Making the jump from high school to college can be challenging, which is why I wanna chat with Maddey about Western’s EPIC Mentorship Program. EPICs are upper class students who help both first-year and transfer students navigate their transitions to Western and connect them with campus resources. Maddey, let’s hear a little bit more about you and the EPIC Program.
– Thank you, Alex. Howdy, everyone. Growing up in Colorado Springs as a first generation student, my priority in finding a college was making sure it had all the resources and opportunities for me to succeed. Western Colorado University has the unique opportunity for all incoming students to be paired with a mentor that guides them through their first year at Western. Coming to college is scary, but having an EPIC Mentor and experienced peer initiating connections helped me find my belonging on campus. My first year at Western, my EPIC Mentor showed me how to network and encouraged me to go after leadership roles. One, two, three!
– I joined the Women’s Hockey Team and found a wonderful community. Now, in my last year at Western, I’m the President of the Women’s Hockey Team and the Student Coordinator of the EPIC Mentor Program. As a mentor, we know all the resources around campus to get you connected, like the Math Center, Writing Center, and mental health resources. Being a mentor is a bridge of communication from professional offices and staff to students. It’s also being your cheerleader and someone who nudges you to keep fighting at the end of the semester. One of my favorite things about being an EPIC Mentor is seeing my mentees succeed in their classes after struggling in the first few weeks of classes. Western is not just a small town college, but a way to get to know my professors and classmates on a personal level. Once I graduate from Western, I’ll be taking a gap year before going to physical therapy school, in hopes to be a physical therapist for athletes. That’s my EPIC story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Maddey, and keep up the awesome work. It’s great to see students like you sharing resources and tools to help your new peers to not just survive, but thrive in their first semester at Western.
Let’s talk with Kate. While most universities have sports teams, Western students can combine their passion for adventure with collegiate athletics through the Mountain Sports program. Kate, a recent graduate, took skiing to the next level by participating on the Freeride Team. She’s here to tell us all about her Western experience on and off the slopes.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. I am so excited to talk about Western’s very unique Mountain Sports Program. Since I grew up skiing 10 minutes from home and with great outdoor access, I knew I had to continue my education in the mountains. Western Colorado University made for a perfect fit because of its location. I could receive a high quality education while also living in a beautiful and active place. With interest in bringing my skiing to the next level, I decided to join the Mountain Sports Freeride Team. Freeride is a form of skiing and snowboarding that involves taking full advantage of the terrain of the mountain, whether that be skiing technical lines or dropping cliffs. I came to the team with no competitive experience and had never taken my skis off of the ground. Over the next four years, I learned how to ski fast and drop cliffs, made the greatest friendships, and traveled all over the country and even Canada to compete. A highlight was winning a competition in Juneau, Alaska and sharing the podium with my teammates. The Freeride Ski and Snowboard Team is just one of seven Mountain Sports teams. Western also offers alpine skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, ski mountaineering, and Nordic skiing teams. All teams provide quality coaching and several travel opportunities at an affordable cost. Some people join for personal growth, and others hope to become professional athletes. The program also ensures balance between your academics and sport of choice. I graduated summa cum laude and never felt overwhelmed by being a Mountain Sports athlete. During my time at Western, I fell in love with not only skiing, but the school, the people, and the area. I loved it all so much that I now work for Western as a Marketing Content Coordinator. I hope to help bring new students here so they can share an equally fulfilling college experience. That’s all from me. See you on the mountain, Alex.
– It’s not at every university that students get to finish up their days with world class skiing and snowboarding. Some students have even gone on to earn professional sponsorships following their time on Mountain Sports teams at Western. This place truly reaches another level when it comes to providing an educational adventure. Thank you so much. That was an amazing story.
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.