Now introducing Journe. Journe is a sophomore studying political science with a concentration in pre-law and a minor in philosophy. We’re gonna head over to Yulman Stadium, home to Tulane’s football team, the Green Wave. There, Journe will tell you about the sports culture and school spirit here at Tulane. Take it away, Journe.
– Hey, y’all. And a helluva hullabaloo. Growing up, I always had my college experience planned out. I knew that I wanted to attend a college that had everything, from great academics, to a great social scene, and a great cheer team. I love how here at Tulane, you can be whoever you want to be. Most of the time, I choose to be in cheerleader mode. Coming into Tulane, I was nervous as to if I would even fit in, but after putting on the cheer uniform for the first time, I knew that I was in the right place. I feel very supported on and off the field by the Tulane athletics department. Through Tulane Athletics, every student athlete will leave Tulane with a toolkit full of resources that they can use in their professional lives and their future athletic endeavors. Even if you aren’t a varsity athlete, you can still find a way to stay active through club sports or intramural sports. Here at Tulane, we have over 30 clubs sports and 13 intramural leads. It’s a great way to make friends and have fun. As a fan, students can attend any athletic event for free. We have a great football game day experience here in Yulman Stadium with tailgating on the quad beforehand. The basketball games are a ton of fun and our baseball team is nationally competitive. With so many teams doing so well over the last few years, you can really feel the school spirit around campus. I’m happy to say that I found a home within Tulane, the athletics department, and the entire university. Roll wave and back to you, Alex.
– Journe, that is incredible. Great job. And thanks for sharing your own experience as a student athlete. Whether it’s a division one sport or an intermural team that plays on the weekend, it sounds like anyone can get involved in Tulane’s sports culture. Good luck on the cheer team this year, Journe. That was fantastic. Take care.
Okay, everyone. Let’s head over to student housing and meet Anya. She is a sophomore majoring in journalism and minoring in business. She’s gonna share her story about growing up right here in Fort Worth and find a campus community she never thought she’d make in her own backyard. Okay, Anya, it’s all yours. Please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. And welcome to Texas y’all. Now, to give you the best picture of what your time at TCU might look like, I wanted to walk you through my first year here. Now, I’m from Fort Worth, born and raised about 15 minutes from TCU’s campus. My elementary school is walking distance from my current residence hall and my high school graduation ceremony took place at our basketball arena. So I’ve kind of been a Horned Frog for life. But it’s for that reason, I actually didn’t want to come to TCU. My mom booked us a tour anyways. And what do you know? I fell in love with the campus. TCU was relatively small, but they really leaned into that community by placing a large priority on students making friends and establishing support networks. My first friend was made at summer orientation, a football player who danced with me at the late night dance party. The second friend I made here was a girl from Nevada who was joined in my hip during Frog Camp. And my third friend was my roommate, Grace, who I didn’t even meet until move in day. All students live on campus their first two years. And the residential communities are super tight knit because they’re not just a place where we lay our heads at the end of the night. They really are a home with laundry services, tons of storage, theaters and arcades. I could watch rom-coms in the lobby or play ultimate Frisbee in the lawn. My entire first year experience was marked by TCU creating environments that helped me engage with others, which is integral to emotional support, social development, and establishing those professional networks. Faculty get involved too. The Sunday before my first day of classes, I had dinner at the director of Family Program’s house with a group of other first years. We ate tacos, played with her dogs, watch some football, which is not only the most Texan welcome you could get, but also a really powerful testament to just how much TCU cares about and supports us personally. It’s just so much easier to ask for help if you’re on a first name basis or get a job recommendation in your field if you have your professor’s cell phone number. My professors know my name. They know what I made on my last test. They know when I missed a class and I know that here, they’ll take interest in my education as if it’s their own. TCU’s connection culture is one of a kind, making sure every student is well-informed and well-equipped with whatever they need to enter the workforce and the world. It’s why I don’t mind being just 15 minutes away from mom anymore. Well, that’s my story. Thank you all for letting me share. Back to you, Alex.
