All right, everyone, let’s head over and meet Ryan, a doctoral student in the forensic science program. Sam Houston State’s forensic science program, is ranked as one of the best in the nation. And Ryan will talk about the incredible opportunities he has had at Sam, including some research that’s getting some national attention. Hey Ryan, we’re excited to hear more.
– Thanks Alex. My first time visiting Sam Houston State University was a little bit me being in the right place at the right time. I had a friend in undergrad coming by for an open house. And he invited me to tag along because he knew I was interested in graduate programs and we were both getting science degrees. While I was here, I got to meet our professors and see all the resources that are available for students. The professors were welcoming, and they had plenty to say about the research they had planned. Before long, I found myself applying for the master’s program in forensic science. I liked it so much, that after two years, I applied to stay as a PhD student. My time with the forensic science department has been much more than just your traditional classroom education. The faculty and staff really push students to step outside of their comfort zone and do more than just attend class. They find ways to incorporate what we’re researching, back into our coursework and make it applicable to everyday life. At times, I find myself working with our younger students on techniques that I can then take back and discuss in my own seminars with my cohort. And due to a little bit of prodding from some professors, I was able to get a number of scholarships and awards, including a small research grant. Later on, I became a smart scholar with the Department of Defense. And through that, the rest of my education was paid for, and I knew I’d have a position after I graduated. My research focuses on improving DNA recovery from challenging samples. Particularly those that crime labs have trouble with. This can include hair shafts, decomposing human remains and skeletons, like those found in missing persons, cold cases and mass disasters. From being able to access unique assets like staffs, our human decomposition facility to completing my research in state of the art forensic labs, this university has so much to offer. Beyond that, I have access to all sorts of newly developed technologies from collaborations between my department and private industry leaders. What I’m researching is cutting edge. And although I consider myself just a student, what the support I’m getting from my faculty, I’m able to make an impact on a field that I’m passionate about. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Ryan. And congratulations on your success and your upcoming graduation. Hearing more about your research and the opportunities you’ve had in the Sam Houston State University’s forensic science program is simply remarkable. Thanks again for sharing your experience, take care, Ryan.
Next we’re meeting Ashley, an alumni who earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees here at Sam Houston State University. Service to self and others is paramount at Sam Houston State, and is reflected in everything Bearkats do. A proud member of the Bearkat family, Ashley continues to follow the university’s motto of, a measure of a life is its service. And has devoted her career as a school counselor to helping others. Take it away, Ashley.
– Thanks for the warm welcome Alex. Hi everyone, my name is Ashley. I’m from Houston, Texas. I earned both my bachelors and masters degrees from Sam Houston State University in school counseling and education. There was no better choice than Sam Houston State University that helped me realize my goal of becoming a teacher. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I quickly realized that I had a desire to impact my students and families in a greater capacity. I wanted to make sure all students felt valued, loved and respected despite their challenges. I served as a classroom teacher for several years before I began to think about furthering my career as a school counselor. I knew that it would give me more opportunities to work with students and families from our school that needed more support. Returning to SHSU was the best decision I ever made. The College of Education provides a face-to-face environment while faculty and staff observe and give feedback. The hands on training is so helpful. The program helped me to go into my role as a counselor with confidence, knowing that I had the skills to serve my families and my students well. Being a school counselor is more than just the job. I have a responsibility to my students and families to guide them into the right direction. It requires me to make a commitment each day to show up and make sure that we are all moving in the right direction. In my time as being a school counselor, I have been recognized as the Texas school counselor of the year for Lone Star School Counselor Association. I have found my life’s purpose and I feel so empowered to make a difference in my community every single day. Sam Houston State University sparked the passion within me for serving people and instilled the belief that no matter what someone goes through, they can get better, can push through and change their reality. Being selfless, always giving, always leading, always making a difference. That’s what service is all about. Sam Houston State University taught me that. I’m a proud alumni Bearkat of Sam Houston State University. Eat him up Kats. Now back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Ashley, your story and your dedication to serving others is commendable. Congratulations on your success and thank you for sharing how your experience here at Sam Houston State University helped you realize your goal. And yes, eat them up Kats.
