With six undergraduate colleges plus a graduate college and the College of Veterinarian Medicine, Iowa State offers more than 100 majors for you to pursue. Introducing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is Rachel, a junior double majoring in agriculture and society and international agriculture. Over to you, Rachel.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. As I approached my first year of college, I knew that I wanted to continue my involvement in the agricultural industry. I was very involved in 4H and FFA in high school, and I looked forward to furthering my education at Iowa State University. Even as an out of state student, choosing Iowa State was easy. Considering their College of Agriculture and Life Sciences agriculture and forestry program ranks among the top 4% in the world. My experiences at Iowa State have lived up to these expectations. On campus, I serve as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, serve on college’s council, and I’m a campus and national officer for the International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences. What I truly love about Iowa State is I have the opportunity to further explore my interests in agricultural policy and to connect with other passionate students. Iowa State has also provided me with professional opportunities to further my career after college. Each fall, Iowa State University holds the nation’s largest agricultural career fair. Hosting over 200 companies and organizations. Through the agriculture and live sciences career fair last fall, I was able to obtain a summer internship with Midwest Dairy. Looking forward, I’m excited to continue my involvement on campus and to one day, find myself in a career that impacts agricultural legislation. Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences program prides themselves on a job placement rate of 97% or higher for 23 consecutive years. I can rest assured that I have the tools I need for my future. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Rachel. What a great place to study agriculture and life sciences. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have on the world of agriculture. That was awesome, take care.
Okay, now let’s hear from Dr. Jonathan Fox, professor of financial counseling and planning. Iowa State’s faculty and staff create a welcoming environment focused on student success. And its faculty, like Professor Fox who make that happen. Class is in session folks, please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. I came to teach at Iowa State 10 years ago to be part of a truly student centered research university. Every day, we make decisions that are student first. From freshman learning communities to the academic success center, it’s all about the student experience. All of us came here to experience the innovation process. Innovations that change lives for the better. Right in the center of the Iowa State University seal, we read, “Science with Practice”. That’s more than a slogan here, that’s how we live and work. Iowa State faculty and staff are committed to finding new ways to learn, grow and discover with our students. For example, integrated teaching and research laboratories are the norm here on campus. My program in financial counseling and planning has the first in the nation, financial counseling clinic. Which is a teaching and research laboratory where students and faculty get together to practice what we teach. Through a research driven initiative, our office of student financial aid changed their offer process. These research based innovations led to a decrease in average student debt holdings at Iowa State. That’s science with practice. And this is only one of hundreds of examples of the work that faculty and students are doing together. It’s a learning by doing model. One that is time tested here at Iowa State. And perfectly suited for the ever changing world of higher education. What’s next, Alex?
– Wow, incredible to see all the research the faculty and students accomplish here! That hands on approach certainly sets Iowa State apart. And also setting Iowa State apart are the 90 learning communities that connect students with social and learning activities beyond the classroom. Absolutely amazing.
Let’s go back to Biscayne Bay campus to meet Morganne. She is a public relations major who loves spending time on campus. The campuses backyard is the one and only Biscayne Bay, home to programs such as journalism, Marine science, creative writing, and hospitality management. Students brag about the peaceful tranquility that surrounds them while learning and studying. I can’t wait to hear more, Morganne you are on.
Wagwan guys, welcome to FIU BBC. Now, if you love the outdoors, being surrounded by nature, and being directed by the bay, then the FIU Biscayne Bay campus is the place for you. BBC is a 200 acre waterfront campus home to some of FIUS most innovative lab and highest ranked programs. Just like our a main campus, BBC has its own student life, recreation center, library, and of course state of the art student housing that overlooks the bay. Now literally the view is breathtaking. Being at this campus is like being as a mini hotel with activities to help you wind down from a stressful day of courses such as our exciting rope course, kayaking right here on the bay, and of course walking or jogging on our beautiful nature trail. Various programs such as our hospitality management program and the Marine science program are host here at this campus. For you, journalism and communication lover who prefer the hands-on experiences, the Biscayne Bay campus house is a South Florida media network, which also students the opportunity to cover local news and network with professional journalists, and of course FIU alumni. Though my experience was virtual due to the pandemic, BOLD allowed me to have real client experience and a network with some of the best industry professionals. Those of you on the creative side of PR can work with the creative team as a photographer, videographer, or even a graphic design intern for clients. After two semesters in BOLD as an account associate, I got promoted to be an account executive for the upcoming semester and I cannot wait to get started. I got to write my story at the beautiful Biscayne Bay campus, and I can’t wait for you guys to write your story here as well. Back to you Alex.
