Staying healthy both physically and mentally is vital to helping you get the most out of college and life. Rory, a senior majoring in Communication is up next. He’ll tell us about the many resources and opportunities at St. Edward’s that support your total health and well-being. You are on, Rory.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Being a college student is really fun and exciting, but it’s also incredibly stressful and overwhelming at times. I’ve been really fortunate to be able to maintain an overall well-being, while simultaneously balancing friends, activities, events, work, school, and trying to plan for the future. But juggling all of these things is really just a lot to ask of yourself. St. Edward’s and Live Well SEU has provided me with countless resources that I need to take care of all these things and myself. The Recreation and Athletic Center, or as we like to call it here on campus the RACK, provides opportunities for more than just your physical health, but also emotional, environmental, and social well-being. Anytime I need to unwind, I can use the tech-free lounge, sign up for a class in the fitness studio, or sign up for wellness coaching. As a student worker in the RACK, I’m surrounded by incredible faculty, staff, peers who all value and encourage the pursuit of well-being. The student-led workshops for both physical and mental health have really changed my life, and helped me to grow throughout my years here at school. And I’ve been able to balance all of this with my studies through the support of my success coaches and faculty advisers. Live Well SEU has provided me opportunities to boost my emotional, vocational, and social well-being. This St. Edward’s community has helped me and supported me, given me all the tools that I need to effectively, and successfully take charge of my life. And so, here’s a little bit of wisdom that I’ve gained. Take care of yourself first, because then naturally, the rest will follow. Back to you, Alex.
– We’ll do, Rory! Great advice! Thanks for sharing your story on this incredibly important topic. It’s great to see how St. Ed’s is committed to helping students take care of every aspect of their health and well-being. Live Well SEU is an awesome asset for Hilltoppers. Congrats on making your health a priority. And, Rory, I gotta get one of those nap pods! That’s awesome! Take care.
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!
Let’s head over to meet Michelle who has an awesome story to share. She’s a first-generation student, majoring in Political Science. Her opportunities at St. Ed’s as well as being in Austin, the Texas state capital, have opened amazing doors and she’ll tell us all about them. Okay, Michelle, you are on.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. Being born and raised in El Paso, Texas, I always felt very at home as a first-generation, Mexican-American. However, I knew that I needed to leave my community in order to step into my fullest potential and follow my passion for advocacy and changemaking. I wanted to attend college in the capital city, Austin and felt a calling to the Texas State Legislature. The guidance and mentorship I received at St. Edward’s has been priceless. I became involved on campus as a Resident Assistant, Senator for Student Government, and President of a Pre-Law fraternity. Earlier this year, I became a full-time Legislative Assistant as a fellow for a senator that represents my hometown. Then over the summer, I interned for a Congresswoman that represents the district my family lives in through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. As a St. Edward’s University McNair scholar, I conducted research, “Studying how Educational Attainment Impacts the Representation of Latinos in Congress”. I found that even though Congress is the most racially and ethnically diverse in history, it is still not proportional to the Latino population in the U.S. I hope to fill one of those spaces one day. St. Edward’s has given me the tools that I need to live fully and follow my passions. With guidance from my professors and other faculty, I have been able to create the college experience of my dreams. When I committed to St. Edward’s, I knew that they were committing to me, too. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Michelle, congrats on following your dream. Your leadership activities and research are super, super impressive. So are your internships at the Texas State capital and with the Texas Legislature. Thank you for showing us how your St Ed’s experience is preparing you for your goal of joining Congress and making a difference. Thanks again.
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.
Now we’re heading over to Thunderbird Gardens to meet outdoor recreation major, Jessica. At the University of the Parks, many T-Birds, like Jessica, are able to explore and learn in the great outdoors. Each year, SUU places more than 300 students in outdoor internships and research positions in the nearby national parks and public lands. It’s easy to get outside and reap the benefits of nature when you go to school at the University of the Parks. Jessica, please tell us more.
