Okay everyone, let’s meet Izzy. She’s a senior studying education with a minor in special education. She is here at the Moss street children’s center to talk to us about her aspirations for becoming a teacher.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone. As long as I can remember, I’ve always known I wanted to be a teacher. I come from a very long line of educators. Before I was even in kindergarten I often spent the day in my grandmother’s second grade classroom. I grew up cheering for the ducks alongside my alumni fathers. The University of Oregon was at the top of my list when I began my college search process. I was so happy to find out that we’re home to one of the most highly ranked education programs in the country. Our education program is ranked top six among public universities. Our special education program is ranked top three and as a college of education, we are one of the top research institutions in the country. Research and hands-on experience are at the core of our program. Research methods, models, curriculum and assessment tools that were developed by the UOs college of education are used in more than 29,000 schools internationally. It’s such a surreal experience to read about research in my textbooks and see that it was developed right here by professors that I see in the classroom every single day. One of the best things about the University of Oregon is how we have all the resources of a larger university while still maintaining the sense of community that you find at smaller universities. From field study to our school spirit, the possibilities here at UO are endless. The hands on experience that I’ve gained here, especially working remotely with youth has helped prepare me for the future. Not only to enter a master’s program and obtain my teaching license, but to have a classroom of my own one day. There is nowhere in the world that I would have rather made my nest than right here at the University of Oregon. That’s all from me. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Izzy. What a great story. I’m sure that students will be proud to call you their teacher someday. Thank you for sharing a bit of that dream with us. Good luck after graduation.
Next up we have Jeremy. He is in his last year studying journalism and media studies here at the UO, and he just got back in town after studying in Ghana for the summer. A true storyteller by nature, Jeremy is ready to share some of his journey through photography.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. My path to UO has been a long and wild ride. I’d work hard after high school before I decided to be a journalist. And I worked at community college before transferring to the University of Oregon. Being a transfer student, I wasn’t sure how I would fit in, but I made friends, enjoyed all my classes and put in the hard work I needed to chase my dreams. My professors at the University of Oregon and the school of journalism and communication keep me on track and push me. They connected me with other professors, helped me enroll in classes and provided me with the tools I needed to keep moving forward. As an SRJC student, you’re always working from one project to the next, either by yourself, with the professor or in a group. You have access to the Jay cage filled with equipment that you will need to tell any story that you want to tell. And you’ve got access to the writing web 24/7, where I, and a lot of students spend plenty of time grinding on our projects. If you want some on the job experience with the student publications, you can get involved with magazine, Ethos, the Daily Emerald, Duck TV, Science and Memory or Media in Ghana, to name a few. I got a ton of hands on experience and adventure and built my portfolio with the programs here at the University of Oregon. No matter what major you choose, you’ll find people with the same passion for what they’re doing as you do. I’ve been traveling, doing my dream job, telling stories with people who truly love what they do. I’m proud to be an SRJC student and work among such an amazing group of people. Hope to see you around campus. Back to you, Alex.
– They say pictures are worth a thousand words. Jeremy, your camera has created a novel. Thank you for sharing those experiences with us and for showing potential ducks out there that the UO can help them tell their stories as well.
Up next is Natasha. She’s a senior studying public relations with a minor in sports business. Natasha is a huge sports fan and she is here to tell you about athletics on the UO campus. She’s at Hayward field, one of the world’s finest track and field venues and the birthplace of Nike innovation. Natasha, ready, set, go.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up y’all. I’ve been a huge sports fan my entire life. I knew I absolutely had to attend to college with great teams and an amazing sports atmosphere. I knew the University of Oregon would be exciting to attend as a fan, but also as a student, hoping to work in the sports industry UO is constantly ranked one of the best in the nation in football, men’s and women’s basketball, track and field and softball, just to name a few. Every sporting event is an opportunity for fun, lifelong memories. I’m an intern with our athletic department, where I gained firsthand experience in sports operations. Our nationally recognized teams provide us the opportunity to work behind the scenes and support our athletic programs. UO has world-class facilities and uniforms for every sport. Our wide range of sports success gives us an entire year packed with incredible games and events. At Oregon, you not only have the greatest excitement as a fan, but you also learn from unique sports internships that can only happen here. The University of Oregon is the place to be for college sports. Whether I’m walking across the bridge to Austin for a football game, or I’m working the Olympic trials at Hayward field with my fellow interns, there is always sports to see and ducks to cheer on. Oregon athletics are by far one of the best in the country. Our ducks find success in numerous sports and give us the greatest year round fan experience. I’ve been able to further my interest in sports and explore new career paths while working for our exceptional athletic programs. The University of Oregon is the place to be for every game day for any sport. Go ducks. Back to you, Alex.
