One of the amazing benefits of Roger’s close community is the support you receive. Andrea, an international student knows how important it is to find your people and support especially when you’re not close to home. The Center for Student Academic Success offers a wide range of academic and accessibility services, helps develop academic plans, and collaborates from departments across campus. Take it away, Andrea.
– Thanks, Alex. So you know those movies where the main character decides to make this radical change in their lives and pursue something bigger? Yeah. Well, that’s what I did. When the time for college came around I decided to leave my whole life in Mexico, pack it up in a suitcase, and pursue a college degree in the United States. So when I first got to Roger Williams University I was amazed by how surreal the experience felt. I was greeted by a group of international students who helped me move into my room and then they ordered pizza so we could bond. Once classes actually started, I immediately connected with students from my major who were so passionate about learning that it really motivated me to fall in love with my career path even more. I love how easy it is to find a familiar face on campus. Doesn’t matter where you’re going, you will always be greeted by a smile and a hello and that builds on that sense of belonging, which trust me, coming from a different country was such an important thing for me. It is really easy to make new friends because there are over 70 clubs here at Roger Williams, which really allows for everyone to find their own passion, to meet people with similar interests, just find what they wanna do. There are a lot of resources on campus to help students thrive. An example of this is CSAS which helps promote success by offering academic support. Now, in my last year of college I cannot put into words how grateful I am for this experience. I’ve learned so much about what I’m passionate about and how I can implement that in my career. I’ve made long lasting connections with the community and learned skills that go beyond a classroom. I am so happy I chose to be part of the Roger community. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– What an awesome story, Andrea, especially important for those who may be unsure about going somewhere further from home. Cheers.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values at RWU. Let’s hear from Dom, a senior legal studies and cultural studies major who is seriously busy and involved. RWU strives to offer a welcoming and inclusive community, affinity groups, clubs and mentoring programs. Take it away, Dom.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When I was applying to colleges, just like a lot of us, I didn’t know what I wanted to study. Roger’s support and guidance provided me with the direction to discover my interests and develop them to further my future career. There are plenty of ways to get involved and find your people in place on campus. I should know, I’m a part of The Barbershop which is an infinity group for men of color on campus. Through The Barbershop I’ve made friends that I know I’ll have for life. As an orientation advisor I get to mentor students, something I love doing. I get to work with other students and staff to help incoming students have a smooth transition. I also live in a living learning community called Black and Latinx, allowing me to live with students with similar backgrounds and interest as me. And I get to help host and attend campus events. I show off my musical skills and collaborate with other students as a part of the Musicians Guild Club and get to see what others have to offer at open mics and talent shows. What I love most, Roger has countless opportunities for students to get involved. Studying both legal studies and cultural studies, I’ve been able to apply my knowledge to real life situations and spread that knowledge to my fellow classmates. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Dom, it’s awesome to see all the ways you found your people and place at Roger. Roger’s Intercultural Center supports BIPOC students by providing a space for social and educational outreach and the Queer and Trans Resource and Advocacy Center better known as Q Track, supports the university’s LGBTQIAP plus population. Thanks again, Dom.
I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to this next student. Let’s head over to Julia and find out what there is to do in this town. If you ask students what’s your favorite thing to do on campus, they would likely say that it’s sitting by the water. Did you know Roger Williams’ campus is right on Mount Hope Bay? Let’s hear more about it from Julia. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I always loved the ocean and when it came time to picking the university I knew I wanted to leave my hometown but still be close to the water. That’s why Roger’s location was the perfect fit. Bristol is a town ranked number 25 best small towns to live in because of its amazing views and waterfront location. In town, you can always find me grabbing a coffee from the Beehive Cafe or getting a quick bite to eat at the Beach House. One of my favorite things to do is get ice cream from Jewel’s and go to Colt State Park to watch a sunset with friends. Inside Colt State Park you can find the East Bay bike path which many students love to explore. If you’re a beach goer like I am the closest one is just five miles away. Bristol’s also ranked one of the safest college towns in the US. Back on campus you can still find breathtaking views, an ocean breeze and a shell path along the shore. One of my favorite spots is the Sailing Center where I can relax and get work done. If you’re more adventurous, you can rent a kayak or even learn how to sail for free. The waterfront location gives so many of our students hands-on opportunities to grow and learn within their major. Going to college in a coastal community isn’t something many people can say. I’ve truly fallen in love with Rhode Island and all it has to offer. These past two years at RWU have been unforgettable and I’m so proud to call Bristol my home. Well, that’s my experience living in Bristol. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for showing us those awesome spots. It’s great that you found a place that feels like home. Being right on the water can provide many unique opportunities for students. I’m gonna have to get out on that water when I finish this up. That was awesome.
