Up next, we’re going to explore what led Curtis, who had careers in corporate finance and real estate to go back to college again to fulfill his dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. Curtis, let’s hear your innermost thoughts about attending Scottsdale Community College. Take it away.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. After completing my degree, I went straight to work in corporate finance and real estate. However, I wanted to move into a field I was truly passionate about, psychology. As a re-careering student, I set my goal to become a clinical psychologist and in order to pursue that dream, I wanted to build a strong educational foundation. I was in search of a school that had an interesting variety of classes, passionate faculty, and affordable tuition. Scottsdale Community College provided me with that and more. Even though I was going to be balancing work and school, he helped me create a schedule that fit my availability. I had an array of options to choose from, including in person, hybrid, and online classes. One of the most important things to me was a sense of community even if that meant I wasn’t going to be spending time in the classroom. Once classes started, I felt encouraged by the small class sizes and welcoming professors. They provided interesting and challenging lectures and promoted class participation and deeper discussion. And support didn’t end with the professors, as SCC also provided additional resources and tutors for anyone that needed assistance. I had created a story, the changing fields, and pursuing my passion was going to be an ordeal filled with roadblocks, but Scottsdale Community College made it feel possible. I’ve received an amazing educational foundation and have been propelled into my endeavors as a clinical psychologist. But that’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
– Curtis, way to fulfill your dream by pursuing your interest in psychology. You imagine roadblocks about changing careers, but the folks at Scottsdale Community College had your back and gave you the support and sense of community you needed to succeed. Truly, truly inspiring. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s continue our journey to Scottsdale Community College, which is built on land belonging to the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community, and is home to the Fighting Artichokes. We’ll meet Nursing student, Amaya, who will tell us why she fell in love with SCC long before she enrolled. Amaya, let’s hear your story and why Scottsdale Community College makes a difference.
– Thank you for that awesome introduction, Alex. When I was a young girl, my elementary school took my class on a field trip to Scottsdale Community College. I remember falling in love with the campus and how it operated. The atmosphere was beautiful and it wasn’t overwhelmingly large. It was then I knew I would be attending Scottsdale Community College in the future. Upon entering SCC as a freshman, I have the opportunity to take all of my courses online with amazing teachers and a 24/7 online tutoring program that is offered here at SCC. The resources that the school provides allows me to work at my own pace. Having the opportunity to take courses from home allows me to spend time with the 27 animals I live with and take care of my family. I also have the freedom to travel and take courses anywhere that I desire with no stress. The MCC DNP or Maricopa Community College District Nursing Program is offered here at Scottsdale Community College. With this four semester program, I am able to get my associates degree in just two short years. The nursing program is offered here on campus and online. Students with the high GPA are offered an Honors Achievement Scholarship that pays for half of their tuition for both fall and spring semesters. Students are able to make their own schedule and get a degree at their own pace. Never have I ever felt overwhelmed by a large campus or excessive fees. I can take my time and get my degree just as fast as big name universities. I am so grateful for the tools and knowledge that Scottsdale Community College has provided. Sending it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Amaya, what a great story. You are truly an animal lover with a caring spirit. You are on your way to becoming a fantastic nurse and doing it in the way that fits your lifestyle. That is awesome. Take care.
Now, let’s meet up with Allen on the Mesa campus. Allen is gonna share his experience of exploring his interests and ultimately finding his dream career path with the help and support of amazing professors along the way. Allen, please take it away.
– Hello, everyone. When I made the decision to return back to school, I told myself I would only do that if I could remain debt free. Luckily Mesa Community College’s affordable tuition, flexible learning format, and the fact that it’s near my home really drew me in. Originally, I enrolled in the cybersecurity program but I wasn’t sure if this was the career I truly wanted to pursue. Taking the time to explore my interests turned out to be the best decision I ever made. It was during my first semester while I was taking my prerequisite classes that my incredibly supportive professors helped me to find and apply for scholarships, build connections, and find relative clubs to join like the Student Government and the Multicultural Student Council. The encouragement from my professors and peers has really boosted my confidence. Ultimately, I was able to realize my own dream of becoming a lawyer instead of pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Thanks to the multiple learning format options, I’ve been able to tailor my schedules to my needs by mixing in person and online classes. Each of the classes are small in size and the professors are knowledgeable and really helpful. The networking and skill building I’ve been able to do with the school support has even led to a job offer while still obtaining my degree. Now that I’ve changed my plans, I am relieved to know that MCC has multiple programs that will bridge to various universities. Soon, I will be able to transfer to a four-year university. My experience here at Mesa Community College has been nothing but positive. Not only did I discover my dream career path, but I also built on skills that will help me for the rest of my life. So thank you so much and take it away, Alex.
