You all are gonna love this next segment. One of the things Loyola students say sets their experience apart is this search for the why. Students here are pursuing a degree but they’re also actively reflecting and challenging themselves to define why and what they hope to do when they go into the world. Let’s Mia, an education major with a special education minor. Mia is a senior and her story brings to life Loyola’s motto, “Strong truths well lived.” Over to you Mia.
– Hi, everyone. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted a college experience that would prepare me for a career in education and a place that made me feel at home. Loyola provided both and much more. The close knit community has made me feel at home, whether I’m walking around campus or meeting new people and I’m lucky to say that I made lifelong friends here. Something I love about Loyola’s education program is how often and how early students gain teaching experience. My very first semester I was going into a local school every week, observing and leading groups of students. Through required courses I was enrolled in a unique subject focus field experience almost every semester. I’m applying my studies by writing and teaching lessons as well as receiving valuable feedback from my professors. Loyola’s motto “Strong truths well lived,” has led me to discover what matters most to me and inspires me to seek out these things that I love in my daily life. I’ve grown so much personally and deepenED the passion I’ve always had for teaching and helping others through my involvement on campus. Joining Loyola’s dance company and becoming a dance teacher has helped me gain confidence and develop leadership skills that’ll apply to my future classroom.
– [All] House! Loyola provides so many opportunities to engage in service and I was thrilled to bring my passion for teaching to volunteer in local elementary schools and leadership positions and the education honor society, Kappa Delta Pi. Loyola’s education program and opportunities for involvement are preparing me for my senior year internship and my future career. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to grow not only academically, but also personally and I value all that I have learned at Loyola. Back to you Alex.
– Thank you, Mia. It’s clear you’re a born educator and I have a feeling your students are in for a great experience with you as their teacher. The classroom experience you’ve gained through your program, the opportunities you’ve had to serve and teach dance and the experience you’ve had beyond your courses are preparing you for an incredible future. Thank you so much for sharing your story. That was fantastic.
Now we’ll head to the Fitness and Aquatic Center and hear from Ben, a sophomore communications major who’ll talk about campus life. 80% of undergraduate students live on campus through their senior year, which is awesome. And unlike many urban college campuses, Loyola offers the best of two worlds. With 81 wooded acres the campus feels distinct from the surrounding city, with all the perks of a city location. Ben, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up everyone? I’m a lover of photography and the nature meets urban setting of Loyola’s evergreen campus paints the perfect picture. Even though I grew up right here in Baltimore, I still decided to live on campus. Loyola’s residence halls are ranked among the best in the country by the Princeton Review 10 years running. I can cook dinner in our apartment kitchen and study and hang out with friends in are awesome common areas. And if I don’t feel like cooking Loyola’s dining services dish up fresh seasonal foods from smoothies to sushi, to local favorites like crab cakes. Not to mention all the off campus dining options around campus and in Baltimore. Through, Messina, Loyola’s first-year program, all students live and learn with a group of their peers for their first year. Having roommates who were also classmates helped me transition to college life and really set the tone for my time at Loyola. With so many students living on campus all four years there is a true feeling of community every night and weekend. Loyola provides all kinds of things for me to do on campus beyond my classes. I can attend performances at McManus Theater, check out the latest art show in the fine art gallery or head to the Fitness and Aquatic Center and shoot some hoops, scale the rock wall, or sign up for a hiking or canoe trip at the Outdoor Adventure. There is so much to learn and experience at Loyola. Not only am I learning the skills I needed for my career in communications and digital media, but I’m also getting to enjoy my home away from home on Loyola’s beautiful campus. I’m proud to call myself a Greyhound. Well, that’s all for me. Back to you Alex.
– Great job, Ben. Thanks for sharing a snapshot of life at Loyola and your experience with Messina. It’s pretty cool that you consider campus your home away from home even as a sophomore. I just don’t know how you find the time to make dinner with your roommates, attend events on campus and hit the FAC on top of the classes. Absolutely incredible. Thanks again for that. All right everyone, next we’ll hear about student life and all the ways you can get involved at Loyola.
