Next up, we’re gonna catch up with Diego, a senior mechanical engineering major all the way from Venezuela. He’s gonna share a glimpse into the all important housing and residence life on campus. You’re not gonna believe the amenities at your fingertips in the residence halls and on campus apartments. Diego, please show us around.
– Thanks Alex. Howdy, everyone. I always wanted to leave my hometown in Venezuela to find a new adventure. I chose the University of South Indiana because it has a beautiful campus, such unique and diverse community and an excellent engineering program. I can definitely say that I found my home away from home. At USI that home for many of our students is our campus housing. It’s a place that you can definitely call your own. Whether you live in the residence halls your first year or in the on campus apartments, you’ll never have to share a bathroom with more than one other person. That’s awesome. Just as important as where you sleep is where you eat. At the Loft, we have access to a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So no matter your preference you’ll find something to enjoy. There’s also other food options on campus and convenience items at the C-Store, your one stop shop or all your housing needs. The housing staff all work very, very hard to make sure everyone feels welcome in the community. As a former resident assistant myself, I was able to get to know and connect with many different students on campus and help them all feel welcome in the community and their new home. As a mechanical engineering student, I’m able use my skills to help others. Recently, a team of us traveled to West Virginia to build a vehicular bridge for a community damaged by floods. As a president of the Engineers in Action chapter at USI I’ve learned invaluable skills while working for people who really needed our help and this is what matters. I’ve learned so much at USI. One of the characteristics that I love the most is that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you’re welcome here. I’ve learned that you need to pursue your dreams and help others achieve theirs. I’ve learned that together, we can make this world a better place. Thank you USI. Thank you for everything. That’s my story, back to you Alex.
– What a wonderful story Diego. Thank you. I have a feeling your servant leadership is gonna take you to a lot of new places. And wow, campus living looks a lot different than what I when is in college, and now I am very hungry. Great work.
One thing you’ll hear over and over again about U of I students, is how balanced they are. Christine, a senior you’re about to meet over in the business instructional facility, is a perfect example of that. And that’s why she chose U of I in the first place. Christine is majoring in marketing with a minor in economics at the Geis College of Business, which was recently ranked the #8 undergraduate business program for public universities. So I’ll let Christine take it from here. Please Christine.
Hi, everyone. As I was applying to schools my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted the whole college experience that would challenge me academically but also let me explore all of my passions. It was a daunting task trying to find a school that was both the right fit for my major and had theater opportunities for non-majors. But somehow on a tour of U of I, I got a chance to fall in love with the business school and discover an amazing musical organization called Illini Student Musicals.
We have members who are from engineering, journalism, musical theater and even business. And we all come together with one goal in mind to put on musicals. Since I’ve been part of the organization, we’ve put on musicals like “Mamma Mia” and “Footloose”. Where I got to dance my butt off to an audience made up of parents, students, and even the community. Another way to make the school feel smaller is to join a sorority like I did. Between big-little reveal, where each new member is given a mentor, living in the house and recruitment, the traditions and fun never end. I know I’ve talked a lot about the social part of U of I so far, but this school lets me have the best of both worlds.
The Gies College of Business is a nationally ranked program where I’m studying marketing. The mix of creative and analytical courses have inspired me to pursue a major in operations and data. And I’m excited to say I’ll be working at Nielsen after graduation. One of the things I’m most proud of, was being chosen as a business 101 section leader my sophomore year. Basically I get to teach and mentor incoming business students about ethics and professional responsibility.
Through the business program, I even got to study abroad in Belgium. Which had been a dream of mine since freshman year of high school. My time abroad taught me way more than I’d ever expected. And I became friends with students from all over the world. You really can be fully immersed in your schoolwork and love your major while also explore so many more interests in your social life.
All of these experiences and activities are the real reason why I love this school. I’ve gained such a strong education, plus developed great life skills like meeting people different from me and finding people who love what I love. I know after I graduate, I will always work hard at my career while making time for my passions. And I owe that balance to this university. I think everyone deserves the complete college experience. So figure out what you love to do, find your people and never stop shouting I-L-L. It’s our turn Alex.
I-N-I! I am so glad that the U of I has given you such a complete and rewarding college experience, Christine and thank you for the lesson on how to show my Illini Pride too, cheers.