– Anya, thank you for taking us through your experience at TCU. I’m jealous of all the activities you have going on here. Sign me up for that ultimate Frisbee. Thanks again, Anya. Take care.
All right, y’all. It’s time to meet Kennedy. She’s a senior here from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She’s on the pre-med track and pursuing a dual degree in neuroscience and dance, which makes her the perfect person to talk to us about Tulane’s academic flexibility. Kennedy, you’re up.
– Hi Alex. When applying to college, I was dreading making the difficult decision between my love for dance and science. Both have been incredible passions of mine since I was little. When I was looking for a college experience, I knew I wanted something that would allow me the chance to explore and also determine what truly inspires me. Getting accepted to Tulane meant that I didn’t have to choose one over the other. The beauty in this comes from the fact that once you’re accepted into Tulane, you can take classes in all five of our undergraduate schools; The School of Liberal Arts, Science and Engineering, Public Health, Business, and Architecture. what’s even better is Tulane encourages cross-disciplinary study. You can see this through programs like the Altman Program, which allows you to get a dual degree in business and liberal arts, and going abroad twice. Also, we have the Creative Premedical Scholars, which allows you to get early admission into Tulane’s medical school. Having it all meant that I could receive an academic foundational in dance while still discovering what in the science was meant for me. That ended up being neuroscience. Moving forward, I will never settle for less, because here at Tulane, I’ve even had the incredible chance to have the abundance in opportunities and flexibility. Graduating with a bachelor’s in arts and a bachelor’s in science in just four short years, opens up a world of possibilities for me. And I am excited to see what comes next. Now, back over to you, Alex.
– Wow, Kennedy! Whether you end up pursuing medicine or dance, I’m sure you are going to kill it. I’m glad to hear that students can pursue their passions here at Tulane. That was fantastic. Great job.
Okay. So there is a typical stereotype that the arts and athletics don’t mix, but that couldn’t be further from the truth for Connor. Connor is a senior doing his BFA in the actor training program, but he’s also an avid sports fan. He’ll tell us about some of The U’s athletic traditions, including the gymnastic team, which holds the record for the largest collegiate women’s sporting event ever attended. Take it away, Connor.
– Thanks Alex. What’s popping guys? Growing up. I loved athletics. So it definitely helped that when I move to Utah, there was a university right up the road that excelled at almost every collegiate sport. Now, education’s extremely important, but so is having a great time. And I’ve made some of my best memories here at the University of Utah, thanks to the different athletic events. From pregame tailgating to partying it up in the MUSS, our student section, the fun last, not only during the games, but also before and after. Now, when it comes to tradition, the University of Utah does it like no one else. The first tradition that immediately comes to mind is our classic rivalry game against BYU every year. Well, let’s just say it hasn’t been much of a fair fight. Considering we currently lead the series 64-35. Now, I’d love to be humble about all of our programs here at the University of Utah, but with all the success we’ve had, I got to brag a bit. In football, we’ve won 17 bowl games, two of which were the Sugar and the Fiesta bowls. We’re constantly in the top 25 in the nation. And we’ve produce talents like Alex Smith, Steve Smith, Eric Weddle, and over 150 players at the pro level. Now football is great and all, but it would be a crime if I didn’t talk about our gymnastics program, which is consistently top five in the nation, and even had three of our gymnast head to Tokyo in 2021 for the Olympics. Well, that’s it for me, I’ve had a blast talking about the different athletic events and traditions here at the University of Utah. And I can’t wait to see what memories and events have in store for me here in my final year at the University of Utah. Back to you, Alex.
– Good stuff, Connor. The University of Utah’s athletic prowess is impressive and clearly gives the students a lot to rally behind. It’s great that nearly all sporting events are free to students and that you’ve gotten to experience their legacy of excellence firsthand. Go Utah!
Our next student, Natalie spends a lot of time in the pool, but you can also find her in the lab as she completes her degree in biology and minors in chem and biomedical engineering. Tell us about your experiences, Natalie.