Next we turn to Amitoj. She’s double majoring in political science and emerging technology in business and design. And she has an interesting story about how an advisor in Miami University’s Career Center helped her land an internship at a major company. Take it away Amitoj.
– Hi everyone. My favorite part of my Miami journey thus far has been the mentorship and opportunities I’ve been able to receive. My two mentors on campus are Dr. Christina Carrubba-Whetstine. the director of the Rinella Learning Center and Mr. Michael Turner, my career advisor at Miami’s Career Center. Being a woman of color, a first-generation American and a first-generation college student means that there’s a lot of imposter syndrome in my life. But through my relationship with these two phenomenal individuals, I am able to rise above that and realize every day that I can do anything I set my mind to. Through the support of Christina, I was able to co-found Miami University’s Women of Color And Excellence Group. Starting a completely new organization amidst a global pandemic is pretty challenging, but being able to know when to step up as a leader and more importantly, knowing when to step back and allow others to shine has set a precedent for leadership and advocacy for the rest of my life. Being empowered is great, but being able to empower others is phenomenal. Speaking of my career, I recently interned for Dominion Energy and I have one person to thank for this, Mr. Michael Turner. One day, just a few hours before Dominion Energy’s application for their diversity and energy conference was due, Mr. Turner sent me an email encouraging me to apply. I thought this was pretty weird. I had never saw myself as a fit for corporate America, but I applied nonetheless because of how well Mr. Turner knew me. After attending this conference, I fell in love with Dominion Energy and learned how to market myself as a professional and ended up scoring a public policy internship with Dominion Energy. And I’m already getting recruited by a top four company for next summer. None of this would have been possible without my mentors here at Miami University who believed in me from day one that I could be in rooms that I never imagined I could be. Miami University has taught me not only to love and honor others, but to love and honor myself. And this is why I’m forever grateful to be a Red Hawk. Now, back to you Alex.
– Great job Amitoj. Your stories prove how mentorship can make all the difference in the world. And at Miami they obviously work to ensure that students from all majors get the same level of career preparation. We can’t wait to see what you do next Amitoj. You’re an inspiration to first-generation students everywhere. Thanks again for that.
That was fantastic. Okay. So we’ve talked a lot about what it’s like to learn here at Mines, but of course, we can’t forget about Mines’ top ranked national championship winning athletics program. We’re gonna meet up with Kat, who recently got her bachelor’s degree from Mines, but is back pursuing a master’s degree in operations research. She’s also on the track and field team, and is gonna walk us through what it’s like to be an Oredigger athlete. Kat, you’re up.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. My older sister went to Mines. And after spending Thanksgiving and winter breaks watching her play Oredigger basketball, I knew Mines was the school for me. But I didn’t just want to follow in her footsteps, so I chose a different university. I immediately knew I made a mistake and quickly transferred to Mines, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made. I found a strong tight-knit community of athletes who are willing to welcome me in and help me navigate being a student athlete, sitting next to me in classes, and forming late night study groups after practice. My coaches and fellow athletes pushed me to expand my circle, where organizations like Blue Key, undergraduate student government, and more welcomed me and other athletes in with open arms to make Mines a better place. Here at Mines, athletes win on and off the field. Last year, our teams accounted for more than seven Rocky mountain athletic conference championships, more than 20 individual RMAC champions, winning the All Sports Cup five years running, and five of our teams had the highest GPA in the RMAC. Not to mention, our men’s cross country team won the national championship in 2015 and 2019, while also boasting the highest GPA in those seasons. Many of our athletes are RMAC, all academic team members, all Americans, and we can always count on a summit award winner or two, which is given to the athlete competing with the highest GPA at our conference tournaments. Orediggers sure know how to stay ahead of the game. In addition to our varsity teams, our club sports teams strive for excellence as well. We have so many opportunities for students to get involved, from soccer, to water polo, to rugby. They consistently compete against larger schools like CEU, CSU, and DU, while getting bids to the national championship as well. Mines athletic prepares every student athlete for life after college. Our coaches, administration, and professors work hard to ensure that we’re ready to succeed. Competing in one of the hardest conferences in D2 while getting a STEM degree teaches each and every one of us at Mines what it means to persevere and push through anything thrown your way. Now throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Kat. Those views from the stadium are incredible. Thanks for sharing your experiences as an athlete, and all the opportunities you were able to pursue here at Mines. We can’t wait to see where life takes you next. Take care, Kat.
