Over at the College of Design, we’re gonna meet up with Thomas, a junior majoring in architecture. You’re gonna love his passion for arts and science, as well as his insights into being a student within the College of Design. If you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in design, this is definitely the place to be. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. And hey, everyone. Passionate about the arts and social sciences in high school, I was inspired to pursue a degree in architecture. I wanted a degree that was accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, was a bit further from home and still highly ranked. I stumbled across Iowa State’s College of Design, visited and decided that this was the place for me. I seriously hit it out of the park coming to Iowa State. Despite being a huge school, Iowa State is a tight-knit community with tons of wonderful people. Spending day and night with your peers in its College of Design studio, makes the experience feel extremely personable. Our first year program not only allows students to improve their design skills and get a taste of collaboration before they get to their major, but it also allows them to meet their entire year of incoming design students. This would explain why some of my best friends are from other majors in the College of Design, as well as my own. An added benefit of that first year is that it gives students the opportunity to learn more about the nationally ranked programs Iowa State offers. From my 22nd ranked architecture program to our 10th ranked landscape architecture program and the country’s number three city planning degree before committing to a major. Our nine undergraduate majors and 15 graduate degree programs make Iowa State’s College of Design one of the most comprehensive in the entire country. Whereas other universities might have architecture and interior design in one college and graphic design and studio arts in another college, we have them all under one roof. Which allows for endless opportunities for collaboration, which makes us all better designers. Iowa State offers countless opportunities to find, evolve and pursue your passions. In our tight-knit cyclone community, we’ll ensure that you have all the support that you need to do so. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex. Go, Cyclones!
– Yes, go Cyclones! There are some amazing opportunities to get involved with in the first year core program. I can’t wait to see your contributions to the architectural world. Thomas, that was great. Take care.
Okay, the final undergraduate college we’re gonna visit is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Home to the popular Open Option program, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, let you explore your passions and find the perfect degree to career path. Let’s meet Anna, a junior studying journalism and political science. She’s passionate about people fighting for human rights. Hannah, it’s all yours.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hello, everyone. I always knew I wanted to fight for human rights. That’s why I turned to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, their political science and journals on prelaw at Iowa State University to learn more. I love the way my academic interests are tied into the College of LAS. I’ve been able to take women and gender studies classes, even though it doesn’t directly relate to my major. Through this, I’ve been able to work with numerous departments to put on a women’s week conference. With the many departments on campus, students can choose their own adventure. Whether it’s working with an honors advisor on an honors project, working with the Sloss Center on ways to raise awareness about human rights or even working with the awesome senior vice president of student affairs, to put on events for students on campus. Students have the chance to meet so many different people. The connections made at Iowa State can expand your outreach into the Ames community and beyond. That’s the real reason I chose Iowa State University. I’ve been able to make connections with my journalism professors and even those outside of my college. No matter your interest, you’ll find your place. The College of LAS is the second largest college on campus with over 7,300 students. It houses the Open Option program so students can find their future major. In addition, it also provides academic success through scholarships, internships, study abroad, and even supplemental instruction so students can tackle extracurriculars, jobs and school. Iowa State has taught me that success is not a straight line, but a road with lots of curves, hills and new adventures. I’ve learned so much here so far. And I can’t wait to see where the rest of my time here takes me. What’s up next, Alex?
– Anna, what’s next for you is a very bright future. It sounds like you found your passion and purpose here at Iowa State. With so many opportunities to get involved and make a difference, it’s easy to see how Iowa State students make an impact on the world around them. Thanks again for that.
Six undergraduate colleges and endless opportunities, but wait everyone, there’s much, much more. Iowa State also boasts a graduate college and a College of Veterinary Medicine. Joining us next is Chidinma. She is pursuing a PhD in human computer interaction and design in Iowa State’s graduate college. You’re gonna wanna listen to her story of perseverance and her goal to make the world a better place. Please take it away.