– Thanks, Alex. I’ve always loved medicine and science. So coming to The U was an easy decision because there are great programs in both areas here at the university. A big part of my life has always been competing in sports. I’ve been swimming for basically my entire life and competing since the age of seven. In high school, I also found the amazing sport of water polo. This means that when I started college, I immediately went looking for a women’s water polo team. I love that I’ve been able to continue my busy academic life while also competing in the sport that I adore. Finding the balance between classes, volunteering, clubs, and other extracurriculars also means that I’ve been able to forge great relationships with my professors along the way. Even during a big health issue where I needed surgery, I didn’t miss a single assignment. The professors here truly are committed to their students and they’re dedicated to their learning experiences. When you come to the University of Utah, prepare yourself to walk down a beautiful campus, meet lots of amazing people and be able to compete in sports at every level. From intramural to club to D one, we really do have it all and definitely try out for water polo. When I apply to medical school in the spring, I can do so confidently knowing that I’ve had a great undergraduate experience to back me up. I have faculty that support me and friends to last a lifetime. My journey as a student and as a water polo player, aren’t over yet. And we’re excited for what’s next, right Alex?
– Absolutely, Natalie. The professors who guide and support you are so crucial to the college experience. And The U’s faculty is top-notch. Thank you for sharing how they impacted your life beyond the lectures and the labs, and best of luck for the upcoming water polo season. We all will be watching and cheering you on.
College students, no matter where they’ve come from or where they’re attending often share a major concern. How do I find my place and people? Sally is a sophomore business major and she’s got great perspective from her first year at The U. Talk to us Sally.
– Thanks so much, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up and living in a less diverse hometown, I knew I wanted to be somewhere where I felt I belonged. The first thing I love about The U was it’s many resources for minorities, as well as middle income students. I ultimately chose The U because I got offered a full ride scholarship. This was not only a big win for me, but for my parents as well. Getting a full ride scholarship, not only allows me to truly explore the options within my major, but also guarantees that I have the money to complete whichever degree I choose. I applied for the Freshman Ambassador Board, a program for freshmen to get involved with student leadership and campus life. The best decision that I’ve ever made. I’ve met so many diverse and amazing peers that have not only helped me feel at home, but have become my closest friends. They also encouraged me to go after any opportunity that I desire. I gained the courage to apply, to be an associate director of the Crimson Nights board who plans the largest late night on-campus party. There’s free food and activities. And it’s really just a great way for students to meet others and feel welcome here at The U. I was also an orientation leader and I’m currently a campus life mentor as well as a university ambassador. All of these are only a small portion of the many other involvement opportunities here for students. If you have the chance to go after an opportunity that you’re interested in, take it. College is more than just a degree. It’s also about the relationships and experiences you create. But that’s all for me. I’ll hand it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Sally. It’s so important to remember that college isn’t just about what you study, but who you’re studying with. Thank you for that reminder. And congratulations on all you’ve accomplished as a student leader, take care.
From the learning abroad opportunities available on seven continents to the varied cuisine served up by food trucks on campus, this is truly a global place. And no one makes a stronger contribution to that feeling than the international students in the school community. Here’s a Minahil from Pakistan talking about why she chose The U.
– Hello. I am an international student from Pakistan. Since I come from a country with very low literacy rates, I’ve always been very passionate about my education. I chose The U because of its peaceful environment, distinctive beauty and amazing academic program. I’ve especially loved being an active member of the Bennion Center, a community engagement hub on campus. Not only has it allowed me to make lifelong friendships with diverse people, but has also offered me unique opportunities and life changing experiences. From doing Saturday service projects, like building cat shelters and making breakfast for the homeless to leading justice programs like alternative breaks and hosting student led awareness dialogues. There’s not much the Bennion community doesn’t do. With The U’s many partnerships and access to organizations, I’ve also been able to gain experience working as a volunteer with homeless patients at 43 clinic and as a counselor with cancer patients at Camp Hoby. Fun events hosted by the Residential Hall Association, like the Dreamscapes/Escape room event and the Neighborhood Night also enables students of differing majors and class standings to mingle with each other. I’ve learned so much in the two years I’ve been here and I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for me. I’m hoping to work with like-minded people wanting to make a long lasting change in this world, as well as getting to med school. Thanks for listening to my story, back to you, Alex.