Okay, now this is exciting. We’re gonna head over and meet Grace. She’s a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in aerospace. She’s gonna tell us about the out-of-this world opportunities Utah State offers as a NASA space grant university, and some of the projects students are working on sending into space. Grace, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Nearly everyone is interested in space as a kid, but for me that curiosity never really died, but I didn’t know that I could work in the aerospace industry until I got to Utah State. I’ve worked for big government corporations, a company that has launched a mission to every planet in the solar system, and now I work with small rocket startups. Utah State has a rich history in aerospace. Right down the street is Space Dynamics Laboratory, or SDL, which focuses on building space-ready components for government and commercial satellites. And many people from SDL come and talk to Utah State students to give us a better understanding about what’s going on in the aerospace industry. There are several groups on campus that focus on space-related projects. The university Rover Club competes in an international rover competition every year in Southern Utah. There’s also a research group that’s studying using plastic as rocket fuel. And Utah State’s Getaway Special Team has been working for the past two years on a satellite that’s expected to launch this fall as part of NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative. This is the first time an undergrad-led team at Utah State has launched a satellite. Through clubs, such as the Society of Women in Engineering and the Engineering Council, I got to meet the lead scientist on a mission that is currently studying the sun. I got to fly to Florida to watch that mission launch with United Launch Alliance, and not even two years later, I got to intern with United Launch Alliance and work on their rocket, the Atlas V, which gave me the opportunity to sit in the Launch Control Center, and say go on the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover. The College of Engineering’s mentorship program gave me a really strong start to my freshman year. I also learned about a lot of student organizations and organizations such as the Brooke Owens Fellowship, which gave me my very first internship. Later, I was able to leave the mentorship program and pass that knowledge along to mentees of my own. Nothing feels better than helping people get to where they wanna be. And that’s the spirit of Utah State, and really, the biggest reason I had all of these amazing opportunities in the space industry. Thanks for listening to my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Grace, that was seriously impressive. Attending mission launches, and even sitting in the control room. And it’s awesome that you had such a great experience in the mentorship program, that you decided to become a mentor yourself. That’s awesome! Hats off and thanks again for sharing that.
Okay? Everyone say hello to Hana a senior majoring in Exercise Science. Hana is super involved. So she’s got a real insider’s perspective on the student experience. This is an engaged and happy campus. You can feel it in being here and Hana is going to tell us why. Hana, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone I’m Hana. While I was exploring my options for universities, I knew that I wanted to move away from home, but also experience something different. And I really feel like I found that at Puget Sound because I absolutely love this school and also really feel like I found my people here. At Puget Sound you truly get the residential liberal arts experiences. About 70% of students live on campus and we are expected to live on campus for the first two years. This has really helped me build my community and shape my experiences from day one. You won’t just have a place to sleep in study here with suite-style style and traditional dorms, craftsman houses and Greek row, you’ll for sure, find a place to call home. The free parking and laundry don’t hurt either and one of the residence halls even has great mountain views. The food here is a huge part of the culture and we’re even ranked one of the most vegan-friendly universities. I’m a huge foodie and if I didn’t totally love the food, I honestly wouldn’t be here. There are a ton of options and for me, my favorite place is the cellar. The milkshakes are next level, and it’s one of my favorite late night hangout spots. There’s a market and three cafes, which all have their own character, including this secret spot, Oppenheimer cafe, which if you know, you know. Of course, college is an amazing time. We have over a hundred different clubs and organizations on campus. Everything from recreational clubs to academic and student identity groups. The residential experience has made Puget Sound my home away from home. My time here has been truly unforgettable and there’s too much to even begin to give you the full picture. So you’re gonna have to come and find out for yourself, passing it back to you Alex.
– Hana, thank you for welcoming us into your home. Your enthusiasm shines through with so many opportunities to find and create your space, I can see why students here seem like this is exactly where they wanna be. And I hear that Cellar is a wicked pizza place. So I’m definitely gonna have to grab a slice, thanks to the wreck, take care.
Let’s meet Lauren. She is doing work in the field of microbiology, even though she’s just starting her senior year. Lauren is majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a minor in sociology and anthropology. So she is the perfect person to tell us about the unparalleled opportunities in the sciences at Puget Sound where one-third of the students here are stem majors. Lauren.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I always knew I wanted to study biology, but when I visited Puget Sound, I was blown away by the resources in the facilities, like the OTPT clinic and the cadaver lab. About 10 minutes into my tour, I looked at my mom and said, this is my new home. Coming in I knew I wanted to conduct research as a freshman, which is one of the distinct features of sciences at Puget Sound. During my first semester seminar, I met professor Martin who saw potential in me as a scientist and asked if I would be interested in joining his microbiology lab. I now run my own independent research project, studying bioluminescent bacteria in their naturally occurring mutation steered by professor Martin. Additionally, I’ve been given the opportunity to work towards a publication, which has an extremely rare opportunity for an undergraduate student. One of my favorite things in the department is our Slater museum, which houses the second largest collection of vertebrates in the state and is home to our awesome science mascot, Bungee the lung fish. The breadth of labs here is really unique for a school our size. There’s the mass spectrometer, an observatory, the greenhouse and more. Additionally students have a ton of opportunity to work hands-on at the slater museum or as docents. I never imagined the number of opportunities I would have here for growth as a scientist and through my research, I’ve discovered a passion for all things microbiology and plan to pursue a PhD in the field. That’s all for me, back to you Alex.