– Hello, everyone. Thanks for that introduction, Alex. I’m from San Jose, California originally from Nigeria. I worked full-time while doing my undergraduate studies to learn and gain experience in the information technology field at another university. However, I was having trouble finding opportunities to learn more. That was until I discovered the human computer interaction graduate program at Iowa State University. With experience working in Silicon Valley for companies like Facebook and Western Digital, I knew exactly where I wanted to expand my knowledge in virtual reality. Upon contacting the virtual reality application center at Iowa State, I was convinced this was the best program for me. I started classes online in California and was well supported with enough face time for my advisors and professors to help me tackle hard problems. The pandemic was hard for everyone. On a personal level, I experienced underemployment, job loss and a lot of stress. I finally took the opportunity to pursue my long term goal to complete graduate school. I started out slow and I was amazed at the opportunities that opened to me as I embarked on my journey at the graduate school at Iowa State University. I learned I am capable of doing so much more. By becoming a user researcher, I can create tangible things within the human computer interaction field to make our lives easier and solve problems like quoting production waste and manufacturing global pollution. Thanks to the innovation at Iowa State University, I’m ready to tackle these challenges. Now back to you, Alex.
– Thank you so much, Chidinma. What an incredible story. You’re gonna have a big impact in our ever-changing world.
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.
Okay, I have a very serious question to ask everyone. Who likes a snack break? And who doesn’t love a good rice krispie treat? I know I do. Did you know that Iowa State alumna Mildred Day, created the rice krispie treat? Absolutely amazing. And that’s not the only delicious thing Iowa State is cooking up. Let’s check in with Yexin, an international student studying early childhood education to see what living and dining is like as a student. Yexin, please take it away. These are incredible.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, y’all. When I was choosing where to live I want a place that’s close to campus and have easy access to food. At Iowa State, there are three neighborhood areas with 17 residence halls and two apartment communities for students to chose from. Did you know that 92% of first year students live on campus? I lived the same place on campus for the past three years. Being withing walking distance with all things is great. When the weather is nice out, I always walk to my classes. When it’s raining or cold there are CyRide buses I can take. A main reason why I chose to live on campus is because there are many activities, including events and meetings. By living close, I’m more motivated to go. Second, there are late night dining options. Sometimes I have a club meeting or study groups that goes into 9:00 PM and I can still grab food afterwards. Every Thursday, my friends and I have weekly dinner at Friley Windows. It’s a great time to enjoy good food and catch up. At Iowa State students not only enjoy housing and dining as part of their campus life, but also make lifelong connections. Students who live on campus graduate faster than those who do not. With more than 20 dining locations, ISU Dining strives to be a premier university dining operations in the country and a pillar of service for Cyclone community. I love living on campus at Iowa State. I made lifelong friends and have a lot of fun at on-campus events. Living on campus is not only safe and convenient, but also provides so many learning and opportunities to grow. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Yexin. That looks like a wonderful place to call home. With the neighborhood community environment of on-campus living and food made fresh by a team of culinary chefs, it’s clear why 92% of first year students live right here on campus. Take care.
Now more than ever, it’s important to care for our students physical, mental, and emotional health. Our next student is sharing a powerful, personal story of their mental health wellness journey. Dial in closely as we meet Alexandra, who is an advocate for mental health. Alexandra walks us through several health and wellness resources on campus and in the Ames community.
– What’s up y’all I knew to be successful in college, I needed a university that focused on more than just education. A happy and healthy environment, and a strong support system were really important to me. Iowa State University and the city of Ames had everything I was looking for. I was enrolled and excited to be a part of Iowa State’s highly ranked event management program. Unfortunately not long after school started, I was faced with some mental health challenges. I was struggling to get out of bed to see friends or take part in sorority events. Let alone go to class and complete assignments. Noticing my declining grades, my academic advisor met with me and she encouraged me to seek out on-campus resources for student health. It was nerve-wracking to admit I needed that kind of support, but I quickly realized I was not alone. Navigating mental health is difficult and it affects a lot of college students’ lives. My stress levels caused me to be physically sick so I was going to Thielen Health Center a lot. Creating a same day or next day appointment is really easy and they work really hard to make it accessible even with my limited insurance. I was also utilizing student counseling services. They paired me with an individual counselor for a few meetings and then found me an affordable therapist in Ames to continue long-term services for. They really advocated for me to have psychiatric services that actually worked. Overwhelmed, I dropped out of college at one point, fearful I couldn’t do it. But because of Iowa State’s support resources, I now get to see a future with a college degree in it. And I will always be thankful for that. Iowa State’s wellness services have truly changed my life for the better. Thank you for listening to my story. Stay happy and healthy. Back over to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing your story, Alexandra. Your openness is sure to help other students who may encounter similar challenges. Additionally, Iowa State supports overall student health through fully equipped gyms, group fitness classes, intramural sports and outdoor recreation.
