It’s no surprise that Sydney who’s getting her BFA in graphic design has a passion for the aesthetic. The architecture and interior design of the University of Utah, were major draws for her. And she’s gonna tell us about the value of living with the peers you learn with. Take it away, Sydney.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I love to meet new people and express myself through art. And some of my hobbies include playing the guitar and singing. You can usually find me in various coffee shops, either studying or drawing. And I love to hike our beautiful mountains. The University of Utah was the only school that I applied to. I saw the many living options on the housing website and I knew this was a place that I would feel welcomed. On campus, we have access to many different resources, including the Student Life Center, the Union, the library, campus dining, and so much more. I love to stay involved on campus. And one of the many things I do is serve as a resident advisor. In my position, I help residents in my hall improve their experience at The U. I enforce policies to keep our community safe, plan activities and connect with residents. There are nine residential buildings on campus, plus two buildings off campus in the heart of Salt Lake City. There are different themed communities in some buildings, so it’s easy to get immersed in your interest. You can also go to one of the many events on campus that helps you build connections with others . Though I’ve only spent one year living on campus, I’ve learned and grown so much. When you live on campus at the University of Utah, you get more than just academics. I’m thankful to be able to collaborate with my fellow residents to build a better world and have fun while earning my degree. That’s all from me, back to you, Alex.
– Well, thank you, Sydney. It’s great that The U offers so much flexibility in its housing and is able to create community connections, even on an urban campus. I’m sure the students you serve as an RA, appreciate your dedication in making them feel safe and cared for. Thank you again for sharing that.
One of The U’s core values is leadership. Giving students the skills and tools to drive positive transformation, locally, regionally and beyond. We’re gonna hear from Ethan, a senior from St. George Utah, who’s taken this mission to heart. He’ll tell us a bit more of what he’s accomplished here at The U. Talk to us, Ethan.
– Hey, what’s up everyone. Surrounded by doers, dreamers and innovators, choosing to attend the University of Utah was somewhat of a no-brainer for me. The entrepreneurial mindset and passion that radiates from our student body and faculty are contagious. While others are trying to think outside of the box, they’re coming up with game-changing ways to utilize the box itself. The University of Utah allows us the opportunity, resources and support to think freely, to live in the world we want, not learn to live in the one that exists. And this isn’t just sweet talk. Resources to enhance the student experience are in abundance here at the University of Utah. For example, one program, Opportunity Scholars is geared towards first-generation college students to enhance community on campus. The program provides retention resources, such as internships, networking events, community building, and so much more. I personally started a student run company with some of my really close friends through the Lassonde Institute. I founded and served as a co-president of a leadership club and a cryptocurrency club here on campus. I worked as an associate for Ivory Innovations, where we work tirelessly every single day to help find solutions to the housing affordability crisis here in America. I even curated a sustainability impact initiative, which resulted in saving over 121,000 gallons of water every single year. None of this would be possible without the desire from faculty and students to continuously foster an environment of go getters. The University of Utah has prepared me in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. Instead of graduating with just a degree, I’m able to walk away from college with invaluable experiences that not only shaped who I am today, but more importantly shape who I want to be in the future. And with that being said, Alex, back to you.
– Fantastic, Ethan. Thank you for sharing your innovative ways of making an impact. Given the fact that University of Utah is ranked in the top five for clean energy use among colleges and universities in the US, I’m sure your contributions to environmental health are greatly appreciated. Nicely done.
SUU is dedicated to keeping classes small, lowering tuition and fees for students, and making sure T-Birds are the number one priority. And our next student knows firsthand that students aren’t just a number here. Let’s meet up with nursing major Davi. And hear, her personalized experiences with faculty and staff right here at SUU. Davi, it’s all yours.
– Thanks Alex, hey everyone. Before moving to Cedar City, I had absolutely no connection to SUU or even Utah. And while I came in hopes to get into the nursing program, I stayed for so many other reasons. With the number one nursing program in the State of Utah, SUU has provided me with an opportunity to further my education away from home, but not too far away. From the moment that I first stepped on SUU’s campus, I knew there was something special here. As a first-generation student, I didn’t know what to expect coming to college. And if I was to say that I didn’t get a little homesick when I had first started, I’d be lying. SUU connected me with an ACE, which is a peer mentor from day one. They checked in on me, let me know about opportunities to get involved, and my ACE is a friend that I still have to this day. There’s a feeling of personal connection found throughout campus. Another example, on the very first day of my general chemistry class, my professor Elaine Vickers went over the syllabus and class expectations, which was typical. As she dove into the material. I remember her saying, “Chemistry is not just the study of matter. It’s the study of that matters. And I want you to know that you matter to me.” It was cheesy and kind, but it was easily the thing that got me through that semester. While her job was to teach us chemistry, she made it known that no matter what was going on her door was always open and she was there for us. And she’s not the only professor I’ve had who acts this way. I’ve had so many relatable professors, funny, and compassionate too and each have helped me to feel like I’m where I belong at SUU. The faculty and staff have truly shown me they care about my success even beyond the classroom. As a student, it’s easy to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself or think that no one cares. But at SUU there’s always someone that cares. Always someone with their door open, and always someone ready to listen. I feel better prepared for my career as a healthcare professional because of the supportive staff and opportunities I’ve been given as a student here. At SUU, there is a personalized student-first approach from professors to staff, to other students. SUU is truly dedicated to the students as they help each to succeed in their academic and career endeavors, while also presenting each with opportunities to get involved and have the college experience they’ve always dreamed of. In all my time here, I’ve never felt like just another student. I’m always made to feel like I matter and that I have a voice at SUU. Back to you Alex.