– Thank you, Allen. Sounds like you are on your way to an exciting future, and it’s awesome that you have had all those partnership options for transferring to the university when you finish at Mesa. We know you’re gonna do great things. Thanks again.
Let’s make our way to Mesa Community College, the largest of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges to meet Heidi. Heidi’s been a dance school owner, preschool teacher, and a full-time mom, but is now getting a real charge out of pursuing a completely new career. Okay, Heidi, give us the details on your new career choice.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I was younger, I struggled in school and didn’t know what I wanted to pursue in my education. My mother was a dance teacher so when school got frustrating, I stopped and opened another dance studio. That lasted about 20 years. While I loved teaching dance, getting to own my own studio, and teaching preschool for two different school districts, I also had an urge to learn new things. When the pandemic began and the school that I worked for went online, my husband and I felt it was the right time for me to make a dramatic change and to go back to school. I wanted to learn new skills that would help prepare me for an exciting technical career. I researched different educational pathways and ultimately decided on electronics. I love learning how things work, getting to be creative, building, designing, and troubleshooting. Mesa Community College came highly recommended for their electronics program. I found that it’s affordability, smaller class sizes, in class, and online flexibility, and knowledgeable professors were a good fit for me. When I first began my classes, I had limited electronics experience and was very nervous, but because of the professors helpful and positive nature, I have always felt comfortable asking questions and getting the help I need to thrive as a straight A student. MCC also helped me succeed by offering me a paid internship at a nearby semiconductor chip manufacturing plant. The smooth process successfully gave me firsthand experience in a clean room. Having the education and work experience has built my confidence in this new field. After realizing how successful I could be at going back to college, I hope to inspire others to pursue their educational dreams and maybe even a new career path. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Heidi, what an inspiration to hear how you are succeeding and earning straight A’s with the support of everyone at Mesa Community College, your paid internship, and opportunity for hands on experience in the electronics industry is an incredible boost. Thanks for sharing your story with us. That was awesome.
Next up we have Nicole, she’ll talk to us about juggling work, kids, and college as she pursues her dream of becoming a dance teacher and opening a performing arts dance school. She’ll tell us why she chose Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and also explain what the three Fs are. Okay, Nicole, you have us all intrigued. Please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. My journey at Chandler-Gilbert Community College began when my son was born. I was a new mother, going to school, balancing work, living on my own all at the same time. I decided to continue my education because I didn’t want to give up all my dreams of establishing my own performing arts dance school, and I wanted to set an example for my new son. The inspiration to further my education came from a dance instructor who mentored me while I was growing up. She taught me the true meaning of dance, the focus and expression of being a dancer and how performance can enrich the lives of others. I looked up to her so much that I felt that I too wanted to inspire others. From that point, I knew Chandler-Gilbert Community College was going to be the place where I followed my passion for dance and education. The college’s helpful staff made it easy for me to begin my journey. Chandler-Gilbert’s Performing Arts center and program speaks to all forms of dance experience and levels from modern, jazz, ballet, you name it. As a member of the Performing Arts program, I’m reminded every day of my goal and why I decided to continue my education. I’m hoping to become a dance teacher to mentor others in hopes of creating a better future. I believe in the three Fs, faith, focus, finish, which has helped me accomplish my educational goals as well as in other areas in my life as well. I am proud to say I am now almost at the finish line, graduating with my fine arts degree in dance. My favorite saying is, it’s not about how you start, but it’s how you finish. Well, everyone, that’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Nicole, thank you for sharing your dream of becoming a dance school owner and how Chandler-Gilbert helped you on your educational journey. Your story about overcoming life’s challenges while keeping your eye on your goal is truly phenomenal. A big congrats on all your incredible accomplishments. Thanks again for sharing your story. Take care.