– Hey, everyone, welcome to Cedar City, Utah, also known as Festival City, USA. This small town in beautiful Southern Utah is not short of excitement. There’s something for everyone year round, like a world-class Shakespeare Festival, a local sheep parade, and of course, adventuring in the great outdoors. SUU is located within a five-hour drive of more than 20 national parks and monuments in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, which is why SUU is trademarked the University of the Parks. SUU’s incredible location and connection to the outdoors is ultimately what brought me to campus. When I was deciding on a college to attend, I discovered SUU was offering a special adventurous 18 credit semester in Bryce Canyon National Park. I knew that was for me. I spent my first semester with 11 other students living and working in Bryce Canyon, just an hour and a half away from campus. Our professors brought our classes to us in the park and on weekend camping trips. The outdoors truly became our classroom. That semester set the stage for me pursuing an outdoor recreation degree. Now I’m on campus learning the foundations of the industry and how to be an outdoor leader. My professors are great at teaching us concepts and connecting them to the real world. For most of my class assignments, I get to collaborate with local outdoor organizations on projects they are currently working on that bring what I learned in the classroom to life. All of this work is preparing me to fulfill my dream of developing programs that empower people through outdoor adventures. When I’m not in class, I work with one of the coolest departments on campus, SUU outdoors. We know that Southern Utah has so much to offer. You could be skiing down the powdery snow in the morning, and climbing the red rocks in 70 degree weather that same afternoon. We don’t want students to miss out on this. So we rent tons of outdoor gear at amazing prices and organize free weekend trips. We do everything from snowshoeing to canyoneering, backpacking, river rafting, and more. Our trips are so much fun, and as a trip leader, I love to help students try new things, make new friends, and experience some of the most beautiful places on earth. And if free trips and outdoor classrooms aren’t enough, SUU is home to the largest federal internship program in the nation, the IIC. It connects students to careers in the national parks and public lands. Last summer, I led a unique crew the IIC created to work in our local community. We were the hands for a wide variety of projects, left undone due to the pandemic. For 10 weeks, my crew and I spent every day outside working on these projects. My favorite was building a bridge on a hiking trail we fixed. We learned lots of new skills and grew as leaders while we served our community. So there you have it, being the University of the Parks means we get to play, learn, and work outside. At SUU, we literally have the world’s best backyard. Come see it yourselves. Top that Alex.
– Jessica, I don’t know what to say. There’s no way I can top that. Your story is epic, wow. SUU truly has an amazing backyard. From skiing at local resorts, to hiking in the national parks, to hammocking here on campus. There’s an adventure for everyone here. Thanks again for that tour Jessica, take care.
Next, we’re visiting the Nest to meet the one and only Tiffany Chin. Tiffany is an interdisciplinary studies major and a student peer mentor with the ACES. SUU is known for its outstanding retention rate, which means students like to stay at SUU to finish their degree. Resources like the Nest and peer mentors make SUU a place where students feel like they have the support to succeed. Take it away, Tiffany.
– Hey everyone, before I came to SUU, I hoNestly thought college might not be for me. I came in as a first-generation student without really knowing what college would entail or what resources were available to help. It felt like no matter what I tried, I couldn’t get it to work for me. And I was really unhappy. I decided to take a semester off of school and I toured almost every university in the state of Utah as a last ditch effort to find a place I could make college work. I was immediately drawn to SUU. People were happy here. From the beginning, I felt that people took a genuine interest in me in a way that’s just not possible at bigger universities. I remember during the tour wanting to meet with an academic advisor, but not having an appointment. I awkwardly kind of stumbled over to where their offices are and was immediately invited in to sit down for a full fledged appointment, something that would have never been the case at my previous institution. The culture of SUU is very much based around that mentality that students come first. Our door is always open and we care about you as a person, which is exactly what I needed. One of the biggest resources on campus that demonstrates that culture, is the ACES program. ACES are peer mentors for incoming freshmen who work in the Nest, which serves as a one-stop shop for any and all student questions. It’s crazy to think that attending a new student orientation once could teach you everything you need to know about campus or about adjusting to college life. You’re learning how to study at a college level, how to live on your own, how to balance a budget, and how to balance work and school. Who better to learn this from than a current student who’s been through it before. You come in as a freshman, and there are things you simply would never know without the help of your ACE. I can tell you firsthand as a peer mentor, it is so much more than connecting freshmen to campus. ACES really are in the business of changing lives. You become a friend of these students. As an ACE, I’ve been able to foster connection with students to where, they text me to tell me they passed their exam, or tell me they’re struggling with a roommate, or ask me for date ideas. There’s really no other way to say it, but I’m honored to have been that person for any student. So whether it’s your ACE, your professor, or an academic advisor, people genuinely care about you here, that’s undeniable. College at SUU is so much more than simply going to class and coming home to do homework. It is been gaining mentors in my professors, getting a job on campus and working with my best friends. I really have created a family away from home here. From someone who thought that college might not be for me, who almost dropped out completely before coming to SUU, I wanna say college is for you. Not only can you make it work, but college can be the best time of your life. SUU has been that for me. Alex, back to you.
