kay, everyone, we’re gonna kick things off with Sami. A recent graduate from the finance program and former student body president. He’s the perfect person to give us an intro to Utah State, and talk about what makes this school so special. All right, Sami, time to get the tour going.
– Hi, everyone! I wanna tell you some of my story, and give you an idea of what Utah State University is all about. I was born and raised in Ethiopia. and I came to Salt Lake City at the age of 11 with my family. My mother’s dream for me was to be able to attend college and find success in the United States. However, being in a first-generation immigrant family, I didn’t have the blueprint for college. When I arrived at Utah State, I wasn’t sure if I’d find success, but I quickly learned this was the perfect place for me. Although my cultural and ethnic background differed from most students and faculty, I never felt out of place. I found my home here at Utah State because of the university’s accepting and friendly nature helped me reach my highest potential as a student beyond what I thought was possible. Let me tell you a little about USU. It’s home to top-notch academics, great hands-on experience, and cutting edge research. As a student, I was able to see these high academic standards in my courses. For example, my international finance course was one of the most challenging and impactful classes I’ve taken. Getting that global perspective is extremely valuable. As Aggies, we are dedicated to improving the world around us. Aggies protect our nation’s water supply, help make the world a safer place during earthquakes, and even study how to grow plants in space. In my time at Utah State, I accomplished things I never would have imagined. Thanks to my friends, professors and mentors, I was elected as student body president for two consecutive years. I’m most proud of the work that I did in that role, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The university’s commitment to bringing students back safely on campus during the fall of 2020 required significant amount of work. And I attended countless meetings to help determine classroom and safety policies. Being the only student in those high-level meetings required thoughtful consideration before making recommendations. I love you Utah State University, because all students who attend here have the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of background or previous educational experience. Utah State is truly a student centric university that is committed to student success beyond any other priorities. I hope my story, and the other Aggies you’re about to hear from, can show you how special this place truly is. And now back to you, Alex.
– Sami, what an awesome story. Thanks for sharing how Utah State became home away from home. You’re a great ambassador and success story for the university, best of luck in the future. Thanks again for that.
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, now we’ll meet up with Alex out on the quad. He’s a junior majoring in global communication. And he grew up in Logan. There’s nobody better suited to describe life as an Aggie and this tight-knit community with Utah State at its core. From one Alex to another, take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hello everyone, and welcome to Logan, Utah! My hometown and the beautiful home of the Utah State Aggies. Utah State University is the lifeblood of this community. There’s a feeling of excitement and pride associated with being part of it. I grew up here taking Sunday walks on campus, playing piano recitals in USU’s concert halls, and cheering on the Aggies at Maverick Stadium and at The Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The electric energy I felt each time I visited campus, made it clear to me that when I grew up, I wanted to be part of the Aggie family. The Aggie family is iconic. It begins with the friends that you make during your time here on campus, and extends far beyond that to anyone who has ever been associated with the university. It’s the people that you meet and the memories you create together that you remember most from your time in college. And there is so much to do here, both on and off campus to make memories. Getting involved in the traditions here at Utah State is something that I’ve looked forward to doing my entire life. One of my favorites is the Luminary. Where the university president leads the incoming freshmen class on a lantern procession to the quad, where they gather in the shape of an Aggie A, and kick off the four-year adventure that is to come. On the quad you’ll find Weeks of Welcome, movies and concerts, food truck fairs, and on homecoming night, hundreds of students line these sidewalks to share a midnight kiss a top of this block A to become true Aggies. We’ve also got The Howl, which is one of the most thrilling college Halloween parties this side of the Mississippi. There’s plenty to do off-campus as well. Logan is situated between two beautiful mountain ranges, making it an ideal outdoor destination in any season. There are two ski resorts less than an hour away from campus and tons of trails for hiking and mountain biking. My friends and I love to take the 15-minute drive up Logan Canyon, for a day on the beach of Bear Lake, followed by our famous raspberry shake. USU’s outdoor recreation program has all the equipment you could ever need, and they also host outdoor adventure trips. Aside from being an outdoor paradise, Logan is also an arts Mecca. On the same historic block downtown are three stunning theaters, where plays, musicals and operas are produced year round. Plenty of students participate in these productions. You’ll also find art galleries and concerts and venues downtown. I’ve been so inspired by the art scene here in Logan, that I’ve even started writing a musical of my own. Well, there’s a little taste of Logan for you. I hope you can come see it for yourself. Go Aggies! And back to you, Alex.
– Let me know when you’re holding auditions for that musical, Alex, it’s great to get a feel for Utah State, from the perspective of a student and a local. I hope I count as a member of the Aggie family now, that was fantastic, take care.
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. Let’s meet Amy. She’s in her senior year studying public relations here at the UO. Amy will be talking about this stunning campus nestled in the Willamette valley and its proximity to some of the most breathtaking landscapes here in the Pacific Northwest. Amy, please take it away.
– Hey everyone. I’m so excited to share my experience here at UO. I grew up just outside Portland and wanted to stay in state for the college experience, but wasn’t sure what career I wanted to pursue or what to expect coming to UO. Where I’ve ended up is completely different from what I expected. And I’m so happy it all put out the way it did. I’ve met so many people here who inspired me to find what I’m passionate about, which I’ve discovered is being outdoors. Eugene is definitely unique place. There are hiking trails, climbing gyms, parks in the Willamette river. And if you go a little bit out of town, there’s waterfalls, mountains for skiing and the beach. Eugene is just a few hours away from Smith rock, my favorite place in Oregon. I’m only a two-hour drive from Portland, one hour from the coast, a few hours from skiing in Ben and exploring the redwoods down in Northern California. Living in the Pacific Northwest has given me the opportunity to pursue self-reflection and figure out what I love to do. The UO prepared me for my past two internships, which helped me find balance in my life. Feeling confident about my experiences allows me to focus my energy on my passions, which I’m so excited to keep exploring. Had I not chosen to go to UO three years ago and met the people I did, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I learned to go with what feels right and be open to new experiences. Everybody’s college experience is different and mine is a lot different than expected, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Back to you, Alex.
– Amy, thank you for showing us around this beautiful state of Oregon. What an amazing place to call home while you’re studying. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to hit those hiking trails. But before we do, let’s learn a bit more about this university. Thanks again for that.
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.
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.
Last but certainly not least, it wouldn’t be a proper campus tour if we didn’t introduce you to the one, the only The Duck. He is a foul of very few words, actually, none at all, because he doesn’t speak. But his well toned wings from doing so many pushups at football games tell the story of the UO success, not only on the playing field, but also in the classroom. Wow, Duck, I can see why you’re loved by so many people and one of the most recognized college mascots in the entire nation. Sports Illustrate even ranked you second among the greatest mascots in college football history. Now that’s something we’re shaking your tail feathers for. Thanks again for that. The University of Oregon, everyone, this was such a fun tour. I’d like to thank all the amazing passionate students we got to meet today for sharing their stories. Looks like they’re all set to achieve incredible things here at the UO and beyond. What a great group of students and what a wonderful campus. Well, that’s all the time I have for now, but I highly encourage you all to check out more about the University of Oregon for yourself. This place is incredible. Trust me when I say it’s even better in person. Bye, everyone. Until next time.
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.