Okay everyone, it’s time to show you a truly one of a kind feature of this great university. LIU Global is an international campus that sends students to a new location every semester, including Costa Rica, Europe, Australia, and more. Tiago is a senior majoring in global studies and he’s gonna tell you about the fantastic research he is conducting around the world. The floor is all yours, Tiago.
– Thanks Alex. Hi everyone. I was born and raised in Brazil and when I first heard of LIU Global, I felt it was meant to be. I get to travel to all around the world while making meaningful connections and earning a degree in global studies, and preparing for my future. LIU Global is a true definition of experiential learning. We study the theories in class and immediately follow that up with field experiences. Field experiences help us see larger phenomena in local community and how to act and respond to those accordingly, which is at the core of global studies. The classroom experience is different than any other, filled with thoughtful debate and exchange of ideas that have widened my view of the world. My curiosity for different cultures is also embraced by my professors and classmates, which has helped to provide me with an enriching academic experience. Through these conversations, I was able to harness my curiosity and discover my passion. LIU Global brings to life education in ways that no other program does. Even better, I get to travel to some of the most amazing places with like-minded classmates. I never thought I’d learn about Morocco in Morocco. The world is truly our classroom. At first, I thought I wanted to be a financial advisor for NATO, but after four years of living and learning around the world, I discovered my passion for education and decided to pursue a career in academia, maybe even get my PhD. Thanks for taking a trip around the world with me. Take it back Alex.
– Outstanding. Tiago, you are having the college experience of a lifetime and seeing so many interesting cultures. I am jealous. We can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you once you graduate. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Take care, Tiago.
If you ask an Iowa State student, why they came to Iowa State, one of the top reasons is always the beautiful campus. Look at this place. In the instant you step onto the university grounds, you can see all the beauty Iowa State has to offer. From green spaces to historic buildings to beautiful works of art, everyone has their favorite spot on campus. Let’s hear from Jorge to tell us his.
– Thanks, Alex. Howdy, y’all. When looking at universities, my decision ultimately came down to the place that would amaze me every time. I remember being flown from Houston to Iowa State to tour the campus. And when I walked out of the Memorial Union I was left completely speechless. To this day, campus continues to amaze me with its amazing views through each season. From the blooming flowers of spring to the snowy fields of winter, I felt right at home. Central campus is a great spot to study, read and take a nap. And then there’s the Campanile, which looks amazing at any time of day. During the academic year, a music professor climbs to the top of the Campanile each weekday to play the carillon over the noon hour. You can even submit song requests. Iowa State was selected as a Medallion Site by the American Society of Landscape Architects. It shares this honor with places like the Grand Canyon and Central Park in New York city. Our campus has also been named one of the top 25 most beautiful campuses in the book. The campus is a work of art. There are more than 2,000 works of public art on Iowa State’s campus. Making our university home to one of the largest campus public art programs in the United States. Be sure to check out the grand wood murals and the Christian Peterson sculptures all around campus. Including the George Washington Carver sculpture, celebrating Iowa State’s first black student and later faculty member. My time here at Iowa State has taught me so much about just how welcoming a college campus can be. I am proud to call Iowa State’s beautiful campus home. And there’s so much more to explore, Alex. Back to you.
– Jorge, there is a lot to explore on this beautiful campus. There are so many great sites to enjoy during all four seasons. What beautiful scenery. It makes the perfect setting for your time at college. That was great. Founded in 1858, the traditions at Iowa State run as deep and rich as its history. Those traditions bring the past and present together, uniting the Cyclone student body.
