Next, we’ll talk with Sakara. For many, college is a time of self discovery, where students learn who they truly are and the impact they wanna make on the world. For Sakara, honing her leadership skills was made possible through her involvement in diversity-focused clubs and living in a supportive on-campus community. She’s here to share how Western helped her realize her full potential. Take it away.
– Thanks for that intro, Alex. Hi, guys. So, growing up, I didn’t wanna be a product of my own circumstances. Instead, I wanted to build a platform for myself that started a legacy. So I wanna share to others just like you that you can build your own platform, so why not start that here at Western Colorado University? Western Colorado University is a place where I made long-term friendships and became a part of amazing clubs and opportunities. Becoming an orientation leader, I welcomed freshmen to campus, and it’s given me a chance to be a positive influence on students’ lives. As a minority, it can be very challenging to feel like you don’t belong. The Multicultural Center in the University Center is a great space that’s made me feel like I have a rightful place. WCU offers clubs like Black Student Alliance, Asian/Pacific Islander Club, Native American Student Council, and Amigos as a safe place for students from different backgrounds. Being a part of BSA has helped shape me into the person I am today, from talking to individuals from similar backgrounds and putting on events like Soul Food Night. This event brought so many students together with music, food, and games. Living on campus has exposed me to a variety of individuals from different walks of life as well. These diverse backgrounds have created a unique community, especially in the dorms. Western provides resident spaces for students to come together to study, play games, and even watch movies. Though I’m a minority, woman of color, and athlete that has overcome so much, and someone who was overall uncertain of what she could achieve, Western Colorado University has taught me that I’m capable of anything, and this campus has always had my back throughout the process. That’s all for me. See you on the flip side, Alex.
– Whether it’s in the classroom, the residence halls, or the Gunnison community, Western students know they’ll have the support, encouragement, and mentorship they need to reach any goals they set for themselves and gain an invaluable set of leadership skills they’ll carry with them far beyond the campus. That was awesome. Take care.
Let’s stop over to talk with Tanner and learn all about Western’s unbeatable location in Gunnison, Colorado. With endless outdoor recreation opportunities, the two formally recognized Colorado Creative Districts, and a close-knit community feel, the Gunnison Valley is a place where students feel at home, no matter their personal interest. Let’s hear all about it. Take it away, Tanner.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Growing up in Kansas, my family would often vacation in the Rocky Mountains. This cultivated a love and passion for the outdoors and Colorado in general. After graduating high school, I knew Colorado was where I was meant to be. After a quick internet search, I found Western Colorado University, and immediately, I was hooked. My experience so far at Western has been nothing short of an adventure, both inside and outside of the classroom. There aren’t many schools that offer orientation trips that can include week-long rock climbing, rafting, or mountaineering trips. Because of the incredible location, services, and people that Western has to provide, I was able to learn great new skills like skiing, rock climbing, and backpacking. We are lucky enough to call beautiful Gunnison, Colorado Home. Gunnison is home to some great restaurants, fun shops, and beautiful views, all of which are commonplace here. The live music at the I Bar Ranch is a pretty big deal. We are also home to Cattlemen Days Rodeo, one of Colorado’s oldest and largest. For Gunnison being such a small town, there’s no shortage of things to do. One of my absolute favorite parts about the Gunnison Valley includes the seemingly endless amount of public recreational land that is available for everyone to use. Hartman Rocks and Taylor Canyon are both excellent examples of this. Gunnison also makes it easier for newer and less experienced students. The free RTA bus to Crested Butte is an easy and fantastic way to explore the valley. Western Colorado University has done an outstanding job welcoming me into the valley. Since my first day on campus, I knew this was a place I could thrive at, both in the classroom and the back country. Well, that’s it for me. Rock on, Alex.
– Thank you, Tanner. From what you’ve shared, it’s no wonder why the Gunnison Valley is becoming such a popular tourist destination, and now I get why so many alumni choose to make this place their permanent home after graduation. That was fantastic. Take care.