What a great story Morganne, the student run communications agency is incredible, congratulations on the promotion, cheers Morganne.
Now let’s go over to Leeanne, who is at the student run wine spectator restaurant management lab. Where Panthers learned to think like restaurant owners. Leeanne is a hospitality major who has had her college experience enrich through study abroad programs. She’s gonna talk about her semester at sea. From Columbia to Chile she delighted in local food and engaged in local culture, Leeanne you’re on.
Thank you Alex, hello everyone and welcome to FIU. I knew FIU is where I want to study hospitality because everything is happening here. Miami is known for its hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, restaurants and events. The FIU chaplain school is one of the top 40 hospitality schools in the world. Every year, Miami is hosted to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Students volunteer for a variety of positions. We work with sloppy chefs, pour legendary wines, and apply everything we’ve learned to create a memorable experience for the guest. The festival provides students with experience and industry connections. The money raised comes back to the chaplain school of hospitality and tourism management. FIU has recently partnered with Bacardi as part of our food and beverage program. Through this partnership, I was able to intern with Bacardi’s customer marketing and advocacy teams. This began the one of a kind award winning FIU bartenders guild, which holds weekly meetings, and you can earn your certificate in beverage excellence. FIU also has an amazing study abroad program. The idea is to see the world from an international perspective. I got to go on a study at sea, from Columbia, to Ecuador, Peru, and finally Chile. In chile I took a trip through the desert to a vineyard on the edge of the Andes. There glass carmenet in hand, I fell in love with the process of wines and the lands they come from. This trip opened up to me the hospitality world of beverage. FIU also has pod study trips. Last year, I got to go to Las Vegas where we toured iconic resorts like MGM, Caesar’s palace, the cosmopolitan and Southern glaciers. This one-on-one with industry professionals is a real opportunity to gain insight. After the trip, I reached out to one of the presenters and gained a mentor. The approach at FIU is to grow through traveling and sharing experiences. I grew as an individual learning I could take on the world. I developed confidence putting myself into a completely new setting and being open to what it had to teach me. And when I came home, I had a wider vision of possibilities. I hope to do the semester exchange with FIUs partner school, the University of Tanj in China. And I’m definitely going on another pod in the fall. Thank you for letting me share my story, what’s next Alex?
– Thank you for sharing your story Leeanne, your travels have undoubtedly prepared you for a rich career in the hospitality industry and it looks like so much fun, take care.
Okay everyone, now let’s head over to the robotics and digital fabrication laboratory, Matheus is waiting for us there. He’s an architecture major who has used the skills he’s learned at FIU to walk on water. Can’t wait to hear his story, Matheus you are on.
