It’s time to meet Braden, a sophomore Panther majoring in theater performance. He’s developed a real connection with his professors while also benefiting from the resources that larger universities offer. He’s a member of the Student Theater Association and also helps give campus tours to prospective students. Take it away, Braden.
Thanks, Alex. When I was looking at colleges I wanted to get the personal connections and help from my professors that smaller colleges offered while also having the resources and opportunities of larger universities. At UNI I found I could have the best of both worlds. UNI has an expansive selection of student organizations and opportunities to get involved. Now, although there isn’t enough time to do everything it’s great that there are so many options connected to my interests. I’ve been able to join so many fun organizations like Panther Ambassadors, a student organization dedicated to giving tours to prospective students, the UNI student Theater Association, the university’s improv team and Cat Crew, a group dedicated to welcoming first years at the start of the year. I also have a great love for the Wellness and Recreation Center and UNI outdoors program. Whether it’s kayaking, climbing the rock wall, going on a hike with friends or sand volleyball. There’s always so many ways for me to get active and have fun with my friends. I’ve also found it’s been very easy to connect with professors on campus. When I wanted to change majors I met with a professor in the theater department. They met with me and mapped out career opportunities and reassured me that I’d be well prepared for success and whatever path I decided to go on. UNI’s right size has allowed me to make so many personal connections with students and professors while also utilizing the opportunities and resources of a larger university. I know I’ll be leaving UNI well prepared for whatever comes next and be able to take along with me the amazing connections and memories. Back to you, Alex.
You’re right, Braden, the University of Northern Iowa really does offer the best of both worlds. It’s great to hear about all the amazing relationships you’ve developed in Cedar Falls. Well done Braden.
You all are gonna love this next segment, let’s meet Grace a junior from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Grace is one of many UNI students who have benefited from an exploratory program that helps undecided majors find their just right academic path. Let’s hear more of the story from Grace.
Thanks Alex. Hi, everyone. When I started college, I thought that I had to have my whole life figured out before I ever got on campus and that in order to be successful, I had to have a major picked out and know exactly what I was going to do. So that’s what I did. My first year at UNI started, I pursuing a teaching degree. I enjoyed what I was learning about, but I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. My second year at UNI I started working in the Office of Academic Advising as a peer advisor. As part of our training we go through tools that advisors use with students who are in the exploratory program which is what we call students who are undecided on a major. That’s because we want them to be actively exploring different options for their future by trying different things. By the end of my training, I’d realized that I needed to try something different and decided to become an exploratory student myself to find my passion. At every step of the way, my advisor, Heather, helped me narrow down my interests and guide me towards finding a program that was right for me. By the end of my first semester as an exploratory student I had found my new major and now I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I wish that I had known about the Exploratory program at the University of Northern Iowa before I ever got on campus, but I’m so glad that I found it and was able to take advantage of all that the program offers. It’s a really unique aspect to UNI and it’s such a great resource for students on campus. Back to you, Alex.
That is awesome, Grace. It’s great to hear how your advisor helped guide you into a recreation, tourism, and nonprofit leadership major. There are so many interesting fields of study at Northern Iowa, we’re glad you found the one that fits you so well. Thanks, Grace.
I can’t wait for you to meet Caitlyn, a senior from Marion, Iowa. Check this out. She’s a double major in biochemistry and biology with a minor in criminology for good measure. Let’s hear about how the caring faculty have impacted her experience at UNI. Tell us your story, Caitlyn.
Thanks, Alex. When I was looking at colleges I knew I wanted a university that could support my love for science with great faculty who could help me find my true passion within the science realm. Thankfully, the University of Northern Iowa has great faculty that did just that. Faculty and staff support is something that UNI prides itself on and I have been lucky enough to experience that firsthand. My freshman year general chemistry professor, Dr. Del Carlo, went above and beyond to help me. Our support went beyond when I was in her course as she guided me when I changed my major to biochemistry and biology. I know Dr. D always has her door open to be a listening ear whenever I need one. She genuinely cares about my success and even guided me as I applied for pharmacy programs. UNI’s faculty and staff genuinely want to see me succeed and are willing to go the extra mile in order to aid students however they can. I have also reached out to a few of my professors when I was struggling in a course or looking for encouragement in taking the next steps in my future. And I know many other UNI students have done the same thing. UNI’s Faculty and staff have created an environment where I truly feel comfortable reaching out whenever I need help and guidance. Due to that support I am currently applying to pharmacy programs. I look forward to a future career made possible partially due to the great mentors I have had the pleasure of working with here at the University of Northern Iowa. Back to you, Alex.
