Up next, we’ll meet scholar athlete Marqus, who’s a member of the NCAA division two Wildcat basketball team. He’s also getting a degree in Pre-med, and is well on his way to be coming to doctor. The commitment Wildcat athletics places on ensuring academics is at the forefront of the student athlete experience was very important to Marqus, and the reason he chose to come to CWU. Take it away Marqus.
– Thanks Alex. Hey, there. There are two reasons why I chose CWU, coach Rinta, and the academic offering of the school. I remember getting a phone call from coach, explaining how he wants to me on the team. And I could tell from this conversation, how much enthusiasm he has for being a wild cat. My plan is to attend medical school. So I knew I had a hard undergraduate program to complete. Finding a school with a quality science program, and an athletic program that values academics was important to me. I was impressed with Central small class sizes, and the quality of the Pre-med program. Plus, once I saw the Wildcat academic success center in the library, a study lounge for athletes, I knew the athletic program was committed to ensuring academics was at the forefront of my experience at CWU. This was the balance I was looking for. As a Wildcat, it is my goal to work hard on and off the court. Not just when games, but be a proud, and successful part of the academic community. My professors have all demonstrated how much they want me to succeed. I attribute their dedication to my making the Dean’s list, and the all academic team for the conference. I’ve grown a lot in my time at Central. I’ve expanded connections that’ll help build my career, and made friends that’ll last lifetime. I value the lessons I’ve learned as a student athlete. These are skills that’ll help serve me for the rest of my life. I’m proud to be a Wildcat. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Okay Marqus. Next step, medical school, way to go. No doubt for all the athletes, and coaches on Central’s 13 varsity teams. Wildcat pride means so much more than pride in sports. It’s pride in academics as well. What a story, Marqus. Great job. Thanks for sharing.
Okay, now let’s head over and meet Keiandra over at the Multicultural Center here on campus. Keiandra is a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in women’s studies and anthropology. She’s gonna talk to us about the affordability factor here at East Tennessee State University Keiandra, you are on.
– Hey guys. When I first started looking into colleges I wasn’t really sure where to start. I knew that money would be a big factor because I was paying for college on my own. I originally wanted to pursue athletic scholarships to play college volleyball and was in the middle of the recruitment process when I found out about the Roan scholars leadership program and began looking into ETSU. The Roan is a four-year scholarship program intended to develop leaders from our region and positively impact our campus and our community. By providing us with unique experiences and connections I would have the opportunity to Excel in and out of the classroom. With the promise of graduating debt free it was an opportunity I can never pass up and has led me to an unbelievable college experience. Once I got to ETSU I can no longer see myself anywhere else. My scholarship program gave me an immediate set of friends to start college with and our directors provided advising that made the transition from high school to college so much easier. Throughout my time at ETSU this initial support system has remained present and expanded to meet my needs and allow me to grow personally and professionally. Being a part of a community at ETSU has taught me a lot about expanding my comfort zones and reaching for goals that will truly allow me to grow as a student and as a leader. This past summer I participated in my leadership group summer service initiative. During the summer after our freshman year, each scholar spend six weeks in a service-based internship and I was able to use mine to help my hometown with the effects of the pandemic on education. I tutored grade school students and helped my former high school with canceled events like prom and graduation. ETSU has also allowed me to surround myself with other student leaders and given me the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of individuals with varying talents and interests. ETSU has given me the opportunity to have a well-rounded college experience without financial burdens. Because of my scholarships I’ll be one of many students to graduate debt free from ETSU. Our university provides multiple opportunities for affordability. ETSU recently reset out-of-state tuition rates so that it’s more affordable than ever to attend ETSU as an out-of-state student. For Tennessee residents we have special programs like ETSU promise plus that offer financial assistance and unique first year experiences. ETSU has been one of the best decisions of my entire life. And if I had to do it all over again I would. Alex, back to you.
– Keiandra, great job. That’s fantastic. The experiences you’re having here along with the affordable costs is just a great story. Thanks again for sharing that. Cheers.
