This is gonna be great. We’re now gonna go meet Wayne. He comes to us from the Bronx, New York. It was an adjustment coming to Burlington, but he got off to a great start. UVM has the scope of a research university but with just 13,000 students, it’s relatively small. 45% of classes here have fewer than 20 students. Wayne, tell us what you found at UVM.
– Hello, everyone. In my college search, I couldn’t imagine going to a school I didn’t visit, and when I visited UVM I found that I actually enjoyed it. This was quite surprising, coming from New York. After accepting the offer to attend, I looked forward to a changing environment, connecting with identity groups and starting my career path. It was a daunting transition, but I quickly adjusted to managing myself in the high level of academics. I was fortunate to have a helpful advisor from the start. Then I met the professor who has really advanced me in my degree. Professor Cosoroaba has been so helpful making topics clear and developing my marketability. Spring of sophomore year, she encouraged me to do research focused on lithium ion batteries and the electrochemistry behind them. As I was doing that, I applied for internships. My second circuit design course, combined with my research helped me land one with Resident Link, a local startup specializing in wireless power transfer. Besides my academics, I’m treasurer for the Black Student Union and the National Society of Black Engineers. With VSU, I help plan our fall soul food, social and our spring fashion show. They are demanding, but to see students of color represented makes it worth it. I learned about the National Society of Black Engineers from a biomedical friend who attended a meeting and connected me with club members. That has helped me develop a great network of upperclassmen engineers. At UVM, I’ve not only learned from my professors but from the people who have come before me. This year, I plan on delving deeper into my degree by taking more rigorous courses and taking the helm of leadership in organizations that have made a place for me and that will do for others. And that’s my story. Back to you Alex.
– Wayne, I see how the early connection you made with your professors got you off to a great start and now you’re helping lead two student clubs where you first found community and support. That’s so much what college is all about. Wayne, thanks so much for sharing your story.
Let’s hear from Lily, a senior, a business major and a Vermonter with a habit of saying yes. As you’ll see, that has led her to participate in business case competitions leadership roles, service positions, internships, a full portfolio of experiences. Lily, please tell us your story.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up in Vermont I wasn’t so sure I wanted to attend UVM. See, I had this big city dream that took me far from home, but what I’ve realized after two years here is that I love Vermont for its openness and its sense of community. And there are so many opportunities right here in the Grossman School of Business, where I’m a student, the Catamount Innovation Fund provides startup funds to student entrepreneurs with great ideas. And in case competitions, students are presented with a challenge that real companies are facing and then present their solutions to the company executives. Last fall, I participated in the Lazaridis International Case Competition, based out of Waterloo, Ontario. There are also many internship opportunities in the greater Burlington area. This past summer I interned with Pivot Marketing, a digital marketing agency, and this year I’m interning with UVM Athletics as a data analyst. I’m also a teaching assistant here at Grossman and I manage a local ice cream shop in my hometown to pay for the bulk of my college expenses. In the work department, you might say that I’m triple dipping. There are also so many service opportunities across campus, that build a sense of purpose and provide experience in a variety of fields. I volunteer with UVM Feelgood, a student run grilled cheese deli that raises funds for the Hunger Project. In the classroom, I volunteer as a peer note taker, which aims to provide extra support to students who may need it, while studying. UVM is committed to community and I have found it so rewarding to participate in over a dozen student run organizations in just two years. My time at UVM has grown my confidence levels and deepened my understanding of my passions. My successes have come from saying yes to some of the most unexpected opportunities. And I’ve learned to vouch for myself along the way. One day I’ll fulfill that big city dream of mine, but for now I still have so much left to accomplish here at the University of Vermont. Well, that’s a little bit about my story. Thanks, and back to you, Alex
– Lily, thanks for sharing your story and your energy and for saying yes to the college tour. You’ve already accomplished a lot and we know it’s just the beginning. Take care, Lily.