– Natasha, that was great. I’m glad sports lovers like you get to have fun rooting for the ducks and finding careers in athletics. I’ll definitely have to check out the next big game on campus. The student athletes are knocking it out of the park here. That was fantastic.
Up next is Connor, a junior studying product design. He’s here to show us why the UO school of design isn’t your average place to unleash your creativity. Connor, please paint us a picture of what it’s all about.
– Hey folks. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved designing and assembling things. From building Legos in my room as a kid, to going on to discover woodworking in my dad’s shop, this sort of hands-on creativity is what I wanted to structure my career around. When choosing a college, there are a few different things I was looking for. I wanted that big school experience without feeling like just another number, a field of study that combined my interests an active student body, elite sports teams and a nationally recognized school. After narrowing down my search, it was clear that University of Oregon fit the bill. I chose to major in product design because it’s a good balance between engineering and design and for the exposure it gave me to 3D modeling and digital media production. There are many other areas of study within the UO college of design, such as art and tech, public administration, architecture and art history just to name a few. If you want a more hands-on opportunity to practice and learn, the UO offers many student jobs in a variety of fields. I chose to work as a videographer for the UO strategic communications department, as well as the motion graphics intern for UO athletics. Both jobs have major crossover with product design and have been incredible eye opening experiences that have accelerated my learning in the field. The biggest benefit of going to the UO is that there are many ways to learn who and what you want to become while in college. And you’re guaranteed to meet other people with interests similar to yours. That’s it for me, stay classy, Alex.
– Incredible, Connor. From art and tech to public administration, you have really spread your wings and expanded all of our vision of what it means to be a design student. For a truly hands-on experience, this school definitely has a ton to offer. Thanks again, Connor.
Okay. Now let’s head over to meet Souhail. He’s a senior studying advertising with a minor in entrepreneurship. Souhail is also a major foodie. Who’s better to show us all the sweet snacks and meals that UO has to offer. Take it away, Souhail.
– What’s good everybody. I came to the University of Oregon because I was impressed with a wide variety of the programs that were available here and not at any other schools. I’m talking to the location, the culture and in the environment were all motivating factors for why I decided to come to the U of O. But aside from that, the food here is incredible. At the EMU, there’s an abundance of dining options, pizza or , a comforting bowl of soup and grilled cheese, or maybe you’re looking for something gluten-free and vegan. Maybe you just want some coffee and a place to study. No problem. Our 14 dining locations offer you a place to kick back, meetup, hide out and fuel up with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. You can practice your own culinary skills at one of our community kitchens or come to Unthank Hall, which is also home to our student welcome center. The campus has all kinds of foods that are stadiums, nothing better than some crispy fries at a basketball game. Or you can link up after a football game at our hotspots on campus. These spots are meant to bring people together and celebrate the fun parts of college over food. Oregon has taught me about the power of community and day by day, I’m learning to cherish it that much more. In a world that continues to go more and more online, I hope to continue to forge real life relationships and make meaningful memories that last. All right, Alex, back to you.
– That was awesome, Souhail. The food scene at the UO is incredible. And it’s great to hear the dining halls use locally sourced ingredients. Amazing. I’m looking forward to grabbing something to eat and kicking it on campus as soon as I finish up here. Thanks again.