– Tiffany, thank you. It’s wonderful to see so many resources and support systems are available to students at SUU and the lifelong connections that are built from them. Thank you for dedicating your time to helping others succeed, that was awesome. Cheers Tiffany.
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.
Next up is Sam Nelson. He’s an online business management major who actually lives in Los Angeles, California working as a professional dancer. SUU’s online degrees are super flexible, affordable, and accessible for students like Sam. Plus, he’s speeding up his time to graduation with SUU’s three year degree program. Sam it’s all yours.
– Hey everyone, my name is Sam, and I am a professional dancer and choreographer living in Burbank, California, but I am also a senior at Southern Utah University. As high school graduation was approaching, I knew that I was gonna be faced with a really, really tough decision. I had to decide whether I wanted to move to LA to pursue my career in dance, or if I wanted to go to school. But luckily I didn’t have to make that choice. My brother actually was able to recommend the online degree program to me at SUU. My degree is being earned 100% online, which has allowed me to take opportunities to work as a dancer in LA that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to accept. Some of these jobs include, So You Think You Can Dance season 16, The World of Dance Championship season three, The Creative Arts Emmys Awards, and appearing in music videos for artists such as Nia Sioux, Clinton Kane, Tame Impala, just to name a few. Because of the flexible nature of SUU’s online business program, I’ve been able to do it all. Choreograph, teach, travel, perform, all while still earning my education online. SUU offers a three-year bachelor’s degree program. So I’ve been able to take classes throughout the year and study throughout the summer. As much as I value my time in school, I couldn’t help but want to finish my degree as fast as possible due to the opportunities waiting for me post graduation. I would be nowhere near as far along in my education or in my career if it wasn’t for SUU. Having that personal interaction with faculty and other students online has helped me feel so connected to SUU even though I’m not an on-campus in-person student. Many of my classes are self-paced meaning that I can work around deadlines to get those readings and those assignments in, even though my schedule is so crazy and unpredictable. Looking back on all the classes I’ve taken and the professors who have taught me so much, I now have a clear understanding of how I can combine my passion for dance, with my new understanding of business management. One day I plan to open my own dance related business, either a professional dance studio or a national dance convention, which will give me the chance to share my passion for others while utilizing my degree that I’ve worked so hard to achieve. Because of my love for dance, my business degree, and SUU, I can open the door to so many opportunities for my future. I encourage students like me who need a more flexible schedule and who need affordable tuition to highly consider the online degree program at SUU. No matter how far along you are in your educational journey and your career, SUU can help you achieve your goals. Back to you Alex.
– Sam, thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us. I’m glad you’re following your dreams and rocking the world of dance while also earning a degree. I can’t wait to see where you go next. Cheers Sam.