– Thank you so much, Davi. It’s definitely obvious that this is such a caring campus. It’s great to be a T-Bird. We appreciate that, take care Davi.
Okay, everyone. Next, we’re gonna meet Patricia who’s gonna tell us how Tulane has worked in recent years to become more diverse and to better support BIPOC, first generation, and other underrepresented students. Patricia, you’re on.
– Hi, y’all. I’m a senior on the pre-law track from Birmingham, Alabama. I’m so grateful that Tulane pointed me in the direction of my true passion. I grew up in the birthplace of the civil rights movement, but my studies here at Tulane made everything come full circle. This past semester, I took “Preventing Discrimination as a Business”. This determined my drive to become a civil rights attorney. From friends to professors, I’ve learned the importance of diversity on campus. Diversity in thought, in experience, and in culture. Tulane understands in order to make our campus more inclusive for all, we must first create a more equitable experience for our BIPOC, first generation, and other underrepresented students. On the student life side, Tulane supports offices such as Caroline Barber Pierre Center for Intercultural Life, which houses the Office of Gender and Sexual Diversity, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of Religious Life. Academically, Tulane has a Center for Academic Equity, supporting students through enrichment opportunities and need-based support. Some CAE programs include the resource lending library, first gen mentorship, and grant funding. Another support system is the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility, which provides testing, housing, and other accommodations. Students always have a place on campus to claim as their own. With our intercultural center stores open at all times, we want our student and to feel comfortable as soon as they step on our campus. From the multicultural leadership retreat at the beginning of the school year, to events throughout the year, we work to create true community on our campus. Being part of a university that is working to become more inclusive and supportive for all, makes me proud to be a Tulanean. And I can’t wait to see what our future holds for us. Back to you, Alex.
– Patricia, it’s incredible hearing the passion you bring to Tulane, and I have no doubt you will make a killer civil rights attorney. And thanks for telling us how Tulane is working to become more inclusive for all students. Cheers, Patricia.
Next up, we have the one and only Mickey Mickle. How great is that name? Mickey is a sophomore from Birmingham, Alabama, majoring in political science with minors in French and Africana studies. She’s gonna tell us about research, internships, and the resources that go along with supporting students through those opportunities. Mickey, the floor’s all yours.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex, I applied to Tulane as a pre-med student, but the months leading up to my first semester, my career path took a complete 180 and I switched to pre-law. After years of preparing for a STEM-heavy course load, I had no idea how to navigate the world of social sciences and liberal arts. Despite my worries, I met Dr. Mahoney who taught a course on leadership in New Orleans. We developed a close relationship and at the end of the semester, Dr. Mahoney hired me as a research assistant for a project in conjunction with Christopher Clark and Nadia Brown, researching black women in legislative caucuses. Her research was directly in line with my areas of study in political science and Africa studies. I now help her study voting records to find these women’s influence on their fellow Congress members, and how they will impact future legislators. Next semester, we’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime and we’ll interview congresswomen to get direct insight and knowledge for our research. By spring semester, I gained another position with the Newcomb Institute reproductive rights internship. And I submitted my application to be a digital development intern for the podcast, “Black Feminist Rants”. BFR is a reproductive justice podcast that discusses activism and black feminism while centering the experience of black women and femmes navigating social justice spaces and the world. In just one year, I was able to find internships in research positions that allowed me to explore my fields hands-on. These opportunities are widely available here at Tulane and we make it so easy to balance them with your course load. I’m so honored to be a part of such incredible projects. Thanks so much. And back to you, Alex.
– Wait, Mickey. You’re telling me that research isn’t just someone in a lab coat doing science stuff? It’s that and more? Wow, that’s awesome that Tulane encourages and supports students to do research and internships of all kinds no matter what year in school you are. Thanks, Mickey. That was fantastic.