You are pretty amazing, Caitlyn. It sounds like the faculty and staff at Northern Iowa have played a very pivotal role in your success. We wish you all the best as you apply to pharmacy programs. Good luck, Caitlyn.
Now let’s hear from Ethan. This Waterloo, Iowa native loves all the hands on experience. He’s gaining as a digital media production major at UNI . Even though he’s only a sophomore, Ethan has already amassed a wealth of practical skills that will help him be future ready upon graduation. Talk to us Ethan.
Thanks, Alex. Hey, guys, up until my junior year of high school, I was convinced that I wasn’t going to college. And it wasn’t until I met with a National Guard recruiter that I realized that serving in the guard at the same time as attending UNI was the best option for me. One thing I love most about UNI is the hands-on experience that it offers. Digital media students are constantly being offered opportunities to go into the field and do work that is not only amazing practice but it looks great on a resume. I got to go with the UNI science team to the wind caves in South Dakota where I was able to take great shots of not only the caves but the students as they did the research. The footage I got is going to be made into four short documentaries so it’s not only great filming practice but it’ll help me sharpen my post-production skills. Other students have created content for stations like ESPN plus and KULT 94.5. I feel like UNI does a great job of preparing students for the field. I took a class called Digital Media Seminar my first semester and it really gave me a great feel of what a career can look like and because it’s so early in a student’s experience it helps ’em decide which digital media path they want to take so they can refine their skills to get the job that they really want. What I’ve learned from UNI is that the best way to get better at something is to just go out and do it. And UNI definitely provides all the opportunities for students to go out and create the best content that they’re capable of and that’s why I will undoubtedly be job ready by the time I graduate. Back to you, Alex.
Wow, Ethan filming a documentary about the wind caves in South Dakota sounds pretty cool to me, from what I know about my experience with digital media it sounds like you were off to a great start at the University of Northern Iowa. We can’t wait to see more of your work. Keep grinding, Ethan.
Now let’s get ready for business. Say hello to Aly from Anamosa, Iowa. Allie is majoring in accounting and Management information systems as part of University of Northern Iowa’s College of Business. Which is consistently named a best business school by the Princeton Review. Over to you, Aly.
Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I started looking at colleges, I only knew one thing. That I wanted to go somewhere that had a good business school. UNI not only gave me that, but also gave me the opportunity to explore specifically what I wanted to do with a business degree. UNI has leading programs in education, arts and design, health and STEM, and most importantly to me, business. Being an accounting major. The most important exam is a CPA, which stands for Certified Public Accounting exam. With a 28% national pass rate, this is no easy exam, luckily for me, year in and year out UNI is in the top 10 among all schools nationwide for passing the entire exam. And I think one of the reasons UNI students are so successful is that professors who make teaching and our success their number one priority. Business is all about making connections and I love that UNI makes that possible with a wide range of people from all different backgrounds. From caring professors to the large alumni base that UNI has, I know that I will leave UNI prepared for life after college. When I need guidance, I can always turn the the corner and there will be someone eager to help me on my journey. Whatever major you choose at UNI you won’t just learn about it from a textbook. You’ll get hands-on experience to prepare you to actually do it and UNI classwork is always adapting with the times. Employers are always excited to hire UNI grads, because they know we’ll be prepared because we’ve done the real life work. That’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
ou’re right, Aly. Companies and firms across the country know about UNI stellar reputation for producing business leaders. Just like so many other programs at Northern Iowa the College of Business is nationally ranked and boasts a strong alumni network looking to hire fellow Panthers. Nice job, Aly.