Here, we’re meeting up with Victoria to talk about the hands-on, industry-focused programs offered in the Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering. She’s a senior studying mechanical engineering and Western’s outdoor industry focus in the Gunnison Valley, which has created some incredible opportunities for her. Take it away.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be an engineer, and for me, it was about finding a college that fit my academic goals and allowed me to pursue my hobbies, and I knew I’d find that right here at Western Colorado University. As a part of the Rady Program, students can pursue computer science or mechanical engineering. The new state-of-the-art Rady Building provides amazing facilities, classrooms, and shop spaces to get a hands-on education. Being in the Rady Program, I’ve grown in ways I didn’t think I would. I’ve had the opportunity to intern with Blister Labs over the last six months, working on ski testing, among many other awesome projects. I feel right at home in the community that I’ve found here, and since my classes are so small, some of my best friends have been found in the engineering program. Together, we worked on some of the coolest projects that I’ve ever been a part of, like a ski flex tester, an adaptive bike, and a metal table for the machine shop. We’ve also made some amazing memories outside of the classroom. I love going skiing after class in the winter, soaking in the long sunsets during the summer, and enjoying the changing colors of the fall. The education that Western offers has helped prepare me for what’s next. I know, whether I’m out working as an engineer or out adventuring, Western will have impacted me for the rest of my life. So, go, ‘Neers! Back to you, Alex.
– Victoria, you spend your days in those awesome labs testing skis and bikes. Then after class, you head out to live your best life on the slopes and trails. You are clearly getting the most of your time here at Western.
Let’s chat with Matthew, a graduate student working towards an MS in Ecology. Hands-on learning has become one of the most important factors to students when it comes to considering where to pursue their degree. Matthew is no exception, and he’s found Western’s experiential learning opportunities extend far beyond the campus classroom. Matthew, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. The state of the global climate in 2021 inspired me to go back to college to go to grad school and get a degree in ecology. I studied mechanical engineering in undergrad and began working on climate and sustainability out of pure passion and curiosity, but I wanted more. I wanted to tell the world, “I am an expert in climate and sustainability.” When I first came to Western, I saw the signs at the School of the Environment & Sustainability, the Center for Cold-Climate Food Security, the Coldharbour Institute, High Country News, and I had a feeling this was the place for me, where next generation sustainability could be developed. With Gunnison being located in the middle of millions of acres of public lands and at the headwaters of a major tributary to the Colorado River, the Gunnison, the work extends way beyond the classroom. Practicing and learning sustainability, environmental management, and ecology in a small city like Gunnison that has such a huge ecological footprint is a unique opportunity to learn the theory and then go outside and practice it. Whether building mountain bike trails, educating people about the forest, or studying the effectiveness of compost on the growth of grass on range lands, the hands-on opportunities here are everywhere. The professors here are philosophers, land managers, public servants, and leading scientists, and they truly want to help the students develop successful careers. After graduating, I look forward to stepping deeper into my role as an environmental innovator and thought leader, helping guide society to a future free of waste where we don’t use resources beyond our ecological limits. I know that the energy I put into my time at Western will surely translate into the career of my dreams. See you on the trail, Alex.
– We can’t wait to see where you take that master’s degree, Matthew. For students pursuing degrees in the natural and environmental sciences, Western’s location provides a world class living laboratory that helps students truly turn their classroom knowledge into hands-on understanding. Now, combine that with faculty who provide personalized attention to every student, and that’s a formula for success.
Let’s hear about a very special program called Make a Difference Engineering, or MADE at TU for short. Mechanical Engineering senior Miranda from Fayetteville, Arkansas, was drawn to Tulsa because of the emphasis on service learning and on giving your time and talents to help others. It’s all you, Miranda.
– Thank you so much, Alex. What’s up, everybody? I had no idea I wanted to be an engineer when I applied to college. I know I liked math and talking to people. The University of Tulsa quickly cemented itself as my dream university for more than just its gorgeous architecture. From big opportunities in a tight-knit, collaborative community and hands-on classes, I knew that here, I could be more than an engineer. The combination of a liberal arts curriculum at a research university has allowed me to pursue all of my passions. I’m the president of the Society of Women Engineers and co-founder and vice president of the Biomedical Engineering Society. I’ve also written for our campus newspaper and participated in theater productions. I’ve utilized these soft skills as a project leader in MADE at TU since my freshman year. MADE is a program where students, as a team, take a product from brainstorming and research to manufacturing and delivery for a child with a disability in the Tulsa community. At MADE, the dedication of your time matters. As you create a no-cost to the family therapy device, such as a tricycle or a sensory console, you’re getting real-world experience as you bring our campus closer to the community, make dreams come true, and instill confidence and capability in a child. I was able to land two incredible internships with a world-class medical device company because of my MADE experiences. This program made me realize that what matters to me is improving and saving lives. The first time I saw our customer interact with our product, I cried with her mom as her daughter rode a bike for the first time. Our time on these projects is literally changing lives. Now, let’s go make a difference. Alex.
