Okay, everyone let’s meet Nick, a biomedical science major from Junction City, Kansas. Nick won the top biology research award in the nation for biology research he did as an undergraduate student at SBU. And as Nick shares in his story, the faculty at SBU were the key to his success. Let’s hear it Nick.
– Howdy everyone. My road to Southwest Baptist University was quite sporadic. Growing up, I didn’t always have a clear cut path. And so after high school, I didn’t know what came next. I eventually discovered my passion for dentistry, then I came across another obstacle. Where do I go to school? As I explored college options, Southwest Baptist University when above and beyond expectations and allowed me to come here. SBU was the first school that made me feel wanted, which was unusual, since I didn’t have a strong academic background. They didn’t stop there though. As classes began, I found it increasingly more difficult to balance coursework with the social life. I ultimately fell behind in several classes and was ready to give up and leave. If it wasn’t for the incredibly caring faculty members, I would’ve fallen short of my dreams. The faculty at SBU invest in you and spend the time and effort to make sure their students have every possible opportunity and resource at their disposal. From holding their own study sessions to award-winning undergraduate research, SBU faculty will get you to where you want to be. SBU, doesn’t just prepare us for a job, they show us how to be servant leaders in those jobs and do more for the people around us. And my advisor is the best example of this. He offers a thorough curriculum, but he also brings us food when we study and he’ll even fix the flat tires on our cars. I’ve found that learning and asking questions is significantly easier knowing that the professor cares about me. SBU doesn’t just help you reach your goals, they encourage you to go further, dig deeper and not only focus on what your goal is, but why you’re doing it. I’ll be starting dental school soon. And although it will be hard SBU’s prepared me for what’s to come next. Anyways, that’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Nick, what a powerful story. A story of the caring faculty at SBU who helped you stay focused on academics so you could pursue your dreams. We all need people who will be there as a teacher, mentor and guide throughout college. Best of luck in dental school, Nick.
Nurses are in high demand across the country and SBU is training, compassionate and confident nurses with a heart for servant leadership. Brenna Allen, a nursing major with a minor in psychology is here to share her story and give us a look at the fantastic training facilities. It’s all yours Brenna.
– Thanks Alex, when I started my college search, I wasn’t sure what I was looking for other than I knew I wanted to find a place that felt like home and would challenged me to grow. Southwest Baptist University has been that home for me since I first set foot on campus, whether it be Welcome Week, Mission Trips, Campus Events, or seeing smiling faces on the way to class, I found so many new opportunities to learn, feel known and grow in this community, which ultimately led me to the nursing program. Some of my greatest college memories have come from moments spent in our Learning Resource Center and Simulation Lab, that allows us to practice our nursing skills in a safe environment. With a cohort size of 30 students. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of my best friends while getting hands on experience and personalized guidance from our instructors. My instructors believe in me and are always there to support me, which has been monumental in gaining confidence, in caring for patients and in myself. And while classroom content is important, some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in the nursing program are from the real life opportunities that happen during our clinicals at local hospitals and facilities. I have no doubt that these resources and our incredible instructors are to credit for helping lead our first Bolivar nursing class to a hundred percent first time pass rate on the licensure exam. Part of Southwest Baptist University’s mission statement is to prepare us to be servant leaders in a global society. And I can sincerely say that my experience with the nursing program has equipped me with the tools and confidence that I need to show compassion and provide holistic care to my future patients. Back to you, Alex.
– Your story is so inspiring Brenna and those training facilities are amazing. The Learning Resource Center and simulation lab are filled with high tech equipment that mimics what students will use in their clinical training in future workplaces. We are so glad you found your home at SBU. Thanks again, Brenna.
SBU is serious about NCAA Division Two athletics, but equally serious about the student in student athlete. Mary Rose is a biology major from Frisco, Texas. She came to SBU because she knew she would experience a high level of competition on the basketball court and topnotch academic preparation in the classroom. We’re bouncing to you next Mary Rose, take it away.
– Thanks for the introduction Alex. What’s going on everyone? Basketball is what brought me to SBU because I was looking for a place that allowed me to prepare for medical school while also continuing my athletic career. SBU was the perfect place because I don’t sacrifice academic participation and rigor for athletics. I really love basketball, but medicine has always been my dream. I decided to transfer to SBU after attending another university because I found out how rare it was to find a school that is as passionate at balancing academics and sports as I am. I knew that the coaches here had successfully sent at least two girls to medical school, which is extremely rare. And I think that their efforts represent what Division Two sports should be about. In my experience, I found that Division Two athletes have just as much drive and passion for the sport that they play, but they receive just a little bit more free time during the day than Division One athletes do. Being part of such a close knit team, especially as a team captain, is an invaluable life experience that has taught me accountability and gratitude. The approach that SBU has towards supporting and challenging the student athletes, gave me the tools I needed to get accepted in medical school. And I’ll always be grateful for my time here. Athletics, even more than academics, has taught me that taking ownership of the opportunities that you have, instead of letting the opportunity become mature, will allow you to grow more than any other approach to college life. It’s easy as a college athlete to become overwhelmed by such a hectic schedule and start going through the motions, but being intentional about how you use your time will make the most meaningful experience possible. That’s all I have. Back to you, Alex.
