Okay, to wrap things up, we’re gonna take a short trip off campus, and meet up with Hayden. He’s a senior majoring in animal dairy and veterinary sciences, so we’re gonna meet him at Utah State’s Animal Science Farm to learn about some of the state-of-the-art technology and real-world research happening right here. Hayden, you’re on!
– Hey guys, I’m Hayden. When I was a senior in high school, picking a college seemed like a really daunting task. I was torn between several different schools, but after touring Utah State and seeing all they had to offer, the choice became pretty clear. USU is tucked away in Northern Utah’s beautiful Cache Valley and offers a first class education in a small, tight-knit community. What really drew me to USU though, was the school farms. As a student in the College of Agriculture and Applied Science, I spent a lot of time here. Located just 15 minutes south of campus, is the USU South Farm Equine Center and Caine Dairy. The South Farm is made up of the Sam Skaggs Equine Facility, and the Hillyard building, where some of the vet classes are located. It’s also home to the university’s cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. USU began as Utah State Agricultural College, and our programs are still on the leading edge of agricultural technology. For example, we’re one of the only universities that have a completely robotic dairy. At the same time, students here get really hands-on, or as we like to say, hands-in approach to learning. Whether that’d be from labs and classes taught out here on the farm, or by participating in groundbreaking research. Some of my most memorable experiences came from a class I was hesitant to take. I’d never really been interested in the swine industry, but after building a relationship with my professor in class, he recommended I take a swine production course. In that course, I was able to process food for piglets, learn about the industry, and artificially inseminate and farrow out of south. That’s what it’s called when pigs have their litter. This class showed me the importance of branching out of my comfort zone, and really piqued my interest in the industry. As a land grant university for the state, USU has tons of opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research that makes a real impact. Some current student research projects include searching for microbes that will help crops tolerate a higher soil salinity, or improving animal nutrition to help livestock producers save money and protect the environment. Even if you’re not agricultural or animal-focused like I am, there are so many topics that can be studied within the college’s broad range of emphasis. It is the College of Ag and Applied Sciences. From aviation to landscape architecture, environmental planning to outdoor product design, or applied economics to plant science, it’s easy to explore your personal passion. Thanks for letting me share just a little bit about Utah State and my experiences here. Now back to you, Alex.
– Hayden, you’ve opened our eyes to what high-tech farming in agriculture have become. And what of the amazing variety of programs available at Utah State, it’s absolutely incredible. Thanks for showing us something out of the ordinary. Take care!
Students at UT are innovators, problem solvers, artists and leaders. So many of the great things that UT have been created by students. This is really a place where you can make a difference. Kiara a government major is gonna tell us about all the way she’s made an impact here on campus. You’re on Kiara.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, y’all. My name is Kiara Kabbara and I am the Senior Body President here at The University of Texas at Austin, where I am a senior government major with a double minor in business and entrepreneurship at the wonderful McCombs School of Business, where we are number in the nation for undergraduate studies. My business professors inspired me to host my own event, the lounge. Held in 2019, the lounge provided a platform for Black student entrepreneurs to spotlight their business as well as a space for student athletes to engage with the student body. We also awarded two college scholarships to high school seniors through my Non-Profit ballout with funds from the lounge raffle. While my minor is in business and entrepreneurship, as a government major, I aspire to follow in the footsteps of wonderful women like Stacey Abrams, Lady Bird Johnson and of course the wonderful Barbara Jordan and they all aspired me to become the second African-American woman Student Body President here at The University of Texas at Austin. Before I became student body president, I worked tirelessly my junior year to bring back the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People UT Austin chapter. The NAACP at UT has grown to more than 100 members in less than two years. And the chapter now gives student athletes a platform and the opportunity to sit on the executive board. I have felt so blessed to spend the last four years here on the 40 acres. UT Austin has brought me lifelong friendships, inspiring mentors and the tools to change the world. I know wherever I go, my Longhorn family will be with me. Hook’em. And back to you Alex.
– Awesome job Kiara. You’ve accomplished so much here. It’s really inspiring to see the drive UT students have in persuing their goals and helping the university community flourish. That story was amazing. Take care.
