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.
Now we’re heading to meet Josh Gillespie. He’s a junior studying Finance and Economics with a double minor in Business Management and Accounting. He is also President of the nationally known, Havocs, that put on one heck of a show at the basketball games. And he’s gonna talk about the Havoc experience, and what GCU pride and spirit is all about. Josh, you’re on.
– Thank you so much. I’m really excited for this chance to talk to you all about the Havocs and the school pride we have here at GCU. So the Havocs is the student section here at the campus. We go to all the sporting events and bring the energy and excitement to every single one. The Havocs are a big part of the culture and the community here at GCU. I mean, just take a look up there and see what we got. So my freshman year I joined the Havocs, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Being a part of the Havocs has been my favorite part of the on-campus experience. Whether it’s running up the steps to get that front row seat at a game or going crazy with my friends at the biggest party in college basketball, I’ve loved every minute of it. To me, the Havocs are built on two key pillars. The first pillar is that we wanna be the loudest and craziest student section in the nation. The second is that we wanna be a place where students can come and be a part of an awesome community. One of the ways that the Havocs build community here on campus, outside of the game day experience, is through this really cool tradition we have. During the first week of students coming to campus, the Havocs leaders go door to door and visit every freshman, and build that community early on. We want to establish that relationship and make them feel a part of the GCU community immediately. To me, being a student leader is all about serving students. Our motto as student leaders is to be students serving students, and we take that responsibility seriously. We wanna create the best possible environment for each and every student on campus, and we are supported by our amazing executive staff here. From president Mueller all the way down, the support they give each and every student leader, just sets us up for success. They genuinely care about making GCU the best experience it can be for a college campus. Well, it’s been awesome talking to you all about the Havocs here at GCU. Alex, back to you.
– Josh, what you all are doing on and off the court is incredible, so fun. Somehow I need to sneak into that section and experience it for myself. That was great. Cheers, Josh.
Next. We have Lydia, Biology Major and Psychology Minor, who’s gonna talk about the type of people you will meet at Goucher. The college prides itself on being a welcoming, and inclusive community. The small size means you’ll be in a supportive community where you always pass a friendly face walking across this beautiful campus to class. The community created here, especially for new students in Goucher’s First-Year Village is absolutely incredible. Take it away, Lydia.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone, I’m from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and I’ve always wanted to get into a big city. I wanted the resources of a big college, but with the small college and community feel, that’s what led me to Goucher. Here at Goucher, I’m an RA, I play for the women’s basketball team, and I’m always joining clubs. I’m getting involved with our Student Engagement Team, the Gaucher Christian Fellowship, and the Bio/Chemistry Club. Immersing myself into the culture and groups at Goucher has created a fulfilling education so far. I’ve met incredible people that I love already. Goucher’s tight-knit community makes me feel important and not like another number with a GPA. Here at Goucher, I’m known, supported, and heard, I can walk down Van Meter Highway and see 10 people that I know, and they will always say hello. My co-RAs and my teammates are like my family away from home. Goucher brings people together from all over the world. On average, we have more than 1,100 undergraduates from 43 states and 30 countries, and 15% are first generation students. Buildings like the First-Year Village are designed to build community. Putting the newer students together helps them feel that they are not alone. And when they might feel alone, there are many support systems in place, such as the Academic Center for Excellence, Student Success Teams, The Wellness Center, and more to help students succeed at Goucher. With my experience and bachelor’s from Goucher, the next step is a Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, where I could take the lessons of community, leadership, empathy, and love, I’ve learned from Goucher and I can apply them to my everyday life. Changing lives one day at a time. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Lydia, your experience coming to Goucher and becoming part of this community is heartening. I am sure there are so many other students who’ll love to have that at experience at college and get to live in that First-Year Village. It seems at Goucher, you were more than just a number. That was great, Lydia. Thanks again.
Let’s turn to athletics with a History Major, Studio Arts Minor, and Lacrosse Player, Lucy. She’s gonna talk about the Division 3 athletic opportunities here and some new facilities at Goucher, and fill you in about the student athlete life. I think you’re gonna find the same close-knit community as everyone else here at Goucher. Let’s find out. Lucy, tell us more.