– Amazing Minahil. I’m impressed that even as a busy pre-med student, you’ll put so much time and care into your work with the Bennion Center. Keep up that great work and thanks again for sharing that.
Okay, it’s time to fly over to SUU Aviation, where we will meet Preston. Preston is a junior from Texas who moved to Cedar City for SUU’s High Elevation Aviation program. If you wanna fly planes or helicopters, you really can’t find a better place than Cedar City to learn. Let’s hear what Preston has to say about learning to fly and SUU. Over to you Preston.
– Thank you Alex. Hey everybody, I’m one of the many veterans students here at SUU. I’ve previously served in the United States Army as an explosive ordnance disposal technician before I moved back home to Texas to begin my flying journey at Epic Helicopters. After attaining my private pilot certificate, I transferred here to SUU’s aviation program. Now, originally I had some reservations about attending a university. I’d been out of an academic setting for several years and sitting in an auditorium full of 200 students wasn’t something I was excited about. One tour of SUU’s campus quickly put my mind at ease. I discovered SUU was able to offer all the resources of a major university while keeping class sizes small and maintaining that small town feel. One of the truly unique things you’ll notice about SUU’s aviation program is the elevation. Here at Cedar City, our airport elevation is 5,622 feet. Meaning the highest of any collegiate flight school in the country. The additional challenges you’ll face while flying it higher altitudes will certainly enhance your skills as a pilot. Throughout your training at SUU, you’ll get exposure to various flying operations like mountain operations, sling load operations, and even flying with night vision goggles. SUU is the proud home of the Chuck Aaron Academy, a program designed to train seasoned pilots on advanced recovery techniques to keep them safe in the real world. This training’s provided through a specialized helicopter. We call The Animal. One of the few helicopters actually certified by the FAA for aerobatic flight. Whether you wanna fly airplanes, helicopters, become an aircraft maintenance technician, or even take advantage of the specialized training offered here at SUU, the hands-on learning you’ll get through any of our aviation programs will set you on the right path for future success. Being enrolled in the aviation program ourselves, we have a clear understanding of the unique challenges that await our aviation students, and we’re here to help you overcome them. If you’re curious about a career in aviation, feel free to stop by SUU for a tour. You can even schedule an introductory flight and get firsthand experience behind the controls of an aircraft. After securing your flight spot with our admissions department, you can even begin flying your very first semester. The high altitude training and unique flying opportunities SUU has provided has definitely set me up for my future career in aviation. Back to you Alex.
– So incredible Preston. Thank you. I think I need to learn how to be a pilot now. That was absolutely incredible. What a program, thank you for walking us through that. Cheers Preston.
Now it’s time to head over to the Kat Klub. This student hangout has a game room with pool tables, arcade games and a full eight lane bowling alley. Here, we’ll meet Jordan Johnson, a mass communication major with big dreams. She’s been involved all over campus, making an impact by serving as the president of the Student Government Association and holding the title of Miss Piney Woods. We can’t wait to hear all about how you’ve been serving your fellow students. Take it away, Jordan.