Okay, let’s meet Kyle. He’s a senior, secondary education and Spanish major who benefited from getting into the classroom from his first year. Whether you’re making discoveries in the marine biology labs, investing real money in the trading room or building houses in the construction labs, RWU puts students at the forefront to gain experience for your career. Okay, you’re up, Kyle.
– Hi, friends. How’s it going? From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher so finding the right school that would challenge me academically and prepare me to support the next generation was key. I looked at a wide variety of schools but Roger Williams University would be the place that would provide me endless opportunities for growth and allow my passions to flourish. The education program here at Roger is exceptionally unique as it brings students into the classroom starting their freshman year to begin the development of their educational career. By bringing me into the classroom so early on it has certainly prepared me for my upcoming practicum and student teaching where I’ll be fully in charge of my own classroom. In the classroom, I’ve become more aware of how to better engage students as well as the essentialness of the materials we have discussed throughout my four years. From inclusive learning styles to specialized reading and writing tactics, I’ve learned how to better engage my students in the classroom. The education department here at Roger is such a tight-knit community that I always feel I have the support to receive guidance and ask questions, making me feel even more confident going into student teaching. Roger’s hands-on experience is instrumental to the success of teacher candidates in the program itself. While we can learn all about these teaching styles and theories, we will not truly understand the concepts if we do not apply ourselves in the classroom. I even studied abroad in Seville, Spain where I was able to teach English to high school students. It was a great opportunity as I was able to take the skills that I’ve learned from my education classes and expand my education pedagogy. Roger Williams University has truly prepared me to be a successful teacher. By bringing me into the classroom so early on I am confident that I have the tools and support to create an inclusive classroom for all of my future students that also promotes learning. That’s a little bit about me and why I love Roger. Alex, back to you.
– Great job, Kyle. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Wish I could go study in Spain. Roger’s commitment to engaged learning hasn’t gone unnoticed. The university has a Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a recognition for leaders in community-engaged work and civic scholarship.
Okay, let’s hear from Alyssa. She’s a senior construction management major and business and sustainability minor, who’s benefiting from one of the newest high touch facilities the Richard L. Brady Applied Learning Laboratories. Roger Williams invests in spaces and technology that provides hands-on real world experiences like the recent 20 million dollar partnership with the Cummings Foundation and the School of Architecture. Take it away, Alyssa.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up I always knew I wanted to study something related to construction and engineering, and I knew I wanted to leave my home state to start a new adventure. Senior year of high school is when I found out about Roger Williams and the many opportunities that they offered. Finding a university with experiential learning was a key aspect in my college search. When I toured Roger, I quickly found that they valued real world experience and hands-on learning. In 2020, Roger Williams opened the Richard L. Brady Applied Learning Laboratories to enhance the education of our construction management, computer science and engineering students. In this lab space, construction management students learn the foundational aspects of building materials starting in year one. Sophomore year we even had the opportunity to build a small house right inside the facilities. In addition to these construction spaces we also offer maker spaces for our engineering students where they can create and bring to life their many designs and models. Outside of academics, Roger Williams offers many clubs and opportunities for students. As a construction management major, I’m part of our Women in Construction Club, our residential construction club and two of our ASC competition teams. RWU also has Society of Women Engineers, Engineers Without Borders. and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, just to name a couple. The construction management program has taught me many on-the-job skills, such as crane signals and has helped introduce me to many industry professionals. I’ve created lifelong connections with friends and members of the community. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Alyssa, you built a house. It’s so impressive. A hundred percent of students at Roger Williams get hands-on experience no matter your major. Whether it be teaching in our immersive teaching labs, trading real money in the stock market, in our cafe program or getting creative in their state–of-the-art graphic design labs, they’re all so incredible. Thanks for sharing.
Let me introduce you to Haley an academic go-getter who cares deeply about community. Haley is a psychological science major with three minors. The skills and preparation Haley is getting will set her up for success. Success also comes with feeling accepted and connected. Haley, please tell us your story.