Now it is time to get your horns up. The Longhorns have won 58 national championships and counting and Texas fans are some of the most spirited fans out there. Christian, a theater and dance major is gonna tell us what, how having Longhorn spirit is all about. It’s all you Christian.
– I appreciate that Alex. And what’s up to the people at home. I’ve known since I was three years old that I wanted to be an entertainer. Whether that I was acting, dancing or singing, I just knew I needed a place where I can explore it all. UT is the perfect home to pursue my various interests. As a theater major, I’ve been able to act in award-winning student films. And I was also able to fully dive into my musical side using the university’s fully equipped recording studio. Which eventually led to me opening up for the DJ duo, the Lost Kings. If there’s anything you need to know about UT it’s that we love our sports. The culture around athletics was so exciting that I decided that I wanted to be a part of it. Becoming a marketing intern with Texas Athletics has allowed me to learn about the business and the marketing side of sports. While also curating a welcoming environment for Texas fans all over. On almost any night, you can catch one of the many amazing UT sporting events. And I guarantee if you weren’t before you’ll be a fan by the end of the game. Longhorns know how to celebrate and show their spirit. Every home football game we have a huge parade with rides, our legendary cheer and pom squads, our mascots Bevo, Hook’Em and we got food and music on top of that. Coming to college, I really had the opportunity to explore all aspects of myself and chase my passions. Our slogan here is, what starts here, changes the world. And though my journey here is coming to an end. I guarantee this won’t be the last time you hear my name. See you soon and back to you Alex.
– Let’s go Texas.
– Thank you, Christian. Can’t wait to see everything you accomplish. So, UT has a unique tradition, for notable athletic achievements like conference or national championships, as well as academic accomplishments. The iconic tower is lit orange in celebration of those victories. And this thing can be seen from miles and miles away. It is a sight to see. Okay Christian, thanks again. Take care.
It’s no secret that Longhorns love to do the Hook’em horns hand sign. I’m pretty sure this hand sign is recognizable all over the world. That’s because there are Longhorn alums everywhere supporting each other long after they leave the 40 acres. Critica a corporate communication and advertising double major is gonna tell us about her experience connecting with Longhorn Nation.
– Thanks Alex for that great introduction. Hey, y’all, how’s it going? So ever since high school, I always is knew I wanted to come to UT. Not only was it close to home, but what really drew me here was its culture, its diversity and its opportunities even after you graduate. I love how UT has given me the opportunity to create connections, to help me in my academics and career. I’ve had the opportunity to attend panels with alumni, learn about their experiences after graduation and the steps they took in order to achieve their success. Listening to these panels inspired me as they were in the same position as I am. Like them, I can achieve great things too. UT has an amazing alumni network with over 540,000 Longhorn spread across the world. With social networks, such as HookedIn, I can stay connected to Longhorn Nation and find opportunities that other alums may have for me. Together we can share our talents and resources and change lives. Once I graduate, I’m looking forward to joining Texas Exes, our alumni association, and continuing to celebrate the Longhorn spirit and support future Longhorns even after leaving the 40 acres. When I first started college, I did not think I would be able to learn and grow so much. UT has changed my perspective on so many things and has motivated me to become a better student. I thought it was just UT slogan, but students here really change these words into actions. What starts here, really does change the world. Hook’em. That’s all from me. Back to you Alex.
– Thank you Critica. It’s great to hear how passionate Longhorns are about helping each other out. We have seen that the entire time we’ve been on campus. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Next is Kalina. She is tearing it up on the soccer field and in the classroom as a double major in African-American studies and politics and government with a political theory concentration. 50% of Puget Sound students participate in NCAA club or intramural sports and Kalina is gonna tell us what putting on the logger uniform is all about. Kalina passing it to you.
