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.
Let’s head over to the new Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering where we’ll meet class of 2019 graduate, Jasmine. Jasmine is a first-generation college graduate who enrolled at URI, not knowing what was to come. That’s common for so many students entering college. In fact, one in every three entering students at URI, aren’t quite sure what they will major in. Students at URI are supported in making big decisions and are given the autonomy to try new things. Let’s hear more about Jasmine’s story.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. As a 2019 alumna of the University of Rhode Island, I wanna share my URI story with you as it may not be exactly what you would expect. My dream was to work in the fashion or cosmetic industry. I entered URI double majoring in chemical engineering and French. When I arrived to URI as a first-generation Latina student in the engineering field, I had significant imposter syndrome. This caused quite the struggle because I faced years of attempting to succeed in a major that I wasn’t sure I was truly passionate about. I joined an organization called DRIVE, which stands for Diversifying, Recruiting, Inspiring, Volunteering, and Educating, which helped create a community that I could lean on. And I learned how to utilize resources that my professors provided for classroom work that I needed. I took a material science and engineering course with professor Otto Gregory that I realized I could combine both my academic interests with my personal dreams. The material science class opened my eyes to find metalwork and ended up changing the course of my life. Professor Gregory provided me the opportunity to work with tempered glass. And then eventually, I learned about the casting and metal shaping process. Academic support wasn’t the only support that I needed at my time here at URI. Attending a predominantly white institution as a student of color had its own challenges that I needed to navigate. One of the first ways that I found support was attending the multicultural overnight program during my college search process. I met my two best friends in the program. They understood the pressures of being a first-generation student and empathized with me during my college career. Finding others who share similar experiences through organizations like DRIVE make all the difference. I never imagined that I’d be able to combine my engineering degree with my passion for luxury fashion, but I was able to do this because of the exposure to challenge and coursework, and the support that I received from university faculty and staff. My advice to you, take advantage of the support and resources offered by this incredible community because it will help you achieve your dreams. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Jasmine. Your story really has come full circle. The URI support services, mentors, and organizations you were involved with helped you to achieve your dreams, working in luxury fashion. Your journey is just beginning. And we can’t wait to see your future success. Bye, Jasmine.
Elissa is our next student to share her story. Elissa, I can’t wait to hear more about your biology degree and world languages and cultures experience. You are on.
– Thanks so much for the spotlight Alex. Growing up, I lived in a safe and quiet town where in high school I grew a passion for continuing my education. I knew I wanted to attend a college where I could easily settle down and call it my second home. Most importantly, I wanted somewhere I could stay focused to pursue a quality education and that’s where USI came in. We’re often called the Goldilocks because we offer the community feel of a small campus with the resources and opportunities of a large campus. We’re just right. One of the best resources to use on campus is the easy access to professors. With an average of a 19 to one students to faculty ratio, this makes it super easy to not only make friends, but also your professors get to know you by name and this is a huge plus because at USI you’re not just a number to us. You’re a student with the story and we have professors here who are ready to listen to that story. One of my USI mentors is in the Pott College of Science, Engineering and Education. Since my first visit to his office, he has helped me open the doors to so many opportunities, such as doing research on lipids in alligator skin. From medical school advice to helping me start a brand new service club organization on campus, so many of the professors I’ve met have invested their time to help me grow into the leader I am today. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned at USI is that a college education is more than what you learn in the classroom. It’s also the connections you make and the challenges you take on to develop new skills. In high school, I was searching for the college with the best value but I never thought that the college I’d end up choosing would see the same value back in me. And with that I’m throwing it back to you Alex.
– I’m gonna need to hear more about that alligator skin project, so cool. And the result of the dedicated faculty mentors, Dr. Rochon was telling us about, great stuff. Thanks again, Elissa.
Next, we’re gonna hear from Cole, an economics and philosophy double major who’s gonna tell us about his personal transition to college life, how he overcame obstacles and is making the most of his time at USI. Cole, you are on my man.
– Thank you so much, Alex. Hello, everyone. For my family an education was always among the most important things to pursue. Being a first generation college student, these ideas were only further reinforced in my household. Through USI I’ve been able to pursue an education and make my family proud, but that’s not to say I didn’t face any challenges in my transition to college life. Adapting from high school to college can be a jarring experience even for the strongest student and I was no different. At the start of my freshman year here at USI I was over 100 miles away from home and I had left behind a friend group that had helped me through the toughest times in my life. In my first few weeks here at USI, I felt alone. That was until I was fortunate enough to find Tabletop Club. I had finally found my community. Not long after joining Tabletop Club, I became the club’s president. Through my position I seek to aid students who were in the same position as me, while also setting a precedent for other student organizations as well. Whether it’s in the classroom, learning and discussing with students from all over the world or in one of our over 150 student organizations, USI encourages an environment of community engagement and inclusivity. You find whatever niche you feel most comfortable in or forge a path all of your own. Here at USI students are able to gain valuable leadership skills and form connections with countless individuals from different walks of life. Transitioning to college life can be a challenging endeavor. USI offers resources from mental to physical wellness to academic support that will not only help you adapt but also allow you to grow into the best person that you can be. Right back to you, Alex.
– That’s a wonderful story, Cole. It’s awesome that you found your community and it sounds like there is one for everyone here. I’m gonna have to catch up with you later on to get in on some of that tabletop gaming action. Thanks again for sharing your story. Take care.
Next up is Perci, a senior theater major who’s also minoring in French and Africana studies. She hails from Montgomery, Alabama, and you’ve gotta hear why she chose the University of Southern Indiana and how she found comfort learning about diverse cultures through the arts here on campus. Perci, I know you’re not shy about taking center stage. You are on.
– Thanks Alex. Hey all. Now, I know you’re wondering what a girl from Alabama is doing so far from home. Well, I always knew my college search that I wanted to move away. I just didn’t know how far. While the warm welcoming community is what initially drew me to USI, it was hard not to fall in love when I found out about all of the rich cultural experiences available to us here. Like our McCutchan Arts Center, our Pace Galleries and our state of the art theater located here on campus. Our USI theater produces a host of productions for the USI community and community at large to enjoy. Within our college of liberal arts, we offer a plethora of ways for students to express themselves and learn about the world around them. We even offer a host of foreign languages for students as another way for them to learn about the cultures of the world. Now, theater performances and visual arts aside, our university offers a host of diversity events and presentations for students to enjoy some of which are put on by our multicultural center where students can always find a warm and inclusive face for all of our diverse student populations. It was just the place that I needed to adjust for being seven hours away from home. One of my favorite events that we do every year is our international food expo sponsored by our center for international programs, where our students can and share their cultural diversity, their cuisine, and their customs with students here at USI. Here at USI, we strive for knowledge for life or as the French would say, . As a senior, I couldn’t imagine learning all that I’ve learned. I’ve learned so much about the cultures of the world around me, but more than anything I’ve learned about myself. How to be brave, bold, and courageously me and I’m forever grateful for that. And it’s all because USI. Well, that’s my USI story. Back to you, Alex.
– Perci, thank you for taking us through your experiences in the arts and culture here at USI. Your story about finding an inclusive support system with the multicultural center staff and learning about other cultures is truly, truly inspiring. And the big stage fits you very, very well. Take care, Perci.