So now let’s head over to the carrier center at the Culp here at ETSU and meet up with Joey. He’s a junior studying digital media with a concentration in game design. He’s gonna share a little bit about what he’s learning and his current game design projects. If you are interested in gaming you are certainly gonna wanna watch this. Joey, please take it away.
– Hey guys. Hey Alex. Upon arriving here at ETSU and entering its digital media program I had no idea that I’d be taking my first step into the game design industry. Prior to my freshman year of college I had developed a love for indie games which is a passion that seemed to only grow since then. Although most of the classes that I took applied to designing 3D games, learning these core concepts helped me better understand the realm of 2D games, the kind of games that I wanted to create. After establishing these new design practices and being eager to practice my newly acquired programming skills I felt prepared for the journey I had ahead of me when I began developing my first indie game title, Chiaroscuro. Chiaroscuro is a 2D adventure platform run with metroidvania elements. You take the role of a mysterious amnesiac where you have to explore an interconnected world that has fallen into darkness. The game began as a solo hobby project though after having an encouraging conversation with my game design professor I realized I wanted to work on the game full time. Initially I was hesitant about pursuing this passion project as it’s my first game and at the time it was simply an outlet for honing my newly acquired programming skills. Though my professor reassured me that every project that I’m going to do is going to be for practice. And if I’m going to put this much passion into a project I might as well make it worth it and publish the game. The same concept stands true for all aspiring artists, musicians or game developers alike. As I continue to develop the game and share its progress online it started to gain quite a bit of exposure and started to grow a small community. I had heard of success stories of solo developers launching Kickstarter campaigns to fund their indie games. And so I started working towards launching one of my own. When Chiaroscuro’s Kickstarter launched in October of 2020, the relationships and connections I had made here at ETSU were incredibly influential to its success. In the end, Chiaroscuro’s Kickstarter raised over $17,000 in just 29 days, blowing away its original goal of $15,000. Thanks to the concepts that I learned from these core classes along with the encouragement that I received from my professors along the way I felt motivated enough to see this game’s campaign through to its conclusion and to continue pursuing my passion as an indie game developer. I plan to continue developing Chiaroscuro until after I graduate where I’ll eventually release it on Steam for Windows and Mac in 2022 or 2023. Thanks for listening to my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Joey, that was so cool. The digital media program here is so fun. The game you are designing is amazing. Big congrats on that. Very, very impressive. We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us. Cheers Joey.
All right, everyone let’s bounce over to the East Tennessee State University’s bookstore and meet up with the one and only, Jaylen Malik Grimes. He received his undergraduate degree here at ETSU and now he’s getting his master’s in educational leadership. Jaylen can’t wait to tell you about the student life and all the opportunities for getting involved right here at ETSU. Jaylen, please take it away.
– Hello everybody. Having a healthy student life experience is a very pertinent piece to your journey through undergrad. Joining clubs, organizations, attending events and networking provide a foundation for student success. During your first encounter you’ll meet orientation leaders. Orientation leaders are here to get you excited about East Tennessee State University. They also introduce you to programs such as Quest and Preview. These are programs here and available for our students to get you a jumpstart to college. You get to meet friends, mentors, faculty and staff to build your community and support system. You have ample opportunities to get involved in whatever your heart desires because we offer hundreds of clubs and organizations. And if there’s an idea of an organization or club that you wanna bring to our campus, the university supports it. You’ll be able to volunteer, join intermurals, go to the campus rec, do an outdoor adventure or join Greek life. There’s just so much out there. During my time at ETSU I became a Quest, Preview and orientation leader. I also play rugby. As an athlete I learned that sometimes you must go backwards to go forwards. I got the privilege of learning skills such as time management, dealing with finances and conflict resolution through my teammates. Through Quest and Preview I got to understand the importance of community, navigating the university And someone believing in me to complete undergrad. As an orientation leader I got to apply what I had learned from Quest and Preview. I got to become a mentor and help students build their community. Your community is huge during undergrad. When you’re down, they pick you up. When you’re up, they keep you grounded. Without them I don’t know where I would be now. Those three organizations shaped me as a young man and gave me skills to take on any profession and gave me purpose on ETSUs campus. They taught me who I was internally as a leader. I was allowed to be the community for somebody else, to be their friend, to be their ally, to be there. College has been the best four years of my life. I always say, “Time flies when you change your lives. Even if it’s your own.” So get involved. Don’t let it be a regret that you didn’t explore your interests. Three key words for success, at East Tennessee University are opportunity, community and involvement. They want to assist you, guide you to open doors and prepare you for what’s next. There are many ways for you to gain experience, learn new skills and become a well-rounded person ready to conquer the world. It just takes you taking that first step into shaping your new environment. Hope to see you on campus. Thanks Alex.