– Hey everyone. Growing up, I was the youngest of three girls, all who excelled in academics, but I didn’t find school easy or enjoyable. I didn’t even think college was gonna be for me until I found Goucher. Now I really love learning and see myself furthering my education, even after I graduate. Goucher taught me what school should feel like. Once I realized my love for lacrosse, I started searching for D3 schools in my city, so I could balance my school and athletic life, something that I immediately found at Goucher. Once I talked to the wonderful coaches, I applied and got in. As a student whose family lives under the poverty line, I thought there was no way I could pay for this school. But due to Goucher’s amazing scholarships, my financial package set me up for success, something I couldn’t be more grateful for. But now I get to wake up each day and spend it with my team in the state of the art facilities, the weight room, and field, meet my friends in our delicious dining hall, and classmates in our beautiful buildings. Never would I have imagined being so happy and immersed in college. One thing I love most about Goucher is the community on campus. There are constant events and activities for all to join. Athletes are about a 1/3 of the campus, and if you’re part of a sports team that gives you the instant network of friends to enjoy college life with. We have 20 Division 3 sports teams, a nationally ranked equestrian team, and even an eSports team. At Goucher, you have the freedom to build your education. I never thought college was for me until Goucher taught me what education should feel like. This is a fun, positive, welcoming environment that I’m so proud to be a part of. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Lucy, thanks for telling us about your experience. I’m so glad you found your place at Goucher. It seems athletes have a great place here at Goucher and the student support and commitment to accessibility I keep hearing about is absolutely amazing. Take care.
Okay. You’re gonna meet Natalia, an Integrative Arts Major at Goucher, focusing on visual art, music, and theater. Now, you’ve heard us mention Goucher is small, and that means students form great relationships with faculty. Natalia’s gonna tell us about the professors here at Goucher, who will know you by name, and a little more about the arts as well. Natalia, please take it away.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hi, I’m a senior at Goucher and honestly, I don’t think I have enough time to enjoy all there is to offer. I firmly believe that when it comes to Goucher, your experience is what you make of it. When I first arrived on campus, I was determined to only study acting through the Theater Major. But as soon as I stepped into the art studio during orientation, I realized I belong there. It was only a matter of time until I was studying music as well. I’ve always dreamt of being a well-balanced artist, and with my new major, I got the chance to do so. I’m studying the Integrative Art Studies Program, which basically means I get to pick and choose out of all the art classes. Now, I get to build my skills and become the artist I have always dreamt of. All of my professors have been there to help, even when I could not fit a class into my schedule, to make sure that I could have access to all of the information. The professors at Goucher have guided me towards the classes I needed to make my dreams come true and have supported me in ways beyond what is expected. When I was deciding on my major, I knew I wanted to study more than one art. Meeting one on one with professors in the theater, art, and IAM departments, I was able to choose IIS as my major. The professors at Goucher always go above and beyond, sharing resources like the drum circles, acting clubs, books, office hours, performances, and so much more. I am beyond grateful and I hope to stay in touch with them. But until then, I’ll continue to finish school. Back to you, Alex.
– What great support from professors, and Natalia, it seems like you’re in good hands at Goucher while pursuing your dream. Thanks for sharing your experience with faculty and the arts at Goucher. Seems like you have a lot going on, which is amazing. Thanks again for sharing your story. Take care.
Looking through a magnifying glass will reveal things you can only imagine, and so does research. At Illinois Tech, students fine tune their academic work by participating in exciting research projects and they can begin this starting in year one. Just see what food process engineering student Tajas is doing in the lab, Tejas.
– Thanks Alex. Have you ever wonder how apples turn into apple juice? No, food technology is something where we transfer basic raw material into some of the finest food products. Hey everyone, I am Tejas Suthar here at Illinois Tech originally from India. To advance my skillset, I decided to pursue my master degree in field of food process engineering, one of the collaborative course offered here at Illinois Tech. The engineering program not only teaches us theoretical concept, but also teaches us how to incorporate the knowledge in a practical way. We have access to Institute of Food Safety and Health, a highly equipped laboratory, as well as Food Processing Plant, where we can use machines like high pressure processing and other equipments to process different types of food products. I have worked on some of the interesting topic, verification technique, edible insect and artificial meat. Did you know artificial meat is made in Illinois Tech’s very on laboratory. The lab-grown meat is created from a single animal cell. And by this way, we can actually produce tons of meat, isn’t that amazing? Another unique thing about Illinois Tech is its partnership with the US Food and Administration, which provides a chance for student to work on a special projects with an FDA scientist. Research production at Illinois Tech are easily accessible. Faculty member will connect you with any research projects available, and if you have any idea for research question you want to study, you can go directly to the faculty member to approach them about posting that idea. I can say that I met good decision choosing Illinois Tech for my master degree. This new city is fully of resources and provide many opportunities to make my dream come true. Back to you Alex.
