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.
Next up we’ve got Gemma. Gemma is a senior studying social science teaching and black studies. She’s excited to talk about her time mentoring students through orientation programs and how she’s prepared herself for her dream career. Take it away, Gemma.
– Thanks for the intro Alex. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to help people, but was never really sure how. It wasn’t until I experienced firsthand the impact that teachers can have in students’ lives that I decided to pursue education. Currently, I’m studying general social science teaching and black studies here at the UO. Through my amazing student leadership opportunities here with student orientation programs, I’ve had the ability to both meet and mentor incoming students. As a first-generation student of color I know how scary this transition can be, but the university has so many amazing resources to help you navigate your college experience. Through the various academic advising and career centers here on campus, you can meet with both staff and student peers to help map out your academic plan with focus on your career aspirations after graduation. Being able to use my firsthand experience to ease the worries of incoming students and their families/supporters has given me so many amazing skills that I’ll be able to use in and out of the classroom. Not only have I been able to really focus on facilitating and supporting students, but also my public speaking and overall confidence as a leader here at the UO. And I’ve been able to incorporate some fun along the way as well. I’m currently a part of DVC, which is the women’s identified acapella group here on campus. And I’ve also been a part of the UO women’s rugby team. There’s a little bit of everything here on campus. No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll be able to find it here at the UO. My time working with incoming students has definitely helped me get ready for my career in the classroom. Thanks for hanging out with me, everyone. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Gemma. It’s great to see that the help you give incoming students also gives you the experience you need for your future as a teacher. All students, by the way, have access to mentors like Gemma, as well as professional staff for career and academic advising on campus, and even a whole building dedicated those services. The very one where Gemma was joining us from today. Thanks again, Gemma.
Let’s get to it. You all ready? Now let’s meet Piper. She’s a senior studying biology and chemistry. Piper conducts research on campus and is excited to tell us about the many opportunities she found in the UOs stellar science programs. You’re up Piper.
– Thanks for that introduction. I grew up just an hour and a half away from Eugene and my older brother attended UO. When I came to visit him, I was immediately welcomed into the warm community and impressed by the amazing facilities they had for my field of interest. After seeing an incredible scholarship I was sold. What really impressed me was the research facilities they had for the natural sciences, which is what I knew I wanted to study. I was able to get involved into research early on during my freshman year in the Bradshaw Holzapfel lab in the Institute of ecology and evolution. Since then, I’ve been exposed to groundbreaking research and I’m currently working on my thesis, which focuses on the existence of cryptic, ancestral genes, affecting the mosquitoes ability to bite. I’m looking forward to finishing up data collection and defending my thesis later on this winter. Through the career center, I was able to find a summer internship where I had the opportunity to shadow surgeons and conduct clinical research. As a result, I’m now a published author in a peer reviewed medical journal. And outside of the natural sciences, I branched out to become president of Hip Hop club. University of Oregon is a member of the association of American universities, one of only two in the Pacific Northwest, which is a testament to the strength and value of research occurring here. Additionally, any student can get involved in research, not just those in the natural sciences. The opportunities in the natural sciences that UO provides prepare students for a career of their choosing after graduation. As I reflect back on my time in preparation for applying to medical school, I’m grateful for all that UO has provided me in these past three years. That’s my story. So back to you, Alex.
– Piper, thank you. That was amazing. It’s great you’ve been able to get hands-on experience doing research at the UO. I’ve have had my fair share of mosquito bites racing around the world, and now have a whole new respect for those bugs. It’s inspiring to hear all you’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time. Sounds like you are set for the future. Take care.
Next up is Cara. She’s a senior studying product design with minors in art, entrepreneurship, food studies. And she can’t wait to tell you about student life and how she got involved here on campus. Welcome Cara. You are on.
– Hey everyone. When I started looking for a college, I had no idea what I wanted to be. I knew I was interested in being creative and trying everything. After touring the University of Oregon and seeing all there was to do here, I knew this was the place for me. My first week on campus, I pursued two on campus jobs, a theater stitcher, and a social media digital strategists, and got both. Being a theater stitcher is where I was first exposed to the incredible world of design. The designers I worked under taught me more about myself, my interests and my dreams. Between my work experience and taking engaging art classes at UO is where I found my passion for product design. I’ve also taken advantage of two study abroad opportunities at the UO, the pre-freshman program in London and the food studies program in Sienna, Italy. Both of these programs gave me the opportunity to create lifelong connections with new people and places. All of these on-campus opportunities have been made possible because of the accessible education center at the UO. I have needed accommodations and support throughout my educational journey. The AEC provides support and ensures I have the tools I need to be successful. One of my favorite things about UO is the many ways to get involved on campus. The ASU street fair is one of my favorite events. The whole community comes together in support of food and fun. And 13th avenue is lined with students and vendors all day long. When I chose to come to the University of Oregon, I never could have guessed how much I would learn and experience. The UO has been a place where I’ve been able to gain hands-on experience both on the job and in the classroom while working on my dreams. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Cara. It’s so cool you found your passion for product design by putting yourself out there and using campus resources. Thanks for sharing your journey. Sounds like getting involved in student life has its perks, especially when those perks include street fair food. Sign me up, please. Thanks again for that.
Okay. Let’s meet Erica. She’s a senior studying business administration with a concentration in marketing. She’s here to tell us about the perks and fun of living in the residence halls and how she used her passion for business to connect with people on campus. The floor is all yours, Erica.
– Thanks Alex. And Hey everyone. I grew up in California and knew that I wanted to leave to experience something new. Although we never visited the campus before committing, University of Oregon was a really easy choice for me because of the wide range of programs offered, great athletic teams and a ton of amenities for students to enjoy. My freshman year, I lived in an academic residential community, which we refer to as arcs. I was in a business arc where I got to live and go to classes with students in my major. Living in the residence halls was super fun and definitely a highlight of my college experience. Although choosing housing can seem difficult and a little scary, don’t worry. UO was here to help all students find the best housing option for you. We have 10 different residence halls to choose from, with more than 15 arcs. UO offers academic support for all students living in the residence halls. We have multiple study lounges, faculty members living in the residence halls and faculty fellows who are a great resource if you have any questions or just want to talk. The study lounges are really nice if you’re up working late and don’t want to disrupt your roommate, or if you’re looking for a fun place to study and hang out with friends. Not only does UO care about students’ success academically, but they also want to see you excel outside the classroom. The campus hosts all kinds of events and activities such as end of the term pizza parties and solving escape room competitions. UO is more than just attending classes. It’s about finding your place within our tight knit community, studying what you’re passionate about and building long lasting relationships all while being a duck. I am forever grateful to be a part of the flock. That’s it from me. Go ducks and back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Erica. Sounds like there’s plenty of opportunities to make friends on campus, meet others who share your interests and find your spot in the flock. The UO community is big, yet you’ll still find your own small groups of friends for life right here. Thanks for sharing.