Now we’re gonna explore art and culture at UT. The university houses more than 170 million objects in eight museums and 17 libraries. And the LBJ Presidential Library at UT was the first presidential library to be located on a college campus. Guillermo a radio television film major is gonna tell us more about UT as a hub of art and culture.
– Appreciate the introduction Alex. I wanted to in a college that promoted and celebrated how people from different backgrounds engaged in creative endeavors. After looking at UT and its radio TV film program, the choice was easy. Getting involved in media communities, such as the university TV stations, video game hour live or working for on campus change through groups like the Black and LatinX advising student to student program. You can establish meaningful connections all around UT. But you can’t discuss arts and culture in Texas without mentioning art museums, showcasing globally important artwork and cultural treasures. Like one of the world’s earliest photographs. Our performing arts venues are world class too and attract full scale Broadway shows and A-list entertainers. Throughout my time at UT I found meaningful relationships in communities appealing to both my culture and career interests by joining extracurricular organizations. I’ve also found that the historical resources on campus like the LBJ Presidential Library and our humanities research center are especially valuable. That’s all from me. Back to you Alex.
– Awesome job Guillermo. Thanks for sharing how vibrant art and culture is at UT. That was absolutely fantastic. Take care.
Now let’s hear from Bella, a communication leadership major who is passionate about getting involved on campus and setting up for fellow students for success. Bella, how’s it going?
– Hey, y’all. I’m from Deep South Texas major in communication and leadership while also minoring in social work and communications and social change. Coming from a small border town to attend a large diverse university was a culture shock. At first I was hesitant to continue my powerlifting career, but turns out it was the best decision that I made. By joining the Longhorn Powerlifting Team. I was doing something I was passionate about while making instant connection. It’s also helped me tremendously as a student manage my time. Getting my training in and hitting the books. Once I gained confidence I wanted to give back to the college community, making the transition easier for incoming students. I helped found an organization called RGV Familia, an initiative for UT students who are from the Rio Grande Valley. It centers on our multicultural heritage and strong family relations. Many of the members are first in their families to attend college. And we take pride in providing a second home away from home for the students, helping them feel a sense of belonging, right from the start of their college career. I take pride in all that I do here on the 40 acres, including taking home the gold last Collegiate Nationals while also holding the American bench record within the 57 kg equipped division. Although classroom learning is important, campus life experiences are equally valuable. The more you get involved and connect with others, the more you’ll learn to appreciate the diversity of our university and the great support system of students right here on the 40 acres. Hook’em horns. And back to you Alex.
– Awesome job, Bella. You truly are a leader on campus and that is absolutely amazing. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
The campus community at Texas is just like the state. It’s really big, but it’s also warm and inviting. Jessica a journalism major is gonna tell us how that’s possible. Jessica, please take it away.
Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. Growing up near Austin, I got to experience the UT campus on game day with my family because my mom’s a Texas Exe. So I knew that I loved the environment and the Longhorn pride, but had no idea how perfect to a fit UT would be for me. Once I knew I wanted to be a Longhorn, I was excited, but I was also nervous because of how big UT seemed. Within my first month though, I learned just how many people at UT care about you and want to see you succeed.
The most helpful person during my freshman year was definitely my first year interest group leader. Every freshman has the opportunity to participate in FIG groups with other new students in their major, going through similar experiences as you. My fig mentor, not only introduced me to different organizations, I could join on campus and resources, but also became an important mentor and friend to me. She inspired me to get involved on campus by joining organizations and to serve as a resident assistant at my dormitory. When I first began college, I had no idea what a strong sense of community I would feel and all the different groups I’ve been able to join on campus.
As an RA, I get to know the students on my floor personally, and I know the relationships we’re forming will last a lifetime. I had no idea how much hands on experience I would gain at the Moody College of Communication. I’ve been able to serve as a social media intern and I’m excited to continue to use the skills I’ve learned into digital storytelling after graduation. I’m so grateful for all that I’ve been able to experience during my time on the 40 acres. Back to you Alex. Hook’em horns.
Thanks Jessica. It’s awesome how UT has so many opportunities for first year student to get acclimated to life on campus. Whether you’re from a small or big city, there are so many people here who wanna help you make the 40 acres feel like home. Thanks again.
It’s time to meet Vicki, a third year psychology major. She’s found shops, cafes and restaurants just blocks from campus. Plus, with Chicago just a quick drive or train ride away, and the Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore close by, you’ve gotten great day trips all around. Isn’t that right, Vicki? Tell us more about it.
