We are now gonna hear from Carolyn, a senior nursing major. SDSU College of Nursing is consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation and prepares its graduates for a number of professional opportunities, from work as a registered nurse to opening doors in numerous healthcare fields. Carolyn, we’re excited to hear from you.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everybody. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. My mom has been a nurse for many years and she’s a great role model for me. I chose SDSU partially because of its great reputation in medicine, but mostly because it felt like home when I toured campus. The College of Nursing has provided me with many different ways to get plugged in here on campus, even before I was accepted into the program. Between the Student Nurses Association Volunteer Events and giving tours to incoming students, I have met so many people. Each semester the college accepts students to programs in multiple locations throughout the state, including programs available here on our Brookings campus. The small classes allow for a great support system as you go through nursing school. I have made lifelong friends in my nursing classes here at South Dakota State. Our program consists of three semesters of pre-nursing classes. You get to be in one of the best anatomy programs in the country and work with human cadavers. As well, you’re provided great academic resources, such as supplemental instruction and tutoring. After this, you start your five semesters of nursing school. During this time you get hands-on clinical experience that prepares you well for your future career. SDSU nursing students have a 98% pass rate on national board exams, and almost all of our students have one of their chosen job placements within three months of graduation. Whatever major you choose, you won’t just learn about it at South Dakota State, you’ll get to experience it hands on. When I started college, I would not have imagined I could have learned so much. The College of Nursing truly set me up for success. I started my senior year with a full-time job offer at one of the top hospitals in South Dakota. I’m so grateful for all of the amazing support SDSU provides and all of the impactful experiences I have gotten these last four years. From amazing friends, insane school spirit, and memories that will last a lifetime, SDSU has truly given me more than I could have ever imagined. That’s my story! Back to you, Alex, and go Jacks!
– What a cool story, Carolyn! Thanks for sharing it. We know you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of others, and that is amazing. Take care.
Okay, everyone next let’s meet, Erin. Erin is a junior majoring in Human Biology with minors in Health Science and Chemistry. She’s gonna talk about the opportunities for undergraduate research and the awesome pre-professional programs here at SDSU. Erin, the floor is all yours.
– Hi, Alex. I fell in love with South Dakota State University for a couple reasons. With my parents both being alumni, and my older brother attending at the time, campus was familiar to me. I wasn’t exactly sure what to make during coming out of high school, mathematics or biology, and SDSU has great programs for both. As a freshman I got involved in intermurals to meet people with the same interest, which ended up being a fun study break hobby. I’m also an Admissions Ambassador, and off campus, I spend my time as a Brookings Youth Mentor. Making my way through more challenging classes, I leaned on school clubs and tutoring for support. Preprofessional Club and American Medical Students Association are clubs I’ve joined that have helped me solidify that I want to go into medicine. There are so many possibilities to be learn hands-on at SDSU, but my personal favorite is our anatomy program. From being a student to an intern, to now being a teaching team member with my own students, I’ve been able to spend three semesters in the lab working with our cadavers. Another thing that sets South Dakota State University apart from its peers is that you don’t have to be a graduate student to be a part of important research opportunities. Undergraduate students are involved in research through the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Day Program, the South Dakota Legislative Poster Session, and through the Journal of Undergraduate Research. It’s easy to get involved and we’re super lucky to have faculty on campus that want us gaining experience from day one. SDSU has not only the resources, but also faculty, willing to take the time to mentor undergraduate researchers. As I’m at the end of my time at SDSU, I had no idea coming into college how much I would grow. The welcoming attitude of all staff, faculty, and other students have enriched my time here more than I would’ve ever hoped for. SDSU is inclusive enough to where I feel confident becoming my future self, but diverse to where I don’t feel any limitations. I hope I was able to share why I love SDSU and I hope you do too. Back to you, Alex.
– Erin, it was great to hear about your college journey and how South Dakota State University has allowed you to explore different paths and grow, both academically and personally. You have such a great story. Thank you for sharing it with us today. Take care.
Join me in welcoming Sean of Livingston, New Jersey, a senior theater studies major with a minor in film. Let’s just say he knows Rocky really, really well. Take it Sean.