Let’s meet Gisele who recently graduated from UTSA with their Bachelor of Science in Physics. She loved her UTSA experience so much, she now works as a post-baccalaureate fellow in a nuclear physics lab on campus. Gisele, the floor is yours.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, y’all. I always knew that college would be the start to a lifelong adventure. When I got chosen to be a Terry Scholar at the University of Texas in San Antonio, I knew that it would be the perfect place to start creating my bold future. My dream is to go to medical school, but I also wanted to major in and study both physics and astrophysics. I found the perfect middle ground, thanks to life-changing research opportunities and fascinating courses that have shown me countless ways medicine and physics are intertwined. No matter what your major is, your education is reinforced by the strong collaborations UTSA forms with industry, research and community partners. For young scientists like me, some of those collaborators include NASA, Southwest Research Institute here in San Antonio, National Laboratories, including Oak Ridge and Los Alamos and many more. At UTSA, there is always a place for you to develop all your talents. I was able to continue playing the harp with the School of Music and around the community while pursuing my studies in the sciences. UTSA truly creates an environment where students are able to learn, grow, and build their paths towards their bold futures. My current position, managing the Extreme Environment Materials Laboratory at UTSA allows me to cultivate valuable skills such as leading a lab and conducting nuclear research. That’s enough about me. Just remember that your bold adventure at UTSA awaits. Back to you, Alex.
– Gisele, thanks for sharing your story with us. UTSA is all about creating bold futures, and it sounds like you really took advantage of all the opportunities UTSA offered you to do just that. We know you’ll be just as successful in med school. Good luck.
Okay, our next student has built an impressive resume in college. Meet Erica, she’s a member of McNair Scholars Program, the Alamo Fellows Program, Spirit Advisory Board, the Honors Alliance, and the UTSA Ambassadors, just to name a few. She’s also accumulated more than 200 service hours through her affiliations and says that giving back has helped her find her own sense of belonging here on campus. Here’s Erica to tell us more.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Growing up, I’ve always possessed a deep admiration for UTSA and public service. I’ve always valued my education and a sense of belonging. When choosing a university, I wanted to ensure that my final choice consisted of an environment with the resources and academic rigor to propel me forward. A big part of the environment at the University of Texas at San Antonio is togetherness. It’s evident in the atmosphere of the campus, and with more than 350 student-led organizations, there is definitely a place to find yourself and have fun with friends who will accept you for you. Last year, I had the great fortune to be chosen as a Spirit of the Roadrunner recipient. My campaign platform focused on amplifying wellness and wellbeing, along with my major which is Public Health and my minor, Communications. Working on this platform has heightened my passion for helping people. I’ve collaborated with wellbeing services on campus to help fellow students understand the various dimensions of wellbeing and develop skills to promote their own success. Through my involvement on campus with groups such as the First-Year Experience, the Student Government Association and the President’s Student Advisory Council, I’ve been able to expand connections, develop leadership skills, and amplify my wellbeing message to benefit our Roadrunner community. I am thankful to be a part of a university that believes in me, invest in me, and supports me through enriching environments and experiences. Investing in yourself while impacting others is profound. The contributions that I’ve made will have a lasting impact. I’ve gained so much from being involved on campus and supporting my community. UTSA is a place where absolutely anyone can develop their identity and find a true sense of belonging. Well, that’s all for me. Love to you all and back to you, Alex.
– Erica, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I know that inclusiveness and respect are part of UTSA’s core values, and it’s so wonderful to hear how you and others put those values into practice to create a sense of belonging for all Roadrunners. Thanks again, Erica.
Many UTSA students are the first in their families to attend a four-year university, as is our next student, Angelica. Angelica says she chose UTSA because growing up, one of her role models was a UTSA alum. And she also knew that the university has been nationally recognized for its program supporting first-generation college students. Angelica, you are up.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. I am the first person in my family to attend college. Nearly half of UTSA’s undergraduates are first-generation college students, and the university has numerous dedicated resources to support us, including first-gen peer mentors, student organizations, and Living & Learning Communities. Fun fact, many UTSA faculty were first-gen students too, so they understand and appreciate the unique assets that we bring to campus. Attending a university that has a strong support network for first-gen students truly makes a difference. Also, many of UTSA’s first-gen students are fortunate to have their tuition and fees covered through the Bold Promise program. Bold Promise represents UTSA’s commitment to offer high-quality education to students from low and middle-income Texas families, and it has helped thousands of Roadrunners pursue their educational journeys. On campus, I took advantage of every opportunity that came my way. One that had the greatest impact on me was joining Voices. It’s the largest volunteer organization at UTSA and serves both the university and the community. This organization has shown me the person I want to be and allows me to help others in a variety of ways. People will often say that San Antonio is a huge city with the tight-knit feeling of the small community. And at UTSA, I’ve experienced this firsthand. College was not what I imagined. Just in my second year, I have learned new things about myself in the importance of getting involved as a first-gen student. With some effort, one can come a long way here at UTSA, no matter where you’re starting from. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks for sharing your story. Angelica, I love seeing those first-gen UTSA t-shirts all over the UTSA campus. It’s clear that the Roadrunner community truly celebrates its first-generation college students for the trailblazers that they are. Great job, Angelica.
