Okay, let’s take a look at the magnificent Allison. She’s in her junior year at KSU as a public relations major. Allison has been part of some really key organizations here on campus like the Thrive Program, Homecoming Court, and more. She’s gonna explain why getting involved here at Kennesaw State is so amazing. Allison, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s going on, everyone? Back when I was searching for colleges, I knew I wanted to go somewhere that allowed me to excel both academically and socially. When I found KSU, I knew it was the perfect place for me. I was able to meet so many amazing peers and learn about the diverse organizations that Kennesaw State has to offer. KSU is home to a variety of Greek chapters. Being in a sorority has allowed me to meet some of my best friends and be in a supportive, motivating environment that I need to succeed. One of the best parts about attending Kennesaw State is its close location to Atlanta. Many students are able to receive jobs and internship at Georgia’s major league sports teams, movie studios, and more. I’ve been fortunate to experience this opportunity firsthand. I’ve worked for the Atlanta Braves, our newest world champions for the past two years as a part of the Tomahawk team. I spend my weekends throwing T-shirts on the dugout and performing in shows to represent the Atlanta Braves. In addition to being 20 minutes from the baseball stadium, we are also super close to the Mercedes-Benz and State Farm arenas. I have also represented the Atlanta Hawks on campus as a campus ambassador. These opportunities have led me to create lasting connections with people in other industries as well. KSU’s motivating environment and easy access to big name companies has made me the person I am today. A college education is more than learning skills for a job. It’s about the opportunities and experiences you have access to. And that’s why I love KSU. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Allison, that was perfect. You’re definitely getting the most from your involvement with your college. I have to say, it must be an amazing feeling to be part of so many organizations here at KSU. Having that level of support and range of opportunities would absolutely keep any student motivated and striving towards their goals. Thanks again, Allison.
All right, everyone, Vanessa is waiting to meet us next. She’s a second year law student from El Paso, Texas. St. Mary’s School of law isn’t just about classroom experiences. It’s about the opportunities to engage with the community, volunteer to help others and find leadership opportunities. Let’s hear from Vanessa about all she has found at St. Mary’s law. Take it away, Vanessa.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, y’all. I’m originally from El Paso, Texas. I’m rising 2L here at St. Mary’s School of Law and a nontraditional law student meaning I didn’t start law school until about 15 years after my undergrad. I chose St Mary’s because of the community feel, where I can get to know my fellow classmates and my professors, while having the opportunity to grow professionally. I feel so welcomed here by the law school and the business school as a JD MDA joint degree student. In my time here, I’ve participated with a variety of registered student organizations where I currently serve on the executive boards. Here at St. Mary’s School of Law, I participate in the SMILE Mentorship Program where I’m a mentor to three mentees who I get to guide through their 1L year. And next year I get to see my family grow when each of my mentees take on the mentor role to the incoming 1L class. I have also had wonderful opportunities to volunteer and be a part of something bigger than myself. Since coming to St. Mary’s, the pro bono program has defined my experience. More recently, I’ve been working to inform and help students register to vote on campus. We held a voter registration drive where we stress the importance of exercising every American’s right to vote. When I came to St. Mary’s, I had an idea of what I wanted to do with my law degree. With the guidance of the office of career strategies and my professors, I now can see my future in law with certainty. That’s my story. Now back to you Alex.
– Wow. Working on two degrees, helping others through pro bono work and still finding time to be a mentor to first year law students, you are definitely making the most of your St Mary’s law experience. Thank you, Vanessa.
Next up, we have Anitaka who took a winding path to get from her home in Washington State to the masters of business administration program here at St Mary’s. But she has made it here, in fact, perseverance is a big part of her story and the success she has found at St. Mary’s. Let’s hear your graduate school experience Anitaka. Can’t wait to hear this. Take it away.
– Thank you for the intro, Alex. After high school, I played collegiate volleyball in Florida before moving to San Antonio with my newborn to attend a large public university. After graduation, I started working as an accountant but I wanted to make a career change, so I decided to pursue my master’s degree at St. Mary’s University. I enrolled in the St Mary’s MBA for professionals program because it was affordable while providing a flexible class schedule. I could work full time, spend time with my family, coach volleyball and take classes in the evenings, all without feeling overwhelmed. Starting the program took me two tries. The first time I logged onto the discussion platform and I saw a post from a fellow student. It was a full body essay to one discussion post. I was unsure I could do it and withdrew from all my classes that same day. When the COVID pandemic hit a year later I decided it was time to give it another shot and I am so glad I did. I’m extremely grateful for the MBA programs director. He let me know about the national black MBA conference held every year throughout the US, an amazing learning and networking opportunity that led to a full-time position with a large bank as an operational analyst. Had it not been for the director’s interest in me and my goals, I would still be unhappy as an accountant. My experience at St Mary’s University has taught me to never give up and to overcome adversity even when you think the odds are against you. I want to set a new standard for women of color, especially those with children to continue to strive for goals. Thanks to St. Mary’s University I’ll be able to accomplish more than I could have ever imagined as a little girl. And that’s my story, back to you Alex
– What a powerful and simply awesome story Anitaka. You are certainly a role model for people looking to find life balance while pursuing a fulfilling and successful career. It sounds like the personal attention from MBA faculty has been a game changer for you. Thanks again for sharing your story. Take care.