Looking around campus, you’d be surprised, there aren’t many of those big lecture-style classrooms you may see on other campuses, that’s on purpose here. At SHU, the student to faculty ratio is 14 to one. SHU professors take the extra step to help all their students succeed. My friend, Tomas from the school of communication, media and the arts is at the Martire Center for the liberal arts and can tell you a little more about the amazing professors here. Tomas, please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. So, I am a rising senior here at Sacred Heart University in the communications program. I did not start my college experience at Sacred Heart but I found myself transferring to Sacred Heart University for a more personalized college experience. Professors have an open door policy here at Sacred Heart, which allows students to drop in at certain times during the day to talk about classes, projects, films, anything that comes to mind that has to do with academics. I took full advantage of this program and found myself being mentored by several different professors in several different specialized fields. I was able to utilize all the information I accumulated from these programs and put it out into different projects. “Sentinels of the Boreal” was a film I produced, filmed and directed, and it was a project that I worked on on my junior year of Sacred Heart University. This film helped me cultivate relationships with internationally recognized brands, such as Canon USA and Tamron optics. This film also helped me get relationships with internationally and nationally recognized organizations such as the National Audubon Society. Sacred Heart’s SCMA program was integral for the success of this film as it not only allowed me to reach out to certain grants and foundations to accumulate money, but also allowed me to meet with these professors who had been out in the field and had that professional experience so I could get my foot in the door in the professional field once I graduated. One of my professors was a big influence and guiding force, as he not only told me how to tell a story but also taught me how to obtain funding, which helped move the project along. Another one of my professors showed me how to use the footage that I had accumulated over the course of the project and put it into a way where the project flowed and the film was at its best. SHU’s dean of the school met with me weekly and his willingness to help me not only invigorated me, but also inspired me to keep on going. This film helped me get a foot in the door with organizations like PBS Nature and National Geographic and also created a piece that I’m very proud of. Thank you for letting me tell my story, Alex. Now back to you.
– Tomas, can I get your autograph? It’s so great that your professors went above and beyond to help you with your documentary, but that’s normal here at SHU, right? No matter your program, the faculty gets to know every student and mentors them for a successful future as a working professional. Take care, Tomas.
Next, we’ll meet Mary Elizabeth, a senior majoring in Criminal Justice. She has an awesome experience to share about her academic journey on the Hilltop. She’ll tell us how she chose her major and found her passion. And about the individual attention and academic support she’s received that has helped her be successful. Mary Elizabeth, we can’t wait to hear your story. You’re on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone! Coming into college, I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do with my life. But I knew this would be the place to help me figure it all out. I changed majors three times and joined different organizations to find my fit. From the start, my success coach helped me in my academic journey by planning out courses and potential majors. She encouraged me to take a Criminal Justice class because I had an interest in the legal system. I met with my professor after the first class to learn more about the field and went back to my success coach to change majors right away. That’s how amazing the first class was. My criminal justice professors provided endless support and made themselves available to help me with challenging classes, research papers, and guidance on internship opportunities. I also took a Social Work class and fell in love. My professor and faculty advisor helped me navigate a way to branch these two fields together, while also keeping my Communication minor. From office hours to research meetings, my professors have been active participants and mentors in both my personal and academic journey. It’s been challenging adjusting my personal roadmap over the years, but having that constant encouragement and help, made me feel supported. Learning from professors who have real-world experience and who make the material come to life through their commitment, enthusiasm, and knowledge helped me find my passion. With their guidance, I conducted and developed my own research, created an Honors thesis and participated in field experiences like simulations, mock trials, presentations, and court visits. With this real-world experience, I am ready for my first internship. St. Edward’s small academic environment allowed me to truly know my professors, success coach, faculty advisor, and classmates. The commitment to developing the full student, not just the mind, shows the university’s dedication to helping each student find their purpose, while making lifelong connections along the way. St. Ed’s taught me to go after what I want. And that college is about more than just preparing for a job. It’s about having the tools and support your need to find your calling and to find yourself. Well, that’s my story or at least a part of it. Back to you, Alex.
– Mary Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your inspiring story. It’s great to hear about the personal support St. Ed’s students can count on from their success coach and professors that help them succeed. And congrats on your academic achievements and finding your passion and purpose. That is so important. No doubt you are going places. Take care.