– Tejas, it’s good to see you can access seemingly endless research opportunities at Illinois Tech. These experiences can help you determine your career path, provide you advanced skills that set you up for a great career, and your work could change the world. What is better than that? Thanks again for sharing your story with us today, take care.
Okay, everyone, let’s just jump right in on this study abroad experience everyone has at Goucher with Brandon, a recent graduate. He’s gonna fill you in on how the study abroad program works at Goucher, his transformative time abroad in Italy, and how it impacted his time at Goucher and beyond. Over to you, Brandon.
– Thank you for the intro, Alex. Before coming to Goucher, I never thought about how impactful their study abroad program was going to be. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to travel and explore unfamiliar areas. Coming to Goucher made that easy, and I’m so glad I was able to explore the world. During my sophomore year, I studied abroad for a semester in Sorano, Italy at also known as The School of Management. I was able to live the Italian life with a daily walk to and from school, and so many trips to cafes and gelato shops. I even learned how to make fresh pasta and do so regularly today. My classes were taught in English and I learned so much about my Italian culture while also taking classes that went towards my Business Major. This global education allowed me to bring my experiences abroad back into the classroom once I was back on campus. I loved the ways this program allowed me to balance school and travel too. I took advantage of every moment and traveled to over 30 cities. Goucher believes in the power of a global education. We were one of the first in the nation to fully integrate a study abroad experience into everyone’s college experience. And better yet, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities at no additional cost to make your study abroad affordable. These programs range from three week intensive courses to four year programs. Whatever study abroad program you choose, you will get firsthand experience on what it’s like to global learner. When I first started college, I would not have imagined the impact my study abroad experience had on my life. I learned so much about myself and several other cultures. That was my story. Alex.
– Wow, Brandon that was great. What an amazing experience for anyone who attends Goucher, being able to study abroad in a variety of formats and getting the perspective of experiencing other cultures and places. Your story really shows how Goucher is committed to a global perspective, and makes me very hungry for some of that homemade pasta. Thanks again for sharing, Brandon.
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.
Trust me when I say this, when you step on campus, it’s clear how this community feels about their Cyclones. As part of the Big 12 Conference, Iowa State offers a variety of Division I sports to entertain the loyal and true Cyclone fan base. From packing the Jack at football games to Hilton Magic during another March madness run, there is nothing like cyclone athletics. Someone who knows firsthand about the hard work those athletes put in is Lea, a junior on the softball team. She’s here to tell us about the Cyclone spirit. Hey Lea, you’re up.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. I have dreamed of going to a large college with a strong journalism program and a strong athletic program for as long as I can remember. I also wanted to attend a college where people are proud to rep their school colors. After one visit Iowa State exceeded all of my expectations. I knew Ames would be my new home. Iowa State puts a strong emphasis on being a student first and an athlete second. With our brand new Stark Performance Center, I’m able to meet with coaches, tutors, mentors, nutritionists, and my academic coordinator all in one place. This new building gives me the opportunity to work toward my future in journalism while also making large strides in my sport of softball. With all this amazing support, playing softball in a Cyclone uniform is an experience I could have never imagined. We strive to be all in, all together, all the time. Plus Cyclone Nation, our fans, are incredible. People are proud to rep cardinal and gold. That’s why being a student athlete at Iowa State is like being part of a humongous family, everyone supports everyone. At Iowa State a college education is more than just learning skills for a job, it’s about challenging your athletic ability, building camaraderie over sporting events, or even being part of Cyclone Alley for men’s and women’s basketball games. I believe Iowa State has prepared me for every aspect of life after college. And I could not be more excited. But wherever my future takes me, I’ll always end up back at Jack Trice Stadium every year, watching football games. Cyclone Nation is unmatched. Throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Lea, nice toss. Thanks for sharing your experience as an athlete and loyal member of Cyclone Nation. Good luck this season, we all will be rooting you on. Take care.