– Jaylen, great job. It’s so fun to hear what all the clubs and organizations students can get involved with here on campus. It sounds like no matter what your interests are ETSU has you covered. Thanks again, Jaylen.
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, now let’s head over to a really special part of campus. Sarah Hamilton is getting her master’s in public health with a concentration in community health and she is the perfect person to tell us about the absolutely incredible health sciences here at ETSU. Sarah, please take it away.
– Hey Alex. Hi everyone. Thanks for having me. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work in the medical field and ETSU is an incredible destination for students to pursue careers in healthcare professions. Now I’m working on my master’s in public health and I’ll begin my time at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine this coming summer. We have so many other programs available. There are rehabilitative sciences, the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy and we also have the largest college of nursing in the state. Students from these different areas have amazing opportunities for learning together which prepares you for an actual patient care setting where doctors, nurses, pharmacists and more all work together. My most inspirational experience at ETSU was during my time with the Language and Culture Resource Center. I worked in this office as one of my scholarships for four years. I had the opportunity to practice being a Spanish interpreter. Part of this experience was spent volunteering with the remote access medical clinic. The first time that I volunteered there I had no idea what to expect. My morning started at 4 a.m. and I was partnered with a mother and son about an hour later. Now this family had just moved to the US , they spoke maybe 10 words of English and her son desperately needed his tooth pulled. And having my background working with ETSU and having that study abroad experience provided me the skillset to convey his needs to the healthcare providers. And it was one of those harmonious moments where both of my passions for Spanish and for medical care really overlaps. I am so glad I decided to come to ETSU. It really allowed me to discover my passion for traveling, for interpreting, and of course pursuing a career in medicine. So thank you for letting me share my story, Alex. Back to you.
– Sarah, thank you. That was fantastic. Hearing your story, how you always wanted to work in the medical field and how the education and experiences here are setting you up for your dream job is inspiring. Thank you for sharing that with us all. Thanks again. Cheers, Sarah.
All right, everyone. Now we’re heading over to the University School located right in the center of campus. This is a K through 12 school where education majors receive real life hands-on learning experience at a top ranked school. Carly Brewington, a senior majoring in special education is waiting for us here. She’s gonna talk to us about her experience as an education student at ETSU. Carly, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. The special education program here at ETSU has given me the college experience I have always dreamed of. The Clemmer College has allowed me to dive into an education career while still completing my undergrad. To finish all my teaching requirements I’m in a teaching residency program where I will have extended hours in the classroom working with many great students, administrators and staff. I’m here at the historic University School which is situated in the heart of ETSU’s campus. Here, you will find K through 12 students engaged in a smaller, more intimate classroom environment. My classmates and my professors have made me a better person by showing me support throughout my college experience. My mentor teacher is an incredible educator who has been teaching here at the University School for 13 years. She has given me priceless knowledge that I will take with me through life. from summertime classroom preparation to meeting students and their families and now a hybrid fall semester, teaching students both in-person and online I have been able to work alongside her through it all. My mentor teacher has also entrusted me to create incredible bonds with students. This has given me a new insight to teaching that I will always cherish. More specifically. I have created a friendship with one student in particular who has taught me that it is always a good day to have a good day. This student has taught me to live on the happy side an invaluable lesson that I will take with me through life. I have been able to watch him grow and become confident in his ability to learn. It has been an incredible journey to watch. He has also shown me the true reason of why I chose this career, which is to make a difference. My extra time spent in this inclusion classroom has allowed me to pour my energy into nurturing a growing mind. My college experience has truly been an incredible journey that I would not trade for the world. From being a student athlete on the triathlon team to the incredible relationships and education I’ve received, I’m so proud that I’ll be able to call ETSU my alma mater. I hoped you enjoyed hearing my story and I hope to see you soon here in the Tennessee Hills at East Tennessee State University. Back to you Alex.
