Next, we have Kristy, an Assistant Professor of Biology who specializes in coastal research, which is a big deal in Florida. She’s going to tell us about her work with the environment and how UCF’s focus on local research has the potential to better the world. Kristy, you’re on now.
– Thanks, Alex. Florida is certainly famous for its beaches, but the state also has many other ecosystems to explore. From the coastlines to the heart of Central Florida, UCF’s location is a major asset for students who want to participate in field research, while learning beside some of the best and brightest scientists working to conserve the environment around us. I was specifically drawn to UCF to join the National Center for Integrated Coastal Research. Here I work with researchers from diverse study areas to find solutions to pressing issues like sea level rise and the harmful algal bloom caused by red tide, both which impact Florida’s number one industry, tourism. Addressing these issues head on could potentially prevent millions of dollars of lost revenue for Florida communities. Our center’s efforts showcase just a few of the initiatives that have received national recognition for their impact. UCF strides in solar energy have been recognized with several awards by the US Department of Energy. And we even harvest our own honey at the UCF Arboretum as an official Bee Campus USA. Our Marine turtle research group partners with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and has established a permanent research facility on the Space Coast. UCF research has also led to the ban of certain sunscreen ingredients due to their harmful impacts on coral reefs. Our biologists and engineers are working tirelessly to find new ways to protect Florida’s threatened coral reefs. These fragile ecosystems are not only important to the health of the ocean, they also generate billions of dollars in local income, provide more than 70,000 jobs and protect the state’s shorelines from storms and hurricanes. Everyone at UCF recognizes the importance of protecting our planet and it all starts right here in our own backyard. When you attend UCF, you’ll have unique opportunities in the classroom, in the sand, out on the water and in the wild. We’re ready for you to come join us in shaping the future of our home. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Dr. Kristy, that was great. From sea to solar, UCF seems like a great place to study ways to better understand and protect the world around us. Talk about making an impact. Thanks again, Dr. Kristy, for all the important work you and other researchers at UCF do for us.
So get ready for a great episode, everyone. Welcome to UCF, this is the college tour. Let’s get to it, you all ready? Adam is a two-time UCF grad who turned his dreams into reality. He’s gonna tell us more about how Knight shaped the Central Florida community and fuel Florida’s talent pipeline. That means they earn jobs after graduation, and have career paths right here in Central Florida. He’ll also give us the details on how UCF prepares you to succeed in the classroom and in your career. Take it away, Adam.
– Thanks, Alex. As the Engineering Innovation Principal Architect at Lockheed Martin and a two-time UCF grad, I’m a proud Knight who has grown up, went to college, started a career, and is raising a young family in Orlando. When I was young, I always loved video games, but when I got older, I wanted to find a career that could allow me to use video games and link it back to my family’s long military history. That led me to my dream job, where I create simulators, where we teach people how to fly planes or how to operate a tank successful using those tools. At UCF, you’re setup for some amazing opportunities, thanks to the pipeline established by UCF, across multiple industries, including hospitality, space, cyber, healthcare, digital arts and entertainment, and of course, my area of expertise, simulation and training. UCF has extensive industry partnerships. For example, Lockheed Martin has a college work experience program where Knights can work with real professionals working on real projects that have a real impact. If you’re a student in that program today, you could be working on the latest virtual reality technology or a strength and safety boosting exoskeleton. Additionally, UCF hospitality students are located right in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district, which has neighbors like Disney, Universal, Marriott, and the Orange County Convention Center. UCF’s downtown campus is located within walking distance of City Hall, the Courthouse, and a lot more. UCF’s main campus is next to a 1,000-acre research park where some of the most cutting edge companies are developing technology across aerospace, lasers, and medical research. That means you’re gonna have the connections needed to land your first internship, and put you on a path of a successful career. Nothing compares to the real-world impact I had at Lockheed Martin, and nothing compares to being a UCF Knight in a metropolitan city like Orlando, where the opportunities for discovery, creativity, and success are infinite. Back to you, Alex.
– Adam, that’s incredible. It’s great that UCF is so close to many industry leaders, giving students hands-on experience and a leg up on the competition when they graduate. I think we’ll definitely continue to see Knights doing cool things and going big places. Thanks again, Adam.
It’s not easy being the first in your family to go to college or to know your direction. Well allow me to introduce Karina. She graduated in 2011. Today, she’s helping so many kids get the education they deserve. She’s a passionate advocate for her community. I’ll let Karina give you the full story.