– Hey Alex, thanks for having me. I always thought I wanted to be a film director, but Montclair State is where I truly discovered my passion for theater. Since then performance has been my life. And speaking of performances, I get the performative role of a lifetime. That’s right, I’m Montclair State’s mascot, Rocky the Red Hawk. My journey to becoming the mascot all started in my freshman year of college, where I had the crazy idea to go around campus and interact with students while wearing an inflatable T-Rex costume. My friends and I called him Terry, and even set up an Instagram for him. Well it didn’t really work out because of our conflicting schedules. My RA at the time thought what I was doing was hilarious. So he suggested that I try out to be the mascot. I called him crazy, but did it anyway. And now here we are two and a half years later. Rocky is unlike other mascots because he doesn’t just show up to sports games. Rocky could be found around campus almost any day for almost any reason. He really is a living, breathing person, well bird, and people go nuts just to see him, or take their picture with him. On special occasions, Rocky’s family will make an appearance. He has a sister Roxy, a cousin, Ricky and uncle Roy. And of course his best friend, Terry. Being the mascot has changed me in the most indescribable way. I doubt I could have even made it through college without the incredible support of the entire team, and the awesome students whose faces light up every chance they get to see Rocky the Red Hawk. And although Rocky might be a flightless bird, let’s soar back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Rocky or Sean, Rocky. Sean, let us in all little secret. Each year graduating members of team Rocky reveal themselves at commencement by donning Rocky’s big yellow talents or oversized sneakers, along with their caps and gowns. You gotta love these campus traditions.
Next up is Sienna from East orange, New Jersey. A junior, visual arts major with a minor in design. Sienna won Startup Montclair, a shark tank type contest sponsored by the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She says starting her own business while still in college has been the experience of a lifetime. Listen as Sienna gives us the inside pitch.
– Thank you so much for that introduction, Alex. And hey beautiful people. As a young girl growing up, I always had a burning passion in me to pursue my path as an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until I became older, that I realized what my calling was. To impact as people as possible and spread self love onto the community. From this passion blossom the Flourish by Sage brand. Flourish by Sage is a clean and sustainable hair care brand that aims to bring light to textured hair. I believe that everyone should feel confident in embracing their natural hair, and turn their natural selves. Thanks of the opportunity provided to me by Montclair State University, I was able to boost the capital of my business, by winning the Startup Montclair Pitch Competition, hosted by the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides access to resources from networking opportunities with past winners, to professors expertise, and access to industry support to help students turn their passions into profits. I’m proud to say that I am now living proof of this. Not only has Montclair State University blessed me with amazing opportunity, but the campus has also given me access to so many different panel talk events, and opportunities to learn and grow from others. It’s because of experiences like these, that I have developed the confidence to embark on my path as an entrepreneur and be where I am today. These experiences paired with the amazing support that I get from Montclair University has made me feel so confident in the path that I’m walking on. Back to you, Alex.
– Sienna, that was the perfect pitch. Good luck as you pursue your passions, and continue to grow your business. And kudos to Montclair for providing aspiring entrepreneurs with all the tools they need to let their creativity and imagination soar.
Please say hello to Anthony, a junior majoring in earth and environmental science from Ewing, New Jersey. Anthony is in the teacher education program studying to be a high school teacher. Part of Montclair’s four plus one combined bachelor’s and master’s programs for educators. Anthony gives campus tours pointing out the above ordinary views, and the above ordinary buildings to the above ordinary students like you on college visits.
– Hi Alex, thanks for the introduction. Not only do I have a really strong passion for teaching, but also actively improving the field around me, and welcoming students of all narrow diversity and ability into a stem classroom. One of my favorite things that I’ve been doing since my freshman year is giving campus tours all throughout the year. Whether it’s one of our campus tours directly, one of our virtual campus experiences, or even one of our open houses, I absolutely really love bringing people onto Montclair’s beautiful campus, ’cause there’s just so much going on. Whether it’s one of our bingo nights, a giant petting zoo over in front of the student center quad or an entire carnival. I absolutely love everything going on here. Despite all the fun to be had, the classes are where Montclair really shines. With really small class sizes and departments that really care about changing their field, it’s no wonder that Montclair professors are known far and wide. Every time I bring someone on Montclair’s campus, I feel like I’m taking them into my own personal paradise. And I really hope that they get to share that experience with others in just the same way. With Montclair being such a diverse community, and a Hispanic serving institution, we’re really glad to welcome not only people from all walks of life, but also all over the world. If I’ve learned one thing from my time here at Montclair, it’s that home is where your heart is. And with all the friends and opportunities I’ve had here, it’s always gonna be a part of my life. And I can’t wait for other people to experience it the same that I have. Take it away, Alex.
– Thank you, Anthony. With in person and virtual ways to visit, we encourage you to see for yourself what Montclair is all about. If you’re lucky, Anthony will be your guide, answering your questions and setting you on the right path.
