Okay, Everyone. Kate, a senior in the Chinese flagship program is over at Lippitt Hall, home to the university’s honors program. Students in the honors program study the important issues facing our society and seek innovative solutions to the challenges they encounter. The Chinese flagship program is teaching Kate to be proficient in Mandarin Chinese and allows her to have so many different global learning experiences. Kate sure has an incredible story to tell. So let’s hear from her. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. In Mandarin, I just said, “Welcome to URI and my name is Kate.” I was originally born in Seoul, South Korea. At the age of four months old, I was adopted and raised in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. As a Korean-American with French-Canadian parents, I’ve always had an immense passion for travel, languages, and culture. And I knew I wanted to attend a university that not only allowed me to further explore these interests, but to expand them into skills and knowledge applicable towards a career in international relations and law. And that’s when I was introduced to the Chinese flagship program here at URI. The Chinese flagship program is one of only 12 other programs in the entire country and offers an intensive, holistic, and incredibly rewarding opportunity for students to achieve a superior level of proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. But aside from this, my time as a Ram has also allowed me to travel all over East Asia, all simultaneously earning credit towards my degrees. The URI’s partnership with Korea University, I was able to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea, and attend their international winter campus where I took Korean classes and explore more of my native heritage and culture. Thanks to the help of URI’s Office of National Fellowships and Academic Opportunities, I was awarded both the Boren and Gilman national scholarships, as well as the Rhode Island Demers language scholarship There are a total of more than $44,000 towards my study abroad program in Taiwan. Even beyond this, being selected as a Boren scholar, it means that I’ll have a job with the federal government, working in national security after I graduate, an incredible start to my professional career after college. But if studying abroad perhaps isn’t for you, URI still has countless opportunities for all of its students. Take the honors program for example, open to students from all departments and disciplines, the honors program not only offers students with unexpanded course selection and early enrollment opportunities, but also allows students the opportunity to conduct research or other scholarly and creative work for academic credit through the honors project. Becoming a Ram has provided me with countless opportunities that have allowed for my professional, academic, and personal growth. And I have no doubt that it will do the exact same for you. Well, that’s my story. Now back to you, Alex.
– Wow. Kate, thank you for sharing. It’s amazing to hear about the experiences that URI students can have because of the university’s global mindset with over 700 plus study away opportunities. Your work with URI’s Office of National Fellowships and Academic Opportunities is surely leading you to some big places. From the experience you’ve had abroad to the work you’ve done here in Kingston, you’ll surely be able to change the world and I can’t wait to see what you do. Take care.
It’s now time to go to one of URI’s 26 student residence halls and meet Sonika. Sonika is a student from Dubai, United Arab Emirates who chose to leave her home country and study pharmacy at URI. Sonika, along with other international students from 76 different nations have made URI their home. Let’s hear from Sonika about her journey at URI.
– Hi, everyone. I decided to fly almost 7,000 miles to pursue the six-year doctorate of pharmacy program at the University of Rhode Island. I was born and raised in Dubai, UAE. And as much as I love my city, it had started to become my comfort zone. So I knew I was ready for the next step. While it did take time to settle in, the URI community offered nothing but kindness, acceptance, and support. When I think of home, I think of a safe space where I feel supported and have people to go to in times of need. And URI is exactly that. While it’s not required to live on campus, I would highly recommend that you do. I made some of my best friends in my major through the Pharmacy Living and Learning Community or LLCs. Everyone in my classes lived in my residence hall. Each morning, we would wait for each other in the lobby. Then get a delicious breakfast at the dining hall. Walk to all our classes. Grab lunch together. My personal favorite is the sushi. And then we would study in the lounges until dinner where we’d enjoy the amazing stir fry station or different options at the deli. So essentially, living on campus is just a massive sleep over with all your best friends. As I was adjusting to URI, I started to become more involved. I joined two on-campus jobs, which means it was only a convenient walk away from work. And I also joined clubs and organizations, including Lambda Kappa Sigma, the professional pharmaceutical sorority that helped me meet my best friends and form a family. On the weekends, we would meet up and attend group fitness classes like yoga or Zumba. As I received a lot of support that helped ease my transition, I thought it only right to repay the generosity in the form of mentorship. I’m the Resident Academic Mentor or RAM for the College of Pharmacy’s Living and Learning Community. So I actually live in the same residence hall as our first year students. I support their transition to college life by sending them helpful newsletters and holding programs like resume workshops, ice cream socials, study abroad info sessions, and more, giving them a chance to get to know each other and also feel more comfortable at URI. I absolutely love being a RAM and getting to know my students every year. Watching them become more involved and take up leadership positions is such a rewarding, full circle moment for me. I feel more confident in the way I carry myself, my ability to manage time, be productive, lead a crowd, and facilitate discussions with my students, and also find a balance between work, academics, social life and me time. I feel like I’ve come a long way and I have URI to thank for my growth. So thank you for letting me share my story with you. What’s next, Alex?