– Thanks for that introduction Alex. It was a goal of mine to play soccer at the collegiate level close to home. After my visit, I immediately loved the campus and felt confident this program was right for me. And knowing that Puget Sound is a top performer with many conference titles and national tournament appearances was definitely a game changer. Part of competing at the collegiate level is staying in shape year round. And this is just one of Puget Sound’s top tier athletics facilities. We recently renovated the fitness center, aquatic center and more, so I have everything I need to remain fit for competition. And of course these facilities aren’t just for athletes, but for all members of our campus. Being an athlete has also meant learning how to lead off the field. Some of my peers and I co founded the association of student athletes of color, an organization aimed at supporting and retaining student athletes of color at Puget Sound. It’s been a space for us to share our experiences, learn about the history of athletes of color as activists. And we’ve even been a part of diversity and inclusion initiatives with both the NCAA and our athletics community. We envision our club growing as more student athletes of color come to Puget Sound and join a space made for them by students like them. Puget Sound is the largest program in the Northwest conference with 23 teams and 20% of students here are varsity athletes. But athletics extends beyond NCAA sports. We have clubs from rugby to pickle ball and any student can organize an intramural team. With other facilities like a climbing wall and a tennis pavilion, there’s truly a place for anyone to stay active while attending Puget Sound. Through athletics, I’ve discovered I want my future to be centered around social justice and it has given me the opportunity to grow as a player, person and leader on the women’s soccer team and in my community. Well, that’s my story. Kicking it back to you Alex.
– Hi, it’s Kalina. Kalina thank you. That was fantastic hearing about how athletics has shaped you as a player and a professional striving for social justice is remarkable. Thank you so much for sharing that and go loggers.
ow we’re going to the Heights with Dr. Latoya Brackett. Dr. Brackett is going to explain what to the Heights means and how the community here aspires to live it in every aspect of the Puget Sound experience. Dr. Brackett over to you.
– Thanks for that introduction Alex, greetings everyone. I joined the faculty here at Puget Sound because students come first for me. Puget Sound’s guiding motto is To the Heights, which is a call to action for us to be better than we were before and to reach beyond our expectations. As an assistant professor of African-American studies, I have the privilege of witnessing many moments of clarity for my students. Many students find that their academics here interact with the social justice narratives that impact their everyday lives. Here at Puget Sound students don’t simply learn how to make a change, they lead it. Like several of our students in the summer of 2020, who led the largest black lives matter march here in Tacoma watching my students was one of the best moments as a professor and as a member of the leadership team for the race pedagogy Institute. As injustices continue we must ask ourselves, how do we best prepare our students to lead. Here at Puget Sound we answered that question each and every day. At the race and pedagogy Institute, one of a kinds community engaged entity, working to end racism and the programs like FIPSE, the freedom education project, Puget Sound, which helps provide educational opportunities for incarcerated women here in Washington. Puget Sound offers bachelor’s degrees in critically engaged disciplines like African-American studies where I teach and gender and birth studies and an environmental policy and decision-making to name a few. With opportunities like the summer fellowship internship, where Puget Sound fun students interested in working with local nonprofits and with an Institute that hosts a conference every four years dedicated to race and education, you will not be left behind in the changing world. With us, you will be the change maker. Each semester I get to launch a new set of students into a curriculum that shows them that the process is the product. And each spring I get to cheer some of them on as they graduate. And I get to witness the beginnings of their greatness beyond Puget Sound. And yet another change begins. Back to you Alex.
– Dr. Brackett, that was inspiring. We should definitely all try to live To the Heights. You and Puget Sound students are doing so much important work, thank you.
Okay so let’s head off campus and join up along the Sound with Miguel. He’s going to show us how to Tacoma is the full trifecta with city sea and snow-capped mountains. I can’t believe you get to go to college here Miguel. Now please take it away.
– Audi, when I was looking at schools to transfer to, I wanted a place that had options. What I found was a home here at the university of Puget Sound and in Tacoma. one of my favorite things to do is to walk along Rustin way and taken the beautiful mountain views and ocean breeze just a few minutes from campus. We are in the heart of beautiful Tacoma, the city of destiny. Tacoma is a very vibrant city that has everything I could ever want. Restaurants on sixth avenue, shopping on Proctor, art, museums and music downtown. I’m a music major so trust me when I say the Tacoma dome is the venue for concerts. And of course, coffee is the vibe here. I’m a dark rose cream and sugar guy myself, and there are at least a dozen independent cafes and roasteries within walking distance of campus. Most of the time I am on campus and everybody talks about how gorgeous it is, and that is totally fair. It has been ranked one of the top 20 most beautiful campuses in the country. But we’re not just a pretty face. The sense of community here is amazing. And being a part of this unique city provides opportunities for internships and experiential learning that you can’t find in most places. The university of Puget Sound is perfectly located. If I want even more options, I head up to Pike’s place market in Seattle. And when I get into the thick of the semester and need a break, either head down to the ocean or over to the mountains, I think my ride is here, back to you Alex.