Now we’ll meet Tchuissi, a data science master student at UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove. Tchuissi has lived all over the world, but now that she’s here, she’s loving the amazingly diverse community UMBC offers and supportive groups like the Center for Global Engagement that have helped her along the way. Tchuissi, the floors is yours.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. I’m from Paris, France and I’ve always was interested in learning new languages and discovering the world. I’ve lived in Brazil, Spain, and here I am today living and studying in the United States. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in data science here at UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove. I’m living just eight minutes from the campus. So it’s very convenient to have the second campus closer Washington, DC. At USG, the UMBC staff is very welcoming and organizing great events. Even last week, I attended an outdoor family movie night organized by UMBC. I enjoy being involved in campus activities to meet new people. I’m a part of the International Club, an intern at the lab for entrepreneurship, and I’m a global ambassador where I help international students feel welcome, ready to study and a part of the community. I’ve also worked to help give prospective international students a better glimpse of all UMBC has to offer. UMBC is well known for having a diverse international campus. The students have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester or one year. And there are a lot of events and programs showcasing students cultures such as the International Week in November or in other ways throughout the year. Thanks to the UMBC program and the support of the Career Center and others, I feel well prepared to enter the workforce in the United States and to bring this unique perspective. That’s my story, back to you, Alex.
– Merci beaucoup, Tchuissi, thanks again for sharing your story and for your work as a global ambassador. It’s great to know that you’re helping other international students find their footing at UMBC, it’s an awesome story, well done, take care.
So now let’s meet up with Levi at Denton’s Historic Downtown Square. He’s a senior majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Biology. He’s gonna show us white Denton is the perfect college town in Texas. Levi, go for it.
– Thanks Alex, hey, y’all so a little bit about me growing up my dad always instilled in me, the importance in value of really serving and interacting with my community. Not only through his words, but thorough his actions and Denton is the perfect place to put those lessons to the test. Here at UNT, I was quickly able to get involved with things like student activities, religious communities, and that was even able to use my background gymnastics to land a spot on the North Texas cheer team. Where we won our first national championship in 20 years while also cheering on the meanduring game days. ♪ Lets go Mean s ♪ ♪ Lets go A-A-G–O-E-E-A ♪ ♪ Let’s go ♪
– Through NTC, I was also able to land a job with the Dallas Mavericks, which is a super cool opportunity and highlights one of the reasons I lived in so much because I still get that small college town charm while also being only a 30 to 40 minutes away from the stockyards of Fort worth to the big city of Dallas. It really makes it a unique place to live. Now I’m not really from here. So I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little bit nervous when I showed up. I didn’t really know anybody, but the community here is like none other. And it really makes you feel welcome. Like you have a family, the moment you on campus. It also showed why Denton is one of the top ranked college towns in the nation between live music, good food, unique shops, nature, art, fashion, you name it. There’s something you’re interested in. We have it here. Ultimately, why I love den is the laid back, cool nature, plenty of things to do and opportunity for you to follow your dreams. And so thankful to the University of North Texas, providing me the opportunity to figure out what I wanted to do and what direction I wanted to go in life through my education. And for me, that looks like staying in PT school right here in Den. Thank you for listening to a little bit of my story. Let’s throw those towns up and send it back to you, Alex.
– Levi Den is so cool. The people, the music, the art, the murals nature, the food, and only a short drive from major cities like Dallas and Fort Worth. Everyone’s got to come and visit this place, Thanks Levi.
Next we have Gabriella she’s a Sophomore majoring in converge broadcast media, minoring in journalism and history with a certification in TV news producing. She’s gonna let us know about how UNT is the most comprehensive university in the Dallas, Fort worth area creating opportunities for everyone in the North Texas region and throughout the world, Gabriella you’re up.
– Thanks Alex, UNT was the first college I ever toured during my sophomore year of high school. I was looking for something with a welcoming atmosphere, a student run news organization, academic programs that would set me up for success and something not too far from home. UNT checked off all those boxes along with offering me a scholarship for my academic achievements in high school. North Texas television has given me many opportunities to volunteer in their organization. They’re a student-run network of sports entertainment, social media and news programs that are run by UNT students of any major. I’ve had the best time being involved with their shows. I was volunteering with the news department, meeting new people and doing well in my classes, but I still wanted something more. So I applied on handshake as a marketing student assistant, and I got the job. Now I work with the UNT at Frisco’s Marketing Department and I create campaigns, content documents, and graphics for all their social media platforms. UNT is growing bigger and more students are choosing UNT because it is the most comprehensive university in North Texas. There are 239 unique degree options to choose from. So there’s something for everyone. And like me students choose UNT for the outstanding value for 25 consecutive years, UNT has been one of America’s top 100 best college buys. Students also take advantage of the fact that UNT awards more than $405 million in financial aid and $50 million in scholarships annually. I’ll be graduating early with an extremely well-rounded college resume. And my experiences with the television station, networking and academic opportunities will make it possible for me to enter the news industry a year earlier than I ever expected. Go Mean Green and back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Gabriella being involved with North Texas Television, working on campus and graduating early. That is amazing. I know you’ll be a huge success working in news. Best of luck to you, and thanks again.