– Thanks, Sonika. Living on campus really seems to have had a positive impact on your time at URI. These Living and Learning Communities brings students together and help them make Kingston their home. The support services and the people students meet, give them a way to make URI their true home away from home. Good luck in your fifth year of pharmacy school. Take care, Sonika.
The University of Rhode Island is located in the southern village of Kingston. And it’s 14,572 students are able to explore the smallest state in the country while having some big adventures. Let’s go meet Brian, a senior secondary education and history double major who calls Rhode Island home. Brian is gonna show us how he takes advantage of everything the state has to offer, from the top of the state, down to the southern coast. Take it away, Brian.
– What’s going on, everyone? I’ve lived in Rhode Island most of my life. So I’ve spent a lot of my time exploring the most beautiful, entertaining and tastiest places that the state has to offer. This makes me a bit of an expert on everything Rhode Island. Going just beyond the borders of our extraordinary college town is a 25-minute drive to one of the most iconic places, Newport Rhode Island. I’ve spent countless days with my friends going to Newport to hike the seawall, taking the views on ocean drive with its iconic mansions, shopping on the wharf, or eating at one of the best restaurants right on the harbor like Diego’s. People travel from all over to see Newport and for good reason. While Southern Rhode Island is guaranteed to win you over, my favorite part about going to school here is how our campus is located just 30 minutes from our state’s capital, Providence. Providence is a city that prides itself on its amazing food, art, and the culture. When I come to Providence, I know I’m going to have an incredible experience. The best part about Providence is that it’s a city all about the people who love the place that they live. I love going to so many different spots like Federal Hill, Wickenden Street and Thayer Street, which are filled with authentic Italian food, food trucks, and amazing street food with local vendors. Spending a day in Providence can take you to so many different places, from spending a day shopping at the mall, going to art museums, catching a concert at The Strand, and exploring the ins and outs of the city. Well, I could probably go on for hours about living near the clear beaches of Narragansett or the perks of being 30 minutes from a beautiful city, I think the greatest part about going to school in Rhode Island is the fact that you can drive anywhere in the state in under an hour. Think about that. You’ll be only a short drive from some of the most interesting, unique, and beautiful places ever. This has great benefits for URI students for their academics and internships too. As an education major, looking to learn more about the process of working in an urban school setting, I have the resources to pick and work at nearly any school in the entire state. The ability to explore so many different towns all within an hour from campus is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Living in Rhode Island and going to school in the ocean state has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And I’m looking forward to exploring it even more. Thanks so much and back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Brian. Being able to travel anywhere in the state in just a short amount of time is something that is really unique here to Rhode Island. Brian, you have definitely taken advantage of all the state has to offer. And it sounds like there’s still more left for you to explore. Have fun.