– Thanks Alex and hi everyone. For me, when I was looking for a college I knew I needed a place that challenged me academically, but also supported me to be and become my best self. At UVM, I found a perfect balance In terms of challenge, along with my major, I also have three minors because my interests are intersecting but also broad. UVM has the depth to support the full range of my interests. Openness and respect are two defining UVM values. You see them in our campus traditions. One of my favorites is our twilight induction on the UVM Green. Every new student takes a pledge to value respect, responsibility, openness, justice, integrity and innovation. We call this pledge our common ground. That welcome meant a lot to me as a new student, particularly as someone who identifies as gay, because it really represents how open-minded the UVM community truly is. Campus identity centers and student groups do that too. They support and raise awareness and appreciation for different cultures, religions, histories and identities. Some favorite campus traditions have grown from these groups, like the Black Student Union Fashion Show, Diwali Night, and our Prism Center’s Rainbow Graduation. Another defining value at UVM is Environmental Awareness and Action. UVM students have led initiatives like eliminating the distribution of bottled water on campus and terminating university investment in fossil fuel enterprises. At UVM, every student takes a course about sustainability during their time here. No matter who you are or where you’re from you can definitely find your place here at UVM. Our student body is a welcoming and supportive group who are passionate and are always ready to do more and learn more to better our community and our world. That’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
– Haley, your appreciation for this community is so compelling. From what you shared, it makes so much sense that UVM is a top producer of Peace Corps volunteers and the alma mater of Environmental leaders and Nobel Peace Laureates. Thank you Haley for sharing your story with us.
It’s time to meet Sierra, who came to UVM from California’s Bay area. Sierra dreamt of going to college in New England with its great academics, student life and location. UVM is that dream come true. She’s had many firsts, here embracing Vermont’s winters. Sierra, you are up.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I was researching colleges I knew I wanted to go to a college that was out of state so I could experience living somewhere new. I’m from California, so I wanted a location where I could experience all four seasons, travel to different states and try new things and I’m so happy I chose UVM. My dad first recommended the University of Vermont, and from the first time I visited, I knew it was a perfect fit. I love the size of the school and everyone I met was incredibly welcoming. Through scholarships and support from UVM, I was able to make my dream a reality. I’ve experienced my first real fall, embrace winter by learning to ice skate and snowshoe and met amazing friends. I’ve also traveled to Montreal, Boston, and New York City. I even have a favorite study spot on campus the fifth floor of Williams. While I sometimes still miss my home and family UVM now feels like home. Getting involved on campus and being a part of different groups has helped me find home. UVM has so many opportunities and encourages students to make the most out of their four years. In the last two years, I’ve been a research assistant, gotten a grant for an internship in San Francisco and studied abroad in Bristol, England, for three weeks. I even started a club with a friend, Runway of Dreams, which empowers people with disabilities through fashion and beauty inclusion. The University of Vermont has provided me with more incredible experiences than I imagined when I first started college. In the last two years I’ve gotten involved on campus, connected with professors, traveled and made lifelong friends. I’m so grateful to UVM for making my college dreams a reality. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Sierra, it’s wonderful to hear how you’re living your college dream. I understand UVM became a reality for you thanks in part, to a generous scholarship you received. In fact, 87% of UVM undergraduates are recipients of a scholarship or grant. Thanks so much for sharing your story, Sierra. Take care.
Let’s head over to meet Mason, a sophomore from Wellesley, Massachusetts. Like many UVM students, Mason has multiple interests, engineering, sustainability, and agriculture. He’s pursuing them all as part of a long term business startup plan. He’s also involved in some real world innovation and entrepreneurship, but still finds time to enjoy Vermont. Tell us your story, Mason.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Honestly, the University of Vermont was not at the top of my list when I first began looking at schools. But I ultimately realized that it embodied who I am and who I hope to become. UVM just fits me in so many ways. I’ve always been excited about building things and solving problems that actually impact the world. By majoring in engineering and minoring in sustainable innovation and plant biology I hope to bring skills and knowledge leading to my own clean tech or agro-tech business. The most valuable experience I’ve had is with the academic research commercialization or ARC program. We pair entrepreneurial students with researchers seeking to bring their innovative technologies to market. Last year I was a sustainability lead for our thin film solar team, commercializing a flexible solar panel. This year I’m thrilled to be the entrepreneurial lead, a paid part-time internship position, for a venture that’s pioneering the cultured meat industry. There are so many people to meet, communities to join and things to do here. In my first semester I joined the club rugby team, a fraternity, a band an even mountain biked for the first time. It’s the Trek program where I really found my people. Trek is an opportunity for first year students to connect through outdoor adventure or community service. Being a Wilderness Trek leader is such a unique experience. I just returned from co-guiding eight students through Vermont’s mountain bike trails for five nights, serving as a guide and mentor, navigating adjustments to college life. What I value most here and what I believe really sets UVM apart is how real it is. The opportunities are real, the outdoorsiness is real, but perhaps most importantly, the people are real. That’s my story. I’ll pass the torch back to you Alex.