Let’s meet up with William who got his start in NASCAR as a former race engineer. William is now studying engineering at Chandler-Gilbert, and he’s gonna share his story about his journey, how he chose Chandler-Gilbert and the experiences he’s had so far. Okay William, you’ve got the green flag. Go for it.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I graduated Maryland High School, I decided to move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to pursue a career working for a NASCAR racing team. Eventually, I’d get hired by Front Row Motorsports, where I worked in numerous roles, such as a pit crew tire changer, a mechanic, and a tire specialist. Eventually I’d go on to work for Richard Petty Motorsports as a race engineer where I ended my racing career, but it was well before that moment that I knew education was gonna be my next best move. I chose Chandler-Gilbert Community College because of how friendly and enthusiastic their staff is and how quickly they work to get me into their engineering program. Remember, I came from a world of NASCAR where speed and efficiency are key. In just a short amount of time I’ve been at CGCC, I’ve had amazing experiences. The user friendly online student center makes signing up for classes, checking financial aid, and viewing academic progress a breeze. My favorite parts of attending CGCC are the various class formats that are offered such as live online, hybrid, fully online, or in person. At CGCC, the instructors not only care about their students, but they’re always working on ways to improve their instruction. One of my engineering instructors currently works full-time for an aerospace company and still takes the time to teach at CGCC. You cannot beat this. This type of connection is critical because students can learn real world problems that current industry engineers are facing. CGCC has taught me that education is more than just learning skills in a classroom, but that building relationships with fellow students and instructors are imperative to my success. I love that I can be myself with the inclusive environment that CGCC promotes, so I can focus on school and still have a fun, enjoyable experience whether on campus or online, all at an affordable rate. With CGCC, you’re having your cake and you’re eating it too. But enough about me, let’s send it back to Alex to hear more great success stories.
– William, what a cool story. Your experiences with NASCAR was an amazing first lap and your next ones will be even more exciting as you race towards your new career in engineering. Sounds like you’ve found your own pit crew at Chandler-Gilbert and the community of friends that will last a lifetime. Thanks again.
Okay, everyone, let’s head over to one of UCONN’s greenhouses. We’re gonna talk with Maura. Who’s getting her bachelor’s in Environmental Science with a concentration on sustainable community food systems. Maura’s not only studying these subjects. She’s experiencing them by living on a working student-run farm pretty cool. Maura, please take it away.
Hi everyone. Like most 18 year olds starting the college search, there were so many things that factored into my decision. As a budding environmental science student, I wanted a school that would help me learn how to live a sustainable life. That’s why I was so excited to learn about UCONN’s commitment to limiting their impact on the environment. I got involved in sustainability at UCONN on day one, as a member of the Eco House learning community.
Being surrounded by other students who were motivated to learn about the environment and live sustainably was an amazing experience. That’s where I learned about so many of UCONN’s environmentally focused clubs. Like Eco Husky, where we would volunteer at green game days. Picking up trash after the games and informing people how to dispose of waste properly as trash, recyclables, or compost. Or the soil and water conservation society where we help maintain the green infrastructure on campus. Like the green roofs the Bioretention areas and the rain gardens. We also got to look inside the many ways campus is becoming greener. Like the student led office of sustainability. Which helps keep UCONN in the top 10 of the Sierra club’s cool school rankings. Or, the food waste disposal strategy which uses quantum biopower to turn excess food into energy.
In the Fall of 2019, we also participated in a global climate strike as part of the Fridays for future campaign. To show how seriously students take the climate crisis, we striked classes and instead spent the day educating each other on climate change. We marched the president’s office to read him our demands on how UCONN could improve. And as a response, a student led working group was formed to address the issues and let students’ voices be heard. Freshman year, I also learned about UCONN’s Spring Valley Student Farm, where I’ve lived for the past year.
SVSF is a three-quarter acre sustainable farm, located four miles off campus that uses organic and low till practices to grow fresh, pesticide-free produce for the dining halls. We’re dedicated to sustainability and food justice with a main goal of educating the community. UCONN students can volunteer with us at Farm Fridays to learn about sustainable agriculture and how to grow food. At SVSF, we grow all kinds of vegetables. We have several beehives which help pollinate the vegetables. And we plant pollinator friendly plants and flowers, making us a nationally recognized bee campus. We’re also in the process of installing several solar panels which will help power the greenhouses and the home that we share.