All right, everyone, let’s meet up with the one and only Tyler, a junior business administration major, you can find him showing off his moves on the court in the new Screaming Eagles arena. but even more impressive is his list of student organization involvement. Tyler, can’t wait to tell you about student life and all the opportunities to get involved. I’m throwing the ball to you Tyler.
– I appreciate the intro Alex. At the University of Southern Indiana, I’m a long way from home and that’s something I’ve always wanted to experience. Originally, I thought it’d be near impossible balancing my academic, athletic and social life. But once I set foot on campus, I found the resources and clubs that would help us be successful both in and outside the classroom. I’m part of the men’s basketball team and the president of the black student union on campus. I can tell you firsthand that the love from the students and fans all around the community is genuine and welcoming. From academics to service clubs to even Greek life, there’s something for all students on the campus. I’m even a part of the Authentically Me Natural Hair Club. You don’t have to be a collegiate athlete to be active at USI. At the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center There are countless ways to get active in the 100,000 square foot facility. You don’t wanna be inside, no problem. Check out a bike or hit one of the trails. There’s also intramural leagues to choose from to meet other people in break a sweat. They even offer a monthly Eagle perks program where students receive free or discounted tickets to activities all around the community. Last month was laser tag and trust me, we had a blast. Finally, my academics is way more than being in the classroom and studying for an exam. In the Romain College of Business we are connected to a network of business professionals within immunity. We are introduced to countless guest speakers across the country and even the world who are willing to share their stories and the steps that they have taken to reach their success. I’ve soaked up so much knowledge and built family caliber relationships while being at USI. Maybe you should try it too. That’s all I’ve got. Thanks Alex.
– Thank you Tyler for that glimpse of what it’s like to be a college athlete, but also proving it’s important to get involved and make a difference through the countless organizations on campus. I have a feeling your alma mater will be asking you to share your alumni success story in years to come. Carry on and cheers Tyler.
Nursing and health professions at USI are top notch with bachelor of science and nursing students regularly achieving a 100% pass rates on state boards. Tori has special motivation to succeed in her online bachelor’s in respiratory therapy program. She earned her associate’s degree from USI in 2014. So she didn’t think twice about returning to further her healthcare education. Like so many students these days, Tori is an online learner. Check out her educational journey.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. When I began my college search as an undergraduate, it was important for me to find a place that not only promoted academic excellence but also a sense of community, a home away from home. The University of Southern Indiana was that place, a place where there’s opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and as an all around individual. USI’s College of Nursing and Health Professions has a strong history of graduates boasting successful pass rates on national exams and for preparing its students for leadership roles in healthcare around the country. Not only did my early academic experience prepare me for the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, but USI also afforded a vast array of other opportunities. I was able to participate in various organizations involving religious and sorority life, intermurals and the global engagement study abroad program to Ghana. I was even able to sing the national anthem at my commencement ceremony. With all of these experiences, when I decided it was time for me to continue my education after being in the healthcare field, I knew I wanted to return to USI. The online bachelor of science in respiratory therapy option was a great fit for me. The coursework is flexible for professionals and parents with access to many of the same resources as attending classes on campus. The course material is presented in a variety of ways that appeals to different learning styles. A college education is more than learning skills for a job. It’s about learning how to balance being a mother, an employee and being successful on my online program. I am a testament to receiving sound, evidence based teaching from experienced professors at an institution dedicated to my success. USI has provided me with the knowledge and confidence to excel wherever I go. Back to you Alex.
– Tori, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your college experiences with us. Juggling family, work and educational commitments, what a role model you are for your son. From here there is no doubt you’ll continue to soar. Cheers.
This next student you’re about to meet, Mihir, over at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Building, is an electrical engineering major from India. One of the cool things he’s doing as a freshman here is working in a research lab with a prominent professor. Wait until you hear what they’re working on. The U of I is a world renowned research institution. In fact, they’re number one in the country in university research funding from the National Science Foundation. And they have more than 150 labs, centers and institutes on campus devoted to research. And as an undergraduate student, you can get involved in that research enterprise right away. No matter what your major is. Mihir, you’re on.