– Lauren, that was so cool. Your research is literally glowing. I can’t wait to see your name in print when you’re publish. And before you graduate, Incredible. Congrats on all that you’ve accomplished. Thanks again for that, Lauren.
Okay. Let’s head over to the athletic complex where URI Division I athletics play some of its biggest games. There, we will meet Adam, a senior studying supply chain management. At URI, there are so many athletic facilities like the Ryan Center, Keaney Gymnasium, Mackal Field House, Boss Ice Arena, and Meade Stadium where Adam is now. All facilities allow for student athletes to do what they love. And allow students like Adam to cheer them on. Adam’s pride runs deep. Let’s find out why. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. And hello, everyone. My name’s Adam. I can’t wait to share more about URI pride and the special traditions our students get to experience. When I was in the process of deciding where I wanted to spend my next four years, the University of Rhode Island was impossible to overlook. Here at URI, my roots run deep, dating back to the class of 1950 when my great aunt became the first member of my family to graduate from URI. She was then followed by my cousin, his wife, my sister, and now myself as students at this university. You can call us a legacy family. I was always looking for a school that had a great academic program, but always offered something more. As familiar as I thought I was with URI, it wasn’t until I became a student myself where I really understood the pride and excitement of being a Rhode Island Ram. My first experience that really made me feel a part of URI was a spirited event called First Night, which took place the first night I moved on to campus. I was able to walk around, meet new people, and sign up for a variety of clubs and organizations that I was interested in. Over the years, I’ve been involved with many organizations such as the tour guide team, the orientation team, and even an acapella group because they piqued my interest that first night. The very next day, I was able to attend the next pivotal event, Freek Day, which is an event that lets first year students meet the variety of Greek fraternities and sororities that make up one of the largest Greek life communities in the northeast. At that event is where I met my future fraternity brothers and was able to become a part of something bigger than myself. These campus traditions like First Night and Freek Day, allow our students to find their people and their passions on campus. A huge part of URI that I wanted to be involved with was our athletics. Not only was I able to participate in our intermural programs, but I was able to support our NCAA Division I athletic teams through Rhody Ruckus, our official fan base organization. I can remember my first time at the Ryan Center for a basketball game and Meade Stadium for a football game, and just being overwhelmed with the amount of passion and spirit put on display by our student body. You can always find me and thousands of other students and members of the community in the crowd, cheering for URI. I’ve been inspired by so many people along my journey, and everyone here has an enormous amount of school pride. I know even after I graduate, I’ll be able to find and connect with alumni all over the world. That instant Rhody connection will never leave me. And I’ll be a Ram forever. Thanks for letting me share a bit of my story. Back to you, Alex. And go, Rhody.
– With a stadium like that, no wonder why you’ve made so many amazing memories cheering on URI athletic teams. I’m sure your family is cheering you on during your journey as you continue their URI legacy. Let’s go, Rhody.
You can take it from this next student Josi, a biochemistry major who is also minoring in Spanish studies and public health, that some of your most memorable and transformative college experiences happen outside the classroom. You won’t believe all they have been involved with. Please tell us all about it.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. When I started looking for university I knew I wanted to get out of my hometown. So I found the farthest university from my home while still paying in-state tuition. I also wanted a school with engaged faculty that would provide an exceptional education to prepare me for medical school. After meeting the amazing faculty in the chemistry and biology departments, I knew I was home. When I left my small hometown I had no idea the amazing opportunities that USI would provide me. I have met so many lifelong friends and mentors here in Evansville. I am always being challenged by our top tier education. As much as I love each of my professors, my favorite and most transformative experiences have been spent beyond the traditional classroom setting. I conduct organic chemistry research with my advisor in one of our many chemistry labs. I was a cadet in the army RTC for two years where I learned so much about leadership, global politics and military actions. I am the co-captain on the USI Women’s Rugby club and serving on the board of trustees at USI has been the best experience of my life thus far. I learned so much about the governance of higher education and I have a newfound appreciate for just how much the faculty and administrators at USI care for the students. The opportunities never stop at USI. I was even able to represent my university at an international conference for higher education in Romania. The University of Southern Indiana has prepared me for the next steps in my life as a physician and as a well-rounded person. I am so excited to attend medical school next year. I will always have USI to thank for fostering my curiosity and igniting my passion for people. That’s all for me. You’re on Alex.