So now let’s meet up with Anthony who recently graduated with a major in broadcast journalism. Anthony is gonna tell us about the multiple ways to learn at UNT, whether it’s your first time in college, a transfer student, a working professional, or a PhD. UNT has an option for you. Anthony, you are up.
– Thanks Alex, my journey to UNT didn’t start straight out of high school. I actually transferred here from my local community college two years ago. My time here has been a journey, that I’ll never forget. When I was looking at schools to transfer to the main thing I wanted was to feel like I belonged. So when I toured UNT’s campus and saw people with colorful hair and just totally expressive, I knew it was where I was supposed to be. UNT is totally transfer friendly. The transfer process is smooth and easy. I got all the tools I needed to make my transition to a full university seamless. They helped me apply my previous credits, explore my degree options, network through Fisher transfers and help with my transcript and financial aid. And there are a lot of ways to access learning here at UNT, including a location in Frisco. The Frisco campus was created as a space for students to prepare for in-demand jobs and as a space for working professionals, looking to advance their careers. So use your previous credits and work experience, you’ll graduate fast and be ready for the job of your dreams. UNT is ranked as a best online university, making it one of the largest providers of accredited online courses in Texas. I never expected it, but at the time I had here at UNT was one of the most impactful and meaningful years of my entire life. Mean Green and back to you, Alex.
– Anthony, so many options choose a big state college campus with all the amenities, a smaller campus focused on project-based learning, online courses or mix of all the above. UNT has an option for everyone, whether you’re starting your college career or ready to get your PhD, Cheers Anthony.
Okay, everyone, let’s meet Jonah. He’s a senior studying public relations and sports business, and is coming to us today from the many nations longhouse where many of the UOs native American community gather. The University of Oregon is located on the Kalapuya Ilahi, the traditional homelands of the Kalapuya people. Today, Jonah will be discussing diversity at the UO and the center for multicultural academic excellence. You’re on, Jonah.
– Alex, you’re the man. Thank you so much. Growing up in Eugene with limited resources, college wasn’t really in the books for me, but after receiving multiple scholarships from the University of Oregon, I’ve been able to explore all opportunities that’ve come my way on this campus. One of those big opportunities for me has been becoming the president of the only multicultural fraternity on this campus, Eight, six. And as president, one of my main focuses has been meeting the needs of my community and various efforts with my brothers. And on top of that, something that’s very important to us is brotherhood and creating a sense of belonging, which is something I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to find on this campus. But the university has plenty of organizations, resources and programs where you’ll be able to find your own space. A great resource me and my friends use is the CMAE, the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence, who promote student retention and persistence for historically underrepresented and underserved populations in our community. And outside of academics, you can engage with one of our six multicultural centers or join one of our 25 diverse student unions that we have here on campus. College education is more than just learning skills for a job. Being able to connect with others and stay involved on campus is key. Being on campus, unique opportunities are always falling into your lap. Like you could be a reporter for our very own duck TV, or you could spin decks as a DJ in the radio station under the EMU. Personally though, I like to take my bike down 13th and poke around the bypass around Oddsson to clear my head and view all the beautiful nature that this campus has to offer. Imagining yourself where you want to be before you actually arrive is how to be successful but being at a place that encourages that imagination is just as important. And for me, the university has given me the tools to spark that imagination in myself. And on that note, back to you, Alex.
– Well said, Jonah. The UO community continues to grow and the UO is providing a lot of opportunities and resources to ensure students feel included. With six multicultural centers and 25 diverse student unions, it sounds like all ducks have great spaces to connect. Love to see it. And thanks for sharing your story.