By immersing myself in sustainability at UCONN I’m able to get a unique hands-on experience in topics I otherwise wouldn’t have discovered. Working so closely with food helped me realize a new passion for making food production more sustainable. I am confident that the knowledge I’ve gained here will serve me well at UCONN and beyond that’s all from me, Alex, back to you.
Thanks Maura. It’s fitting that a land grant school with a long history of agriculture education is still making new discoveries and blazing new trails in that field. It sounds like UCONN is giving you the tools you need to go out and make the world a better place Maura. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us, take care.
Okay, who’s feeling a little hungry? Let’s go over to the Whitney dining hall and talk to Riley. He’s a double major in Biomedical Engineering and Spanish, who’s gonna tell us about the most important time of the day. Meal time! Riley what’s on the menu?
Hello, everyone! Leaving home for college is a really exciting experience. There are so many changes in your academic and social life. And let’s be honest, being away from home has a lot of wonderful advantages. But the one thing people don’t talk about a lot is often what they really miss the most – food. Those meals, snacks, take out places from back home that you grew up on. That being said, food is a huge factor for life at school. And here at UCONN, we have some amazing dining opportunities that do an excellent job of filling in for all that food from home.
The first thing you’ll notice when you come to UCONN is how many dining options you have. With any of our three different meal plans, you can eat as many times a day at our eight different dining halls. So in other words, you’ll never go hungry at UCONN. You can wake up in the morning and grab breakfast from our South dining hall. During the day, you can stop by any of our several different cafes or a student union marketplace for a quick lunch or a coffee. And for dinner, you might meet up with some of your friends at Northwest dining hall which, along with two other locations, has extended hours for any of those late night cravings you may have.
No matter where you end up eating at UCONN, there’s always gonna be kosher and halal options nearby. As well as a range of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meal options. So no matter your preferences there’s aways something for you. UCONN dining services is consistently recognized for a wide range of awards. For example, we regularly rank amongst the top three universities with the best vegan recipe and have also nationally in the top 10 most accommodating gluten-free universities. We pride ourselves on the fact that Boston Children’s Medical Center created their menu based off of our own gluten-free program.
Additionally, as a campus, we’re always trying to reduce our environmental impact and our dining services is at the forefront of that movement. UCONN dining serves fresh, locally sourced produce, honey, jarred right here on campus, and even has their own robust composting program. All of which aim to reduce campus waste and emissions.
We’re also fortunate enough to have many off campus dining options as well. Several of which are within walking distance, or you can venture to those restaurants throughout the surrounding towns. My favorite off-campus spot, and one of the most popular among students is Downtown Storrs. Which has everything from a cafe, to pizza, to even some late night cookies. Speaking of sweetness, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one of UCONN’s biggest attractions, our world famous Dairy Bar. Opened in 1953, the dairy bar serves ice cream made from the milk of the cows that graze right next door on Horsebarn Hill. My favorite flavor has to be black raspberry, but don’t just take my word for it. Come and try it yourself.
No matter your needs or preferences UCONN dining services is going to work extremely hard to make sure that all of their students’ desires are satisfied. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m gonna go grab some of that black raspberry ice cream. Back to you, Alex.
Riley, that all sounds delicious. And it’s great that UCONN is nationally recognized for its vegan and gluten-free options. It’s so crucial to have robust real food options for everyone. And I’ll definitely take your recommendation and swing by the dairy bar before I leave campus. For research purposes of course. Thanks for filling us in Riley.
Now let’s go over to the brand new student Recreation Center and meet up with Grace. She’s been involved in undergraduate student government and writes for the undergraduate political review. And she’s gonna tell us how her passion for fitness helped define her experience at UCONN. Grace, how’s it going?
Thank you, Alex. I came to UCONN because I believe in the power of public education. And I wanted to experience a diverse campus environment. As a Political Science major, I am driven by the desire to make change in the world through representation and advocacy. Through my studies, I learned that barriers ahead of us can only be broken if we work together. This idea of unity comes in many forms at UCONN.