Okay, everyone. We’re about to hear from Sierra, a junior majoring in Psychology. She loves living on the Hilltop and is involved in all kinds of campus activities. She’s gonna tell us about St. Edward’s energetic campus life and why the Hilltop is her home away from home. Sierra, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. My college search experience was very rough. I had no idea where I wanted to go and because I started so late, I didn’t get a chance to visit many schools. What I did know, was that I wanted a small diverse school in a new city. The moment I stepped onto this campus, it felt like home. Not only was the campus gorgeous, but everyone was so welcoming and it felt like faculty and staff generally wanted me to be happy here. My freshman year, I joined the cheer team and lived on campus. Living on campus, made my transition from home easier because I had more opportunities to make friends and get involved. I am a bit of a worrier and I do get anxious sometimes, but I found a great support system here. I am having tons of fun and I’m finding my footing. My initial instinct of the school feeling like home was correct. The second semester of my freshman year, I suffered a deep personal loss. All I wanted to do was go home in Maryland to be with my family. Being so far away from home was very difficult, but the overwhelming amount of support that I got from my friends and university staff, reminded me of why I chose the school and why I wanted to stay. This is my second home. There are tons of things to experience on campus. I love showing prospective students at Hilltop as a tour guide. Being an orientation leader and welcoming new students to campus. And I love helping run the club cheer team. For my senior year, I’m hoping to study abroad and start an internship to gain real-world experience. I’m constantly talking to my faculty advisors and success coaches to identify what I need to do to achieve my goals. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks Sierra for pointing out the many, many advantages of living on the Hilltop and what it means to you. Living here really puts students in the heart of St. Ed’s amazing campus life and all the activities, support, and fun this community offers. Cheers, Sierra!
Hilltoppers have tremendous campus traditions and school spirit, especially when it comes to their NCAA sports teams and their club sports. Mimi is up next. She’s a freshman majoring in Marketing and she plays varsity soccer. She’ll tell us what it’s like to be a student athlete at St. Ed’s and a part of their championship athletic program. We’ll also hear how St. Ed’s supports the outstanding academic achievements of its athletes. Mimi, give us the scoop. You are on.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hey, everyone! Growing up, I always knew I wanted to play college soccer. After being recruited by several schools across the country, I chose St. Ed’s because of its highly successful soccer program, commitment to social justice, diverse student body, and location here in the city of Austin, Texas.
– [Crowd] Yay!
– [Male Onlooker] Now, now! Here we go! He’s a Hilltopper!
– Here we go!
– [Guy] Here we go!
– So far, my experience as a student athlete has been everything I hoped it would be. At St. Edward’s, we have 10 NCAA varsity sports that compete in the Division II Lone Star Conference. We also have 16 different club teams, such as cheer, lacrosse, and rugby. There are plenty of ways to get involved with athletics. Over the past 20 years, St. Edward’s athletic teams have won over 60 conference titles and advanced to the NCAA tournament more than 75 times. The Lone Star Conference is very competitive, which brings out a lot of Hilltopper spirit and pride. School rivalries, Senior Night, and Battle of the Saints always draw out huge crowds. Something that makes St. Edward’s athletics special is that we are valued as students, not just athletes. Our team is high-achieving in the classroom because our coaches encourage us to take challenging and rigorous courses. They accommodate our academic needs by proctoring tests on the road or encouraging student athletes to leave training early for their classes. I have also received tremendous academic support from my success coach, free tutoring, and therapy. No matter what club or team you join here, you will develop real-world skills. St. Edward’s has taught me the value of teamwork, time management, and goal-setting. I’ve also built connections with other students and athletes that will last a lifetime. That’s all from me! Back to you, Alex!
– Thanks, Mimi for sharing your story and giving us a great look at how popular the Hilltopper athletic teams and club sports competitions are. It’s no secret that school spirit and traditions are thriving at St. Ed’s. Good luck in your next soccer match, Mimi, and Toppers up!