– Talk about memories of a lifetime. There is new know denying your wide variety of experiences have prepared you for a promising future Josi. Your willingness to serve and passion for people will definitely help you succeed in your healthcare profession. Thanks again for sharing your story. Take care.
The University of Illinois is located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, which together have a population of around 100,000 people. The term micro urban does a good job describing the kind of place this is. It’s friendly, affordable, and easy to get around, but it’s also a bustling diverse place which has consistently been named the number one Midwest food town. There’s also a great music scene here in the community and on campus. Mike, the student you’re gonna hear from next, over in the Illinois Street Dining Center is really involved in the music scene. When Mike talks about Campustown and the great community here, he’s clearly talking about the people as well as the place. Mike, take it away.
Hey, everyone coming to college was a big transition for me. My first semester was full of new experiences and honestly, it was a struggle for me to adapt. I had to step out of my comfort zone and find my place. All it took was that first step to realize how amazing the U of I community is. It has so many friendly people with diverse interests. You can join a campus group for everything from water polo to origami. In fact, I even started my own club for solving Rubik’s cubes. The first thing I joined my freshman year was a Shakespearean theater group on campus. I made so many very good friends that way.
Now that I’m a senior, I’m renting a house just off campus with five of them. It’s so great, you’ll never get closer to friends than you do by living with them. I’m a business major and generally an entrepreneurial person. So I’ve met a lot of people through the resources and activities on campus. Last year, I had an app idea and my roommate was on board with helping out. All we needed was engineers. An on-campus startup competition called Cozad was perfect for our search. Cozad brings an experienced entrepreneurs to give students expert advice on starting a business. After we gave our pitch, we found three engineers to join the team. We didn’t win the competition, but we learned so much about the ins and outs of starting a business. It was a great outlet for finding entrepreneurial people and ideas.
I’ve also met tons of people through the fantastic music scene here. We have Midwest demo, R&B and many other indie influences in a wide variety of venues close to campus that bring in great shows. When I first got to campus, I dabbled in music, but I’ve really started working at it when I joined Music for the Masses, an open mic group on campus that hosts bi-weekly open mics at the Illini Union.
When I first got on that stage in front of a bunch of people, I was so nervous that I had to sit down during my first song. My legs were shaking that much, but everyone was so encouraging that I came back every two weeks. I eventually became a host and now I’m vice president of the club. After people started hearing my music, I got a job performing weekly at the Illini Union Food Courtyard Cafe. It’s amazing to think about how I started my musical journey, being so nervous to go on stage, and now I’m a known artist here on campus.
Last semester, I finally released my first album with the help from a friend. I submitted one of the songs to the student radio station, WPGU, and the next thing I knew, it was put into the mix. Now it’s on rotation for the whole campus to hear. This inspired me to work on an indie folk album, which I hope to release soon.
When I think back in my entire U of I experienced, one of my favorite memories is from one of my sets here. I was singing, “Take Me Home Country Roads” in front of an audience of students that joined in with me, singing harmony and tapping to the beats. It’s a perfect example of how great the students are here. I’m really gonna miss this community after I graduate, but I’ll never forget the memories. Back to you, Alex.
Mike, I’m always up for a country road sing along on. Can I also put in a request for Jack Johnson “Pirate at Forty”? Whatever you do my man, keep on playing the world always needs more music. Thanks again.
At the end of the day, students like Mackenzie, who you’re gonna meet next, want a school that can help them achieve their goals and reach their dreams. U of I students are highly recruited by top companies across the U.S. and around the world. Check out these numbers. 9,700 unique employers, including 86 Fortune-100 companies recruited U of I students last year. There’s also a huge network of more than 475,000 alumni that students have access to. Mackenzie, who’s a senior has taken advantage of so many of these opportunities available here. Let’s go over to Siebel Center for Computer Science to meet her.
Thanks Alex. So I’m gonna be honest with you all. I felt really nervous the summer leading up to college. I was having trouble picturing myself succeeding in computer science. Because some people tried to tell me that I only got into a top CS school because of my gender. But it only took a few days on campus to make me realize I deserved to be here. There was a women in engineering orientation on campus a few days before classes started. I was able to meet other engineering students, get advice from upperclassmen, and get introduced to the resources on campus. This was super helpful for me because I got to meet so many other passionate students and get hands-on experience before classes even started.