Okay, everyone. Now it’s time to slow things down for a second. We are so excited about an ETSU alumna who’s gonna inspire you all. Her name is Amythyst. Her song was nominated for a Grammy and her passion for writing, recording and performing music is simply unbelievable. Amythyst studied bluegrass, old time and country music right here at ETSU and she’s excited to share her story with all of us right now. Amythyst, please take it away.
– Hey everybody. So my time here at the bluegrass old time country music program played a pivotal role in being able to connect with the wider music community and to be able to make a career being a full-time musician. My very first encounter here at ETSU is with a man named Jack Tottle. He was the founder of bluegrass old time and country music studies and he was also teaching a bluegrass guitar class at the time.
I had a short stint of playing classical guitar in high school but I decided that I didn’t wanna pursue it in college just because I really was annoyed by having to learn classical form ’cause I’d always learned how to play music by ear. So when I called Jack to ask about the class one of the first things that I asked him was if I was gonna have to sight read or have to use any sheet music to take his course. And he laughed, which I wasn’t expecting. He said, no, this is an oral tradition. This music is passed down from person to person, from knee to knee.
For me, that was the beginning. I was finally gonna be able to be in an environment where I can study music and also have my way of learning music be appreciated. ♪ I wanna jump the fence and wash my face in the creek ♪ ♪ But I’m black myself ♪ Earlier this year I got nominated for a Grammy for a song that I wrote called “Black Myself” and it was nominated in the best American roots song category.
And I wrote that song for a project that I was a part of called Songs of Our Native Daughters and it was alongside Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla and Alison Russell, four amazing artists. This program really gives you all the tools that you need to be a professional musician. There are instrument instruction classes. There are different sections of band and there’s recording engineering classes. There’s a live sound class. And there’s these amazing classes on culture and history as well. In my opinion, that’s the best way to become a well-rounded, confident and educated musician.
If you are coming to ETSU and you’re interested in getting experience performing, there are plenty of opportunities in this region to be able to do that. My entire time at East Tennessee State University I was able to perform at festivals, farmers markets, venues, and concert series all over the region. And I even got a chance to intern at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which is in Bristol, Virginia. I was a member of the content curation team. That’s just one example of the many things that you’ll be able to do and access here if you want to be able to perform. And with that, that’s my story. And I’m gonna send it back to you, Alex. ♪ Black myself ♪
– Amythyst, wow. That was awesome. I am so glad you followed your passion for music at ETSU and that you’ve had such an incredible success in your music career since graduating. Thank you for sharing your incredible experience with us. We can’t wait to see one of your upcoming performances real soon. Cheers Amythyst.
Okay, everyone, now that we’ve seen a little of Baylor’s campus, it’s time to learn more about the city Baylor calls home. We’ve got Lindsey standing by at the Magnolia Silos, made famous by Baylor alums Chip and Joanna Gaines. Lindsey’s a junior at Baylor majoring in corporate communications with a minor in nonprofit marketing. She’s gonna tell us everything she loves about living in Waco, and give us some insider tips on how to enjoy the city like a local. Lindsey, please take it away.