All right, let’s meet Sarah. She’s a senior here from Potomac, Maryland. And she’s gonna tell us all about student organizations here at Tulane, plus some of the clubs and projects she’s part of on campus. Take it away, Sarah.
– Hey everyone. When I was in high school, I was part of student government, I wrote for the school newspaper, and I played soccer. It was important to me to find that same sort of extracurricular well-roundedness and flexibility in college. And I definitely found it at Tulane. Everyone’s a part of a ton of different organizations on campus. So I first got to school, I went to the activities expo, where I signed up to be a DJ for WTL New Orleans, which is our radio station on campus that broadcasts to the entire city. I also got together a bunch of my friends from my freshman year floor to play on an intramural soccer team and we still play on it today. That year, for fall break, I went backpacking with Tulane Outdoor Adventures. I then applied to be a guide for them. So I now plan, budget, and then lead trips throughout the Southeast U.S., for other Tulane students. This past year, a friend and I, along with a couple professors, have been working on a project to bring solar energy to Tulane’s campus, who are sustainability committee of student government. With over 200 student organizations on campus, there’s something for everyone. And if you can’t find something like, you can always start your own club or organization. This past year, I had some friends who started a roller skating club on campus. We also have social and professional Greek organizations, as well as a community service co-ed fraternity. You really can’t walk down McAllister without some club promoting their upcoming events or students campaigning about something they’re passionate about. And it’s always fun to stop and talk to students to see what everyone’s up to on campus. The way you spend your time here outside of your academics is just as important as your study time. Isn’t that right, Alex?
– That’s right, Sarah. Wow, you really can do just about anything at Tulane Sarah, thanks for telling us all about student organizations here and showing us how easy it is to get involved in something you’re passionate about on campus. Thanks, Sarah.
This is gonna be great. Now we’re gonna hear from Austin. Austin is a sophomore from Erda, Utah, and is studying information sciences and entrepreneurship. He’s a young entrepreneur and luckily for him, the University of Utah was ranked in the top 10 schools for entrepreneurship by US News and World Report. Okay, Austin, we all would love to hear what you’ve been up to.
– Thanks Alex. When I was searching for the right college to enroll in, I knew I didn’t want the standard college plan of school for eight months and work for four months. I knew I wanted to build something unique and something exciting during my time here at college. I chose the University of Utah because of the resources that they have available to student entrepreneurs like me. Back in high school, I had some previous experience deejaying and doing audio production. And I knew that I wanted to build a business around that passion. The Lassonde Entrepreneurship Department at the University of Utah made that idea possible. Lassonde is a nationally ranked entrepreneurship department and has been featured in plenty of academic and business journals. Lassonde features Lassonde Studios, which is a student dorm of about 400 student entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors. Here at Lassonde Studios, the motto is live, create, launch. And that’s exactly what they helped me to do. Lassonde offers networking events, funding, office space, and even branding and legal advice that helped me form and launch my company. And just like that, artist entertainment was born. Now a year later between a slew of on-campus events, private parties and weddings Lassonde continues to push my company to grow and expand day by day. The University of Utah is full of explorers, innovators and inventors. And we’re doing more than just addressing pain points and solving problems. We’re creating the future. The Lassonde 400 and by extension the entire university, wake up every day and decide to do something new, something exciting, something unique. This community works together to make The U the hottest spot in Utah. From cutting edge medical research, to Olympic level gymnast and beyond, The U is creating the stories that will last for generations. What’s next, Alex?
– Thank you, Austin. That is why they call this place, Imagine U. I’m really impressed by how much support the university gives to students starting their own businesses at no additional cost. You’ve already accomplished so much and we can’t wait to watch your business grow. Keep up the great work, take care, Austin.
Okay everyone, let’s get to know Alyssa. She’s a sophomore majoring in political science with a minor in business. And she plans to become a lawyer. The U offers 12 pre-professional advising tracks And Alyssa is gonna explain how The U’s pre-law program has put her on the path to achieve her future goals. Take it away, Alyssa.