Let’s meet David, a high school history teacher who is back in graduate studies at St. Mary’s to make himself an even better teacher. He’s a student in the graduate certificate for dual credit teaching in US history. Originally from Laredo, Texas, he now calls San Antonio his home. He’s gonna tell us why he loves San Antonio and St. Mary’s University. David, you are on.
– Hello, ola, oi, salut, ciao. I’m a high school teacher, an inspirational speaker and a minister of the gospel. I speak five languages and I’m a graduate student here at St. Mary’s. I struggled through school. It took me nine years to finish my first college degree. Along my journey I discovered I had an ability to teach students who were struggling the same way I did. I discovered St. Mary’s graduate certificate program for public high school social studies teachers who were aiming the teach college level courses. It catered to the direction that I was already going. I chose St Mary’s because of accessibility, my graduate certificate program is largely online and because of the university’s efforts to find and nurture teachers. In this time of historical challenges with public schools, St. Mary’s is developing talented teachers who are able to fill in the learning gaps. Think of San Antonio as inclusion city. Walking around the magical downtown or the river walk the inclusion is truly felt all around. San Antonio is the perfect marriage of North Mexican and Texan culture from the many restaurants and museums to the five beautiful missions. Each year, San Antonio has an 11 day party called Fiesta. It celebrates our food, our culture and our music. In fact, St Mary’s often kicks off Fiesta with our 100 plus year tradition, the Fiesta Oyster Bake, which is held right here on campus. With a history dating back to 1852, St. Mary’s exemplifies the same spirit of inclusivity and our history is closely tied with San Antonio’s history. Being in a program designed to cultivate outstanding teachers has taught me that every individual has something special. We all need to find a community where our strengths are identified, nurtured, and celebrated. St. Mary’s did that for me. That’s my life at St. Mary’s and in San Antonio. Back to you, Alex.
– Great story, David. Your dedication to helping high school students succeed is really inspirational, not to mention your own personal story and your love of San Antonio and St. Mary’s is obvious. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences David. That was awesome.
Next, we will hear from Olivia a freshman studying engineering science with a concentration in pre-med. This San Antonio native will give us a glimpse into the multicultural nature of South Texas and St. Mary’s by telling her experience in Spanish. Don’t worry, there are English subtitles. You don’t wanna miss hearing Olivia’s experience with faculty mentors and research while she is still in her first year. Take it away Olivia.
– Very impressive Olivia. It sounds like your first year at St. Mary’s has been packed with excellent service opportunities, strong social connections and academic rigor. I love what you said that St. Mary’s is educating leaders for the common good. Great work and I’m sure you will accomplish even more during your next three years. Thanks again, Olivia.
It’s time to hear from Matias, a senior marketing major from Lima, Peru. From study abroad opportunities to networking with business leaders, Matias is gonna tell us how four years at St Mary’s impacted his view of the world and his place in it. His international student experience even includes an amazing internship. Matias, tell us all about it.
– Hey, thanks Alex. Since coming to St. Mary’s from Peru, my life changed and my world became bigger. After four years at St. Mary’s, I’m thankful for the great college experience I’ve received. From studying abroad in Spain to working for the world’s largest insurance market Lloyd’s of London as a market development and data insights analyst. St. Mary’s is a small school with big school opportunities. I was lucky to come from a Marianist high school in my hometown city of Lima and I wanted to find a college that continued that Marianist vision of education. The faculty and professors here genuinely want you to succeed and help you build your path for the future. They provide you with tools you’ll need throughout your personal and professional life. I know I will end up this journey not just with a degree but with a vocation, a purpose that involves helping others and being concerned about future generations. Thanks to my professors I’ve had a holistic view of how the business world works, traveled around the world, had amazing networking opportunities, become a leader in different organizations like Gama Iota Sigma or the Association of Latino Professionals for America, realized how important giving back to our community is and made friends that I can now call family. As an international student I was looking for a school where I would feel at home, have fun work, learn, and get prepared for the future. So if you’re looking for the same, St Mary’s University is definitely the place for you. Now back to you Alex.
– Wow, Matias, what a journey you have had in just four years at St. Mary’s. Thank you for sharing your journey as an international student. Congratulations on all your accomplishments. Having an internship at Lloyd’s of London is quite an experience. Awesome job and thank you for sharing your story.
Okay, next we’ll meet Tromance, a senior engineering management major from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At St. Mary’s, all engineering majors create a senior design project to show what they have learned and how their project can help the world. Getting to that point takes the professors taking an interest in developing each student’s potential. Tromance, let’s hear all about it.