– Thanks Alex and hello everyone. My commitment to Valpo was very clear after just a few campus visits. All the students knew the cool places to hang out, either downtown or on campus. Whether you want to grab some coffee or visit the dunes with some friends, Valparaiso has it all. I was not a complete stranger to the Valpo community before I became a student though. My hometown is just 25 minutes away, so my friends and I frequently visited the downtown area. We personally enjoy Zao Island, the 49er Drive In and the Central Park Plaza Ice Ring. Those are some local hotspots that everyone loves to visit for something engaging activities, especially if you’re down for some go-karting and laser tag. I was also aware that downtown Valpo welcomed all the college students. It’s very easy to visit, especially since all the boutiques, cafes and restaurants are just walking distance away from campus. And if you’re in the mood to shop, you can visit Valpo Vintage, Indie Indie Bang Bang, or Ivy Boutique. And Designer Desserts makes amazing cupcakes. If you wanted to venture further beyond campus, you can visit the Indiana Dunes National Park for the shoreline and trails, or if you wanted to take some friends to Chicago, all you’d have to do is take the South Shore train line. The greatest thing about Valparaiso is the community. I see the inclusivity every day, on and off campus. Everyone’s here to learn, but you can’t forget to have fun. So don’t forget to ask somebody what their favorite Valpo spot is. Back to you, Alex.
– Vicki, those are literally the biggest cupcakes I have ever seen. Thanks for the inside scoop on the local community. Now I’m hungry for something sweet from Designer Desserts. That and a walk around Lake Michigan feels like my kind of day. That was awesome.
Okay, next, let’s catch up with Chloe, which is not easy at all. Because this senior geology major is often out and about doing field work in the local mountains and canyons. In fact, she just got back from the Grand Canyon. Now she’s up in Logan Canyon, about 10 minutes from campus, to talk to us about the hands-on research and activities at Utah State. Chloe, you are on.
– Hi, everyone! I’m here to talk to you today about my hands-on learning and research experience here at Utah State. People always ask me why I decided to be a geologist. And the classic answer is, I love to be outside. Utah is an amazing state, because there is so much to do and it is so diverse. There are mountain forest here in Northern Utah where you can go kayaking, caving, hiking and biking, but there are also beautiful desert landscapes to the south, where you can go canyoneering, rock crawling, and so much more. But the real reason that I love geology is a little more poetic than just being outside. I love storytelling and being able to understand geology is like knowing a secret language about our world. I also love archeology, because it’s just like geology, but for people. Being in the geoscience department has given me so much opportunity and experience, from working in various labs, to going on class field trips throughout the year. I’ve been on trips to Topaz Mountain, Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, and some random fields in Idaho to look at small volcanic features called cinder cones, just to name a few. All courses have corresponding labs where we get to practice our field skills, such as using geologic compasses called Bruntons, and taking scientific field notes. We also work a lot with microscopes, where we analyze individual mineral grains, which is called petrology. Rocks and minerals really put on a show underneath microscopes. Now, not everybody in my department is a nature guy, and we have several impressive labs where students spend a lot of time. I have been lucky enough to work in a lot of these labs, such as our Optically Stimulated Luminescence Lab, which we call OSF. We also have state-of-the-art equipment in our chemical labs such as our inductively coupled plasma and x-ray fluorescent machinery. One of my favorite hands on activities is our Rock and Fossil Day, where we offer tons of free and informational activities for the public. Every professor makes a presentation, whether it’s a talk on the Pleistocene on Lake Bonneville, which left footprints on our valley, or demonstrating how stream systems work. Not only is this event informational, but it’s also fun. We have tons of kids activities such as Pangea puzzles, tours of our in-house museum, and free dinosaur cookies. I mean, who doesn’t love free dinosaur cookies? Well, it’s all we have time for today. But if you do end up at Utah State, make sure to join the geology club so you can get a taste of the beautiful outdoors right here. What’s next, Alex?
– Chloe, it sounds like this is the best possible place for you to combine your love for the outdoors with incredible research activities, and learn all these techniques and new technology. Get back out there and keep listening to those stories the rocks are telling you. Thanks again.