Okay, let’s meet up with Dominique. She’s a busy lady, double majoring in psychology and criminal justice with a minor in legal studies. She’s also the Black Student Union president and is using her voice to make a difference on campus. Let’s learn more about diversity at SUU with Dominique. Please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. I’m originally from the Bay Area, but I grew up in Las Vegas. So naturally, moving to Southern Utah for college was a major culture shock. I made the decision to come to SUU because of its proximity to my home, it’s affordability, and scholarship opportunities. Like many college students, I wasn’t sure if I had any friends or access to people from different backgrounds. To my surprise, I found that SUU has a culture that promotes diversity and allows students to be a part of that work. Throughout my time at SUU, I’ve been able to give my input about SUU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. SUU actively proves it’s commitment to diversity through listening to critical feedback and utilizing lessons to improve. I’ve had meetings with the mayor, Cedar City, the university president, and other members of SUU’s administration. A major campus resource for DEI efforts is The Center for Diversity and Inclusion. The CDI houses nine clubs, including the Black Student Union, which I’m proud to be the president of. Initially, I did not want the responsibility of being club president. I prefer just lending a hand in the background, but stepping up into this position really showed me what I’m capable of. The leadership opportunities that I’ve held here have taught me delegation, collaboration, service, and so much more. The CDI offers resources to students from marginalized backgrounds, like career counseling, academic advising, scholarships, financial aid, mentorship, and even study abroad trips. Above all, my favorite part about the CDI is the relationships that I’ve built. In 2019, a group of us traveled to Chiapas, Mexico for a life-changing week-long cultural immersion trip. We visited culturally significant places like Palenque, met with committee members from the Afro-Latino and indigenous communities, and planted a community garden as a service project. Just being able to have the opportunity to leave the country and experience new things is something I can’t fully describe. Sometimes conversations about DEI issues are uncomfortable or difficult, but they are vital. Don’t shy away from being involved in pushing for change. I’ve seen so much growth and progress, not only in myself, but also at the university. To be able to see the integration of diversity and ongoing trainings curriculum, and a commitment to improvement is so fulfilling. You matter here and have a voice at SUU. SUU will listen and continue to work towards building a more diverse and inclusive campus. Alex, back to you.
– Wow, Dominique, you are doing some incredibly important work here at SUU. It’s clear, SUU is working hard to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Thank you for opening up and sharing your story Dominique. We really appreciate it, take care.
Now being a T-Bird means you’re joining a campus that cares. SUU students have volunteered for more than 200,000 community service hours, allowing students to serve, learn, gain experience, and ultimately make a difference. And there’s no one better to talk about SUU’s caring campus community than computer science major, and chemistry minor Skyler Clark. You are on Skyler.
– Thanks Alex, what’s up guys. Attending SUU is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I grew up in a low income family. And often we required financial assistance to get by. Opportunity was made possible for me, thanks to the kindness of others, and naturally I developed a desire to pay that kindness forward. And it wasn’t til my brother went through detox for a severe alcohol dependency that I realized becoming a doctor was the best chance for me to reach that goal. I then asked a surgeon on advice, where to start this journey. And he promptly told me to attend Southern Utah University. I was immediately sought out by advisors and student leaders who wanted to ensure that I was succeeding, not just academically, but also emotionally, socially, and mentally. This had a profound impact on me to the point where I later volunteered to be a freshmen orientation leader myself. One of the great things about SUU is that over 40% of our clubs are classified as service-based organizations. For the last two years, I have been the , or big brother, for alpha Phi, one of our Greek communities. The sisters at alpha Phi, spend significant time and efforts in philanthropy and service. Their annual red dress events raises thousands of dollars for women’s heart health. Both on and off campus students at SUU are getting involved. For example, I volunteer for the nonprofit Needs Beyond a Medicine where we help Utah based cancer patients pay for their nonmedical expenses. We also host regular seminars all across the state where we discuss the various aspects of cancer prevention. Through these opportunities of service, I’ve recognized that I’ve changed during my time at SUU. Students and faculty at SUU prioritize cooperation and collaboration rather than competition. I became a tutor for organic chemistry after being inspired by the tutor who helped me to pass the class. Additionally, after being accepted into medical school, I hosted a free workshop where I helped other pre-med students prepare their own application. All of these things were made possible, thanks to the support and encouragement of SUU’s faculty members. It’s just the SUU way. For my computer science capstone project, I created an algorithm that can look at any chest x-ray and determine whether or not that individual has COVID-19 with a greater accuracy than that of a trained physician. All of my classmates, regardless of their own goals, assisted me in completing this life-saving technology. Being a T-Bird has prepared me to one day be the type of doctor that doesn’t just care for people, but cares about them. Similar to the type of doctor who allowed my brother to have a second chance. That’s my story Alex, back to you.
– Skyler, you’re an absolute rock star. Thank you for paying kindness forward and selflessly serving others. You’re gonna make an amazing doctor someday. You are a force to be reckoned with my man, and we appreciate you opening up and sharing your story. Thanks again Skyler.