Thank you Alex, and hello everyone. I’m so excited to say that I graduated with a master’s degree in architecture from FIU. See, I was born and raised in a farm in the countryside of Brazil, where I was raised around horses, cows, goats, and emus. And when I moved into a larger city in Brazil, I realized that my life goal had become to get accepted into a university in the United States. And I would not stop studying until I fulfill that. Although I shared that I wanted to become an architect, I had no clue that the next five years would mean way more than just designing buildings. What I learned here at FIU is that the role of the architect is to imagine the world we live in. To design the sonography of the play of life that is constantly performing, the unspoken language between humans and spaces which then informs how we move, how we feel, how we connect with others. And the biggest example of that is the building that we’re in right now. This is the policy of school for architecture designed by Bernard Tschumi, anyone studying architecture my know that Bernard Tschumi is a legend in architecture theory. He designed a school for the future architects by splitting the building to two masses, one to the south for the faculty, and one to the north for the students which is our studios. At the heart of the building is the courtyard around which most of the circulation is arranged. So students and faculty lived in different classrooms and find moments of encounter. So the freshly learned material comes up in conversations and then creates new knowledge. We’re not in the era of deconstructionism though, and FIU is committed to preparing us for the problems and shifting roles of the 21st century. I was first introduced to critical thinking design on my second year, when professor Jaime Canaves gave us an assignment to design a pair of shoes that would allow us to walk on water. This tradition goes back over 30 years and the rules are pretty simple. But working on these is actually so much harder than it looks, my partner and I spent countless nights working on it until we could finally walk without getting wet. It’s always a huge festival and everyone comes around to see architecture students battling and sinking. At the end of my second year, I got invited to participate in the project to inaugurate the robotics in fabrication lab. We spent the entire summer in a tiny room with a huge robot and a team of amazing people developing our own system with 3D printing play blocks for a parametric wall. And that was only the start, we spent the following three years working on amazing projects that defined the boundaries of architecture and design. And I can’t wait to see what FIU has there to achieve. That was a bit of my story, now back to you Alex.
What a fun tradition, your passion for architecture is inspiring, there are a lot of places on campus that are helping you cultivate your creativity. Thanks again for sharing your story, take care Matheus.
Okay now let’s head over to where Panthers socialize the Graham Center, Binta is waiting for us there. She’s an international student studying economics in the prestigious Stephen J. Green School of International and Public Affairs. An international student from Nigeria, she’s gonna tell us more about the I in FIU. Take it away Binta.
Hi everyone, and thanks Alex. The I in FIU stands for international, and that means a real opportunity to experience a vibrant and diverse campus culture. I arrived at FIU as an international transfer student more than three years ago from Nigeria. There are more than 142 countries represented at FIU, and I was fortunate enough to meet many students from my home country Nigeria, students from Russia, China, Brazil, and so many other places. It really is a melting pot with character. When I first transferred to FIU, I was enrolled in the college of business. I knew FIU had one of the top rated business programs in the country. The college is a part of the 5% of elite business schools that are accredited by the AACSB international, the association to advance collegiate schools of business. And I graduated from FIU this year with a BA in economics. I was the vice president of the undergraduate economics club, a member of the National Business Honor Society and Tau Sigma National Honor Society. Because I transferred into FIU I wasn’t able to experience the global first-year program the school offers. However my brother was, and I immediately saw how the program helps international students transition into a life at FIU, and an American college. FIU promotes global learning by enabling students to think really and build diverse connections. Through my connections working at the office of admissions as a campus guide, I was able to acquire an internship working at a graphic design and marketing company. It’s so happens that the owner of that company was an FIU alumni, which just goes to show how interconnected our community really is. FIU maintains the reputation as one of the most diverse schools in the country. I’ve given tours to famous content creators who visited our beautiful campus all the way from Brazil. I’ve held study groups at the library with engineering students from Ukraine, art students from Japan, finance students from Italy, all seated together as one FIU. I’m so happy I got the chance to experience such an amazing college setting. It has shaped me into being a more active and well-rounded individual with a global mindset and diverse perspective on the world. Well everyone, that’s it for me, thank you so much for letting me share my story and back to you Alex.
Binta that was great, what a unique experience to share your college experience with friends from all over the world. Your graphic design and marketing internship really highlights the Panther network at work beyond campus. Cheers Binta.
Let’s get started on the main campus at the Graham Center, and meet Krista, she’s an alumni and a current law student, a Miami native she’s gonna share how her experience as student body president was enriched by being a student in a global city where the opportunities were endless and diversity was celebrated. Okay Krista, it is all yours please take it away.