– Your appreciation for this university and Vermont is contagious Mason. And the experiences you’re having here are already establishing you as an innovator and entrepreneur. You have so much to look forward to and we can’t wait to see where it takes you. Thanks for sharing this story, Mason.
Let’s meet Vera. She has a special hometown connection here. But even with that, she’s always meeting someone new and making discoveries on campus and in Burlington. Her experience living on campus and involvement with club contribute to all that. Vera, we can’t wait for you to guide us around and share your insider’s view.
– Hey, everyone. Growing up in Vermont as a first generation American, I found a lot of love in my town, but I also felt closed in sometimes. I was literally born on campus, at the UVM Medical Center. And growing up I would visit my mom, who’s a faculty member. This meant that after high school I actually wanted to go elsewhere. But as I began to tour colleges, I started to see the incredible opportunities that were right here. As I became a student, I instantly started meeting people from around the world. It surprises some, that more than 70% of UVM students come from outside of Vermont. This has to do with the state’s small size and UVM’s reputation around the country. All students live on campus their first two years. My first semester I lived in the wellness environment, where I made friends who share my interest in the brain science behind health. Wellness is an important theme at UVM. We sometimes study and eat together, especially at one of my favorite campus spots. And there are many options, not to mention all of the places to eat in Burlington. I also got involved in Alianza Latinx. Our annual event, Comida Para La Gente, is an all out celebration of food and culture. No matter how long I’ve lived here I feel such gratitude every day for Vermont scenery, watching sunsets over Lake Champlain or going on a hike up Camel’s Hump never gets old. Festivals like Jazz Fest, Art Hop and the farmer’s market happen year round. As a local, I love to share Burlington, Vermont with others. And no matter where I end up, I’m sure I will come back and visit my incredible university and home base. That’s my story. Back to you Alex.
– Thanks Vera, for a great introduction to Burlington. This is an incredible town and beloved community to families, businesses and a prime destination for visitors from around the world. Did you know this is where household names like Ben and Jerry’s and Burton Snowboards got their start? Lucky you to have deep roots here. Take care.
Okay, everyone, let’s meet Remi in so many ways. He’s the quintessential UVM student. He has multiple passions and a huge appetite for all. He’s involved in top level research in an immunology lab. 40% of UVM students do research alongside top level scientists. It’s amazing. Remi also plays jazz, climbs, back country skis and mountain bikes. Remi, please share your story.
– Thank you, Alex, and welcome everybody. So I chose UVM for the incredible academics extracurricular opportunities and the Vermont location, which features a vibrant music scene and easily accessible outdoor recreation. As a microbiology major, I’ve had the opportunity to take rigorous classes and learn useful lab techniques, that will prepare me for a career in science. Like many UVM students, I’ve been able to do research with amazing faculty in UVM’s world class facilities. I work in Jonathan Boyson’s Immunology lab where I get to run and analyze my own experiments with John’s thoughtful mentorship. This experience prepared me to apply for, and be one of three UVM winners of the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. Outside of academics, UVM provides access to amazing outdoor activities. In the evening and on weekends, I can go back country skiing at Smuggler’s Notch rock climbing at Lone Rock, Burlington’s amazing rock climbing track on Lake Champlain, or ride world class mountain bike trails, only 25 minutes away at Bolton Valley. My courses, research and mentorship at UVM have prepared me to pursue a PhD and a career in immunology research. However, the music and outdoor sports here have allowed me to grow as a person, have fun, and make lifelong friends. These opportunities have allowed me to have it all in college, rigorous academics and even more rigorous extracurricular fun. For a person that wants both, UVM is the place for them. Back to you, Alex.
– Remi, we are so inspired by all you do. One of three UVM students to win a coveted Goldwater scholarship this year. So impressive. You’re already making important contributions in the field of immunology, also performing jazz, exploring mountain trails. You’re doing all the things you love and that is awesome. Take care, Remi.