– Well, thank you Alex for the introduction. Growing up, I wanted to do everything my imagination led me to. When it came to choosing colleges, I had this dream of being at one college and having a platform to be who I wanted to be, a college that had the resources to produce the future outcomes of what the world can be. That college in my dream was St. Mary’s University. Growing up in Wisconsin and being the son of a single mother came with hurdles. Resources were scarce but St Mary’s helped me overcome those hurdles. On my first day of programming class, we were asked, how many programming languages does everyone know? I was the only one who didn’t know any. My professor came to me and said, “I will promise you by the end of this course you will know three and have mastered one.” That professor was just a taste of how much St Mary’s invest in one’s personal growth overall. An engineer’s main objective is to problem solve and right now there is a major problem on our hands, COVID-19. Our senior design project can make an impact on COVID-19 and display the future of technology. This project’s objective is to make individual hand sanitizer dispensers at the San Antonio Airport send a signal when it is close to empty, positively impacting hand hygiene and helping decrease the spread of illnesses. St. Mary’s taught me not only the fundamentals to obtaining a job offer, but the tools to build upon the person I want to be in the future. As my days at St. Mary’s are coming to an end, I can say I’ll be the first in my family to obtain a degree and also I’ll be the first engineer as well with a few offers to choose from before I even graduate. The main goal of engineering is to solve problems of humans’ day to day life by creating some form of technologies to solve issues. This goal of engineering led me to be very passionate on my project and its impact on COVID-19. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– What an accomplishment Tromance to have multiple job offers before you even graduate. That is so impressive. It sounds like the hands on experience at St. Mary’s has made all the difference for you and your aspiration. Thanks again and congratulations.
Next up, we have Victoria waiting for us, a freshman business management major and biology minor. She has wasted no time getting involved in the many student opportunities at St. Mary’s. An editor for the student newspaper, violinist in the orchestra, honors program officer. Well, I’ll let Victoria take it from here. Over to you, Victoria.
– Thank you for that great introduction Alex. When I was in high school imagining my future and looking into colleges, I knew that I wanted to do more than just academics. I wanted to be involved and be able to grow as a person and that is exactly what I have been able to do at St. Mary’s University. There is always something happening on campus. Students recruiting for an organization, schoolwide prayer events, students and professors reaching out to me with volunteer opportunities just to name a few. I quickly learned that St. Mary’s was a tight knit community that wanted every student to excel academically, spiritually, and emotionally. As a freshman, I have already accomplished many of the things I’ve dreamed of. I am news editor for the award-winning Rattler Student Newspaper. I am also a violinist for the St Mary’s Orchestra and have even had the opportunity to contribute to the great Hispanic culture here at St. Mary’s by starting the very first mariachi group on campus. I am the treasurer of the honors program where we have opportunities to take enriching classes, study abroad, and live with other honors scholars. I am so grateful to have already been hired for an internship and accepted for a shadowing role for my dream job. I never thought I could have accomplished so much my first year. Through the support of my professors who know what my dreams are and the support of my peers who are like family, the St Mary’s community has helped me grow. As a Catholic and Marianist university, educating in the family spirit is part of the St Mary’s mission. So if you’re looking for a personalized experience, friends you can call family and professors who are also great friends, St. Mary’s is a place for you. You can accomplish anything that you dream of because St. Mary’s is a big family that will support you every step of the way. That’s all for me, Alex. Back to you
– That is a long list of activities Victoria. Great job taking advantage of the many ways that St Mary’s students can get involved with the campus community and congratulations on all that you have already accomplished. That is amazing. Thanks again for sharing your story. Take care.
Okay, now let’s meet Savannah, a junior music education major and an honors scholar. We’ll hear about her future goals and how her classroom experiences at St Mary’s are preparing her for success. Savannah, doesn’t just wanna be a teacher, she wants to be a high school band director and research the profound impact female band directors can have on their students. Savannah, you’re up.
– Thank you so much, Alex. When looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to attend a place where I felt welcomed and valued. Here at St. Mary’s University, I’m surrounded by a community that provides support and guidance in my goals and endeavors. The students, faculty, and staff at St. Mary’s bring a sense of life and community to the classroom. As a music education major, I’m surrounded by people who have a desire to become better students, musicians, and leaders. Whether it is rehearsing side by side, providing feedback for one another or spending time together, St. Mary’s students have a special bond that lasts far beyond the classroom. With a student to faculty ratio of 11:1, St. Mary students are able to develop one-on-one relationships with their professors. In my case, my professors have guided me through challenging classwork and providing me access to real world opportunities. That’s another thing. 94% of St Mary’s professors have a PhD or similar. That means that you’re learning from professors not from graduate assistants. St. Mary’s University is a tight knit community committed to developing successful professionals dedicated to the greater good. It is even a Hispanic serving institution. I love that I’m able to develop relationships with my peers and professors that last far beyond my days here on campus. St. Mary’s University is more than just a place to learn. It is a place to grow and truly develop as a person. The opportunities my professors have provided me have allowed me to work with local high school bands and write about the importance of having female high school band directors. I am proud to call myself a St. Mary’s Rattler. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing your St Mary’s experience with us Savannah. It sounds like you’ve had some amazing classroom interactions with both faculty and students at St. Mary’s. Thanks for sharing your story.