Let’s meet Elli, a graduate student in the emerging media program who earned her degree in biology with a minor in innovation in entrepreneurship from Loyola in May. She’s an All-American all-league women’s lacrosse player who is named the Patriot League scholar athlete of the year in her senior year. Incredible. Over to you, Elli.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. When I was in high school I didn’t really know what I wanted in college. That was until I stepped foot on Loyola’s campus. Here, I fell in love with more than just the lacrosse program, but with everything about the university and what it meant to be a Greyhound. I loved my four year so much in fact that I’m returning for another to get my master’s in emerging media. One of my favorite parts about being a hound is being a member of such a tight knit community which offers a breadth of opportunities to meet new people and get involved on and off campus. On campus, I found community within my academic major, my residence halls, my Lacrosse team and the different clubs I was part of, including Loyola’s pre-health club and the Leadership Academy. I also conducted undergraduate research with one of my biology professors, which was a challenging but rewarding experience. Additionally, I met so many new people with different backgrounds, interests, and majors, in my academic honor society. And as someone who lived on campus for all four years, I took full advantage of all the gatherings and events planned by resident assistants and the office of student life. Beyond campus I’ve been able to explore the city of Baltimore and even travel the world. Loyola organizes excursions which encourages students to get off campus and immerse themselves in the local community. Some of my favorite memories have been going downtown to the Hippodrome Theater to see Broadway shows on tour. And I even spent one winter break backpacking and paddleboarding in Puerto Rico with the Outdoor Adventure Experience. Almost everyone I know here is involved in something, whether that’s joining or starting their own club or attending events and traditions like Black Student Association fashion show, women in sports day or Loyola Palooza, our annual spring festival. Whatever your interests are, there’s a way for you to get involved here on campus. And I know that the people you’ll meet and the memories you’ll make will undoubtedly change your life. They certainly changed mine. That’s my story, now back to you, Alex.
– Elli, great job. It was awesome to hear all the ways Loyola students can get involved on top of your amazing achievements on the lacrosse field and in the classroom. It sounds like no matter what your interests are there’s a place for you at Loyola, Maryland. Cheers, Elli. Keep dominating on the midfield. We’ll see you soon. How amazing is Loyola University, Maryland? I wanna thank all the incredible students we heard from today for generously giving their time and talent so that you all could learn what Loyola is all about and what this university has to offer. This is truly a special place for students who are ready to be more and to learn, lead, serve, earn a degree and launch the life and career of their dreams. That’s all from me. I hope you all take time to learn more about Loyola University, Maryland and visit the evergreen campus in Baltimore and see for yourselves what it means to be Loyola ready. Cheers everybody.
Next up is Christian, a senior international business major and communication minor. He’s gonna tell us about something called Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person. Loyola’s approach to education considers the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. It’s a Jesuit inspired way of being in the world that helps you stay mindful, connected, self aware and happy. Take it away Christian.
– Thank you, Alex. I’m blessed to have a loving family who always encouraged me to use my voice to amplify those silenced by structural inequities throughout society. I wanted a university that would allow me to achieve my goals while caring about my physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The two words that allow me to choose Loyola University, Maryland were Cura Personalis, which means care for the whole person. I was introduced to this concept my first year at Loyola through the Summer Multicultural Awareness Program, which is designed to ensure new students of color have a support system and can enter any space proudly and confidently. I met many of my best friends through this program. I also had other opportunities to advocate for individuals locally, regionally, and nationally. Whether through traveling to Capitol Hill to discuss environmental justice or immigration reform with lawmakers, or marching and Selma, Alabama with civil rights activists like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Dr. Naomi Barbara King, moments like these have strengthened my values of community and solidarity. As a Jesuit university, Loyola prides itself in discernment when taking a holistic approach and not just choosing a career path or major, but in every opportunity that allows students to be successful while considering others wellbeing. My experience with Campus Ministry’s sophomore road trip program inspired me to do so. Cura Personalis extends even to my international business major. Loyola is preparing the next generation of dedicated leaders who will strive for equity in and outside of the workplace. And in my role as vice president of policy and advocacy for Loyola’s Student Government Association, I aim to care for all in our community. The focus on the whole person has helped me to understand how to properly care for all individuals in every aspect of my life and I know I’ll take this with me into my career and life beyond Loyola. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Christian. Your story is amazing. From your experiences in the Sellinger School in Leadership Development to serving in student government, advocating for social justice issues, playing rec sports and participating in a retreat for career discernment. No doubt your value for caring for the whole person will translate to caring for others in your future profession. That was fantastic.
