Next up we have Haven and this is gonna be exciting. We’re gonna head out to the Bowers Field and the aviation training center where Haven takes most of her classes. Haven came all the way from Hawaii, to join the professional pilot program. Central’s department of aviation, offers the only professional pilot bachelor’s degree, in the Pacific Northwest. Tell us more about it Haven.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. I always knew I wanted to go to college after high school, but it wasn’t until my junior year, when I chose to pursue a career in aviation. Central Washington university, is the only fully accredited public university aviation program in the Pacific Northwest. Which means I can earn all my licenses, and ratings as well as my degree in one place. It’s the best of both worlds. Aviation is one of Central’s most popular programs. People from across the country come to Ellensburg to tour Bowers Field airport, where flight operations take place to see what all the buzz is about. Whether you’re a first year, or fourth year, all aviation students are welcome to make use of the many training tools, including utilizing flight training devices and flying one of our new Piper Archer aircraft in our fleet. On top of that, Central also hosts multiple events with airline companies, and guest speakers in the field throughout the year. This gives students like me a chance to make connections, and gain honest perspectives about the industry. I’m from Hawaii, and I was hesitant about going so far away from home to earn my degree. But I was able to immerse myself into the program right from the beginning, which is a big reason why I chose to stay, and continue in the four year program. And I’m glad that I did. I was flying within my first couple of weeks here at Central and still today entering my senior year friends and family back home are amazed by the amount of hands on opportunities I’ve experienced over the years. Central’s aviation program has prepared me in more ways than I could have hoped. The hands on experiences in the aircraft, the flight simulators, in the classroom with my peers, and the exposure to individuals in the industry have all shaped me into the pilot that I am today. That’s all for me. Thanks Alex.
– Thank you Haven. CWU has a stellar reputation for preparing students for the demands of the aviation industry. I know your time in the program, is gonna prepare you to be an amazing pilot. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to be on one of your flights someday. All right, keep up the good work Haven.
Up next We’ll meet Nenay, at the Student Union and Recreation Center. Best known as the SURC. This popular hangout is where students eat, shop and work out. You’ll also find the Burg radio station, and a movie theater. A recent grad, Nenay created an awesome student project in this building that people still talk about to this day. Tell us about it Nenay.
– Well, Thank you, Alex. Hello everyone. When I first came to Central in the fall of 2013, I had many of the first year jitters. Moving to college can seem a bit scary. I was trying to make new friends, all while still trying to figure out who I was. I chose to get involved, and found community on campus. I worked for the Asia University America program, leadership and community engagement, and for orientation and transition programs. One role that defined my time as a student, was being the creative director of the CWU flash mob. This project focused on the inclusivity, and diversity that CWU student body is known for, while also showcasing what it means to be a part of the Wildcat family. It was here during these moments where I experienced community I never knew I could taste. The performance helped recognize CWU for its community, and Central received the higher education excellence, and diversity award. CWU has a commitment to increase its diversity on campus, and works constantly to create a culture of inclusion for its students, employees, and community It serves. As I graduated, I felt like I had found myself. But only because of my time here, and the friends I made along the way. Never was there a time, where I felt unwelcome at Central. Constantly throughout my time as a student, And now as a professional staff member, I feel welcomed and at home. You may not know what you want to do, or who you want to be, but CWU will help you cover the possibilities of tomorrow, and turn them into dreams that have yet to be realized. It’s part of what brought me back to work professionally, and welcome new students as they take their first steps into the Wildcat family. Most importantly, I get to tell them that they belong here. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Nenay, you’ve certainly made a mark on the Wildcat community. Thanks for taking the time to share your story about your time here as a student, and what it means to be part of the Wildcat family. It’s an amazing feeling when you know, you found a place where you belong. Keep up the good work.