Thanks Alex. Hi everybody. My entire life, I’ve been building things. As a kid growing up in India, I used to rummage through e-waste and scrap yards just to find enough parts for my next project. I learned how to weld from a guy who sits in a shack on the side of the road. Electricians in my neighborhood taught me everything I know about electricity. My projects as a kid started off as small flashlights but slowly, somehow turned into 3D printers and CNC machines in middle school. But all this time, I never thought it was anything more than just a hobby.
When the pandemic struck, I figured I could do something slightly more useful with my 3D printer, like making PPE. My dad shared with me an article about Illinois professors making an open source face shield design. I used these designs plans and instructions seven and a half thousand miles away in India to set up my own Illinois production line. We worked day and night and we had a thousand face shields. After the lockdown was over, I moved on to my biggest project yet, the terminator turbo. The terminator turbo is a robot that can disinfect entire rooms. And one single tweet about the terminator turbo changed my life completely.
Illinois ECE Professor, Lav Varshney picked up that tweet and has now become my mentor. He’s changed the way I think about my education, the way I think about my future, and he’s changed the way I think about myself. Professor Varshney has introduced me to more amazing faculty like Professor Abhijit Banerjee who I’m now doing research with. Professor Banerjee is making an electromagnetically activated spine. He is building an animal spine in a lab at Illinois. Even though I work with him every day, this just blows my mind. And that’s what I love about U of I, working in real labs with amazing equipment surrounded by amazing professors. Not the corner of my room, makes me learn so much more about my field than just inside my classes.
Not only that, but at U of I, my academic interests and my social life don’t have to be separate. Once I came to Champagne, I met Ben and Gabe. Ben and Gabe are from Champagne and showed me this amazing place. They also welcomed me with open arms to their family farm just 10 minutes away from campus. Not only do they have two extremely cute dogs that remind me of my little guy back home, they also happened to have a huge workshop. And every single weekend whether it be rummaging through Max’s auto recycling for parts or building our next disaster of a project, I spend every single weekend there doing what I love, surrounded by the people I love.
Going to UIUC isn’t just about showing up for classes. It’s about studying what you’re passionate about in the most amazing labs from the best professors in the world, surrounded by her soon to be lifelong friends and that’s what makes it possible to do anything at U of I. Every day this university makes me a better student, a better researcher and a better person. I want to be the best engineer that I can possibly be and I know you will be able to get me there. Thank you so much for letting me share my story. Back to you, Alex.
I am so inspired by all that you’ve already done Mihir. Now that you’re connected to such a major culture of innovation through the U of I, I can’t wait to see what you’re gonna accomplish next. Cheers my man.
Next, we have the privilege to meet the University of North Texas is president Neal Smatresk, who will tell us about how all the degrees at UNT are created with professional development and career readiness built-in. So UNT graduates are workforce ready, President Smatresk, please take it away.
