study area that converts to a showcase lounge. I’m currently a part of student government, professional organizations, social clubs, a cultural association, and Greek life. I may be busy, but it’s worth it. When you get to make a difference and positively impact future students and their college experiences. Upon graduation, I plan to take some time to reset and relax. Then I plan to become an EMT. I may get my master’s in public health and then on to the big MD. My road to medical school will not be traditional but it’ll be worth it. Remember, it’s your story, make it count. Thanks, Desi. That’s all for me, back to you.
Wow. Kayla. There sure is a lot going on around campus. With so many academic clubs, organizations, clubs, and activities, you’re definitely staying busy. Thank you for sharing.