Okay, everyone. I guarantee you’re gonna love this next story and this next ETSU alumna. We’re heading just off campus to Tannery Knobs Bike Park to meet Kayla Carter. She is not only passionate about her time here at ETSU but also Johnson City and the outdoors. Y’all need to come visit this place real soon. This part of the Appalachian mountains is beautiful. Kayla’s going to tell the story of why this is the best place to go to school. Kayla, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hey, y’all. I’m really proud of my education from ETSU and I like to visit campus from time to time so that I can reconnect with all the awesome memories I made there. Fun fact, it’s where I met the love of my life. Now we are working on building a home and a farm right here in Johnson City. I graduated from ETSU in 2011 and now I serve as the region’s outdoor development manager. It’s a very rewarding job because I get to give back to the beautiful Southern Appalachian landscape and community that I’ve lived in my whole life. Here the people are as sweet as their tea. Oh, and traffic, it’s hardly an issue. In the spring I’m ready to hop on my paddleboard and check out our pristine mountain lakes. In the summer my hiking boots and mountain bike never get a break. In the fall, that’s my favorite weather for camping and I really love watching the leaves change colors. As for winter snowboarding and skiing at Sugar and Beech Mountain is where it’s at. We know how to work hard around here but we also know how to balance it out by kicking back and having fun. It seems I’m always being invited to try some new place to eat or have drinks with friends. And every weekend there’s a free event or festival to go to. I really enjoyed Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion because they bring in world renowned country music artists. We’re home to the International Storytelling Center, The Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol Motor Speedway and we have more than 200 miles of the Appalachian trail. My husband and I really love the fact that we can hop in the car and take a scenic drive and be an Asheville, Knoxville or Roanoke for a day trip. Really though, we don’t need to go far. There are several historic mountain towns around here to explore. We’re always looking for something new to learn about Northeast Tennessee, because even us locals haven’t discovered at all. And another helpful hint, make sure you check out all the farmer’s markets in the area because they are a taste of what makes each town unique. My favorite downtown is Johnson City which is where I work now. And I’ve really enjoyed watching Johnson City grow since I graduated and it just keeps getting better and better. Fly fisher’s know us for our trophy trout section on the Watauga. Adrenaline junkies know us for our world-class whitewater on the Nolichucky. And the world knows us for as Southern hospitality. I hope that you’ll come to learn these things about us and more. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to my story. And now I sincerely hope that you’ll consider making Northeast Tennessee and East Tennessee State University, a part of yours. All right, back to you, Alex.
– Kayla, that was amazing. And so is that view. Johnson City is awesome. I love it. What a special place to go to college. Thank you for giving us a sneak peek into all the area has to offer in terms of the outdoor activities, festivals and more. Cheers Kayla.
Here at DelVal, all students get hands-on experience in their field of study in year one. Let’s go meet Jamie. She’s a junior majoring in agricultural education and she’s gonna tell us about DelVal’s, award-winning experiential learning program called E360. This is not just another internship program. There’s a lot more to it, Jamie.
Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. What if I told you that 100% of students at DelVal have gained real-world experience in their career field before graduation? Yep, that’s right. This is achieved through our experiential education, also known as our E360 Program. This innovative program integrates classroom knowledge with real-world experience individualized to your major. Between internships, study abroad programs, student research, community service and so much more. E360 allows you to choose an exciting and educational experience perfect for you.
As an education major my E360 requirements, are fulfilled through my student teaching semester in my senior year and through various hours of field experience during my time as student here. Our Center for Student Professional Development, also known as our CSPD, has an accessible website that allowed me to explore internships and secure three jobs during my time as a student here. And through the CSPD website, I could contact and apply directly to the employers.
I had the opportunity to intern at a nursery and a wildflower preserve, building my knowledge in horticulture and growing my portfolio for when I enter the classroom one day. I even traveled to South Africa to immerse myself in their culture and learn more about their Agricultural Industry. Our E360 Program was named the 2019 Outstanding Experiential Education Program by the National Society for Experiential Education. And data collected by the class of 2019, we had a 94% graduate success rate. 79% of these students secured a job upon graduation. And 15% of these students went on to continue their education. This high success rate is a result of our impactful E360 Program.
Although I would love to tell you more about the benefits of our experiential learning program for students, there’s so much more to love about DelVal and I wouldn’t want you to miss out. Let’s throw it back to Alex to learn more about what this amazing university has to offer. Back to you, Alex.
Great description, Jamie. No wonder DelVal grads are so successful at getting jobs or going on to graduate school. Thank you for sharing your story. That was fantastic. Cheers Jamie.