– You and the other MADE at TU students are amazing, Miranda. It feels so good to give back to your community and college allows you to find those places where you really want to make a difference. I love that students here at Tulsa are discovering that life is about more than grades and parties. Thank you for sharing your story, Miranda.
Okay, it’s time to meet Asa, a senior from Springfield, Missouri. Asa is a Peer Mentor, a Political Science and Chemistry double major, and is headed to law school after graduation. With so many interests, he is the perfect person to explain TU’s academic flexibility. Let’s go, Asa.
– Thanks, Alex, and hello everyone. When I first came to the University of Tulsa, I had no idea what I wanted to study. What I did know is that I had a variety of interests in different fields, including the sciences and liberal arts, and that I wanted to go to law school after graduating. I love that at the University of Tulsa, I was able to start out by picking a menagerie of courses that interested me. I’m currently finishing my degrees in Chemistry and Political Science with much support from my faculty and friends. I decided on Political Science in my first year and as I delved deeper into the sciences, I smoothly added Chemistry going into my second year. TU’s double-major programming makes the time commitment from the extra coursework far more manageable and encourages overlap between the majors wherever possible, allowing me to still have extra time to take courses in other niches, such as acoustic guitar and cooking. My professors have provided excellent assistance in determining coursework, areas of research, and even extracurriculars that fall within my specific studies. My friends, especially, have continued to be of great support and I’m grateful to share a collaborative and supportive community of peers from all the various fields. This community is why I chose TU in the first place, and my friends continue to help me find the kind of impact that I want to have on the world. To me, my college education has been about discovering what I am passionate about and how to weave that into a career. Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– What an amazing bunch of talents and interests, Asa. And with such support from your TU family, you’ll be ready for big things. The interdisciplinary collaboration that happens between the various colleges and academic departments at TU makes it easy for students to pursue their passions. Thanks, Asa.
Next up is Xinming, who’s majoring in Finance and minoring in Economics. As a senior from Houston, Texas, he’s had a few years to make friends, but it’s not always easy to build a support network. Luckily, TU has terrific faculty, staff, and students who wanna make everyone feel welcome and part of the Golden Hurricane family. Tell us all about it, Xinming.
– Thanks, Alex. Being from Houston, I’m a big Texas boy and thought I would stay local for college. However, the University of Tulsa was the first school I applied to where I felt wanted and cared for, especially by my admissions counselor. Entering a new school made it easy to feel lonely, so when friends from my campus ministry and my Peer Mentor intentionally reached out to me, I felt very loved. I truly enjoy building relationships with others and I desired to give back to the TU community. Though I originally wanted to be a Peer Mentor, I realized being a resident assistant, or RA, gave me the opportunity to see my residents consistently while being a mentor and friend. My number one goal at John Mabee Hall was to ensure my residents knew they were loved and seen, and I took action by meeting with residents one-on-one, hosting fun hall programs biweekly, and gladly answering questions. Being an RA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, as I get to witness my residents becoming friends with each other, and I’ve made some incredible friends who will be RAs this year. The University of Tulsa wants each resident to have a great experience. One example of this is Hall government events, from dances to pool tournaments, often with free food. TU also emphasizes safety in residence halls through multilayered security systems to enter, RAs doing duty rounds nightly, and campus police only being a phone call away. Living on campus at TU will provide lifelong memories through friendships and the RA support. What I’ve learned since being here is that the college experience is so much more fulfilling when it’s centered on caring for others. Well, I’ve got to go. Alex, what’s next?
– Thank you, Xinming. TU’s caring campus is such a wonderful place for students to be themselves while still feeling like they’re part of a bigger community. Living in the residence hall is a uniquely collegiate experience, and TU makes it easy to feel at home. You’re a true blue friend, Xinming. Thanks again.