– Hey, thanks Alex. And thanks to all of you for joining us today. You going to learn a little bit about our beautiful campus. And I want to tell you a little bit more. First of all, the University of North Texas is a contiki tour institution. It’s a research institution that brings cutting edge programming, education, research to all of you who come here. As a research one institution, we’re very concerned that you get the experiences that you need and our amazing campus. We have amazing events, great sports. We have a beautiful campus. We’re a tree campus and we’re a sustainable campus. So all of these things together create a great feeling for a our Mean Green Family. And I know that a lot of you, if you’re watching these shows are asking questions like, so what are the programs like? Well, we have over 200 degree programs that you can choose from. We’ve got something for everybody here. We have some of the top degree programs in the country. In fact, 88 of our programs are ranked in the top 100. We’ve got brilliant music, brilliant arts, brilliant humanities, brilliant business, great engineering and science programs. And I can go on. Hey, fun fact, since the Grammy started our alumni and our faculty have won 114 Grammy awards, kind of mind blowing, isn’t it? You know, a lot of people have questioned the value of a college experience. They say, do I need a degree to get a good job? I mean, after all, it’s a great market out there. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if you get a college degree, you’re gonna earn more in your lifetime. You’re gonna to have a greater sense of wellbeing and you’re gonna be better adapted to a really rapidly changing job market. I mean the job market’s going nuts right now. We don’t even know what the jobs will be in the next 10 years. But what we’re dedicated to do is to help you answer a really important question. Is it worth going into debt to get a college degree and will my career outcome be solid? We;’re gonna change this unlike any other college I’ve heard of with a systemic program to help you develop as a professional. And I think that’s gonna be an edge that you’d really appreciate. We’re also gonna make sure you can write a resume. You can write a cover letter, you know how to interview, you know how to negotiate a salary. You’ve networked, maybe even get an internship. So all of these things together we believe will give you an edge, not just for the first job that you get, but for the many jobs that you might face in the future. Those new positions or something, we might not be able to prepare you for fully today, but we can make sure that you’re ready to understand and negotiate that changing future better than your peers. Our top value is caring. And what I want you to know is when you come here, we care about you. It’s a big campus with a lot of opportunity, but we feel like a little campus that can really take care of you. I’m really excited to see you. I hope you come visit. You’re gonna to love your trip here and your experience and what I wanna tell you all before I go is leave you with my three favorite words, Go Mean Green.
– Thank you, President Smatsek. That was fantastic. It’s great to know that UNT students are learning skills to secure the job as they’re earning their degree. Also, they can have the career of their dreams. That was great. Thanks again, president, Smatrek.
Okay, everyone I’d like to introduce Caleb Banks. He’s a junior economics major and part of the Marshall Eagles, which is a living learning community of young men who share interests in pursuing academic success. Caleb is gonna share his experience about UNT’s unique and diverse culture. Caleb, It is all yours.
– Thanks Alex, what’s up guys? I came to UNT because it’s close from home, but not too close. The campus was beautiful and they offered me an amazing scholarship package. I knew I wanted to get involved in a student organization, but I wasn’t sure why. A friend of mine was in the Marshall Eagles which is a program designed to help first year of black men get acclimated to campus both academically and socially, by placing you in a dorm with others who come from different backgrounds and experiences. And after that first meetup, I felt like this was the group for me. It was a sense of brotherhood and family amongst us Marshal Eagles. All of us working together, living together and supporting each other. The Marshall Eagle, living-learning community became my home. UNT is both a minority serving and Hispanic serving institution where you can truly shape your experience. No matter your race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. In addition to serving more than 2,700 international students from 138 countries, we have resources like the Multicultural Center and the Pride Alliance. We pride of ourselves on being an inclusive caring campus with a diverse student population that allows for you to find your family just like I did. If you’re looking for a university that supports its students and strives to create a more diverse and inclusive atmosphere, then UNT is the place for you. Back to you, Alex.
– Caleb, UNT’s community sounds like a place where no matter where you’re from, you’re family and with places like the Multicultural Center and Marshall Eagles, you can achieve your dreams right here, great story. Thanks a lot for that, Caleb.
Okay. Let’s meet Jared. Jared is a senior studying math and computer science with a minor in music technology. And he’s here to share with us his experience in the Clark honors college at the UO. Jared, please enlighten us all.