– Miguel, that was amazing. And so is that view. Tacoma is so dynamic, I love it. You really get the best of everything and it’s awesome you’re taking full advantage of it all. Now, I don’t think I need any more coffee, but if I do, I’m gonna check out that spot. Thanks again, Miguel.
We are about to meet Sarah, One of the 2,256 graduate students at URI. Sarah from New Jersey, studied marine biology here and is now entering her one year master’s program at URI. Let’s go hear from Sarah who is on the Cap’n Bert boat, a URI research vessel about her experiences with the sea.
– Thank you, Alex and ahoy there, everyone. I got my start at the University of Rhode Island as a marine biology major. And now, I’m here continuing my education as a master student, studying environmental science and management. Today, I’m gonna be talking to you all about how college education is more important than just learning skills for a job. Learning outside of the classroom is just as important in helping to elevate your goals. My first semester here, I was lucky to have Dr. Bradley Wetherbee as my URI 101 professor. Dr. Wetherbee is one of the best shark researchers in New England. And at the end of my class with him, I asked if he had any openings in his lab on campus. He had a few students graduating from his lab so I was able to jump right into tracking sharks off the coast of Rhode Island, California and Mexico as soon as my second semester here. I even got to take some trips out of the marina to tag sharks myself along with a few other students. In January of 2020, I participated in a J Term course led by Dr. Graham Forrester and Katie Nickles in Bonaire, which is a little island off the coast of Venezuela. This was a coral reef conservation scuba diving course where we got to dive three times a day for two weeks. We actually got to spend a little over 21 hours underwater throughout the class. We learned all sorts of things like diver impacts on the reef, fish counting, and the difference between Marine protected areas versus non-protected areas. My knowledge of coral skyrocketed after this course. And I was able to learn many different species of corals as well as some diseases that take over those corals. It really helped me to delve into what I wanna do post-graduation. Two summers ago, I held an environmental education internship at a place called The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. This internship was 13 weeks long. And I learned that not only do I love the research aspect of marine biology, but I also love being able to spark an interest in marine life in young children and adults. Being able to see people’s faces light up when they learn something new or got to hold an animal from one of our touch tanks and learning stations was something quite amazing. I got to practice my public speaking and communication skills by running all the educational programming throughout the Institute. And this really helped show me all the opportunities that are waiting for me once I cross the stage with my master’s degree at graduation next year. The hands-on experiences that I’ve had during my time at URI will have lasting impacts on my career as I continue my work and studies in marine biology. Without URI, I wouldn’t have been able to challenge myself through travel, classes, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities that will make me an overall better environmentalist. That’s my story so far at URI. And I can’t wait to see how the rest of it unfolds. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Sarah. You really had so many hands-on learning experiences that propelled you to the next step in your journey at URI. Tagging sharks, educating young people, and traveling to Bonaire have all definitely shaped your journey. More than 6,700 students participate annually in experiential learning. And the work they do outside of the classroom changes their trajectory. Just take it from Sarah. Thanks again for that.
It’s time to meet an excellent campus leader named Peyton, who is a junior from Connecticut. Peyton has really evolved during his time at URI. And a lot of it has to do with the leadership experience he got and the mentors he met along the way. URI’s Leadership Institute works with first year students who have leadership and service potential with the hope that these students will become active members of the URI community. With over 100 students participating annually, URI is surely breeding amazing leaders. Let’s hear it from one right now. Onto you, Peyton.