Now, it’s time to meet Quisheima, she’s a senior in wildlife ecology and management. And she came to Logan after starting at a different Utah State campus in the Southern part of the state. And we can’t wait to hear about her experience. Take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, my name is Quisheima Brown, and I’d like to introduce myself in my native language, which is Navajo or Dine’. And that is how I introduce myself as a Navajo woman. I came to Utah State University because they did offer a great program in my field of interest, which is wildlife ecology. While I am a Logan student now, I did start out at another campus, USU Blanding. I started out there only because I wanted to get a jumpstart on my degree while being closer to home. It was a great decision, because the class sizes were smaller, there were many great events that took place on campus, and I met some incredible friends while getting a jumpstart on my career. As a Native American coming here has made me open my eyes to showing everyone my culture and my knowledge. I was the Native American Student Council president, as well as our first attendant for the Miss Native American USU. Being in this position has made me proud of who I am, and being able to display my talents. Through the Inclusion Center and its amazing staff, it’s nice to have support and be comfortable around people like the Black Student Union, Latinx Student Union, Asian Student Union, Korean Student Alliance, and multicultural groups here at Utah State. The Inclusion Center provides resources and is very welcoming. In the Native American Student Council, we perform in half-time shows as well as host annual pow-wow. We host the pow-wow to help with cultural preservation and display our beautiful culture to everyone. It is my favorite event, because I do participate as a dancer myself, one of many who come from many tribes to show off their dancing style, crafts, and identity. The celebration of Native American culture is one of the most popular events here on campus each year. And it is a perfect example of how Utah State brings people together. Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Quisheima. It sounds like Utah State has a lot of ways to make sure people feel welcome on campus. And how great is it to be able to get started at a top tier university so close to home? I wish I could stick around for the next pow-wow, it sounds like an amazing event, take care.
Another thing students here at Valpo like to talk about is the sense of belonging they feel on campus. Just ask Michela, a senior psychology major. She’s immersed in both fraternity and sorority life and academics and has found a real sense of campus community. It’s all about building authentic connections, something that comes naturally from the students and faculty at Valpo. ♪ Huh huh ♪
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. I’m so thankful for everything Valpo has given me over the past few years. Not only are our academic strong, but our campus community is truly what makes Valpo feel like home. One of my homes here is the Gamma Phi Beta House. Joining sorority life, has allowed me to indulge in a community filled with love, inclusivity and empowerment. Every day feels like coming home to my family. My second home on campus is the Psychology Department. The professors I’ve met have encouraged me to shoot for the stars, whether it be designing my own research project or helping me excel in my internship. My professors genuinely care about my success and wellbeing, and I feel so lucky to have them as mentors. Finally, my third home is the Admissions Office. I am a Tour Guide and a Social Media Assistant, and I love coming into work and building connections with the prospective students. I remember how stressful it was looking for a home for the next four years and I just hope that I can make students search a little bit easier. Valpo’s community is unique and special. We offer a home on campus, no matter what you’re looking for, whether you want to conduct research, enter fraternity sorority life, join a club, or even try something new. There is a sense of belonging for each and every student here on campus. Valpo has shaped me in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. I am so thankful for everything that Valpo has given me. Well, that’s all I have. What’s next, Alex?
– It’s so true, Michela. The friends you meet in college are your friends for life and it’s so cool to see you found a close knit community that has your back and helps you learn and grow. That was really fun.
Okay, everyone, now let’s get down to business and go meet Meredith. She just graduated with a degree in marketing, and is gonna talk to us about Utah State’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, where they take learning seriously and also makes sure students get a well-rounded experience. Tell us about it Meredith.
– Hello, everyone! Welcome to the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. When I was in high school, looking at where to attend college after graduation, I was looking through a magazine and I saw Utah State ranked as one of the top college towns in the nation. I decided to tour, and immediately fell in love with the gorgeous campus, the energetic atmosphere, and the Huntsman School. I learned about the Huntsman difference, which describes the school’s unique focus on the combination of both inside-the-classroom experiences and outside-of-the-classroom opportunities. This specific combination was exactly what I was looking for in a school. I soon applied and was accepted into the Huntsman Scholar Program, where I was assigned a personal and professional mentor to work with me throughout the next four years. Through this honors program, students also receive an annual stipend, go on a fully-funded international experience, and have an amazing network of other Huntsman scholars. During my very first semester in the program, my cohort traveled to Southern Utah, where we presented to high school students about the opportunities of higher education. After this event, we went whitewater rafting, went to a local fair, and visited the Four Corners Monument. This combination of work and play is one of the many things I loved about the Huntsman School. Throughout the next four years, I continued to get involved in various clubs and events. I was encouraged in part to do this by the school’s motto, to dare mighty things. Having this quote at the entrance of the building serves as a reminder to all students that trying new and mighty things is one of the best ways to learn and grow. I joined pro sales where I competed and placed in a national competition. I moved to Manila, Philippines, where I completed a business internship, and I got involved, on the university level, hosting various events. To bridge college experiences with full-time employment opportunities, the Huntsman School offers many resources. There’s one-on-one mentoring through our career coach program. There’s networking with corporate sponsors through mock interview days, and every Friday, in lieu of classes, there’s workshops hosted by high-level professionals such as the former president of Nike and the owner of the Utah Jazz. These resources, paired with the clubs and committees at the Huntsman school, ensures that students leave not only with a diploma, but a packed resume as well. After graduation, I’m headed to Philadelphia, where I will be working for the Fortune 200 company where I had my summer internship. I’m grateful for the people that I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had here, that made me confident in applying for this role. I’ll miss it here, but I know I’ll always be a part of the Aggie family. Go Aggies! And back to you Alex.