Okay, so while we have seen a lot of opportunities Iowa State offers academically, there are even more ways to get involved outside the classroom. Over 900 of them. Let’s meet Ally, a student club expert who has taken advantage of just about everything Iowa State has available. Ally, let’s hear all about it.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. The second I stepped on campus, I fell in love with Iowa State. With a well known engineering program and a beautiful campus, my heart was captured. Iowa State has more than 900 student clubs and organizations. My first semester on campus, I went to Club Fest and joined 17 clubs. Club Fest is a way for students to connect with other clubs and organizations. Everything looked so fun and exciting, I couldn’t say no. On top of those 17 clubs, I was also involved in the sorority and fraternity community. Now I’m not saying to go and join 17 clubs, but I do suggest getting involved. I joined professional organizations, engineering organizations, and clubs for fun. Like learning how to swing dance. One of my favorite clubs is TEAM, the Engineering Ambassador and Mentor Program. With TEAM, I give tours through the College of Engineering to prospective students and families. And it has been the highlight of my week for the last four years. I’ve also loved being a part of the Society of Women Engineers and the Society of International Engineers. There is certainly a club for everyone and if it doesn’t exist, you can create it. Iowa State is a big school but joining clubs makes it feel smaller and gives a sense of community. Joining clubs also allows you to meet incredible people and gain skills for life after college. Giving tours for TEAM has allowed me to expand my public speaking and conversational skills. And with the Society of Women Engineers, I’m able to network with other professional women in engineering. Come find your club at Iowa State. Now back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Ally! I wouldn’t even know where to start! How exciting that you have experienced clubs to further your educational experience, clubs that allow you to give back and clubs to have some fun with friends. Sounds like you’ve had a blast. And there truly is something for every interest right here at Iowa State.
Staff, faculty and students at Iowa State all live by the principles of community. The messaging bedrock for cultivating inclusion at the university. These include respect, purpose, cooperation, richness of diversity, freedom from discrimination, and the honest and respectful expression of ideas. Creating an environment of success, Iowa State offers many resources to students from all walk of life. Up next, we have Sarah to share a bit more about some of those resources. Sarah, it’s all yours.
– Hey, Alex. Being a transfer student to Iowa State, I know how valuable it is to find a university that offers opportunities for all walks of life. It was important for me to find a campus culture that fosters individuality and welcomes students wherever they are on their academic journey. One of the best examples of Iowa State’s adaptability with transfer students is through our student learning communities. I was placed into the psychology transfer student learning community class my first semester here. It helped me get a head start on creating a graduation plan with my transfer credits. It also allowed me to make community and campus connections by encouraging involvement in clubs and organizations. Through this, I decided to become a peer mentor and co-instruct the transfer site class to help students transition into their new home. Iowa State plays a big part in not only paving the way for new students coming to campus, but in honoring the identities that already live in the heart of our campus. Student identities are celebrated all throughout the university grounds through historic dedications to minority groups, such as the Sloss House. Which offers programming and resources towards the advancement of gender equity. And the Upcoming Plaza, dedicated to the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which amplifies the importance of historically black sororities and fraternities. I found my home as the first vice president of a newly founded organization called Pride Goes Greek. A community for underrepresented members of the sorority and fraternity community, especially for those identifying under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. I was worried about finding the right community on such a large campus, but little did I know that Cyclone Nation would help me challenge my perspectives and connect me with the right people to make change happen. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you so much, Sarah. I’m so glad you found your place at Iowa State and are helping others find theirs. With more than 30,000 Cyclones, Iowa State recognizes that no two students are alike and a variety of identities build campus diversity. Whether you’re a veteran, transfer student, LGBTQIA+, nontraditional, multicultural or utilize student’s accessibility services, there’s a place for you here at Iowa State. Iowa State has students from all 50 states and more than a 100 nations, all coming together to call Ames their home. This vibrant college town is part of what makes Iowa State so special.