– Thanks, Alex. My trajectory was forever changed my leadership experiences at URI. This all started before my first year even began at a two-day program called the URI Leadership Institute. As an incoming student, I knew no one at URI. During this program, I was able to meet over 100 other first year students who were in the same boat as me, such as one of my best friends and current roommates, Emmett. We participated in critical discussion, team building activities, as well as most importantly, interacted with current URI students that served as peer leaders for the program. These peer mentors showed me a variety of ways to get involved at URI as well as the confidence I needed to pursue these opportunities. Lindsey encouraged me to join Rotaract Club, an organization dedicated to local service. It was there I found my passion for servant leadership and giving back to others. Brian guided me through the process of applying to be an orientation leader. So I can now help other first-year students navigate their first experiences at URI. Lindsey and Brian were both peer mentors who soon became my friends and colleagues. They made me realize my potential and all the untapped energy I never knew I had in high school. This fall, I’ll be able to have a full circle moment as a peer leader for incoming students at this year’s Leadership Institute. Another huge experience that added to my leadership journey was participating in one of URI’s Alternative Spring Break trips or ASB for sure. In March 2020, I traveled to New Orleans to help assist with natural disaster relief, assist with food insecurity, as well as learn more about the background of this historic city. Through ASB, I was able to participate in amazing service activities, such as working in gardens at a charter school sorting beads after Mardi Gras for recycling, as well as passing out meals at the food bank. I also learned about how hurricane Katrina impacted the people of New Orleans until this day, along with how to dry wall a home for a family that lost theirs through the natural disaster. These experiences opened my eyes to the various adversities people continuously face around the world and how I can continue to create positive change. Through these various organizations, I was nurtured to grow, all while continuously being supported by my amazing peers, professors and faculty. I believe one of the greatest things URI has to offer are the people that are a part of its community. My involvement here at URI has given me the opportunity to genuinely feel for the first time in my life that I’m surrounded by people who truly value me. And that will forever be something I am grateful for. Well, that’s my story. Alex, back to you.
– Thanks, Peyton. It’s incredible that all your amazing experiences have happened in your first two years at URI. And we can’t wait to see what’s next.
It’s time to head over to the Robert E. Will Theater where we’ll meet senior, Alana. Alana’s always been in love with the theater and has dreams to be on Broadway. She is getting that foundation at URI through her work in the classroom, outside of the classroom, and research experience at this major research institution. Students at URI are able to pursue their dreams whether that be in STEM programs, business, education, or the arts. No student’s dream is too big or small. URI students can literally do it all. Let’s head over to Alana and learn more about her story.
– Thanks, Alex. My time at URI has been anything but traditional, which is only fitting with my major in theater and my passion for the performing arts. As a theater major, I love to flex my creativity both on and off stage. Lots of people with peers and professors have helped me to progress with my talents in ways I never could have imagined. My URI 101 professor, David Howard who is the chair of the theater department is my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He’s there for me with opportunities, encouragement, and advice to keep me going. Rachel Walshe, one of my directing professors always reminds me to shoot for the stars. She encouraged me to apply for one of the most incredible experiences I had at URI, which was a week-long regional theater competition, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, KCACTF. Through KCACTF, I competed in a leadership program entitled ASPIRE. During my time in ASPIRE, I met amazing creative artists just like me, and created my own season of plays. My season of plays was entitled Black History Year, and consisted of a series of plays all from black playwrights that followed American history through the black perspective in order to further unify black history as American history. This is a passion of mine due to the lack of representation of black playwrights that I’ve experienced within my own life. I became a finalist for ASPIRE and most importantly, this experience inspired me to keep fighting for equity and inclusion in theater. Beyond researching and creating, I was able to showcase my performing skills in the spring of 2021 as the lead in our production of “Miss Nelson is Missing!” This was such a special experience since we were able to record the production and then stream it to over 450 classrooms, nevermind our friends and family who watched it from home, making our largest audience at URI. During these challenging and uncertain times, the arts aren’t always prioritized. Through URI theater, we were able to come together as a community and use the arts to lift people up. I can’t help but think that if it was not for the amazing people and experiences I had at URI, I would not be the same person I am today telling you this story. So thank you for letting me share my story with you. That’s a wrap, Alex.
– Thanks, Alana. You are so talented and really set the stage on fire. Hearing about your experience at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival was awesome. Being able to put all the skills you learned from your professors and classmates into action really paid off. It’s clear that your research is making a big, big impact. I know we’ll see you on Broadway one day soon. Take care.