– Carly, you are a rock star and I have a feeling the kids in your student classroom would say the exact same thing about you as well. The classroom experience and mentorship you’re receiving at ETSU is simply incredible. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us all. We appreciate it. Cheers Carly.
FAU’s beach side location is a huge draw for students, so we’re going to head less than two miles off campus to the beach and meet Santonya. She’s a sophomore majoring in psychology, with a minor in human resource management and she’s going to tell us how FAU students take full advantage of all the stuff Florida has to offer. Santonya, you’re on.
– Hey everyone. Moving all the way to South Florida from a small town in Georgia felt like a big risk, but FAU proved to be the only school that could provide me undergraduate research opportunities, dedicated advisors, and an excellent faculty to student ratio, in a location less than two miles from the beach. Living in Boca Raton, I’m surrounded by booming businesses, palm trees, and the beauty of the Atlantic ocean, but that’s not the only thing that makes FAU’s location so special. For me, being a short drive from cultural hubs, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Del Ray Beach, provide the perfect opportunities to learn and live in paradise. On weekends, I start my days giving tours to prospective students before heading out to brunch with friends, or relaxing right here on the beach. If you’re feeling more active, there are tons of trails and parks to explore, and FAU’s campus rec offers outdoor adventure tours and equipment rentals so that you can explore South Florida’s great outdoors to the fullest extent. One of my favorite spots to meet with friends and take in the local culture is Atlantic Avenue, also known as the Ave. Here you’ll find street festivals, local businesses and restaurants with amazing food and live music. The beauty of going to school in South Florida is that you’re not confined to campus. We spend a lot of time exploring the local community. Living in South Florida, there’s so much to see and do and so much to learn in and out of the classroom. What some may call a weekend getaway or spring break, I get to call everyday life. What’s next, Alex?
– Santonya, that was amazing and so is that ocean view. I love how FAU students really immerse themselves in the culture of South Florida and explore the natural beauty of this area. What an incredible place to go to college! That was excellent, thank you.
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.
All right everyone, let’s meet Alexis. She’s majoring in ocean engineering, with a minor in mathematics. FAU’s coastal location offers students countless opportunities to conduct incredible research in the region’s vast marine ecosystems. They’ve got students working alongside experts in sea turtle conservation, shark migration, coastal restoration, and much, much more. This is going to be a great one. Alexis, you are on.
– Thank you, Alex. I’ve been very fortunate to work on a variety of research projects here at FAU. Here, undergraduates have the rare opportunity to conduct doctoral level research early on. I’ve been able to work on projects developing submersibles to identify the invasive red lionfish, and a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the thermal power plant systems. I am currently conducting research on FAU’s Harbor Branch campus as a part of their Marine Science and Engineering summer internship program. I’ve been able to work on quantifying Florida’s red tide issue and protecting the endangered Atlantic sturgeon. FAU’s campuses span 110 miles of coastline and it’s unique locations from the Indian River lagoon, to Dania Beaches intercostal area, offers students interested in ocean related studies, extraordinary opportunities to learn through experience from world famous researchers. I’m able to collect samples for my studies right on campus, and even go diving at FAU’s sea tech campus. FAU is the first school in the nation to have an undergraduate ocean engineering program and the faculty and staff that make up this program keep me motivated to continue on such a rigorous career path. No matter how elaborate my project ideas got, I always had a faculty member right there with me. The unwavering support for undergraduate research here at FAU is what has allowed me so many opportunities for success with my work. I’ve helped other undergraduates develop their own research projects that make them feel just as passionate as I feel exploring research ideas. FAU makes me confident that I chose the best school for my studies. That’s it for me, Alex. What’s up next?