Thanks, Alex, and hi, everyone. I am so excited to talk to you about Waco today, because when you decide on a college, you’re not only choosing the university, you’re also choosing the city. For me, Waco quickly became my home away from home, and I hope today gives you a glimpse into its many treasures. Waco has a population of about 136,000 people, making it that perfect size to give you a small-town feel with the big-city advantages. Whether you’re walking, biking, or running through Cameron Park, attending the farmer’s market on Saturday, going to one of the live venues for some music, or eating at one of the numerous local restaurants, I promise you will never run out of things to do or places to explore. And, as an added bonus, Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper. There’s even a museum dedicated to it. As a Baylor student, you’ll likely find yourself in the Silo District. Walk around the shops at Magnolia, get a cupcake treat from the bakery. I promise your taste buds will thank you. Although you may be thinking Magnolia is full of tourists, I can assure you, you’ll find the prime times to come as a local. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve never had trouble finding a seat at their coffee shop, Magnolia Press, and walking around the shops is the best study break. Throughout the week, I often run into a friend at one of my favorite coffee shops. Common Grounds is within walking distance to campus, and a live music venue. Pinewood is beloved for its area aesthetic, and music played from a record player. Fabled is unique because it also doubles as a bookstore, and for you night owls, Dichotomy is open until midnight. The Mayborn Museum is perfect for those who enjoy natural history. Their Waco Mammoth National Monument exhibit is one of my favorites. It offers visitors an additional experience where fossils of 25 Colombian mammoths are preserved. My freshman year, I created a food list of places in Waco to try, because there are so many great options. George’s is a local favorite, and adored for its Wing Wednesdays, not to mention Union Hall in Downtown Waco, which has quickly become a fan favorite for its upscale food court vibes and the options it provides for everyone. Overall, Waco is growing and continues to thrive. There are so many things to do, you’ll wish you had more time. Thank you so much for letting me share my love for Waco with you. Back to you, Alex.
Lindsey, good job. How do you find time to study with so many cool things to do in Waco? I know I’ve certainly loved my time here. We really appreciate you sharing that story. Take care, Lindsey.
Okay, next let’s go meet up with Xiaona. His friends call him Charlie. He is studying supply chain management along with a minor in sustainability. He’s one of the many international students here at ASU. And he’s gonna walk us through the power of diversity here on Campus. Xiaona, the floor is all yours.
Hey guys, how’s it going? My name’s Charlie. I came from the fastest growing city in China, Shenzhen, and I’m studying supply chain management along with a minor in sustainability. My favorite part about gonna ASU is not only do you get the authentic American studying environment, but also you get to meet people from all over the world.
I remember the moving day of freshman year. Unlike most people who has connected with their roommates already, I walked in my residential hall having no idea who to expect. And there were another three Asian guys looking at me as I opened the door. My roommates were three international exchange students from Kyoto, Japan. They’re the first ever Japanese I’ve ever met, and they introduced me to the best sushi place ever in town, and I learned so much Japanese from them.
As the world becomes more and more advanced, technology will bring people closer together whether you like it or not. Studying at ESU as an international student really gives me this awesome opportunity of exploring different cultures and communicate with everyone respectfully. After interacting with people from all over the world, I learned to embrace diversity and see things from different perspectives. I hope you guys learned much about ASU’s diversity. Thank you so much. It’s back to you, Alex.
Xiaona, thank you for walking us through diversity here at Arizona State University. The many cultures embedded in this university is awesome and I just absolutely love how inclusive all the students are here. Great job. Cheers, Charlie.
Are you all ready for some ASU football or what? Let’s head down to Sun Devil Stadium to meet Kyle Williams, a recent graduate of ASU. Kyle was a star wide receiver on the football team. And he’s gonna take a few minutes to talk about athletics and how participation in athletics goes way beyond being an athlete or a fan, here at ASU. Kyle, you’re on.
What’s up guys? Welcome to Sun Devil Stadium. This is the place to be on Saturday nights. Good food, the crowd is roaring, good energy. Everyone’s going crazy. The competitors are scared. You wanna be in the Inferno. But first let me tell you how I ended up at ASU.
Growing up, I liked math and science, these are my favorite subjects, and I want to go to a university where I was able to express myself in these ways. And I chose ASU for one reason and one reason alone. It gave me a competitive advantage to be a good player and also resources I need to be the best engineer that I could be.
The student athlete experience at Arizona State is unlike any other experience in the world. Arizona State truly embodies that fantasized ideology about college and energy and just fun. And it starts with tradition. And our first and main tradition at ASU is Pat Tillman. He was a late American hero who died in battle. But here at Arizona State, we embody him as a true presence of our vigor, of our might, and of our strength. Every year, we have a game where we dress in cameo, looking all cool to tip our hats to the military and to service men and women across the globe.