I can’t wait for you to meet Soham, an international student from Mumbai, India. Soham came to UVM to study wildlife biology, be close to nature and find adventure. That adventure has led him into Green Mountain Forests and to Kenya’s grasslands. He’s applying extraordinary skills and vision to his studies. Take it away, Soham.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Hello everybody. When I decided to study in the US the first thing I Googled was top wildlife biology colleges in the US. That’s how I discovered UVM and in fact, Vermont. I chose UVM not only because it had a great wildlife program, but also it gave me a sense of challenge and adventure I was longing for. Coming from Mumbai to Vermont has been an enriching and promising journey. From exploring UVM’s natural areas in my ecology labs, to skiing with my friends in the Green Mountains, I can picture my future self in the environmental field more clearly. A recent class in wildlife disease ecology opened up a new door for my interest in conservation and science communication. Then this past summer, I spent two months in Kenya’s Maasai Mara as a big cat and wildlife monitoring intern, contributing to data collection efforts focused on big cats and herbivore ecology in the conservancy. Through this internship, I’ve been able to explore my research interests as well as my innate passion for wildlife photography and art for science communication. My UVM professors have actively guided through my research interests as well as encouraged my creativity. Throughout UVM, the support I receive has made me a confident and ambitious leader in natural resources as well as the student community. Currently, I lead UVM’s International Student Club to help build global community, cultural awareness, and support my fellow international students. There are so many communities you can be part of here. And if you come to UVM, I can assure you one thing, you’ll always have the support. With UVMs dedicated environmental program and world class reputation, I think I’m set up for my next goal, to pursue an advanced degree in wildlife biology. With this preparation, I feel I can go anywhere. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow Soham, the world of experience you are getting is really preparing you to think and work on a global scale. We cannot wait to hear where you will go next. Take care.
I’d like you to meet Jasper. He traded the Colorado Rockies for Vermont’s Green Mountains and a chance to experience another part of the country. He also wanted to explore intellectual interest before choosing a major. He did that and took advantage of expert advising and support along the way. Jasper, tell us all about your journey.
– Thanks, Alex. When I was on the college hunt, I wasn’t sure about much. I didn’t know what I wanted to study and I wasn’t sure what it would be like living on a college campus away from home. I did know one thing for sure though, I wanted to explore. This desire to discover took me from Boulder, Colorado all the way out east to Burlington, Vermont. Though I am almost 2000 miles away from home, I was surprised at how comfortable I felt when I first got here to Vermont. The Burlington community welcomed me in and gave me a blank canvas to explore. My first few weeks at UVM felt like summer camp. I was trying new things left and right, in and out of the classroom. UVM has over 250 clubs and organizations, and I quickly joined some of the outdoor related ones to experience the beautiful Vermont landscape. I joined UVM Ski and Snowboard Club, the largest of its kind in the country. I also joined UVM’s. Whitewater Kayak Club, and after a few practice sessions in the UVM pool, I found myself paddling down a rapid on the Mad River. I’ve also done a lot of academic exploration here at UVM. My first few semesters, I met often with my advisors and they helped me realize that I love studying English and religion. I’m now working to complete an honors college thesis that involves both departments and my advisors have been with me every step of the way. UVM’s academic support system has been invaluable to my journey and exploration. Now in my senior year, I’m excited about the future. UVM has taught me that exploration and curiosity in and of themselves are valuable tools. I’ll continue to embrace that in my life and future career. All you, Alex
– Jasper, I love how you dove right in, trying new things. It sounds like UVMs Honors College is full of students devoted to rigor, exploration and discovery, right where you belong. We wish you all the best, tackling your senior thesis and with all the discoveries you have ahead. Cheers, Jasper.
It’s time to meet Peyton. She’s on the pre-med track and she’s an athlete. UVM has everything needed to reach her goals. A Top swim program, one of UVMs 18 NCAA division one teams, among them multiple American East champions, and she’s getting extraordinary pre-med preparation through the pre-medical enhancement program and UVMs on Campus Medical Center. Tell us more, Peyton.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When I was looking at colleges, I knew I wanted two things, an engaging pre-med path and the opportunity to compete as a swimmer at the D 1 level. Everything I was looking for was right here at the University of Vermont. Opportunities to explore the healthcare field are readily available with a major medical center right here on campus as well as the Pre-medical Enhancement Program or PEP for short. As a PEP student, I engage with healthcare professionals through group discussions and shadowing. I’m an untraditional pre-med student with a humanities major. But through PEP, I’ve had the chance to interact with students and professionals who have followed similar paths and are now successful in their careers. I was also matched with a medical student mentor, who answers questions and supports me as I plan for medical school. In addition to PEP for premed students there are also programs for pre-vet students through UVMs CREAM program where students manage a dairy cow herd, right here on campus. As well as opportunities for pre-law students through the Vermont Legislative Research Service and the Lawrence Debate Union. In addition to being a student, I compete on our varsity swim team. UVM has 18 D 1 teams, that boast several regional and national titles between them. While not every student can compete as a D 1 athlete, many love to continue to compete on one of our 50 club sport teams. Club teams compete against each other as well as on a regional and national level. For those students who play for the love of the game, UVM also offers intramural sports. From the pool to the operating room, UVM offers the opportunity for students like me to pursue all their passions. At UVM, there’s no limit to what you can do. Back to you Alex.
– Peyton, the discipline, dedication, and direction you have as a student athlete is so impressive. So is the learning without limits you’ve found at UVM. I wish you all the best this season and with your medical school applications and all that follows. Thanks for sharing.