– Awesome, Meredith! It sounds like you’ve definitely been daring mighty things, and you make a terrific ambassador for the Huntsman school. I know you’ll be successful in your new career, that was fantastic, take care!
Okay, next, let’s head to the theater and spend some time with Aubrey, a senior majoring in theater education. She’ll share her behind-the-scenes expertise and experience as a student in the arts, and the many opportunities Utah State offers to showcase students’ talent and encourage creative exploration and research. The spotlight is on you, Aubrey.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, everyone, I’m Aubrey. And I’ve known since middle school that I want to work in theater. It gives me the opportunity to be creative, have fun, and do something new every day. I decided to go into theater education because I wanted to work with young people, and theater gives students the opportunity to grow and express themselves in an encouraging environment. In my sophomore year, I was the assistant director of a theater for young audiences show, where we invite local schools to our performances. This is an opportunity I may not have even been considered for as an underclassman at a different school. I knew virtually no one when I came here. And it was a little scary at first being on my own in an unfamiliar place far from home. I got involved right away with a few student organizations, and soon I met some amazing people and found lifelong friends. The theater department at Utah State is fairly small, so most of my peers and faculty know me by name. This gave me the close-knit environment I was looking for. The Caine College of the Arts is student-focused, and Utah State offers a lot of opportunities for us to express ourselves creatively, or showcase our work in galleries and performances. Next semester, I’ll be completing my honors capstone project, a devised theater piece about navigating higher education as a multiracial students. I’m half Korean and half Romanian, and coming from one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas to the small city of Logan, I experienced some culture shock. College pushed me to explore my racial identities. And I wondered if my experiences were similar to those of other multiracial students. My hope is that this project will resonate with other people of color. I had some really amazing teachers in middle and high school who believed in me and supported me. And I want to do for future students what those teachers have done for me. Because of my education here, I feel like I’ll be able to offer my students so many opportunities. Thank you for letting me share my story. Now back to you, Alex.
– Aubrey, I’m sure you’re gonna end up being an inspirational teacher yourself. Thank you for sharing your love for theater and passion for education. It sounds like you found the perfect program to prepare you for your dream job. Take care.
Now we’re gonna hear from Ishi a chemical engineering and finance double major who has used her time at UT to really get to know herself and her career interest while taking some risks along the way. I can’t wait to hear about your journey Ishi. Please take it away.
Thanks Alex and hey y’all. For years, I’ve wanted to pursue affordable healthcare to improve people’s lives. But when it came to picking a major, nothing I could think of fit. So, knowing UT had great academic options, I chose to enroll here, undeclared. While exploring majors, I made a pivotal decision. I joined UT Senate of College Councils, which is UT’s legislative body in handling all academic affairs. And here I represented all undeclared students. At Senate, two incredible things happened. First, I met Longhorns from almost every academic major you could imagine.
For context, UT has about 170 fields of study across 18 colleges and schools. So, meeting these people opened my eyes to the possibilities and I decided to double major in chemical engineering and finance. This way I learned about affordable healthcare strategy from two very unique perspectives. My fellow Senate representatives also inspired me to take random interesting classes like interpersonal communication and Roman archeology. Second, Senate showed me that despite our different majors, UT students have a lot in common and share a lot of the same academic struggles.
This understanding drove me to address internal transfer, which is the process through which most UT students changed their majors. I wrote Senate legislation to restructure and improve internal transfer. And after working with UT administration for two years, the new process became official. All students hoping to change their majors will benefit from this process. But here’s the thing, if I didn’t come to UT, I may never have found the perfect majors or pursued student advocacy. That just goes to show you how UT pushes you to explore. So if you are unsure of what to pursue in life, don’t worry. UT is the place to figure out who you are. I’ll always be grateful to UT for showing me who I am. Back to you Alex and hook’em.
Great job Ishi. Another way to explore your career interests at UT is through the many experiential learning opportunities they offer where students get hands on experience in their desired fields. It’s a great way to take what you’re studying in the classroom and apply it to the real world scenarios. Which can give you the confidence that you’re on the right track. Thanks again Ishi.