– What a great play choosing SBU Mary Rose. SBU has more than 400 student athletes competing in 17 varsity sports. More than half of SBU student athletes receive conference academic awards each year, and SBU won the Great Lakes Valley Conferences, James R. Spalding Overall Sportsmanship Award in 2021. Thanks again, Mary Rose.
Okay, our first story is from a guy with a big personality who is everywhere on campus. Minh is a youth ministry major from West Plains, Missouri. The community at SBU drew him here, and he is completely immersed in that community, now as a student. Minh we can’t wait to hear your story. Please take it away.
– Thanks a bunch for that introduction, Alex. Early my childhood into high school, I had no idea how God wanted to use me, this high energy childlike young adult for his kingdom. Then, Southwest Baptist University came along and everything started making sense. I was accepted to many colleges, but SBU stood out. What pulled me as view the most was the community and how it felt like home. SBU is located in Bolivar, Missouri, which is actually about the same size as West Plains, Missouri, where my hometown is. Only big difference is that my hometown doesn’t have Kaylife. Kayilfe is an interdenominational ministry I serve with that focuses on discipleship and loving kids that come from different backgrounds and broken homes. SBU shares that same love and care to its students. And I’ve witnessed that firsthand from the faculty and my friends. SBUs campus and community brings a sense of family to me, a sense of care, something that feels familiar. Going to several campus-wide activities each week keeps me busy, but it is also the highlight of my days. My all time favorite events, it’s Spy Week. This is actually how I met a lot of my fellow Bearcat friends by chasing them around campus and spraying them with super soakers. Yeah, talk about first impressions. Doing ministry, representing SBU as a student ambassador, participating in strange and competitive events and having the constant support for my friends and faculty, have been such a blessing. No matter what you come here for, you not only get an exceptional education, but friends and memories that will last a lifetime. That’s the tip of the iceberg of my story. Thank you so much for letting me share it. This Bearcat says peace out.
– Minh, it sounds like you are having a blast at SBU. Thank you for sharing your story about how Christ is using your entire campus experience at SBU to prepare you for future youth ministry. Students can get involved at SBU through local campus activities, small group Bible studies, chapel services, student led worship events, and much, much more. Thanks again, Minh.
Searching for a chance to conduct hands-on laboratory research led this student to CSUSB. And CSUSB led her to a research opportunity at a prestigious Ivy League institution. Guadalupe is a biopsych major who gets involved on campus through Associated Students, Inc. Guadalupe, we can’t wait to hear how you’re defining the future, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I have always had a love for psychology and biology, and I knew I wanted to work in a research lab, but I just needed to figure out which one was the perfect fit for me so I can get the hands-on learning experience that I know CSUSB can offer me. The Office of Student Research helped me look through the variety of psychology department labs, like cognitive research, personality research, and even catfishing research. In my second year of college, I got accepted into the Psychology Honors Program and I’m currently conducting my honors thesis project in the field of memory research. I also joined a variety of clubs and programs that began preparing me for graduate level research work, like the Research Program and the Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement. Within this program, I’ve been given the opportunity to conduct research at a prestigious Ivy League school, an opportunity that CSUSB has helped me reach. CSUSB has provided me with amazing opportunities and connections in the research world that will help strengthen my applications for graduate school. I also have a very big passion for advocacy work. I currently serve as a board member for the Associated Students, Incorporated on campus. This organization is the voice for all students on campus. And within this organization, I’ve been given the opportunity to represent the students in the College of Social and Behavioral Science. I work closely with the deans and students to ensure we are providing them with the best resources to help them succeed and navigate their college journey. This campus has given me so much support. And with all this information, I aim to support others. If you want to experience hands-on learning, be a part of advocacy initiatives, network with a diverse group of students, and become a mentor for others, then CSUSB is the campus for you. Now back to you, Alex.
– Fantastic job, Guadalupe. Your many contributions to student success through your advocacy work has been impressive. CSUSB’s graduate programs produce leaders and professionals in a wide range of fields with nearly 40 different masters programs, nine credentials, and even a doctorate in education. Amazing, take care.