There are so many resources available to help UAF students be successful. Like tutoring and mentorship, comprehensive academic advising, library and study skills, math and writing help, support for first-generation students, students with documented disabilities, and more. Dulce not only accesses these resources, but as a tutor, she gets the opportunity to support other students too. Take it away, Dulce.
– Sweet. Thanks, Alex. What’s up, everyone? As a first-generation college student, I had no idea what resources were available or what my major would be. That’s until I found my community at TRIO Student Support Services, or SSS, here at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I met one of the amazing SSS advisors during my 10-day orientation in navigating UAF, meeting new students, and taking a fun trip exploring Alaska’s wilderness. SSS staff helped me organize my classes into a manageable schedule. And the tutors helped me with tough assignments. Through their help, I’ve explored majors, resources, and received faculty guidance that helped me find my true passion, linguistics. We also have a computer loan program, food pantry, peer mentoring, and career and graduate school transition assistance. I felt so supported that I decided to give back by becoming an SSS tutor and peer mentor. SSS isn’t the only place with dedicated academic and financial support. Rural Student Services is a program dedicated to helping rural and Alaska Native students, who make up over 20% of UAF’s student population, transition into college. Incoming students are eligible for four-year scholarships based on merit and financial need through the Nanook Pledge and Commitment. Also, the new Student Success Center in the library will provide comprehensive advising to all first-year students, regardless of background. Thanks to the support I’ve received, I’ve started a new journey as UAF’s first student admitted into the accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program for linguistics, and I’m so excited. Whatever background you’re from or major you choose, UAF Support Centers are ready to help you accomplish your goals. I’m so grateful to live in the beautiful city of Fairbanks where the scenery is amazing, and so is the support. Wishing you all the best, everyone. Alex, over to you.
– Thank you, Dulce. TRIO, Student Support Services, Rural Student Services, Disability Services, the Financial Aid Office, and the Student Success Center, sure are great resources for students. From scholarships to tutoring, students can count on support from UAF, and that is awesome.
UAF’s Community and Technical College offers certificate and associate degrees, occupational endorsements, and specialized training programs, developing workforce skills, and giving students the opportunity to advance in their professional careers. Oscar plans to be a firefighter, and is in the Fire Science Program. And he’s gonna tell us about his experience at UAF’s Fire Academy. Over to you, Oscar.
– Hey, Alex. Thanks for having me here today. It’s really great to represent my school and program in this way. Growing up in a small, outdoor-focused town, I’ve always had a love for the wide, open spaces and the outdoors. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College, or CTC, offers more than 40 one-year certificates or two-year associate degree programs in a variety of fields from applied accounting to welding. I joined the CTC Fire Science Program here at UAF which incorporates a career-focused education in an environment that is both beautiful and challenging. There are many bachelor degrees offered at UAF that compare with a Fire Science Associates Degree to build a career that is tailor-made for you. The UAF fire community and the Academy immediately welcomed me into the fold. I was surprised by how quickly some of the other fire cadets became my closest friends. I’ve also enjoyed meeting professionals in the borough who have partnered with UAF Fire to teach and participate in the Academy. This provides a cohesive base of learning throughout the entire borough, and I look forward to working with them out in the field. The supportive family dynamic of UAF fire community on campus, and the close-knit vibe of the university in general is similar to a small community I came from in Oregon, and has made this transition seamless. I look forward to continuing my journey here at UAF. The Fire Academy has set the stage for my future here, and no matter what, I’ll have this wealth of experience to help me move forward as a firefighter. This is my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Oscar. And if fighting fires isn’t what you had in mind, UAF’s Community and Technical College offers programs in nearly every field including culinary arts, early childhood education, health fields, bookkeeping, paralegal studies, , aviation maintenance automotive technology, law enforcement, welding, process technology, construction management, information technology, and much, much more.
One of the ways that the University of Alaska Fairbanks is unique is that it’s flexible. Most students take at least one online class, and UAF offers more than 45 programs entirely online. UAF’s flexibility really appeals to Sarah. She’s living life on the go, and by taking online classes through UAF’s eCampus, she can fit her studies with rest of her life. Take it away, Sarah.