Now, let’s head over and meet Anthony. He’s been passionate about animals since he was a kid. When he heard about DelVal’s hands-on philosophy and the great success rate of DelVal’s grad succeeding in veterinarian school, he knew this was the place for him. Anthony, you’re on.
What’s up guys. I know what you’re thinking. What’s this good story? Well, truth is I don’t got much of one. I was born and raised in a small town of Lititz, Pennsylvania and I lived the very average life. It wasn’t until I turned on the TV and switched over to Animal Planet and saw this extremely passionate man doing what he loved. And this man was Steve Irwin. His passion for animals was truly inspirational and I caught his passion like someone would catch the common cold. So, when I was looking for colleges, I needed one that would help me become the best version of myself and help my dreams become a reality. And let me tell you, DelVal was that school.
During my freshman year, I was super eager to take advantage of all the clubs and organizations on campus. And it was kind of easy considering that there are over 70 plus options to choose from. So, I decided to join the Pre-Vet Club and the Student Government Board, were I would become heavily involved over the next two years with the Pre-Vet Club, we are constantly inviting guest speakers, such as vet schools and alumni to talk about internships and opportunities. With the Pre-Vet Club, we are super hands-on and we teach a lot of valuable skills such as dissections and blood drawing. Also, the Pre-Vet Club has a lot of connections all across the world. For example, next summer I will be traveling to Australia and working with the local wildlife and veterinarians there.
Fast forward another year to my senior year. And I’ll be working in Indonesia as a research assistant with aquatic wildlife, which is something that I wanna specialize in as a vet. But the Pre-Vet Club also helps a lot of my classes on campus. For example, in my intro to animal science class, we had to and draw blood on mice. But luckily I had some friends in the Pre-Vet Club that could help me out with that. And during my freshman year, I was already working with animals, which is something extremely unique to DelVal.
With the Student Government Board, I am the treasurer and I’m also the class president of 2023. And my favorite part about Student Government Board is the yearly trip that we take to the National Students Government Board Association. Last year, we went to New Orleans and let me tell you it was an absolute blast. And I took away a lot of valuable experiences that will help me with all my executive positions on campus. Not only that, but I also attended LeaderShape last year and out of everything on campus that I’ve done, LeaderShape has been by far the most impactful. When I came back from LeaderShape, I learned a lot about my leadership style, how to inspire others to be leaders and how to push myself to become the best version of myself.
And then when we all came back to campus, we had 50 new and experienced leaders to help run all of our clubs and organizations. This is how DelVal creates a culture of leaders. As you can see I love DelVal and I know you’ll flip for it too. Back to you, Alex.
I love your story Anthony, you can see how the hands-on opportunities you are getting here at DelVal are preparing you to follow your passion for working with animals. And it is incredible to see how many cool and interesting fields of study there are here. See you later, Anthony.
It’s heartening to hear that Columbia meet students where they are. creating an individualized experience to make sure everyone can participate in their education. Now that’s a beautiful thing. Columbia is proud to call Chicago home, but some students have west coast aspirations. For them Columbia offers semester in LA, where students are immersed in the entertainment industry with classes on a studio lot in the heart of Hollywood. Here to tell us more is Alexis. A 2019 graduate who spent a semester in the LA program. Take it away, Alexis.
– Hey everyone. I graduated from Columbia’s film program in 2019. I chose Columbia because I wanted a world-class media education that would help me get my foot in the door. The environment at Columbia really puts you in a place to succeed, and it gives you the tools to help you fuel your own natural creativity. This semester in LA program was really the tipping point for me in choosing to go here. They said you to Los Angeles for a semester, and you’re taught coursework by the industry’s top leaders and creators as well as interning for some of the best companies in the world. Once you graduate, you’re ready to go out in the workplace and already have valuable connections and networking in Hollywood. During my time in the semester in LA program, I was interning and studying full-time while working a part-time job. It was incredibly challenging, but also really rewarding. I was able to take everything that I learned in the classroom and take it directly to the workplace. It was really hard, not gonna lie, but I was surrounded by other Columbia students while I was there. We were resources for each other and giving tips and tricks on different PA jobs, Hollywood networking events, film screenings, and just surviving life in Los Angeles. Now I work as an Executive Assistant at Snapchat on the Creative Strategy team. Our team partners with world-class advertisers on bringing new and relevant content to the platform. I really love that it’s exciting, fast paced and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with augmented reality. Columbia helped me get there by pushing me outside of my element, as well as giving me opportunities to network, pitch, and work with some top talent as well as mentoring me and giving me career advice in which direction I wanna go. Alex, back to you.