– Thanks Alex. Here at Sam Houston State University, being a Bearkat means being involved. Which started for me when I arrived on campus. I joined the award-winning Orange Pride Dance Team, and was lucky to cheer on our Bearkats in sports like basketball, volleyball and football. In my time with Orange Pride, we won two national championship titles. And don’t worry if dancing isn’t for you, we have organizations of all kinds. We encourage all of our students to get out and get involved. Something that really stood out for me in my time here, is the value that SHSU places on diversity. Our culture is inclusive, and focused on ensuring equity for all of our students. I got the opportunity to serve on Diversity Council, a student board that organizes and facilitates diversity related events for students here on campus. We host luncheons, heritage month celebrations and the annual diversity leadership conference that brings out speakers from all across the nation. This is something I’ve been fortunate to be a part of at my time here at Sam. Civic and community engagement are a huge part of our campus culture as well. It’s something I’m very passionate about and it became my platform when I competed for the Miss Sam Houston Pageant and won the title of Miss Piney Woods. Despite all these accomplishments, what I’m most proud of, is being elected student body president. In this role, I focus on educating students on how powerful their voices are, on an off of campus. We hosted several voter registration drives and shuttled students back and forth to the polls during the US presidential election. We also held events that taught students about the importance of their right to free speech and how to use their voice to positively impact our community. Service is also a huge part of everything we do here at Sam Houston State. During my last semester, I joined the exquisite Theta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. The sorority’s mission is to be of service to all mankind, which beautifully aligns with the university’s motto, the measure of life is its service. At Sam Houston State University, students are encouraged to serve and do their part to make our community better. I’m so proud of the mark that I’ve made here at Sam. And I know that my experiences will go on to help me as a graduate and serve me in my career field. Thank you so much for allowing me to share my story. Now back to you, Alex.
– Jordan, thanks for sharing all about your time here at Sam Houston State University. You’ve certainly been busy and have worked hard to leave your mark on the Bearkat community. With all of your experience and leadership here, you’ve definitely prepared to go out into the world and make a big impact. Good luck in your career. Thanks to that, Jordan.
At Sacred Heart, students leave feeling ready to tackle their career and a big part of that is due to the hands-on style of teaching. Let’s head over to the Center for Healthcare Education, a state of the art facility and home to SHU’s College of Nursing and College of Health Profession to talk with Winnie, who earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees here at SHU. Winnie, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. I came to Sacred Heart for the small close-knit environment. I went to a small high school, where I was not only given the individual attention from my teachers, but the opportunity to build strong, intimate relationships with them as well and at SHU, I got exactly that and much, much more. I knew Sacred Heart was a place where I could learn, grow and cultivate the life skills that I would need in any professional setting. During my time here at Sacred Heart, I was able to express myself through a variety of activities like playing the snare drum in the SHU marching band, dancing in the ensemble, being an orientation leader and so much more. The Center of Healthcare Education was my home during my undergraduate and graduate studies. Our professors aren’t just in the classroom, they’re diligently conducting research to ensure that the education that they’re providing to their students is ahead of the curve and a constantly progressing field. Throughout my studies, we had a medical mannequin that could mimic human emotion and any physical ailments, such as coughing, wheezing, vomiting. You could take its vitals, you could provide oxygen and in the case of performing CPR, there’s a computer attached to the mannequin that actually shows you the depth and timing of each chest compression. In any health science or healthcare curriculum, a hands-on portion is absolutely crucial. Imagine learning how to tape an ankle and not applying that knowledge until after you’ve graduated. Now you’re in the workforce and you’re unable to do your job. It is so, so important to provide a practical application outside of the classroom, in order to put to practice what we’ve learned inside the classroom. SHU gives students the opportunity to work within their field on campus as well. I had the privilege of being an intern, then graduate assistant at the SHU Fit Health and Wellness center. The athletic training lab here has everything that an athletic training student would need. My clinical rotations were diverse and I was put in a variety of settings, such as public and private high schools, D-1 and D-2 collegiate settings and even a concussion research center where I continued to work with all kinds of individuals and athletes. Being challenged in the classroom, applying that classroom learning to a clinical setting and being supported by the professors every step of the way is why I’ll forever be grateful for completing both my bachelor’s and master’s here at Sacred Heart University. Thanks for letting me share my story, back to you, Alex.
– What awesome facilities and experiences. Winnie you are destined to do great things and the best part is you don’t have to be a student in the health professions to experience this type of hands-on learning. It’s incredible to see SHU strive to engage every one of their students this way no matter the major. Really great, thanks again for that Winnie.