In my time here, I’ve been involved in many clubs and organizations, all centered around a common cause or interest. I’ve served in the undergraduate student government, enrolled an accelerated master’s program for public administration, and I also write for the undergraduate political review. I believe that you can’t have a healthy mind without a healthy body. In addition to my major related extracurriculars I also joined the UCONN Brazil Jiu-Jitsu club and UCONN Barbell, a club dedicated to the sport of power lifting. Trust me, I’m not the only one on campus who loves to get fit. With over 35 club sports teams and numerous intramural sports leagues, so many Huskies like to stay healthy.
Personally, when I feel like pumping iron I like to hit the campus gym, which is also where I work. To myself and many others, UCONN recreation is like a second home. Being active is such a huge part of campus culture. You can tell just by how so many students enter the Student Recreation Center forming a line even before we open. UCONN recreation has something for everyone. Group fitness classes, a climbing center and my personal favorite, the squat rack area. We also have two pools, an indoor track, and our own spin studio. After every workout I need to refill my body. So I have to hit up Mango for a smoothie. My go-to order is a chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie with extra protein of course.
In addition to our clubs, sports teams, and the gym, students find so many other ways to practice wellness on campus. During the warm weather, sunrise yoga on Horsebarn Hill is an absolute must. The student health and wellness department also host many events that encourage students to practice mental wellbeing on campus, such as meditation Mondays. And during finals season, therapy dogs are brought into the library to give our hardworking students a much needed break. Here at UCONN, there are so many ways to become a healthy Husky. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks, Grace, all of that sounds so amazing. I love the idea of doing sunrise yoga on Horsebarn Hill, but I’ll probably leave the Jiu-Jitsu to you. Grace, you really showed how the pursuit of excellence at UCONN isn’t limited to the classroom or lab, but takes in the entire student experience. Thanks again for that.
Okay, everybody, we’re gonna head over to the Benton Museum of Art, which stages multiple exhibitions every year including student and faculty art. Brianna, a vocal performance major and first-generation college student, is gonna tell us how the arts made her feel right at home on campus. Brianna, you’re on.
Thanks Alex. So, here’s my story. As a first-generation student I wasn’t sure if UCONN was for me. The idea of higher education intimidated me and it was something my family just couldn’t understand at the time. I was worried that if I attended UCONN, I wouldn’t be able to find students like myself. When I first visited campus however, I stumbled across the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center, also known as PRLACC, and the student support services, SSS, office – two places that would eventually become my home, besides the school of fine arts.
PRLACC is what led me to live in the Latinx learning community. I was able to connect with my culture, while appreciating the cultures of my peers. Student support services helped guide me through my first year on campus as a first generation student. This is where I met my closest friends and established professional networks. From that day, I knew UCONN was a school for me.
UCONN offers a wide variety of cultural and creative experiences for its students. As a student in the school of fine arts, I furthered my creativity and broaden my horizons. Harmony and ear-training classes have allowed me to mature as a musician. And instrumental technique classes have given me exposure to every instrument under the sun. My goal is to become a music educator, and I’m so grateful that my journey as a future teacher began in the school of fine arts. Through UCONN choirs, I’ve sung with local groups and choirs all over the world. Last semester, we collaborated with the Uni Zulu choir in South Africa and learned indigenous choral and south African dance.
If you love the arts, there’s something for you on campus. UCONN is home to 10 A cappella groups, over 15 dance groups and a plethora of annual performances. Our Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts and Connecticut Repertory Theater host many of these performances. From the A cappella rush concert, to plays and musicals, a mixture of students, broadway stars, and celebrities have graced our stages. Students also have free access to the William Benton Museum of Art and the Ballard Institute and Museum of puppetry. During my free time, I like to attend performances with my friends and browse the galleries on campus.
Attending UCONN has provided me with academic and creative opportunities. Not only have I been able to explore my passion for music but I’ve also taken advantage of the many co-curricular opportunities UCONN has to offer. With support from the women’s gender and sexuality studies department, I’m creating a documentary about housing insecurity and homelessness in college. Two issues I’m passionate about besides music. Exploring socioeconomic status is important to me and in the future, I hope to combine my passion for activism and art as I venture into the field of education. Back over to you, Alex
Thank you so much, Brianna. The way you establish yourself with the arts community and with the Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center, really shows the diversity of opportunities and pursuits at UCONN. Getting to sing all over the world with UCONN choirs sounds like a dream come true. Great job, Brianna.