– I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I graduated from UC Davis. I hope my story of how I got there and how I got here will help you in finding your pathway. My parents immigrated from Mexico to Willows, California, a small agricultural town with three streetlights. My oldest sister Olga was the first in our family to go to college. So I knew that I wanted to follow her example. So I studied hard and joined the Educational Talent Search Program, a federally funded program that helps low income and first-generation kids get into college. I wanted to live on campus and meet students from different places and cultures. When I got there, I was shocked by how many bikes were on campus. There was so much activity everywhere. I struggled academically at first and that was really scary, but I looked for help and found so much support around me. I took advantage of office hours. I found services to have your papers reviewed before submitting and I joined a Latina sorority. Many of my pledge sisters came from similar backgrounds and they really helped keep me going. My grades improved dramatically. These girls are still my best friends. I imagined a career in education, maybe as a counselor. So I decided to major in community regional development. It completely expanded my horizons. I later applied for an internship through the University of California Washington DC Program. Four days after graduation, I was working for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, little did I know that would be the stage for a career that has taken me to so many places. In California, I worked as an advisor for Educational Talent Search, the same program that had helped me get into UC Davis. I then spent some time on the corporate side as a recruiter, helping Fortune 500 companies find talent, but then I got into politics and all that I learned up until that moment in the classroom and on the job was exactly what I needed to make that leap. In 2018, I was elected trustee for the Sacramento County Board of Education. Today I’m the in the city of Sacramento. If you’re wondering about your own path, here’s my advice, explore, be curious, challenge conventional thinking. It’s okay not to know what you wanna do. You never know what jobs are out there anyway, learn all you can, do all you can for yourself and for others, that will help you find your way and prepare you for wherever you go. And in my experience, there’s no better place to do that than UC Davis.
– Karina, what an inspiration. I can’t even begin to imagine how many lives you’ve touched. You’re living proof that you don’t have to decide between succeeding and helping others. And you’ve got so much ahead of you still. Thank you for all your work and for joining us today. Take care, Karina.
– [Alex] Welcome everyone to University of Cincinnati, top five in the nation for co-op and internships. An impressive ranking for sure. But one that makes a lot of sense, considering the fact that UC invented cooperative education more than 100 years ago. And while experience-based learning remains at the core of a UC education. Cincinnati’s innovative spirit and can-do attitude is reflected in everything, from its vibrant, big-league hometown to it’s one-of-a-kind, award-winning campus. I’m your host, Alex Boylan, and over the next half hour, we’re gonna take a closer look at the places, faces and features that make Cincinnati special. From a student who grew up just around the corner, to one who hails from another corner of the globe, to accomplished alumni who continue to make their mark. You’ll hear their personal stories and some of the many reasons that nearly 50,000 students choose UC. Welcome to Bearcat’s nation. This is “The College Tour”. Okay, let’s head over to UC’s internationally-renowned College Conservatory of Music, or CCM as it’s usually called. Did you know that CCM regularly takes on one of the top spots in Playbill Magazine’s list of top most represented colleges on Broadway? Well, Miles probably did. A double major in music and business, Miles found a unique opportunity at UC, and one that has allowed him to pursue and excel at, both of his passions. Just wait until you hear about the experiences he’s already gained as a student. It’s all yours, Miles. Take it away.
– Hey, thanks Alex. I remember during my senior year, I was accepted to 14 different universities around the nation. I wanted the whole college experience, meaning a university that encourages professional and creative growth, while allowing me to combine my passions of business and music. See, I’ve been a trumpet player for over a decade now, and I knew I didn’t wanna give that up when I went to college, ’cause I wanted a career that’d be fulfilling and creative. The University of Cincinnati provided me just that. See, UC invented cooperative education, and it’s still one of the best. Ranking top five in the nation, UC’s Co-Op Program started in the College of Engineering in 1906. And at the time it was considered experimental, but it was soon being copied by schools around the world. Now today, UC’s experiential learning opportunities are not limited to one college, or a handful of programs. It’s available to every single Cincinnati student. And students at co-op, work in organizations like Apple, NASA, Disney, and places as close as Downtown Cincinnati, to as far as Japan. And because students earn while they learn, they graduate with less debt. In addition to UC’s commitment to experiential learning, having the opportunity to learn and collaborate with internationally-renowned faculty and staff at the College-Conservatory of Music made choosing UC a no-brainer. Now one of my favorite things about my first year on campus, was the Career Fair. While many universities provide extracurricular opportunities to get involved on campus, UC’s organizations and clubs provide you with the core, industry-specific skills to make an impact in your community, but also just to meet cool people. Over the last two years, I’ve been able to take advantage of these opportunities, like host my own radio show, with UC’s very own student media outlet, Bearcats Media. Or coordinating monthly panels with the university Honors Program to integrate first-year students with university living. And it was through the involvement in these UC organizations that I gained the skills to be a competitive candidate for internships around the world. Locally, I intern in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as a marketing intern. Where I was able to interview Grammy Award winning conductors, artists and composers, and promote digital concerts. And nationally, I worked with JP Morgan Chase as an Advancing Black Pathways fellow. Where I learned the fast paced environment of a corporate business. Now, I’m working with the global distribution department with NBC Universal, as an international marketing and publicity intern, where I get to share and promote their award winning TV shows and blockbuster films. UC makes sure that the education you’re getting is not just skills for a job. It’s about finding your passions, getting real world experience, and preparing you for the skills to do more than what you thought was possible. Back to you, Alex.