St. Edward’s has a unique mission. It’s inspired by its founders, The Congregation of Holy Cross. Here to talk more about that is Liam. He’s a sophomore majoring in English Literature. Liam will tell us how St. Ed’s Holy Cross tradition and values originally drew him here, and how it has truly enhanced his experience on the Hilltop. Okay, Liam, you’re up. Please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi everyone! My dad has worked as an educator at a Holy Cross high school for almost 30 years. So when it came time for me to look at colleges, I knew I could find a home in the Holy Cross community that had surrounded me my entire life. From the moment I stepped on campus, this was the place for me. St. Edward’s stood out as a school that would provide the Holy Cross community and values that I’ve held close throughout my life. The campus ministry retreat experiences I’ve had show me how St. Edward’s fosters a faith-based environment where all are welcome and accepted. On the Hilltop, I’ve connected with others who share my values and who strive to get involved in the campus community. St. Edward’s is rooted in its mission to provide a Liberal Arts education that challenges students to take risks and develop critical-thinking skills, which sets us apart from other colleges. St. Edward’s is committed to educating the hearts and minds of students within the Holy Cross community. The dedicated and supportive professors, advisors, and staff, along with the inclusive and diverse student body, makes St. Edward’s a place where all are welcome. The people, the Holy Cross community, and the campus life remind me every day that this is the place for me, and I’ve loved every minute of my experience here. That’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Liam, thank you for sharing your personal story. You’ve really opened our eyes to the meaning and lifelong impact of St. Edward’s Holy Cross tradition, and its commitment to educating minds and hearts with St. Ed’s’ welcoming, inclusive community. It’s no wonder students feel at home here. Cheers, Liam!
Next up, we’re gonna meet Sam, a junior Exercise Science major who has made this place a home away from home. With a great downtown, plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and stores and tons of recreational spaces, Brookings is a growing thriving community that rallies around the university, and the Jackrabbits athletic program that compete at the NCAA Division One level.
– Thanks Alex. What’s up, everyone? Growing up, I was a kid who didn’t know what their next step would look like after high school. I knew I wanted to go somewhere with big opportunities with the campus that felt right size for me. After visiting SDSU, I knew it was the perfect fit. I love the campus atmosphere here. There’s over 200 clubs and organizations that provide me with an opportunity to chase my passion while gaining world-class education. Going to class. I almost always see a friend walking by. In the Exercise Science program almost everybody knows everyone, which makes us feel like we’re all in this together. Just like the town I grew up in, I feel like everyone here at SDSU has got my back. The best part though, is that Brookings has the big town opportunities. The community and state support our division one athletic programs where we’ve won a number of conference championships and several of our teams are competitive on a national level. Our Jackrabbits make a huge impact on the overall appeal of the university. Cheering them on is a great way to spend a night at Frost Arena, Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, or another one of our top notch facilities. Another great aspect of SDSU is its location. Downtown Brookings is of awesome shops and restaurants, Nick’s Hamburger Shop being my favorite. Grab a snack and head to Dakota Nature Park. It’s a beautiful place to visit with trails to explore only three miles away from campus. Plus we’re only 45 minutes away from Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city. The biggest lesson I’ve learned here at SDSU is there’s no limit to how much you can achieve here. No matter your goal, SDSU will find a way to support you. They will match your hard work and ambition with opportunity. Well, that is all for me. Alex, take it away, man.
– Sam, thank you so much. We appreciate you sharing all about the Brookings community and what SDSU has to offer students. No matter where your interests lie there is no shortage of opportunities to get involved and make your time as a Jackrabbit very, very special. Thanks, Sam!
Let’s head over to SUU’s Bell Tower to meet psychology major Hadley Cowan and see what life as a T-Bird is really like. Hadley, take it away.