Thanks Alex, hi everybody. I was born and raised here in Miami and decided to stay to continue my education because I recognized that FIU is an amazing institution. The university is 56 years old and is Miami’s only public research institution. We have two main campuses multiple facilities across South Florida. From suburban Miami-Dade, home to our main campuses to underwater. 60 miles off the coast, we have our aquarius reef base, which is the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory. Our ongoing research has landed us number three in the country for life underwater. We are a top 50 public research university, according to the Washington Monthly with 37 programs among the US News and World Reports top 100 public universities. And our law, MBA, business and medical programs are all highly ranked. FIU is not just in Miami, we are Miami and we are part of what makes this global city so special. Every winter we help to run one of the country’s most awesome wine and food events, right in town, the South Beach Wine Food Festival. Also our Herbert Wertheim College of Medicines Neighborhood Health Program, gets good healthcare to our underserved community members. And we never miss the Miami Beach Pride Parade where every year we celebrate love. While working on local campaigns and volunteering with United Way, I noticed how many of our students and alumni were working together to help innovate our community. We are amongst the top 10 largest universities in the country with a diverse student population that reflects Miami and all have a home here at FIU. I’ve always felt welcome here. My favorite memory was the day that my sister got admitted to FIU, she was able to join so many great organizations and experiences that helped me grow as an individual, and I’m so proud of everything she’s accomplished because of FIU. That’s my time Alex, back to you.
Thank you Krista, you really can’t tell where the campus ends and where Miami begins. How awesome to have everything from the seagrass of the Atlantic to the sawgrass of the Everglades as your classroom. Congrats on law school Krista, and congratulations to your little sister on becoming a Panther, take care.
Okay everyone, we’re gonna take a little break from the tour to enjoy some cafecito, a Panther tradition. At exactly 3:05 PM, Panthers stop to indulge in the rich Miami coffee culture and fuel up on caffeine to finish the day strong. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure to enjoy some cafecito with FIUs president who is beloved on campus and in Miami. And after you watch this, you will see why.
– You know that there’s a lot of people at this university who know where Vicki’s is but who don’t know where the library is. And don’t quote me.
– I asked President Rosenberg about this amazing campus culture, and we wanted to share his inspiring words with you all. Here take a look. Well, President Rosenberg I really appreciate this personal VIP tour with a one amazing campus, the energy is infectious. And I’m curious how would you describe, you know, the feeling and the energy of FIU and why it’s so special.
– Well this is a special place, and I’ve been on a lot of college campuses I was raised on a college campus there’s no place like FIU. Why? The dynamism of our students, they’re very purpose-driven, the geography of our location, Miami incredible, the sun’s out all the time, there’s a lot going on in this community, it’s a 24/7 365 community. The diversity of our students, the particular cultures that they bring to the campus gives it an energy. And you really can’t, you can’t really understand it unless you’re here and you feel it. Our students like the traditions of a college campus, we have some amazing traditions. One is with our mascot, our Panther the Florida Panther Rory, Rory Rocks Rory is a great dancer, Rory likes to have fun, and that energizes our students. Our environment and the challenges that we have in this environment, we enable our students to get deeply involved in problem solving, in doing research, in being engaged with the faculty. Our faculty also are highly mobilized, they wanna be here, they wanna work with the students, they believe in the mission. A lot of our students have seen work, they’ve come out of the world of work, they weren’t born on third base. These are students who wanna go places and they understand that FIU gives them that platform.
– Wow, I’ve felt it every step of the way here, I appreciate it, and you have some amazing coffee to boot.
– I love the coffee here, no coffee like you can get in the 305.
– Cheers.
– Cheers
– That is no ordinary coffee, and this is no ordinary university, there’s so much going on here that it’s hard to capture in one show. On behalf of The College Tour, we wanna thank president Rosenberg for spending some time with us on campus and introducing us to FIU, that was awesome.