– Miles, what an inspiring story. It’s almost unfair that someone is that talented on both sides of the brain, but seriously, we’re so glad you found Cincinnati where it’s possible to craft an academic plan as individual as you are. Thanks again Miles.
Okay, now let’s join. A’jiana, a criminal justice major, for a closer look at Cincinnati’s one of a kind award-winning campus. The New York Times called it, the most ambitious campus design program in the country. And it’s no wonder, this pedestrian friendly beauty surprises at every turn, mixing classical architecture, with modern style. Tell us more A’jiana.
– Thanks, Alex. The uptown campus of the University of Cincinnati, is home to about 47,000 students. And is full of well-known traditions, photo ops spots, and hidden gems. Listed among the world’s most beautiful campuses. UC’s beauty can be seen not only through its striking architecture and landscaping, but also their student life. So, let’s start with location. Campus is roughly 253 acres. And just two miles from Cincinnati’s vibrant downtown. One of my personal favorite spaces on campus is Sigma Sigma Commons, which also happens to be the largest green space. Here we host our annual Red and Black Bash, which is a concert that’s free and open to all UC students, the Sigma Sigma Carnival, and hammocking areas for a nice breezy day. Just up main street is Nippert Stadium, home to the best student section in the nation. And when there’s no varsity games or practices going on, students are free to use the stadium. Whether that be throwing a frisbee, running the stairs, or just cutting through to get to class. UC is also home to great artistic performance too. Cincinnati’s top ranked college Conservatory of Music, offers more than a thousand musical and theatrical performances each year, the most in Ohio. And many are free to UC students. Just across Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, is UC’s east campus. Home to its four healthcare colleges. Pharmacy, nursing, medicine and allied health. East campus is also home to UC’s clinical affiliates, UC Health, and Cincinnati Children’s Medical Hospital. Cincinnati Children’s is ranked among the top five in the nation. And UC Health provides the regions only level one trauma center. And just down the road from UC’s east campus, you’ll find Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub, and it’s soon to be completed Digital Futures building, both a part of Cincinnati’s growing innovation district. Already one of the best cities in the Midwest for startups, Cincinnati is becoming recognized for its unique partnerships between industry and university, and as a destination for top talent. But more than anything, campus spirit and UC’s sense of community are what made me a diehard Bearcat. I chose UC, because it’s a global leader in experience-based learning. It offers a top tier education, and numerous opportunities post-graduation. And it’s provided me with a true home away from home. UC ensures that it has a space for everyone to be unapologetically themselves. Well, that’s my story back to you, Alex.
– Thank you A’jiana. While it’s true there’s nothing like actually being here, A’jiana’s given us a great snapshot of Cincinnati, the campus. We’re so glad you found your home here, take care.
You all are gonna love this next segment. Let’s hear from Phillip. He is a journalism major who’s excited to share what traditions make being a Knight so special. From major campus and community events to iconic sites, Phillip is gonna give us a rundown on what you can expect from your time at UCF.