– Wow, Alexis. I know there are great things ahead for you and other Columbia alumni in California and across the country. It sounds like you snapped up the opportunity to build your career in Los Angeles, and that is amazing. Take care. At Columbia diversity and inclusion, aren’t just about numbers. Columbia is doing the work to take institutional action that acknowledges our nation’s history
. Let’s turn it over to film students, junior, Kaitlyn, and senior, Bertram, for their perspective on the work Columbia is doing, and the work that lies ahead.
– Hi everyone. I grew up in suburbs filled with different cultures and people, but it was still a bubble. I was active in school protests and took part in events that celebrated my Philippine identity. I thought Columbia would be the perfect place to continue my work as a social justice activist while also being a creative. I’m usually the only Asian kid in a lot of spaces. So I wanted to find a community where I could express my identity and better understand my roots. What about you Bertram?
– I chose Columbia because it’s film program that ranks among the top 20 in the country. I wanted to understand how I can best tell my stories of triumph over adversity through film. I grew up in the Mississippi Delta region of Arkansas immediately following the civil rights era. As an older non-traditional student of color, I bring a different perspective to the Columbia classroom. Much of what was common during my formative years would never be tolerated today. But I think Columbia understands that we can not stop and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. We must continue the ongoing fight against racism. Kaitlyn, I know you’re also active in the community when it comes to identifying the structural part of racism.
– Yeah, I’m going to be the Vice President of Columbia’s Asian Student Organization. And I hope to continue making changes that amplify, who we are, embrace our differences, and honor our intersectionalities. What about your experience, Bertram?
– Columbia really is something special. I’m fortunate to have had various platforms to combat racism, and I’m encouraged to continue to speak my truth. Many of my Columbia professors have actually given me class time to speak candidly to my peers about racism and our racist past.
– I’ve been stereotyped as the quiet Asian woman, my whole life. But as a Columbia student, I feel more empowered than ever to use my voice. As white as Columbia still is as an institution, we are able to make our presence known and use our voices to be heard.
– It’s tangible proof that Columbia is working to bridge gaps and iron wrinkles. This work is never done. Columbia students will be provoked, challenged, and educated in ways that will push us closer to a more equitable future.
– It’s easy to say that Columbia is anti-racist, but what really matters is community accountability and speaking up, showing up and doing the work.
– Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Kaitlyn and Bertram for taking the time to give us all a glimpse into your experiences and the challenges and rewards of doing institutional wide anti-racist work, we appreciate you both.
Our next stop is at the student union, where we’ll meet Rhoda. She’s a junior elementary education major, and she’s going to tell us about the engaging learning environment here at FAU. FAU offers more than 170 degree programs, where expert faculty create a learning environment that prepares students for success in all areas of life. Rhoda, please take it away.
– Thank you for the beautiful introduction, Alex. You’ve already heard about location and the campus experience from my peers, but FAU prides itself on it’s strong academics and engaging learning environment. After earning my AA degree, I transferred to FAU from a local college and let me tell you, as soon as I stepped foot on this campus, I felt welcomed and supported in achieving my goals. One of the best first experiences I had at FAU was being part of the First Year Connections mentoring program. In this program, I was assigned a mentor that guided me through my first year and connected me with valuable resources through the Center of Teaching and Learning. At FAU, students have numerous opportunities to learn through experience and esteemed scholars. We also have several honors programs, such as the Wilkes Honors College, which offers an all honors curriculum and close knit community. As an education major, I’ve met talented faculty who’ve pushed me to reach my fullest potential. From professors making themselves available for meetings, to advisors guiding with class selection, everyone here is dedicated to my success. A big part of my FAU story is the leadership training I’ve gained through the office of leadership education and development. Learning valuable skills, such as public speaking and understanding my own talents, not only helped me excel in my classes, but also helped me in achieving my goal of joining student government and eventually being elected as the Boca Raton campus governor. In this role, I represent every student on the Boca campus to find innovative ways for resources, activities, and programming to benefit our owl community. I’ve been at FAU a little over a year and already achieved so many of my leadership goals. Florida Atlanta University is the school for students to reach their full potential, in and out the classroom. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Rhoda. I am so impressed by all you’ve achieved in your time at FAU. The leadership experience you’re getting outside the classroom will not only benefit you academically, but also make you a well-rounded candidate when it’s time to apply for jobs. You’re a rockstar. Cheers, Rhoda.