– Alexis, wonderful job. Thank you for sharing your story with us. The opportunities for students interested in marine and ocean related studies are just remarkable. These students are joining world-class researchers, investigating some of humanity’s greatest challenges, and addressing issues that impact Florida, our nation and beyond. Thank you, Alexis.
Next, we’ll hear from a recent FAU graduate. Felipe graduated with a degree in business and had a job waiting for him, thanks to the help of the FAU career center. FAU prides itself on it’s impressive student success rates and is a top degree producer for underrepresented minorities. At FAU, these students outperform the university-wide graduation rate. Felipe, you are on.
– Hey everyone. Applying to college, I was not sure what I wanted to study. I remember stressing over picking a school that not only made me happy, but also supported my visions and goals. FAU’s investment in volume diversity was a strong factor in my decision. I’ve lived in five other countries and if there’s one thing I love, it’s being surrounded by different types of people. Being exposed to different perspectives and ideas really shaped my college experience for the better. As a business major with big dreams, I sought out advising and mentorship to help guide me towards my goals. At FAU, every student has their own success network, a group of academic, career, and financial aid advisors dedicated to making sure you have the best outcome. This supportive approach has helped students like me graduate on time and be ready for the job market. I picked classes focused on my professional goals, perfected my resume, and attended multiple career fairs, to make sure I knew about all the opportunities out there in the real world. Thanks to this, I was able to graduate with a full-time job waiting for me. To further expose myself to people and opportunities, I decided to join clubs that fit my values and aspirations. As part of the American Marketing Association, I learned so much so quickly. I attended national conferences and participated in case competitions. This club allowed me to realize that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Everyone at FAU is focused on students like me reaching their full potential, so if I can leave you with some words of advice, it would be to get to know your faculty, meet with your advisors, visit the FAU career center, join clubs, and most importantly, maximize your social and academic resources. Back to you, Alex.
– Excellent job, Felipe. Congratulations on your degree and the success you’re enjoying as a recent college grad. The advice you give of getting to know your professors and utilizing the FAU success network is spot on for students just starting their journey at FAU. Thanks again.
We’ll meet Kristyn. She’s a senior majoring in public management, and she’s going to tell us about the many clubs and events here at FAU. You are up, please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everybody. When I arrived on FAU campus, I didn’t know anyone, so I knew I needed to get involved to make the most out of my experience here. I immediately signed up for sorority recruitment and found my home away from home in Alpha Delta Pi. The most unique aspect of fraternity and sorority life here at Florida Atlantic University is a true sense of community. I always see a friendly face on campus and we are constantly collaborating and supporting each other’s organizations. FAU has over 400 clubs, so there truly is something for everybody. In addition to Greek life, I’ve made lifelong friends through FAU’s club cheer team, the spear fishing and free diving club, and the scuba diving club. These groups gave me the chance to do some traveling and make great memories. We drove to Daytona for a cheer competition and to Jenny Springs for a camping trip. Our campus community always has something going on with FAU’s Boca Raton campus hosting over 5,000 student led events each year. One of my favorites is the annual fall bonfire to kick off the school year. It’s a fun tradition that brings the whole university together. Then in the spring, we’ve got our carnival and the festival of nations, which celebrates the diversity of our school. I’ve had the best college experience, thanks to how easily I was able to get involved on campus. My involvement has helped me to further develop my leadership skills and my confidence. As a freshman, unsure about what college would look like for me, I could have never imagined the impact FAU would have on my life. As a senior, I hold leadership positions across campus, including on the Panhellenic council. These opportunities to work with my peers, not only enriches my time at FAU, but also allows me to form deep connections that will last long after graduation. Alex, what’s next?
– I love seeing the ways FAU students can make the most of their college years. FAU aims to create a welcoming space for all students. It’s top rating for LGBTQ plus friendliness and recognition as a Hispanic serving institution are just two examples of this commitment in action. Thanks again.