Next up is Haley from Durant, Oklahoma. She’s an Exercise and Sports Science junior with a minor in Early Intervention. Haley is a D-I athlete and is pretty competitive in the classroom, too. About one in nine TU students is a collegiate athlete and the teams are regularly top their conference in GPA. Pitch to you, Haley.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey everybody. I’ve been coming to the University of Tulsa campus ever since my eighth grade year and I committed to play softball here my sophomore year of high school. As an Oklahoma girl, attending TU meant staying close to home while also pursuing the highest level of athletics and academics. The close-knit support surrounding this University is like no other. In any football, soccer, basketball, or softball game, you know there will always be a crowd. Students get into all sporting events for free just by showing their student ID. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me. The school spirit is contagious and it has shaped my college experience in the best way. Turn on a Tulsa football game and you’ll see me sitting front row, probably shouting out our famous “Reign ‘Cane”. As a student athlete, TU provides resources to help us reach our full potential. We have amazing strength coaches in the weight room, athletic trainers in the training room, and our advisors in the academic center, Case. TU also prepares students to connect with sports through student manager opportunities, with different internships in various areas of the sports world. The University of Tulsa has provided even more opportunities to get involved in my sport, like the organization’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. If you were ask me my favorite part, it would be the memories, friendships, and experiences that’ll last a lifetime. That’s all for me, everybody. Throwing it back to you, Alex. And as always, Reign ‘Cane.
– You hit that one out of the park, Haley. TU student athletes build character on and off the field and they share their excitement and enthusiasm with their friends and classmates. TU tops it off with free admission to all sporting events for all students. Thanks to the tip, Haley. Take care.
We’re peeking into the future with our next student, Bryce, a data-driven Physics major and Math minor. Bryce is a junior from Overland Park, Kansas, and enjoys being a part of the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge here at TU, where students can begin working in labs with expert faculty as early as their freshman year. Take it away, Bryce.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Ever since I was young, I’ve been drawn towards the fields of math and science. My mom would tell me how I would constantly come to her with a list of colleges I wanted to attend when I was only in elementary school. I know that ambitious kid will be proud today with all of the opportunities I’ve had at the University of Tulsa. After becoming acclimated with the University, I was eager to get involved with as many things as I could. I joined Greek Life, physics clubs, and got involved with solar cell research with one of my professors. I was amazed with how easy it was to get involved with research here. All I had to do was send an email and the rest fell right into place. Since then, I’ve been able to work under Dr. Hari, who puts my success as a student over just about everything else. I’ve gotten experience in the lab and advice for presenting research, as well as getting involved in the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge that the University supports, and even leading me to work with students in other majors on a business plan for technology that has been researched right here at the University. The experiences I’ve had have taught me how the real-world research process works, from conception to a business. I never would’ve been able to gain the knowledge I have now without the help from my professors and the countless opportunities I’ve come across at this school. I know that I’ll be able to do great things in the future, thanks to the University of Tulsa. Thank you for listening to my story and take it back, Alex.
– Wow. Solar cell research plus business acumen equals a successful combination for this young entrepreneur. TU gives students the resources to excel in many career fields. I’m pretty sure we’ll be hearing more about this project in the years to come. Great job. Thanks again, Bryce.
Let’s talk about TU’s wraparound student support with junior Madison from St. Louis, Missouri. She’s a Computer Science and Cybersecurity major with a minor in Math. The University of Tulsa has invested in student success coaches and other staffers who shepherd undergraduates through a sometimes daunting journey. Show us the way, Madison.
– Hello, y’all, and thank you for the fantastic introduction, Alex. Picking a college was a daunting task for me and balancing academics, costs, community, and simply finding a place that felt like home was important to me. I decided on the University of Tulsa and fell in love with the small university. With TU’s renowned Engineering & Natural Sciences Department, small class sizes, amicable professors, and general uplifting atmosphere, I knew this was the perfect fit for me. I took full advantage of TU’s Tutoring Center. The peer tutors really helped me when I was struggling in a class and they explained things to me in an easy-to-digest manner, which allowed me to excel. The Career Development Office prepared me with tips and tricks to ace an interview with a Fortune 500 company and helped me to put my best foot forward. With student success coaches, Peer Mentors, and career and financial wellness coaches, students always feel supported and prepared for life after college. Also, the mental health resources available on campus make it easy to see how much TU cares about its students and their wellbeing. Because of the support I received here at TU, I was able to score an internship at a Fortune 500 company as a sophomore, get involved on campus, and make memories for a lifetime. I’ll throw it back to you, Alex.
– Internships as sophomores? That’s incredible! It’s all part of TU’s goal to make sure students are able to get a great job in their field or admitted to a top notch graduate school after completing their bachelor’s degree. We can’t wait to see where you land, Madison. Thanks again for sharing your story.