While NJIT does have New Jersey in the name, as we’ve seen, It’s not just for students from New Jersey. Let’s catch up with Will, a student in the Newark College of Engineering here at NJIT, who came up from Kentucky to get the full Highlander experience. Please take it away, Will.
– What’s up, y’all? I’m an Industrial Engineering student from Lexington, Kentucky. I’m a member of the Albert Dorman Honors College and men’s volleyball teams here at NJIT. I was very nervous about coming to school, 12 hours away from home, but NJT has become a second home for me. When I was applying to colleges and universities, I applied to nine different schools. As I started hearing back and trying to narrow down my choices, I realized NJIT just kept checking boxes. Awesome STEM and engineering programs, a great location, great value, and an urban setting that was very different from where I’d grown up. When I went to the last school on my list to visit, they asked me what other schools I was looking at. And I mentioned NJIT and the administrator I was talking to said, “Oh, we’re trying to be just like NJIT.” And I about fell out of my chair because NJIT was already my favorite. But when another engineering school is trying to emulate them, no brainer. NJJT is where I wanna be since they’re setting the standard for STEM Education. Since 1881, NJIT has opened doors for it’s students, whether that’s an internship, graduate school or a career, NJJT will get you ready. From alumnus Wally Schirra. Who’s one of the first humans in space to students working to design Mars rovers and design the country’s sustainable infrastructure engineer, NJIT prepares you not only to succeed in your field, but to lead in your field. With NJIT’s academics, advisers, and for me, athletics NJIT gives every student the resources they need to achieve their dreams. The stars, really are lined for me with NJIT. It’s an amazing school, great location, amazing people, and fantastic opportunities. Wherever I go next, I will be ready for it. The question isn’t what opportunities will I have when I’ve done? It’s which option do I choose? Back to you, Alex.
– Will, you will have plenty of great opportunities to choose from here in the New York Metro area, back home in Kentucky, or anywhere you choose to go with the long history here at NJIT for setting the standard and high quality STEM education
Just walking onto this campus and meeting people makes you start to feel part of the Highlander nation family. But now let’s head over to the newest NJIT campus in Jersey city and meet a real NJIT family man, Vincent. He’s a business major in the Martin Tuchman School of Management. And he has already had numerous internships including recently being an intern of the week for Adobe. Absolutely amazing. Vincent, it is all yours.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everybody. I can say with pride that seeing my three sisters, Marie, Finsia and Martina graduate from NJIT, showed me that that’s something that I can do as well. We each graduated with different majors and it had different doors and opportunities opened for us. I, for one can say that I got five internships during my first three years at NJIT. Being a business major at NJIT has shown me how business and technology are merging together to become one unified entity. NJIT has New Jersey’s first and only bachelor’s of science in FinTech. With financial analysis lab and focus on data science, our school fosters innovation to prepare students for unlimited possibilities. Whether it’s launching a sustainable business or becoming the next corporate finance maverick, NJIT offers resources to support your passions. There are so many extracurricular activities available to the student body, such as Business Masterminds, Greek Life, Black Student Union with virtual and in-person career fares every semester. As a top 10 school for career placements and a top 100 school for alumni and mid career earnings, NJIT is always developing new programs to prepare students for in demand jobs. From FinTech and that assigns to cyber psychology and forensic science to materials, engineering and sustainable infrastructure, NJIT is always advancing and NJIT students are always prepared to lead in emerging industries. Whether you’re on the north campus or the Jersey City campus, NJIT is preparing you to get a job on that skyline or wherever your path takes you. When you make it at NJIT, you know, you can make it anywhere. Now. What’s next, Alex?
– Vincent, that was amazing and so is that view There’s nothing like the New York City skyline to motivate a business major. I love it. It must not have been easy being a baby brother in your NJIT family, but it looks like a family that studies together, succeeds together. Cheers Vincent.
Casey Crown was the salutatorian of her class in high school and knew she had a lot of choices when it came to picking a college. But to pursue her passion in architecture, she knew the right choice was at the Hillier College of Architecture and Design here at NJIT. Let’s meet up with her to get a closer look at studio life as an archi. Take it away. Casey.