Lights, camera, action. California is known around the world for the television and film industry. And the CSUSB campus is only about 60 minutes east of the Hollywood sign. Yujin, an international student majoring in theater, will tell us what attracted her to CSUSB. The spotlight is on you, Yujin, take it away.
– Thank you so much, Alex. Hi, there, I’m an international exchange student from Korea. Here at CSUSB, I wanted to learn about my major in theater, enhance my English, and also learn about various culture and experience. This is my first time visiting the USA. I was so excited, but also I felt nervous. I was really worried about making new friends. Fortunately, CSUSB has a lot of student activities. I participated in events like Snow Day and visited booths to meet different clubs. At CSUSB, you have the opportunity to connect with a lot of different people in different cultures. You can try different foods, like Mexican, American and Indian food to name a few. Our school’s facilities are so nice. My favorite building is the SMSU Building, where I study, read, eat good food and bowl with friends. For my major, we have a theater that puts some awesome show throughout the year. Having a good theater is really important to experience great opportunities and network within the community. I’m currently performing in our school theater, and it’ll be a precious experience in my life to be on the CSUSB stage and meet some actors, authors and stage managers. CSUSB is the best university to learn about all of things that I want to learn because of its award-winning professors. When I’m free, I travel to famous places in the USA that are near our school through our Adventure Program. This program allows you to visit awesome places for a low rate. I have experienced L.A., Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, San Diego and Yosemite. I’m so glad to study here at CSUSB, because it has given me an awesome opportunity to network, travel, enhance my English, all while making friends. Throwing back to you, Alex.
– Amazing job, Yujin. Your first experience visiting in the US and the welcome you’ve received at Cal State San Bernardino sounds so positive. The Department of Theatre Arts is designed to prepare students for careers in a variety of fields, including the entertainment industry, education and business. And what better place to do it than right here? That was awesome, take care.
CSUSB is one of six Cal State campuses recognized as having an academic environment that emphasizes their commitment to create a culture of wellness. Let’s meet Dillon, a kinesiology major who is passionate about CSUSB and dedicated to physical and mental wellness. Dillon, you are up.
– Thanks, Alex, I love that introduction. Hey, everyone, when choosing a college to attend, I knew that I needed to find a program in which I would love learning each day. Sports have always been important to me and I knew that CSUSB would allow me to incorporate every aspect of health and wellness into my campus experience. Our Kinesiology Program is one of a kind with exceptional faculty, labs and endless research opportunities. With 10 athletic teams, the internship opportunities are plentiful. I have been able to intern with our sports performance coach and gain first-hand experience into collegiate athletics. CSUSB even has intermural sports like basketball, soccer and volleyball that students, who are not student athletes, can play and compete in with other students. It is a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests. Numerous clubs, such as exercises, medicine, and our Recreation and Wellness Center, make it easy to include exercise into your daily routine. Our very own recreation center has a climbing wall and offers classes, like tactical training that I teach, or yoga, and adventure trips, like snorkeling, where I met my girlfriend. Our wellness center, The Retreat, has massage chairs and nap classes. And then, there’s CSUSB’s psychological services that offers many accommodations to benefit our students’ mental health and physical health, which is free for all Coyotes. CSUSB’s commitment to keep our campus active can’t be matched. CSUSB has allowed me to obtain multiple professional certifications, such as my personal trainer certification, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and exercise physiologist certification, all while staying fit and healthy through our one-of-a-kind health and fitness opportunities. Go, Yotes and go, Alex.
– Great job, Dillon. You sure know how to show your Coyote pride. With 10 athletic teams, intermural sports clubs, a free gym with a pool, wellness center, free psychological and health services, CSUSB has awesome resources available for student health. And, as they say, healthy bodies, healthy minds.
We’ll now meet a student athlete and resident assistant who has found a home at CSUSB. Criminal justice major Maame was selected for the Black Residential Scholarship Program and has created events that celebrate African American culture. She’s also established lifelong friendships along the way. Maame, please tell us your story.