Another aspect of the student athlete experience at Arizona State University is a strong alumni network. We have years and years of players and coaches who come back and pour into the current program. Along with that is the lineage of great coaches that we’ve had at ASU. One being Frank Kush, who was the most winning coach in ACU history, and who the whole field is named after.
Now let me tell you about game day. Your blood is pumping, the fireworks are going, the Inferno is roaring. And let me tell you, the Inferno, that’s where you wanna be. Reserved for only the craziest and loudest ASU fans. There’s no better feeling than scoring a touchdown and hearing the Inferno go wild. And the cool thing is that Sun Devils support Sun Devils, not only in football, but across all sports on campus.
And outside of the field, court, and arena, ASU athletics provides two key factors for athlete success. The first of those is nutritional care. Where athletes can see a dietician to receive custom plans for the fueling habits for optimum performance. And the second thing is academic guidance where student athletes can receive a mentor who helps them choose career paths, major, and also gives them opportunities for extracurricular activities.
Personally, for me, that was my internship at the Mayo Clinic, where I found my love for medical devices and healthcare provision. And ASU being the pioneer in modern education than it is, really cares about not only your athletic performance, but about creating world changers and finding your true passion. ASU as a whole is emerging as a top dog in research and athletic performance. And this is done throughout the whole Pac-12 through a competitive yet collaborative nature where schools compete against each other at a high level, but still uphold, respect, and support each other to reach their full potential.
All in all, my time at ASU has really changed the trajectory of my life. I know it sounds a little cliche, but truly the summation of events I’ve undergone at Arizona State University has made me the athlete and engineer I am today. So whether you’re a student or an athlete, come to ASU where you can achieve both at a high level. Forks up and back to you, Alex.
Kyle, that was awesome. Thank you for walking us through that. I can’t imagine what it was like playing in Sun Devil Stadium with all your loyal fans. And thank you for taking time to go into how ASU is helping you all succeed on and off the field. That was fun. Thanks again, Kyle.
And now we have the opportunity to meet Baylor University’s president… Dr. Linda Livingstone. She’s waiting for us in Elliston Chapel – one of the many sacred spaces on Baylor’s campus where students can spend time praying, worshiping, or just in quiet reflection. President Livingstone will tell us about Baylor’s Christian mission and what it means to pursue your calling at a Christian research university. President Livingstone….over to you.
Thank you, Alex. We are happy to welcome you to Baylor and share some of the things we love about our remarkable university. Baylor is built on a foundation of Christian faith, and it is on this foundation our university continues to grow and thrive. Everything we do is grounded in our faith, and in pursuit of our mission to support students academically, personally, and spiritually. It is our goal to prepare our students to become leaders in their professions, servants in their communities, and light to the world around them. As a Christian research university, we sit at a unique crossroads of faith and discovery. Here, you will find world-class researchers also teaching in the classroom, and faculty office hours that become mentoring opportunities as students seek to find their calling. At Baylor, we believe research discoveries illuminate solutions to significant challenges confronting society, not for our own gain, but for the transformation those discoveries bring to lives around the world. Incoming Baylor students are met on day one with an example of our caring Christian community when they are welcomed for move-in where the Baylor family helps move their belongings from their cars into their residence halls. Every year, I am amazed at how much students can pack into their campus residences, and every year, I’m also amazed at how many of our faculty, staff, and upper-class students work for hours in the Texas heat to make each student and family feel at home. Our residential communities have upper-class students who serve as community leaders. Their role is to encourage and support students as they transition to life on campus. Each residence hall has a resident chaplain to help cultivate a strong community and provide opportunities for students to grow in their faith. Baylor’s chapel program for first-year students is a time for students to explore their personal beliefs, worship together, and learn to express their faith throughout their lives. Students also choose two required entry-level religion classes that expand their knowledge and understanding. Students come to Baylor from all 50 states and around the world, and that diversity offers interactions with a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. We encourage students to embrace the opportunity to learn from others, and to treat each other with dignity and respect. We hope you’ll come and be a part of our caring Christian community. Thank you, and back to you, Alex.
Thank you, President Livingstone. Your heart for students and for supporting them as they find their place at Baylor is inspirational. I appreciate you joining us.