You all are gonna be inspired by this next student’s story. We’re heading over to the GCU labs to meet Erik Yost. Erik is a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Management. What this young man is doing to change the world for good using his engineering skillset is absolutely mind blowing. Eric, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Throughout my life, I’ve always felt the need to go and serve the world in the name of the Lord. I’ve always loved engineering and entrepreneurship from a young age, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my skills specifically. In high school, I was heavily involved throughout campus as student body vice president for sport varsity athlete, robotics mentor, and a leader in the engineering and entrepreneurship program. I focused my skillset on our ISS program, an elite engineering program, where students were able to send their research projects onto the International Space Station. I worked on multiple different teams, and eventually sent six different projects into space. My primary project was focused on microbial fuel cells. Fuel cells are able to take any form of organic waste and convert it into electricity. We were able to take this project to the American Society of Gravitational and Space Research, and win first place, which was a huge accomplishment. From there, I started to work with NASA on sustainable energy research. I felt my calling to use my skills in engineering to help better the world. When I started looking at colleges, I learned about the Discover GCU trips. I just knew I had to participate. These trips are so immersive, and you get to experience firsthand, what it means to be a Lope. During this all-expenses-paid on-campus experience. We learned about that dynamic academic programs offered across GCU’s nine colleges, connected with GCU’s vibrant campus community and explore different ways to connect with current students, faculty and leadership. On this trip, I was introduced to GCU’s engineering program, entrepreneurship initiative, a strong sense of Christian community, and a place I could truly thrive. It was awesome, and I fell in love with GCU. Once on campus, I started my LLC, generate a biotechnology company, focused on building my fuel cells through the entrepreneurship initiative, so I’m able to fund my nonprofit, and help better the world around me. Here on campus, I’m also starting a program called STELLAR, which allows GCU students to send their projects to the International Space Station. Here at GCU, you’re able to join any club or program and grow your skills and glorify God. You can impact your local community globally, or even the universe. There’s such a multidisciplinary aspect between the colleges, where students are able to learn real life skills and apply all around their life. And I pray that I’m able to glorify God in all that I do, that He’s able to use me as a vessel through my clubs, business and leadership. Back to you, Alex.
– Erik, it is so profound to see you use your passion and experience with biotechnology to help make the world a better place. It’s all very impressive. Thank you for sharing that, we’ll see you soon. Cheers, Erik.
So next, we’re heading over to one of Florida Tech’s science laboratories to meet Delaney Lisco. She’s a senior, majoring in biomedical engineering, and she’s going to take a few minutes away from her lab work, to talk to us about another important element of Florida Tech’s DNA, in-depth undergraduate research. Delaney, please take it away.
Hey everyone. All students at Florida Tech have the opportunity to get involved in research, and most of us take full advantage. Undergraduate research is a great way for Florida Tech students to dive deeper into a topic that they’re most passionate about. It’s also a great way to gain practical knowledge whether you’re in the lab, or out in the field.
Here at Florida Tech, we have tons of research disciplines, so no matter what you’re interested in studying, we have an opportunity here for you. A lot of students get involved with research through their professor, or graduate assistant who works within the department. Once you get involved with research, you can learn more about your major, you can learn how to use really awesome technology and equipment, and can gain practical skills and knowledge that will help you excel both inside, and outside the classroom. My favorite part about the research that I do here at Florida Tech, is the connection that I can make between my education, and the real world.
Currently, I’m involved in a really relevant, and exciting multi-disciplinary senior design project, sponsored by a local science-based company, Chem-Free Solutions. We have been developing a UV LED matrix for ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. I got involved with this project in my junior year, and it really has been one of the greatest experiences that I’ve had at Florida Tech. Being involved with research, has allowed me to network with other passionate students. You can learn so much working side by side with one of your professors, a graduate assistant, or another student on the project.
With so many knowledgeable and experienced professors, as well as opportunities, I have found that our foundation for research is deeply rooted into what Florida Tech has to offer to its students, and to the world. Florida Tech’s motto, “Ad Astra Per Scientiam,” which translates to, “To the Stars Through Science,” for me, it captures what Florida Tech is all about. Our school really does go above and beyond when it comes to scientific research and discovery. Back to you, Alex.
Delaney, wow! It’s so impressive, the hands-on research you all get to do alongside your professors here on campus. It’s extraordinary. Thanks for taking the time to share that. Bye, Delaney.