– Hello and welcome to SUU. One of the main reasons why I chose to come to SUU is the sense of community found here. I’m lucky to come from a long line of SUU alumni, including parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. While having alumni family members who may have helped me to pick SUU, the student life and community helped me to stay here. Southern Utah University is focused on having positive student life, which is easily seen in the over 100 student events held each year. From Paint the Town Red to freshmen orientation, otherwise known as Thunder U, to athletics and alumni events such as Forever Red, there’s always a campus activity to get involved in. As a new student, each T-Bird has a chance to participate in the Bell Tower tradition. After a welcome address from SUU’s president, students walk up campus toward the Bell Tower. The path leading to the Bell Tower is lined with fellow students, faculty, staff, and SUU alumni. They are all there to officially welcome these new students to the T-Bird nation. Students will walk under the Bell Tower toward the rising sun, symbolizing the sun rising on their time at SUU. And in a few years, those same students will again walk underneath the Bell Tower, but in the opposite direction towards graduation symbolizing their time ending at SUU. When I went through the Bell Tower tradition, it was the first time that I felt that I belonged to something bigger. During my three years as a T-Bird, I’ve had the chance to work as a presidential ambassador for SUU, where I gained 50 instant best friends. Working within admissions and recruitment, I’m able to promote SUU and the programs offered here. I give tours of campus, I visit high schools, and I even get to meet with incoming college students to show them what life is truly like as a T-Bird. Because SUU is so focused on student success, my sense of belonging with the presidential ambassadors is not unique. SUU provides a variety of different organizations that are all dedicated to helping new students find their people and feel connected to one another. Whether you’re a first generation student or come from a long line of college graduates, you’ll find a home and a family here at SUU. New students are taken under their wing, no T-Bird pun intended. Life at SUU is truly unique and made my college decision one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Welcome to the T-Bird Nation. Take it away, Alex.
– Thank you for showing your SUU experience Hadley, your experience walking under the Bell Tower gave me chills. What an awesome tradition for students, and even cooler, that you get to share your love of SUU with alumni family members. That was great, thanks again.
It’s time for an off-campus adventure to meet Courtney, an agriculture science major who’s studying to be an ag teacher. She’s working at Gibbs Ranch, a working ranch facility that was deeded to the university in 1993. Here, agriculture students spend time working with cattle, goats and maintaining the 1800 acre property. Just a short 12 minute drive from campus, this property serves as a second home for Sam Houston State University ag students. Let’s join Courtney to get our boots dirty and see why life is better on the ranch.
– Thanks Alex, howdy. My name is Courtney, and we’re going to Sam Houston State University. Growing up in Northern California, agriculture has always been dear to my heart. Some of my favorite memories were helping out on the ranch even as a young child. In high school, I was heavily involved in Future Farmers of America, where I showed livestock, held leadership positions and also went on to obtaining the highest degree an FFA member could receive, my American degree. Being a first generation college student that was raised by my grandparents, the thought of attending college was so exciting, but also pretty scary. Although there were plenty of amazing schools back home, this California girl knew she wanted something so much bigger. And as everyone knows, everything’s bigger in Texas. And something that Texas agriculture truly drew me in. When I first started looking at universities, I thought I wanted such a large setting, but quickly realized that I wanted to be more than just a face in the classroom. I wanted to have a personal connection with my university and my professors. And thankfully here at Sam Houston State, I have found that place in Ag Science Department. I’m a proud member of Sigma alpha, an agriculture based sorority, CattleWomen, Collegian FFA trio, and I’ve even served as a national teach ag ambassador. As you can see, I’ve kept pretty busy with all the opportunities here at Sam. I’m so grateful for everyone here at Sam Houston, who has constantly pushed me to do better in my career. My professors are so focused on ensuring that I’m successful in my field. They’ve helped me with hands-on experiences, such as out here at Gibbs Ranch, where I’ve learned to vaccinate goats and the proper way to back up a truck and trailer. I fix engines in my ag mechanics classes and then would find myself rushing to the horticulture center to propagate a peach tree. Here at Sam Houston, I’m so thankful for all the opportunities to ensure that I’m not only gonna be a well-rounded ag teacher, but also a great agriculturist. My sorority has introduced me to a phenomenal group of young professional women. And some of my favorite memories, are cheering on our fellow sisters compete on the rodeo or horse judging team. And we’ve even helped with Collegiate FFA with steer saddling. Let me be honest, I never pictured myself being a Bearkat. For the most part, I didn’t even know what one was or that they existed. But since being at Sam Houston State, I have never been more proud to be called one. Thanks for hearing my story, eat them up Kats and back to you, Alex.
– Great job Courtney from California all the way to Huntsville. Your path to become an ag teacher has been full of incredible learning opportunities. You’re gonna be a great resource for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Thanks again for taking the time with us today. Take care, Courtney.