Okay, everyone, next we’ll move over to the Baylor Sciences Building, another one of Baylor’s state-of-the-art facilities, to hear from McKenna. She’s a junior honors student studying neuroscience on the premedical track at Baylor. McKenna’s gonna share a little bit about her professional goals, and how her academic experience in science and research is preparing her for life after Baylor. McKenna, please take it away.
-Hey, everyone. I can’t wait to tell you about Baylor’s science and pre-health programs and all that they have to offer. When it came down to choosing the right university to attend, I wanted to make sure that my final choice had the academic rigor and the resources to help push me towards the future I imagined for myself as a prospective science student. Baylor had everything I was looking for to help build and foster that environment. Science is a foundational part of Baylor’s academic experience, with 97% of undergraduates taking at least one science course during their academic career. Upon entering as a freshman, I was able to immediately take courses within my major to see if it was the right fit for me. I chose neuroscience as my area of study because it was the perfect way to blend my interests in human behavior and anatomy. From the start, my professors helped guide me in my major while giving me the resources and support to pursue my postgraduate professional goals through our premedical track. Baylor has eight different tracks relating to pre-health alone, ranging from premed to pharmacy to physical therapy. We even have a highly-regarded nursing school that allows students to practice what they’re learning at various sites in Dallas. Baylor’s hands-on learning environment is pertinent to the success of our science programs. The commitment to giving our students research experience within our lectures and labs can be seen through the university’s investments and facilities and faculty that have pursued research at the highest levels. At Baylor, I have been able to work alongside these remarkable faculty, and gained skills and insights from them that I can carry with me into my future career in medicine. The community that surrounds me here at Baylor as a science student has carried me throughout my time here. From fellow students to clubs and my professors, I’ve been supported at every level. Even though a lot of work goes into being a science student, Baylor also provides opportunities for students to pursue other interests so that every single student that leaves Baylor is well-rounded and ready to take on any challenges that may lie ahead. My experience in Baylor’s science and pre-health programs has prepared me in more ways than I could have hoped. I’ve been able to gain knowledge applicable to my interests while having room to be creative with my education as I learn how to communicate what I’m passionate about through amazing professors, incredible lab work, and a lifelong community. It’s an experience that awaits any student interested in pursuing science or medicine here. And that’s a little bit about science and research here at Baylor. Back to you, Alex.
– Nice work, McKenna. It sounds like you’ve had some amazing opportunities to do undergraduate research alongside your professors at Baylor. It’s all very, very impressive. Thanks again for sharing that. Take care, McKenna.
All right, now let’s head up the Brazos River to Cameron Park, a 416-acre urban park that’s about 10 minutes from campus. Mike, a junior double majoring in history and English with a minor in business administration, is waiting for us. He’s gonna tell us about the many outdoor activities Baylor students enjoy to stay active and have fun. Mike, you’re up.
Aloha from Waco. One of my favorite things about the Baylor and Waco community are the countless opportunities to get outside and stay active. Even though we’re located in Central Texas, Waco surprisingly has a lot to offer when it comes to water activities. I’m from Honolulu, Hawaii, so I’m always looking for a way to get out on the water. Baylor University is located on the Brazos River, and has a marina of its own. At the marina, Baylor students can rent paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, all for free. There’s also a great sand volleyball area at the marina, which is the perfect place to hang out with your friends on a hot Texas day. There’s also Lake Waco, about a 15-minute drive from campus. It’s perfect for wakeboarding and just hanging out with your friends on the beach. I really got acquainted with the Brazos River the summer of my sophomore year. I recommend grabbing some of your friends and eating lunch along the river. My favorite place in Waco is definitely Cameron Park. Cameron Park is known for its rolling hills, scenic views, and bamboo forest. There are over 20 miles of biking trails that I prefer to use as hiking trails. These trails are relatively easy. They require little to no experience. Even my 11-month-old puppy, Beans, loves to go on these trails. There’s also a disc golf course and a zoo within the park. If I get too busy to drive to Cameron Park, Baylor’s campus has the Bear Trail. The Bear Trail is a trail that goes in and around our campus for a little over two miles. It’s perfect to run on in the early mornings and late evenings. College is a great time to be active, but you also have to make memories. A great Baylor tradition is called the Gut Pak Run. Runners run to a famous restaurant in Waco called Vitek’s. Runners quickly consume their famous specialty, the Gut Pak. The Gut Pak consists of sausage, beans, barbecue, cheese, and a Frito pie. The crazy part is, after eating the Frito pie, you run a mile back to campus to finish the race. If you’re an average to above average long-distance runner, I recommend running the Bearathon. It’s known as the hardest half marathon in Texas. Many of the students here will train together so they can run or walk it as a group. Waco also hosts an Ironman competition which is a qualifier for the Ironman Championship in my home state of Hawaii. And that’s how I spend my time outdoors and relax here at Baylor. Back to you, Alex.