– Hey, thanks Alex. So when I started looking at schools, there were a lot of different paths that I wanted to pursue. I have widely varied interests, so it was important for me to find somewhere that I could take part in diverse and interdisciplinary study that reflects all of my passions. I am currently a math and computer science major with a minor in music technology. And I’m also enrolled in the Clark honors college. Taking classes in the honors college has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, as the small class sizes and intimate discussion-based lectures have allowed me to dive in deep into the topics that I’m passionate about. The opportunities that the honors college provides for engaging with course content on a deeper level have also been incredibly rewarding. And I’m extremely grateful for all my honors professors who have acted as both my advisors and guides throughout my academic career. The honors college has also been a really great resource for me in helping me to find additional scholarship funding and research opportunities. And I’m so grateful to be surrounded by so many fellow students who are equally as engaged and passionate about their fields of research. Speaking of research, research has been a huge part of my time at UO. It was actually what led me to find out about the accelerated master’s in computer and information science program and the reservation of graduate credit programs, both of which allow students to begin earning graduate credit during their undergrad careers. And with these programs, I plan to then continue on to pursue either my master’s or PhD in computer science. I’m really grateful for all the opportunities that UO and the honors college had provided me. And I think it’s been really great to see how no matter what your interests are, there’s always a way to combine the things you love to make something unique and new. So that’s all from me. Thanks Alex. Back to you.
– Thanks, Jared. It sounds like the honors college is a great choice for students who might be looking for that small college vibe, but with all the resources you can get from a large research university. Now honors students can connect with their professors, peers and find amazing academic opportunities just like Jared.
Okay everyone, I can’t wait for you to meet these students. We’re gonna head over to the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center to hear from Kennedy. Who’s a sophomore on a pre-med track in the College of Applied Health Sciences. She’s so impressive in so many ways including her level of involvement on campus. There are well over 1000 student groups here, everything from academic and athletic to cultural and just plain social. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’re empowered to start your own official group. As you’ll hear from Kennedy, that’s exactly what she did. Kennedy, please take it away.
Hi everyone. As a first-generation college student I didn’t really know what to expect when my family moved me to campus my freshman year. One of the best things about my first week on campus was Quad Day. Quad Day is where hundreds of registered student organizations set up tables across the main quad to invite people to join. There’s really something for everyone from ultimate Frisbee, to volunteer opportunities, to creative writing. Seeing all of the possibilities inspired me to start an organization that I saw a need for on campus, a pre-med mentoring organization.
Many people assume that pre-med students personally know a doctor or have doctors in their family. For a lot of people including myself, this isn’t the case. I was telling a friend this as we we’re leaving Quad Day and he said that I should start an organization. So, I did. Months later, my small idea turned into an official registered student organization called Mentors in Medicine. We help pre-med students get exposure to medicine through research, volunteering, and mentoring. Some of the other organizations I’ve been involved in have had a huge impact on my college experience. My freshman year, I quickly got involved with two of the culture houses on campus, the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center or the BNAACC and La Casa Cultural Latina.
One of my favorite memories is the Annual Black and Latino Woman Summit. This summit consists of different sessions surrounding wellness, academic success and preparing for our future careers. This was an incredible experience because I was able to connect with different students and faculty and talk about critical issues and how to be allies for one another. I grew up in a neighborhood in Chicago where most of my peers don’t even consider college as an option and I wanna do whatever I can to help change those perceptions. As a student here, I advocate for increased college enrollment and retention as an ambassador for the Office of Minority Student Affairs.
I am also a resident advisor with university housing. I love being a Resident Advisor because I’m able to guide students in their transition to Illinois by really connecting with them and being a resource. The residents on my floor are all friends and it’s a really welcoming community. It has meant everything to me to be able to help other first year, first-generation and historically underrepresented students.
After I graduate, I plan on attending medical school and becoming a family medicine physician. I want to serve underrepresented minority populations in Chicago to eliminate healthcare disparities and ultimately improve the healthcare field. The University of Illinois has prepared me academically with the rigorous science courses and interdisciplinary curriculum, and socially with the culturally diverse organizations that I’m a part of. Well, that’s just a small piece of my story here at U of I. Thank you for having me share it. Back to you, Alex.
Thanks for sharing your story Kennedy. It’s really inspiring because it’s never just about you. You’re always looking for ways to include and help others, which is what involvement and inclusion are all about here on campus. Thanks for sharing. Bye, Kennedy.