In the spring semester of my freshman year, my friends and I participated in Hack Illinois, a hackathon where students tackle interesting challenges provided by different organizations. One of the challenges was taking a set of data about Champaign-Urbana and doing whatever we wanted with it. I talked to city officials during the Hackathon about how the geography of the Midwest leads to infrastructure problems when it rains or snows. Our team decided to build a community tool that could be used by residents to easily and effectively report issues like flooding in their neighborhoods. We ended up winning an award as freshmen and got to continue our research in a tech innovation lab here on campus.
Now I’m a senior and I cannot believe how many opportunities I’ve had to prepare me for the real world. It’s insane how many companies and professionals I’ve gotten to talk to through career fairs and tech meetups. The university has also helped me connect with some amazing recruiters. I ended up being a software engineering intern at Facebook and Microsoft over the past few summers. These internships have been so valuable for my professional journey. I’ve gotten to contribute to products that millions of people use every single day and I was able to find out that I was definitely on the right career path. The best part is that all these experiences have led to a full-time job offer at Microsoft.
After graduation, I’ll be moving to Seattle as a product manager, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s almost hard to believe that when I started my major four years ago, I felt a little lost. But there are so many different paths you can take here to help you grow and gain confidence. Which is one of the many things I love most about UIUC. I’ve been able to explore so many different social impact spaces during my time here. And I know I’m set up to make a meaningful impact in the future. Back to you, Alex!
Mackenzie, thanks for keeping it real as you shared your story. That’s one of the best things about college. By the time you graduate you’ve come so far, you’re just not the same person as you were when you moved into your dorm your freshman year. Thanks again, Mackenzie.
Diversity and inclusion are high priorities at the U of I. It’s evident in very real ways here. The university has the most students of color among any top rank Midwest university. And there are students from over 100 countries and all 50 states represented on campus. You’re about to meet Faith. An out of state senior who can personally attest to the ways the U of I works to have an open, safe, and inclusive environment. She’s not only benefited from this culture of inclusion, but she’s also contributed a great deal to it herself. Let’s head over to the Foellinger Great Hall in Krannert Center for the Performing Arts to hear Faith’s story.
Hey everyone! Being a student at the University of Illinois has allowed me to deepen my passions and discover my purpose. I think what makes this university so special is its ability to serve students in a way that honors where you’ve come from and supports who you’re becoming. I’m not the same person that arrived on campus three and a half years ago. I’ve personally benefited in so many ways from the U of I’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Like the Office of Minority Student Affairs, this amazing resource offers various academic services for students of color. Including free private or group tutoring sessions at their location. Each tutor as a current student at the U of I, who excels in the course you need help in.
Being able to work with another student didn’t just help me in my freshmen statistics class, but it also gave me a mentor who is invested in my overall success. One of my favorite spots on campus is the beloved Bruce Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, also known as BNAACC. BNAACC is a place like no other. You can catch up on coursework in one of the many study lounges. Cook a meal with some friends in the stainless steel kitchen, record a song in the recording studio, or practice a routine in the dance studio. They host various educational and community building events each semester. There’s so much to do at the BNAACC and at the other cultural centers, all located on the same block.
Being able to have this kind of home away from home, didn’t just give me the opportunity to immerse myself in my own culture, but it’s also where I’ve made friendships that would last a lifetime. I’m a dance major, and one of the biggest things I was looking for was choosing a school that not only appreciates the arts, but allows me to explore my passions within them. The U of I does exactly that. My freshman year, I was able to help start a registered student organization on campus known as Fine and Applied Arts Black, which I now serve as president. Our goal is to uplift and strengthen the black arts community on campus. There are various community building, educational, and networking events.
Even if you’re not involved in the arts, what’s important is that the university supports students who want to start organizations, or implement new diversity and inclusion efforts. The U of I encourages it’s students to invest in their passions even outside of the campus community. The summer of 2019, I moved to New York City and interned with an arts and social justice organization that helps artists of underrepresented communities advance their careers. This experience gave me the incredible opportunity to bring together all of my passions around the arts and helping others. Ultimately it’s inspired me to one day establish my own art center that helps marginalized communities. The U of I has truly allowed me to discover my purpose. And I can’t wait to take that into the world and share it with others. Alex, back to you.
Faith, thanks for sharing. I love your sense of purpose and hearing about how you really embraced the opportunities and people on campus during your time here. Thanks again.