-Thanks, Mike. That was amazing, and so is the scenery. Thanks for introducing us to Beans, and showing us the trails at Cameron Park, and the Gut Pak sounds pretty delicious, too. Thanks again, Mike. Take care.
Okay everyone. Let’s head over to the McLane Student Life Center here at Baylor to hear from Jack. He’s a junior double majoring in marketing and finance with a minor in film and digital media. He’s up next to talk about all the ways he stays healthy and the services Baylor offers to help keep him well. Over to you, Jack. Take it away.
Thanks Alex… Hey y’all, I’m so excited that I get to tell you all about Baylor’s incredible Student Life Center, or the SLC for short as we like to call it here on campus. The SLC is a 156,000 square foot recreation center, home to all things fitness, sports, and wellness. Their motto is “A Place for All Students,” and that’s really what it is, a place for everyone to learn, try new things, live actively, and lead healthy lives. There are so many awesome amenities, like the 53 ft free standing rock wall at the center of the building or 13 ft tall bouldering wall. This is also where you’ll find four indoor full-size basketball/volleyball courts, racquetball, squash and walleyball courts, an indoor track perfect for walking or jogging and our three-level weight training and fitness center. Just outside of the lap pool and lazy river is where you’ll find my favorite spot on campus, the sand volleyball courts. Growing up in a small beach town, the sand volleyball club has been my little piece of home away from home. Not only has the sand volleyball club been my escape from a rigorous class and work load but it has also provided me with opportunities to meet some of my best friends. This semester, I also participated in some really fun fitness classes that are offered through the SLC. Students can sign up for classes like, yoga, kickboxing, spinning, F45 crossfit training, and a bunch of other cool classes. I love these classes because they are taught by instructors who really want to help you succeed, try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and most of all have fun. I won’t lie when I tell you I was pretty nervous to try my first spin class, but I showed up with some friends, the instructor got me set up on the bike, and I got super pumped for the class. She played the best music, everyone was jamming out having a good time, and before I knew it, I had biked for an hour. If you’re looking to get outside and soak up the sun then Baylor has got you covered as well with the outdoor basketball and tennis courts. Something that really stood out to me when I got to Baylor was how much everyone cared about me and my wellbeing. From professors reaching out, my academic advisor keeping me on track, and all of my friends checking in, I feel like I am truly a part of a big family — the Baylor Family. Not only has the University provided so many options for fun and fitness, but they also have some incredible resources focused on health and wellness. On the 2nd floor of the SLC is where you’ll find the health center, pharmacy, physical therapy, and massage therapy. I know that whether I am missing home, struggling in a class, or just need to blow off some steam, I can come to the SLC to feel better. From the staff in the health and counseling centers all the way to the sand volleyball courts, I know that I am cared for here on campus. Well, that’s all that I’ve got and I hope to see y’all soon, now back to you, Alex.
Jack….that was great. Good for you for trying something new with that spin class! Those classes are no joke, and it’s great to hear about Baylor’s emphasis on wellness, because that absolutely contributes to academic success. Thanks again, Jack. Take care.