– Thanks so much, Alex. I graduated from Roselle Park High School as salutatorian of my class, and I knew I wanted to study architecture. Academically, I knew I had options and financially I wanted to make the smart decision. NJIT was the perfect choice. During my time here, I have been challenged so greatly. Our studio projects require a lot of time, careful thought and skill. I love when the studio faculty sit down with me during class to take a closer look at my work. They teach me critical skills along the way and aim to further develop my creativity. I also love the camaraderie of the studio, where we architecture majors spend most of our time. We all help each other, encourage each other and really root for each other. Right inside the school, we’re provided with everything we need to complete our work successfully. The American Institute of Architecture Students, a student run organization, runs a print room, a 3D printing lab, and a shop with snacks and supplies. The school runs a laser and woodshop lab. I’m lucky to be the Professional Development Director of AIS, where I run events to help students grow professionally. NJIT is the only fully accredited public university for architecture in New Jersey, which is necessary to become a licensed architect. Pursuing this degree has immensely improved my design skills to where I can better conceptualize spatial quality. Not only this, but my technical expertise has developed so greatly so that I feel super prepared to become an architect. I am so grateful for my time here at NJIT, where I’ve made friends and felt more supported than ever. I’m pleased with my academic and hands-on experience and I’m confident I can get any job I dream of. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Casey, you are absolutely right with the time and hard work you put in and the skills and experience that your professors have shared with you, I have no doubt you’ll be the number one candidate for any job you want. Thanks for taking part of the college tour. Take care, Casey.
Okay. Let’s head over to check in with Indiana, a junior studying mechanical engineering. As Eric shared, Mines is routinely in the top five universities for return on investment. But students aren’t only succeeding in business, they’re launching startups and products of their own with the support from Mines. Indiana is gonna tell us more. Indiana, you’re on.
– Thanks, Alex. Ever since high school, I was always interested in finding issues within my community that needed fixing. I wanted to be the one to help create a solution that has long lasting benefits. So when I came to Mines, I knew I would have the ability to grow and learn further about design thinking to do just that. Here at Mines, the university believes in not just preparing students with their future careers, but also helping students to become future leaders that can take on any challenges. From my involvement in the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, to breaking down stereotypes and generating more diversity awareness, to being a university innovation fellow and help creating solutions that benefit my community, I feel like I’ve truly grown here at Mines. Now, as an innovation fellow, I’ve had the ability to learn what it takes to bring an idea to life. And Mines is one of the few schools that I know that offers design classes to first year students. This showcases the importance of design thinking and its impacts. And it is imperative for today’s scientists and engineers to have this mindset and make a positive impact on the world and its people. For many Mines students post-graduation, Orediggers have gone to work straight into the industry. But there are those who choose to create their own businesses and companies, and grow from there. Mines is helping students prepare to be entrepreneurs through the Mines Venture Center, offering entrepreneurship courses and competitions, and bringing in CEOs and alumni to campus to help give the support and inspiration for students to get things going. Mines has given me the opportunity to not only grow in my technical skills, but also my communication skills, and the ability to find the things that I’m passionate for, and the things that I want to do to enact change in this world. Back to you, Alex.
– Indiana, that was great. Your passion for helping communities around the world is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing that with us. It’s gonna be so exciting to see all the businesses and new ideas that come out of Mines in the near future. That was fantastic. Take care.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to get to our next student, Pierre. He’s a junior majoring in sport and recreation management with minors in marketing and facility management. And he’s ready to talk about one of the fastest growing programs at SDSU. Pierre, what do you have for us?
– Thanks, Alex. My story began in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, when my birth parents decided to give me the opportunity of a lifetime. Shortly after the earthquake in 2010, at age nine, I was adopted by the Lear family from Morristown, South Dakota. It took a while to adjust to the winter weather, speaking English, and the American culture, but I had hope the best was yet to come. I am grateful and humbled for my athletic success. I received many offers from different colleges because of it, but it quickly became clear to me that SDSU was the college for me. When it came to picking a career field that interests me, the Sport and Recreation Management Program seemed like the perfect fit. It is full of students with similar interests and passionate about helping others. Right here at South Dakota State University, I have gained big-time experience working the high level NCAA athletic events and the ESPN College Gameday through the Sport and Recreation Management Program. We hosted the South Dakota High School Football Championship right here on campus. My program has also helped with the PGA Champions Tour, the Summit League Basketball Tournament, and the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Through the Sport and Recreation Program I have met some incredible people, as well as finding summer jobs, and exploring future career opportunities. South Dakota State University prides itself on having a curriculum that centers around students and experimental learning. I look forward to seeing what the remainder of my time here at SDSU has to offer. I am forever grateful for each opportunity that the Sport and Recreation Management Program has provided me. And as always, go Jacks! Back to you, Alex.
– Pierre, nice jump! That is so impressive! Not only can you have a great time as a student here, but the experience you’ll gain in this program can prepare you for dream job long before landing your first job, which is incredible. Thanks, Pierre, keep up the great work