– Thanks, Alex, hey, guys. I currently live on campus as a resident assistant and my experience with housing has been an amazing ride. I had many opportunities to build friendships that I’ll take with me in life. While being an RA, I was selected for the Black Residential Scholars. This living-learning community, one of many, is devoted to elevating the resident’s experience of Black students by providing residents with the academic, social and cultural resources. I embrace being Black and I never shy away from showing that. I want the African American community to feel the same way I do, so I make programs and events that are related to us. Programs that allow individuals to be themselves, get comfortable with the adjustments of living in dorms, relating to others, and creating bonds that can last through the years. The housing staff is a great help with bringing these programs to life. I think this was a perfect opportunity that has impacted me and can make the same impact for future Coyotes. Having this program has introduced me to many outlets and the diversity of our campus. Being a student athlete is also a major part of my life. Resources like the Study Hall and the Athletics Building have really helped me improve my grades and focus on school. I’m a student here first at CSUSB, and that much is very clear. When I first started college, I did not know what to expect. Now, being a Coyote here at CSUSB, I realized this has always been my home. Having great professors, advisors, and even mentors have shown me to take things as they go and life will always be here. I can’t wait to see the story you build here. And now that’s my story, thanks, Alex.
– Maame, thank you so much for sharing your story. The university is home sweet home to you and so many other Coyote residents who have found support and community while living with the pack. CSUSB offers inclusive living and learning environments at Coyote, Serrano, Arrowhead and University Villages. Take care.
When first generation student Joshua arrived on campus, he wasn’t sure, at first, of available resources, where to find community and how to make an impact. Let’s move to a campus landmark, Wild Song, where it’s tradition to rub the Coyote’s paw for good luck before exams. Take it away, Joshua.
– Thanks, Alex, hi, everyone. As a first generation and transfer college student, I struggled to figure out what was meant for me. But here at CSUSB, I found my home. After researching the different college institutions online for communication studies, I realized that media studies was the perfect fit for me. It’s the human impact here at CSUSB that really stuck out. It’s what inspired me to get involved on campus. I first started as an orientation leader, helping hundreds of new students go through the same process that I did. Hopefully, you will too, when you join the pack, because that’s the Coyote way. Through my time on campus, I learned about the LGBTQ+ Faculty, Staff and Student Association, where I began serving as communications chair to help coordinate events. Through these incredible experiences, I created an Instagram effect to help people feel connected to the Coyote spirit here at CSUSB. These are some of the opportunities that I got involved in, but much more exist for a variety of interests that you can find a place to belong in. There are so many great resources and amazing people to help to support the success of students on campus. So just a few, Coyote Connection is a one-stop portal for student interests and events. The annual Coyote Cares Day is when the campus comes together through acts of service to give back to the community. And there are Affinity Centers where everyone from all walks of life are welcomed. From my time here at CSUSB, I found a school that embraces diversity and encourages me to be myself. I’m confident that my education and experience will help me define my future and continue to give back to my community. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Joshua, it didn’t take you long to make an impact here on campus. There are literally hundreds of volunteer opportunities, on campus and in the community, that meet the diverse interests of CSUSB students. And as Joshua’s story illustrates, you’ll learn strategies for making an impact by taking on leadership, networking and support, and social connection opportunities. That was great, take care.
Working hard and playing hard are two aspects of student life our next speaker takes very seriously. Economics major Marrian will share a sampling of the sweeter side of student life. Let’s meet her at the Santos Manuel Student Union North, the newly expanded three-story, 120,000 square foot addition, that serves as a hub for student activities here on campus. Welcome, Marrian.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When it came to deciding on a university, it came down to the balance of academic rigor and social life on campus in order to help me prepare for my future career and enjoy my time on campus as well. CSUSB had everything I needed to work hard and play hard. Student life is a big part of the culture here at CSUSB. After I complete classwork, I take time to rest and spend time with my friends. Many of my friends are with Lubos P.A.S.O., a Filipino American organization that focuses on connecting people to Philippine culture. Through this organization, I have made many lifelong friends and became at home on campus. I also take advantage of the Affinity Centers CSUSB has to offer. Currently, I work as the student assistant for the Asian and Pacific Islander Center, and there is always something to do. You could be making dream catchers at the First Peoples’ Center or spending time with student parents at the Osher Adult Re-Entry Center. You could also spend time at the Women’s Resource Center or laugh with people at the Pan African Center. Overall, the student life on campus is exciting, fun and lively. The campus also hosts a variety of different events throughout the year. You can attend musical performances, theater productions, outdoor festivals, like Coyote Fest, and enjoy celebrations for many different cultures. Events can include the Annual Drag Show, the Women’s Leadership Conference or the Korean Festival. There are activities on campus for everyone to enjoy. CSUSB’s student life has aided me in more ways than I could hope. I’ve been able to meet new people and educate myself on different cultures while obtaining my degree, learning about what makes me happy each step of the way. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Marrian, thank you. You’ve just revealed the magic formula for balancing work and play while taking full advantage of the college experience. At CSUSB, there’s something for everyone in the Coyote family to enjoy, with more than 150 unique clubs and organizations on campus to satisfy everyone’s playful appetite. That was awesome, take care.