– Thanks Alex. Hi, there, going to college is an opportunity for growth, discovery, innovation, and comradery. And here at UCF, you’re brought into a community full of exciting and inspiring traditions that allow you to make friends, make memories and make the most of your college experience. One of the best things that draws people towards UCF is our big spirit and our big energy. And ever since being a Knight myself, it has been so much fun to be able to participate in all these amazing traditions here on campus, from sharing in the bounce house and making a splash of the reflecting pond, talking about diversity and inclusivity around campus. Actually, one of the biggest traditions that we have here on campus is our annual Spirit Splash every homecoming week. Now the events so popular, actually, that it was bought at number one for one of the best college traditions in the whole nation. At this fall event, students would run right into the reflecting pond to catch hundreds of ducks. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. You’ll also won’t want to miss out on Symphony Under the Stars, which is a concert held at Memory Mall. So make sure you grab a blanket and pack of picnic for a night to remember. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, we also have our Universal Knights because what’s a better study break, then hanging out with a whole bunch of Knights while riding roller coasters. Another fun tradition we also have is our Pegasus Palooza, which is at the start of the fall semester, where you can participate in social, academic and service opportunities to help you find your place on campus. We also have our Diversity Week, which is a cultural celebration where students can connect with one another and celebrate our differences together. And we even have our Research Week where you can check up on all the cool innovation and technologies by our UCF undergraduate and graduate team. As you can see, there are countless opportunities for you to have a great time here at UCF. It has been such an honor to be able to be a Knight here myself and have all the diverse good friends I have, which I now call family, participating in all the fun events and activities here has just been amazing. That’s what being a Knight is all about. Back to you, Alex.
– Phillip, that was fantastic. It looks like there are so many fun and exciting things to do at UCF. I mean, how fun does Spirit Splash look, but what’s really cool is how many options there are for students of all interests, from research to music. Thanks for sharing that with us, Phillip.
Now it’s time to hear from Cierra who’s studying business. With a focus on earning an affordable degree, she knows just how important philanthropy is to the campus culture at UCF. She’ll share how scholarships and financial aid were easy to access and have helped her during her time at UCF. Cierra, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, guys. The power of philanthropy can truly be life-changing for a college student. It certainly was for me. 50% of first time and college students at UCF graduate with no educational debt, which is far better than the national average. Access to scholarships and financial aid are a big reason why UCF remains an exceptional and affordable university. In my time at UCF, I’ve been able to join many student organizations, connect with mentors at the College of Business, interact with top Orlando business leaders and gain impactful marketing internship experience. None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the financial support I received from UCF and the donors who help ensure our success. One of the tenants of the UCF creed is community. And that is embodied in the backing that our students receive from their own classmates, our 335,000 alumni, and from our biggest supporters from companies like EA who help endowed a scholarship to encourage inclusion in gaming, to a facility funded by Lockheed Martin dedicated to training the next generation of cybersecurity programmers, to record-breaking gifts, resulting in transformational impact. Every year, UCF distributes millions of dollars in scholarships, and on our annual day of giving in the spring, we see the impact that every donor and every dollar can have. By opening doors and removing obstacles through philanthropy, we empower our students to rise to their potential and achieve their dreams. I believe in community and supporting those who support me. One day, I plan to give back to UCF as a tribute to those who helped me achieve my goals. Thanks for listening. Now back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Cierra. You did amazing. It’s great to see how UCF instills the importance of giving back and paying it forward in its Knights and how the emphasis provides students with the support to succeed. Thanks again, Cierra.
Next, we’ll catch up with Christina. She’s a senior working towards her degree in advertising and public relations. She’ll tell us all about what it’s like as a Knight, including some of her favorite things to do around campus. We can’t wait to hear about the vibrant student life at UCF. Christina, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. The vibrant campus atmosphere is one of the best parts about the college life. With 650 clubs and organizations, and a robust Greek life community, there’s something for everyone to get involved in at UCF. No matter which of our four campuses you’re on, there’s always something to do or see here. Growing up 15 minutes from UCF, I knew before I was a student, I was a Knight. M family and I would attend football games and I would get to dream of what life would be like as a UCF student. So when the time finally came to pick a college, UCF wasn’t just the obvious choice, it was the best choice for me because of everything that campus has to offer. I spend most of my time on main campus. And when I’m not in class, you can find me outdoors, soaking up the Florida sun. From lounging by the pool, to playing volleyball, to relaxing on the hammocks at Memory Mall. At UCF downtown you’re in the heart of the city Beautiful and close to businesses that one day you may intern or even work at. Colorful murals and street art are staples on campus. Plus there’s Downtown Market Day, 5K Races, The Taste of Downtown and many other events happening throughout the year. The UCF Rosen College is located in Orlando’s hospitality and tourism district down the road from major theme parks like Disney and Universal also has many opportunities for students to get involved. Events like Movie Might, the Taste of Hospitality and Spring Fest are all great ways to make new friends. Our Academic Health Sciences campus is in Lake Nona’s Medical City. Their biggest event is Match Day where medical students find out about their residencies. Plus there are many health-specific clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities for students. The atmosphere at UCF is unlike any other. I’ve created lifelong friends and lasting memories. You too can discover all the hidden gems UCF has to offer, once you become a Knight, of course. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Christina, I can’t believe all the nightlife has to offer, clubs, organizations, events, outdoor life, UCF has it all. There’s definitely no shortage of ways to get involved around here. We appreciate your insight. Take care, Christina. Next, we have Daniela Garcia. She’s a first-generation student who’s had a couple bumps in the road on her way to college.