Now we’re heading over to the Wildcat statue, a popular place for students, and visitors to take a selfie. This is where we’ll meet Jawan, a double major and film production, and business. Jawan has been meeting all kinds of people while at CWU. And we’ll explain why it’s so important to get involved, as soon as you arrive on campus. Tell us what you know, Jawan.
– Thanks, Alex. You know, I consider myself a people person. When I came to CWU, I only had like five friends. So, I decided to get involved with many campus activities as I could to try and meet new people. The more I learned about CWU and got involved, the more I loved it. I actually joined the orientation staff, so I could tell new students about what a great place Central is. There are so many different opportunities to get involved through academic programs, student clubs, and campus activities. Even through student work. I’ve been creating videos, tell the freshmen in high school. So I was just excited to find that there was an on-campus job that involved my love for Central, and meeting people and my love for making videos. As a member of the policing center’s hype street team, I literally get paid to connect with people, and tell them through the videos I create about events opportunities here on campus. There really isn’t much work now further than that. The best part is that my student work, is framing me for my career in so many ways. I’m getting a valuable, real world experience that goes beyond the classroom, and learning first hand from professionals in the field. I’m working with the real clients on legitimate projects, and meeting actual deadlines. Something I’ve learned and wanna share with new students, is how important it’s to follow your passion. There’s plenty of clubs on campus. And if there isn’t one for you, Central encourages you to create your own. It’s super easy. There really is no excuse not to be involved. Trust me it’s worth it. Now, back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing your Wildcat experience with more than 135 clubs, and organizations on campus. Jawan, and other students are able to interact with so many different people. Keep up the good work Jawan. Cheers.
Okay, everyone let’s head over to Central School of Education. There, we’re gonna hear from Danielle, a soon to be history teacher. She’s gonna tell us about something called, the Wildcat way, and now it helped her find her people, and shape her as a person. Take it away. Danielle.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a high school history teacher. I have a passion for history, and I really wanna share that with others. I had heard a lot about Central’s teaching program from my high school teachers, as a lot of them actually graduated from here. Coming to college, I was unbelievably nervous to start this new chapter. Leaving home can be really difficult. However, within my first week in Ellensburg, all of those feelings were gone. I was introduced to so many individuals, from different backgrounds, majors, and interests, and all of them welcomed me to campus with a smile, and a helping hand. I started out as an anxious freshman, and before I knew it, I was active in the clubs, attending football games, and even going on hikes with the entire history department. I even became a club officer of the senior cosplay club. Central provides a culture that is open and inclusive to all. Anywhere you go on campus, whether it’s your residence hall, a classroom or student group, you’re bound to find your people, and feel like you belong. We follow something called, the Wildcat way here at Central. It’s how we fellow Wildcats treat each other, and the people around us. One of the most important parts of wild cat way, is to be welcoming to all. No matter where you are in your academic journey, you’re going to have someone by your side. Now, as a wild cat ambassador, I get to welcome future wild cats to campus, and introduce them to a school I love, providing them the same inviting experience that I received. These are some of my best times, I’ve made some amazing friends, and I’ve learned some important skills that have prepared me for the future. The Wildcat way, is definitely something that I will take with me throughout my entire life. Thanks Central, for making me feel like I belong. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for telling us about what makes this campus so special Danielle, and how easy it is to feel like you belong. I’m sure others will agree. There’s nothing better than feeling welcomed when you’re somewhere new. Nice work, take care.