While there’s a lot to do on campus, the Ames community both shopping, dining and outdoor activities to make the most of your college experience. Let’s check in with Stuart to see how he’s made Ames his home.
– You know, Alex growing up on a crop farm in small town Eastern Iowa and watching my father work to improve his farming operation, was truly inspirational. This led me to further my agricultural education here at Iowa State University. The moment I arrived in Ames was perfect. It was an easy place I could definitely call home. Getting involved is something that was really important to me. That’s why the first thing I did was join a fraternity. I have had fantastic opportunities, including becoming the president of the Farm Operations Club, becoming an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and assisting in Iowa State University’s homecoming. Iowa State and the city of Ames provide countless opportunities for lifelong memories. There’s been a horticulture garden at Iowa State since 1914 and now Reiman Gardens is one of the finest gardens in the country. As one of the most popular attractions in Ames, Reiman Gardens is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The best part, it’s free for all Iowa State students. With a population of just over 66,000, Ames has all the benefits of a bigger city. Including job opportunities, attractions, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. But it still definitely has that small town feel. It’s no wonder Ames is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in America. Ames is also conveniently located only 40 minutes away from Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city. Moving here, easy. Accessible transportation was a must for me. CyRide, the city’s bus system, is a collaboration between the city of Ames and Iowa State. With CyRide’s 13 routes, you can easily get anywhere you need to go. My time spent here in Ames is something I’m gonna cherish forever. It’s easy to see why Ames has been ranked the number one college town in America. I hope you get the chance to experience it for yourself. What do you think, Alex? Back to you.
– I’m having a great time, Stuart! What a welcoming community and beautiful part of the country. You’re right, it’s easy to see why Ames is consistently ranked as one of the best places in America to live. Amazing.
From inventors to astronauts, to Fortune 500 CEOs, Iowa State students are prepared to take on all kinds of challenges when they graduate. That includes educating and empowering students for those real life experiences. In addition to hosting some of the largest career fairs in the nation. Let’s meet Laura, a senior marketing and management student who is already capitalizing on the internship and career opportunities through Iowa State.
– Hey, Alex! As a futuristic thinker, my mindset coming into college was a little bit different than some. I knew it was more than just getting a degree. And that’s why I chose Iowa State University. This university is not only gonna provide you with the best four years, but the people here are gonna set you up for success for your future endeavors. The main goal is not only to find that major you love and get a degree, but to really find your passions and find that fitting career. I love my majors and researching for future careers. But when it came time for me to apply for a job, I had no idea where to begin. Luckily Iowa State invests and values in student success. With cover letter enhancing, resume building and interview prep. If you’re unsure with your passions or your career path, check out Career Exploration Services. They can help you identify your strengths and a fitting career. At the beginning of every semester, Iowa State holds many career fairs. All students are encouraged to go to start networking. And that’s exactly how I landed my internship last summer with Pepsi Co. My goal was always to work for a Fortune 500 company. And with Iowa State’s resources of interview prep and cover letter enhancing, I was selected. Shortly after being at Pepsi for a couple months, Iowa State alumni reached out to me to congratulate me and offer a helping hand. That’s the power of Cyclones everywhere. A college education is more than just learning skills for a job, it’s about honing in on skills that sets you apart, finding a career path and joining a community of Cyclones that makes Iowa and the world a better place. I can’t wait for what the future holds, but I know I’ll be just fine with the endless support and opportunities that Iowa State has to offer. Let me hear your go Cyclones, Alex!
– Go, Cyclones! Laura, what comes after college is so important. Having a network of over a quarter million living alumni is an incredible resource. Clearly Iowa State has prepared you to be a business leader of tomorrow. Thanks again for sharing.