– Thanks Alex. My education is the most important thing to me. As a first-generation student, I’ve been able to uncover the stepping stones to law school here at The U with the help of their pre-professional programs. I was looking for a university that was close to home because friends and family are everything to me. And one that also offered me the tools to be successful in my future career. The U has it all. It’s world renowned professors, diversity, welcoming culture and pre-professional programs were exciting to me as a prospective student. Th U offers professional advising and helped me learn the path that I wanted to take. I eventually joined the pre-law LEAP program. This three-year cohort program has brought me many friends who share my same interests and has also exposed me to what the law is really like. We’ve read books about supreme court justices, we’ve heard from many lawyers and judges about their daily lives, and we’ve also learned what to expect for law school. It is also helping me get an internship at a local law firm and preparing me for my future endeavors ahead. Of course, I’m still going on adventures around Utah and love going to concerts and games here. I never would have imagined that I would have so much fun while discovering myself and my passions in college. The U’s pre-professional advising programs and learning cohorts can help you on your personal journey to success. And that is why I love The U. I’m exactly where I meant to be. I can’t wait for law school because I know that the connections, mindset and skills that I’ve gained during my time here at The U, that I’ll be successful in whatever I put my mind to. That’s my story. Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you so much, Alyssa. I loved hearing about how the LEAP program not only gave you access to professional development, but also strengthened your connection to the school community. We wish you luck on your path to law school. Thanks again.
We’re gonna hear now from Hallie, a junior majoring in health and kinesiology while minoring in music. The U is full of great students, not only from Utah, but from across the country and around the world. Hallie who calls McKinney, Texas home is gonna tell us about why she decided to come to The U.
– Thanks, Alex. And hey everyone. Growing up, I always heard stories from my dad and grandfathers about their time at The U. And let’s just say that I wanted it on the action. But getting here took many more miles than I imagined. As an out-of-state student from north Texas, I traveled further than most to get a college education. When my friends decided on schools in Texas, my heart was leading me elsewhere, to the University of Utah. This took a lot of courage since I knew zero people on campus, and that’s not an exaggeration. Over time, through living on campus, campus jobs and other organizations like university choir, I made some of the best friends that I could have hoped for and really made a home for myself here in Salt Lake City, which not to mention is home to some of the greatest natural wonders. It’s been exciting trying things I’d never done before, like hiking and skiing, and even driving through canyons. From spring break road trips to Zion National Park, summer days at Bear Lake, and post-class ski days at Park City, which is just 35 minutes away. The university is a great place to be for the adventurer. Part of what made my time here possible is the University of Utah scholarships for out-of-state students. They recognized my achievements in high school and made me feel like a valued member of the university. The university is all that I’ve dreamed of and more. It’s been fun taking classes in the same classrooms as my dad and working in the same pollings that my grandparents were in at my age. I’m so happy that I chose to come here and I’m super excited for my future here. So what’s next, Alex?
– That’s a great story, Hallie. Going to college far away from your family and friends is a challenge, but it’s clear your adventurous spirit has found a home here. I’ll have to check out The U’s array of outdoor recreation rentals so I can explore Utah for myself. This campus location is amazing. Thanks again for that.
Now, let’s hit over and meet Cort. He’s a junior majoring in biology and minoring in business. He’s an honor student on the pre-med track and is gonna talk to us about the teacher-scholar model at TCU. Cort, you’re on, my man.
– Howdy, everybody. I’m excited to share with you all my experience as a student at TCU. I grew up just outside of Fort Worth so I always had time to visit and fall in love with the city. From dancing at Billy Bob’s to showing cattle at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. What really sold me on coming to TCU though, was the size and academics. TCU was the perfect size for me. It has the feel of a large university with competitive sports programs and extremely well-versed professors, but maintains all of the benefits and close relationships of a small school. My favorite part of classes at TCU is that they’re taught directly by professors who make students their top priority. Through the teacher-scholar model, professors value building relationships to undergraduate students like me, just as much as they do conducting research. Beyond having office hours each week, where they’re available to chat or answer questions, professors put in extensive effort outside the classroom. Not only does TCU offer ample opportunity to get to know professors, well, you can work alongside them. When you walk down the halls of Sid Richardson and Winston-Scott, the walls are covered with publications by professors and students alike. If you see publications that interests you, you can talk to that professor about their lab and apply to join especially as an undergraduate student. TCU also takes a very active role in preparing students for their lives after graduation. As a student on the pre-health track, I took a three hour course to learn about the application processes to medical, dental, physician’s assistant and veterinary schools. I wrote essays required for the applications and received extensive feedback from multiple professors to ensure that I presented myself in the best light possible. I underwent mock interviews to practice my interview skills and better get to know my health professional advisory committee members who write letters of recommendation. Never have I felt lost or alone in the process of applying to medical school. I’ve also had so many great experiences at TCU outside the classroom. From director roles of first year experience programs to executive member roles in student government leadership programs and many other on-campus organizations. All of my experiences and classes at TCU have taught me what it means to be a student and a global citizen. If you’re looking for a university with a close knit community, professors and students alike, I highly recommend you give TCU a look. Thanks for letting me share my story with y’all. Back to you, Alex.
– Cort, great job. That’s fantastic. The experiences you have here with your professors and fellow classmates sounds amazing. Thank you again. Cheers, Cort.