Loyola University, Maryland has some incredible student outcomes. 98% of Loyola students are employed or in graduate or professional school within six to nine months of graduation and Loyola ranks in the top 5% in the nation for the mid career salary of its alumni. Maria is a senior studying business administration with a minor in digital media. She’s also a successful business owner who’s experience at Loyola has propelled her business and her future to the next level. She’s gonna tell us what it means to be Loyola ready. You’re on Maria.
– Thanks Alex. If you had told me three years ago as an incoming freshmen, that I’d be starting my senior year as the CEO of my own company while being a full-time student, I never would have believed you. At Loyola, I’ve taken my passions and career ambitions to the next level. I launched my own jewelry business, Blue Bone Jewelry at 16 years old. This past year I competed in Loyola’s Baltipreneurs Accelerator, a prestigious program open to all entrepreneurs in the city that offers mentoring and resources to develop your business. After working for 24 weeks on developing my company in Loyola’s accelerator program, I pitched my business before the Loyola and Greater Baltimore community, potential investors and my fellow cohorts. Being the only individual female student representing Loyola, I was so excited to win first place and bring home $8,500 to invest in my business. Had it not been for Loyola, Blue Bone would not be where it is today. Loyola has so many opportunities being in the center of a big city were a lot of alumni stay after they graduate. The career center has been a valuable resource working with me to create a resume I’m confident in and connecting me with our alumni network. This past summer, I completed an internship at Pandora Jewelry in their corporate marketing department, a position I discovered through Loyola’s incredible connections. My experience here has undoubtedly changed my life. I came in as a freshmen, unsure of what career path I wanted to follow. I am now beginning my senior year with a clear vision of what I want my future to look like and an amazing support system surrounding me. And I know I’m ready for whatever comes next. Back to you Alex.
– Maria, what a story. You’re getting a degree while growing your own business and gaining invaluable experience. the Baltipreneurs Accelerator Program and Loyola’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship sound amazing and your jewelry is beautiful. Big congrats to you. You’re clearly going places and ready for whatever comes next. Very impressive. Thanks again, Maria
Okay, everyone, let’s start off by meeting Grae. She’s a pre-med senior studying chemical engineering here at Mines. She’s gonna share a little more about Mines’ hometown of Golden, the perfect location for exploring all Colorado has to offer. Grae, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When it came time for me to apply to college, I was really torn between wanting to stay close to my family in Colorado, and wanting to explore someplace new. When I had the opportunity to visit campus for the first time, I realized that attending Mines would provide me with the best of both worlds. Golden’s quaint mountain town feel makes it seem like I’m somewhere far from home, but I’m still close enough to go to family dinners and to see my dogs regularly. Golden’s unique location allows me to easily drive into downtown Denver for Rockies baseball games, to Red Rocks amphitheater for concerts, and into the mountains to go skiing and paddle boarding. This is perfect for me because I’m able to keep my job as a mermaid at the Denver aquarium, and discover new hobbies, like rock climbing. I’m also able to participate in internship opportunities at nearby companies who are excited to work with Mines students. During the summer, after my freshman year, I even had the opportunity to work with a company 15 minutes from campus that 3D prints custom medical equipment and has virtual surgical planning. Plus, within walking distance from campus is the heart of downtown Golden. You can get a bite to eat, shop at local businesses, hike South Table mountain, go tubing in Clear Creek, or visit cultural attractions, like the Mountaineering Museum and the Mines Museum of Earth Science. As a student here at Mines, you won’t have any trouble finding ways to fill your study breaks. I feel so fortunate to go to a school that feels like home and allows me to broaden my horizons. As I look back on my college career, I can’t imagine myself anywhere other than at Mines. That’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Grae, thank you for giving us a tour through Golden and sharing all the fun activities you can enjoy around campus and take a break from your studies. This location is absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing that.