– Hi, Alex. Thank you so much. After growing up listening to John Denver CDs on repeat, I knew I wanted to live in Alaska. After I got recruited to ski for UAF, I knew that was my one-way ticket here. Since then, I’ve been immersed in the Fairbanks lifestyle. I have a cabin in the middle of the woods with no running water. These four years have blown by incredibly fast. One thing that has stood out to me is how beneficial eCampus has been in allowing me to chase dreams that aren’t related to school. It gives me time to focus on developing myself as a person, getting involved with the community, and finding what I love to do. I’ve kept a hybrid of personal life and school life, including competing collegiately, creating art in the campus studios, working with musk ox and reindeer, ascending the local mountain bike trails, and even joining a chainsaw crew. I’ve also gotten involved with other clubs on campus such as the office of Student Leadership and Involvement, a sustainability club, the Student Ceramics Art Guild, and Green Bikes. Outdoor Adventures and the Student Recreation Center on campus are great ways to get involved and stay active. eCampus has a vast variety of classes from general credits to degree-specific courses, permitting me to have more flexibility to find and do what I love. To me, being a student at UAF is so much more than the knowledge I earn from my classes. I’ve made lifelong friendships, and had amazing opportunities opened up to me. I will cherish the friendships and experiences that I’ve been so lucky to have here. And I will forever be proud to call myself a Nanook. So, Alex, are you coming biking with me or what?
– Thank you, Sarah. UAF has excelled at remote learning for decades. And they’re used to delivering education over great distances. Alaska’s a big state after all. With eCampus, UAF is wherever you are on your terms.
We’re gonna take a look at life on campus, the residence halls, and where UAF students spend some time, get coffee, and just hang out. To tell us more, let me introduce, Moody. Moody knows what it’s like to live, work, and play at UAF. They’re a resident of the Moore-Bartlett-Skarland Housing Complex, have a campus job, and are a leader for student advocacy. Over to you, Moody.
– Hi, everyone. Alex gave such a groovy description of me. There is nothing else left to say. Just kidding. Being honest, I first started attending UAF purely due to location. It was conveniently nearby. However, this turned out to be most serendipitous. The people and programs here at UAF have given me a real sense of belonging. Growing up, I had a bogus home life. And when I left, I left knowing that it was permanent. But UAF has given me a place to call home and has put me in touch with many excellent people I’m proud to call my family. As a non-binary student and creatively-motivated person, being a UAF resident has been wonderful. I’m perpetually motivated by my peers and mentors alike to challenge myself daily. A feat made possible by Americanos and snacks from our college campus cafe, Arctic Java. I make new friends daily and I never run out of anything to do. For example, I’m the club president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club. I’m a member of the Nanook Diversity and Action Center which hosts programs for and celebrates marginalized students. And am also a member of the Nanook Grown Program that teaches residents how to grow their own vegetables. Residence Life also has Learning Living communities which unites students of similar backgrounds and shared values. There are people here to help you within the residence halls and hold programs that appeal to everyone. My days are packed with fun, unique experiences, and at the end of each day, I’m happy to kick back and relax in my cozy dorm. I never would’ve pictured myself surrounded by countless friends, or having a role in so many programs that provide resources to those in need. All right, as much as I love talking about myself, that’s enough for me. Alex, pass the spotlight.
Thank you, Moody. It’s so great that you found your place at UAF. That’s important. At UAF’s campus community, it’s a home away from home for over 400 student residents. Living Learning communities, clubs, and activities are ways that students can form friendships that last a lifetime.
It’s no secret that research is a big deal here. UAF’s location is well situated for arctic and climate research. But no matter what your major is, you’ll have opportunities to go outside the classroom and dig deeper into tomorrow’s challenges. Caitlynn’s here to share some of the ways that students can participate in research, including some of her own. Over to you, Caitlynn.
– Quyanaq, Alex. I’ll take it from here. As introduced, my name is Caitlynn. I now want to introduce myself in Inupiaq, my native language. I chose to attend UAF to stay near my home and attend the best engineering program in Alaska. Here at UAF, there are great opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research. We have BLaST which provides mentored biomedical research experiences. The Climate Scholars Program offers undergraduate students from all majors an opportunity to study the effects of the changing climate within their area of study. Lastly, URSA, the Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity office provides funding and mentorship for students to complete their own research and attend scientific conferences. With the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, we have weekly meetings to meet different professionals in STEM, and host study groups. As a senior, I was a research fellow with the Arctic Domain Awareness Center, and worked on the Arctic Facilities and Infrastructure Environmental Change Risk Index. The index was created for the US Coast Guard to help them assess facilities under their purview. I presented this project at an URSA Research and Scholarly Activity Day. With this research group, I even traveled to Utqiagvik for a week. I received my bachelor’s degree here, and decided to continue my education for a master’s. As a graduate student, I’m working on a research project to determine the possible negative impact of permafrost degradation on the water quality of the Wulik River, a river in my region. While at UAF, I made the most of the resources granted to me. I’m now empowering native Alaskans, and working to incorporate traditional knowledge into my research. That’s it from me. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Caitlin. 36% of UAF bachelor students complete a research thesis or honors project before graduation. UAF is preparing the next generation of leaders and problem solvers by giving students hands-on experience in research teams and internships, working on real-world projects. That is amazing. Take care.