Now let’s hear from Alison, an instructor of kinesiology in UCF’s College of Health Professions and Sciences. From the main campus in the city, Beautiful, to the College of Medicine in Central Florida’s Medical City. She’s going to share how UCF is training students to become the next generation of health care experts.
– Thanks Alex, here at UCF, we’re rethinking how to best deliver healthcare and we’re redefining what healthcare is. As a faculty member, I exposed students to wide variety of health professions, and I help them gain knowledge in both the classroom and in clinical internships so they can impact individuals and communities on day one. We know that often personal experiences drives the student’s desire to work in healthcare, much like my own story of playing soccer here at UCF, fueled my passion for wanting to learn more about the human body and what it was capable of. And no matter what fuels you from nursing and physical therapy, to speech language pathology and medicine, UCF has a program that can help you achieve your goals. One of the biggest advantages of studying healthcare at UCF is our anchoring connection with Lake Nona Medical City, the medical hub of Central Florida. It started with and is home to the UCF College of Medicine, the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences and our UCF Lake Nona Cancer Center. It’s also where you will find the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, our teaching hospital in partnership with HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers in healthcare services. And with neighbors like Nemours Children’s Hospital and the Orlando VA Medical Center, UCF’s Academic Health Sciences campus is the place to be if you dream of becoming a doctor or medical researcher. On the main campus, students in the College of Health Professions and Sciences gained foundational knowledge in areas like health sciences and kinesiology. And thanks to a world-class faculty and high-tech simulation, the College of Nursing prepares nurse leaders to meet the world’s ever-changing healthcare needs. From studying muscle function to helping cure cancer, our faculty and students are contributing to impactful research and are at the forefront of great scientific discovery. In fact, UCF’s high level of research earned it the ranking of one of the top 50 public research universities in the nation. From bachelor’s degrees all the way up to the doctoral level, UCF gives you the expertise and experience to empower you to become a contemporary clinician. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Alison, that was impressive. What a special place to learn how to provide quality care for people. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of what UCF has to offer students interested in health and medicine.
Let’s head over and talk with Jillian. She’s a senior who’s working towards completing an Aerospace Engineering degree. You’ve already heard about UCF’s history in helping launch a booming space industry. And now Jillian will share all of the opportunities she’s had that are truly out of this world. Jillian, please tell us about it.
– Thanks, Alex. And hey, everyone. Growing up right here in Orlando provided me a unique vantage point of being able to watch the space shuttle skyrocket into orbit from my own backyard. It was this early exposure to engineering brilliancy, which fueled my passion for space exploration to this day. And it’s something very few get to experience in their lifetime. UCF has not only propelled my opportunities to participate in space-related research and internships, but they’ve supported me in my astronomical pursuits along the way. My experience at UCF has provided me with both the direction and skills necessary to pursue the career I’ve always dreamed of, becoming an astronaut. During my time here, I’ve also co-authored a paper that proves how water evolves on the surface of the moon due to solar radiation. And my most recent project was interning at the Florida Space Institute where I provided engineering support on spacecraft hardware for a sensor that launched on a real rocket. Through every part of my journey, UCF has helped me find the specific niche of space exploration that fits with my unique skillset. As an engineering student, you’ll develop industry sought out skills. This involves participating in projects like building and launching cube sets into space or even conducting research on a zero gravity flight. The Senior Design Capstone Project is also a great way to take what you learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world problems for entities, such as Boston Whaler, Coca-Cola, Mitsubishi, the Orlando Utilities Commission and Steelcase. There are even opportunities to participate in global programs like working with the German Aerospace Center to conduct advanced research on the next generation propulsion capabilities or hypersonic suborbital vehicles and reusable space vehicles, which I’m currently participating in. Right now, I’m tailoring my resume to fit the needs of a NASA astronaut program. Understanding how I can contribute to the mission is the first step in becoming an expert on it. Here at UCF, the opportunities are boundless and some might even say out of this world. That’s all for me, Alex, over and out.
– Copy that, Jillian. From your hands-on opportunities with local industry leaders, to taking part in innovative research projects, your story shows firsthand how UCF programs go above and beyond for its students. You are well on your way to achieving your dream of becoming an astronaut. That is so impressive. Cheers, Jillian.