Let’s head over to here from Maren. She is a Kinesiology major who hosts become a physical therapist and work with athletic teams. She’s also an immigrant from Tanzania and says she loves being part of UTSA’s multicultural community and working to support UTSA students of diverse experiences and backgrounds. Take it away, Maren.
– Thanks. Alex. If you were to tell high school Maren that she’ll be standing here in front of you talking about UTSA, I wouldn’t be surprised. UTSA has felt like home to me from the moment I arrived to tour campus. As a first-year student, I became involved in student organizations on campus, including the African Student Association. Since then, I have served in many leadership positions for organizations focused on the Black community at UTSA. I am proud of our work to advocate for underrepresented students and provide resources to fellow Black student leaders. In our Roadrunner community, we like to say we are birds of a feather. At the same time, every feather is unique, and we take pride in that. UTSA provides resources and cultural heritage events to ensure that all students are recognized, embraced, and celebrated on campus. Amplifying student voices and identities is a priority here at UTSA. The Multicultural Student Center for Equity and Justice is one of many places that does just that. I’m a proud member of their team, and we work together to showcase and highlight different identities and cultures. Here you can find pure facilitated trainings and events, heritage month, celebratory and informational events and community gathering and resources for our Dreamer, LGBTQIA+ and multicultural community on campus. From my first day on campus, I was greeted by a welcoming community and was given a space to embrace my identity and expand my understanding and appreciation of my fellow students. UTSA has allowed me to be a leader and an ally. As I look to my future, I plan to continue to fight for an equitable and just space for all. Well, that’s all from my side. Back to you, Alex, and Birds up.
– Thanks, Maren. I know that UTSA leaders are passionate about the university’s role in advancing educational opportunities for underserved communities. And it is so amazing to hear how UTSA students like you are supporting that effort for the benefit of your fellow Roadrunners and others, thanks again.
Let’s hear from Canaan, a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and here to tell us more about Military City USA. Did you know San Antonio is home to several military bases and has one of the nation’s largest active and retired military populations? UTSA is a recognized nationally as a military-friendly school and nearly 15% of Roadrunners are military-affiliated students. Tell us more, Canaan.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up as an Air Force brat, Texas was always one of my favorite places to live. When my best friend mentioned that he would be attending the University of Texas at San Antonio, I decided that UTSA was a perfect choice for me too. San Antonio is known for being Military City USA. With so many military bases in our city, it grants our army and Air Force ROTC detachments access to unique training resources that others don’t have, making a cadets more competitive on a national level. In ROTC, we always keep in mind that we’re students first, and we support each other in our academics by studying together, individually or in organized groups to hold ourselves accountable. ROTC is a legitimate pathway to joining the Armed Forces. It’s not for everyone, but I think it’s had a great impact on my time management and competence, even outside of the military aspects. Some of the best friends I’ve made in college are all from ROTC. UTSA is really supportive of its military students, being recognized on multiple occasions as a best-for-vets or military-friendly school. Our Center for Military Affiliated Students is an amazing resource for active duty, veterans or military dependents. UTSA even has scholarships that favor military-affiliated applicants. If everything goes according planned with Air Force ROTC, I will graduate and commission within a few years. From there, I’ll head to pilot training and hopefully end up in the cockpit of an A-10 Warthog within five years. That’s all for me. Thanks again, Alex.
– Canaan, it’s awesome. There are so many military-affiliated Roadrunners studying and working at UTSA. And what an amazing opportunity for you and your fellow ROTC cadets to be able to pursue your education in Military City USA and grow your leadership skills. Great work, Canaan.