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.
FAU is one of the most ethnically and racially diverse universities in the nation and prides itself on being a welcoming place for all students. Our next student, Kennedy, is a junior, multimedia journalism major. We’ll hear how she and other students are working to create a more inclusive FAU. Kennedy, you are on.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone. As a second generation owl, FAU has allowed me to learn more about myself and explore different leadership roles through their many clubs and organizations. FAU has over 400 clubs and organizations and if those don’t fit your interests, you can always start your own, which is what I did my freshman year. In March of 2020, I launched the Paradigm Press, FAU’s first black-led student newspaper. Paradigm Press highlights the minority population at FAU, interfacing sound board for students to express their thoughts on campus and world news. We are now a registered 501C3 organization and plan on raising money for incoming journalism students. Paradigm has allowed me to connect with tons of faculty and staff and has opened up many job and internship opportunities. As a journalism major, Paradigm has allowed me to gain real world journalism experience outside of the classroom. When I’m not running the Paradigm Press, I serve as the president of the Black Student Union. BSU focuses on educating the FAU community on black issues that are affecting students at FAU. We also work on networking and connecting students to form a family away from home. FAU also has resources like the office of Black Student Success and Initiatives and the Center for Ideas, which help organizations like the Black Student Union flourish. FAU’s rich diversity ensures that every student can find their niche. I have created life-long friends and connections that will prepare me for life after graduation. Thank you for letting me share my story, Alex. What do we have next?
– Excellent job, Kennedy. You are truly a trailblazer. It’s so important for students to have a voice and talk about their experiences in an authentic way. When it comes to diversity, FAU knows that exposure to differing life experiences and perspectives prepare students for a modern global marketplace. Thanks again.
Now we’re gonna head over to the Barrett Residential Complex. Here, we’re gonna meet Emma Broyles. She’s a sophomore studying biomedical sciences and voice performance, and she’s gonna take a moment to walk us through resident living here on campus at Arizona State University. Emma, please take it away.
Thanks, Alex. So, one of the main reasons I chose ASU was actually because of the campuses and campus life. So I’m a student on the Tempe Campus, which lies in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. And the nice thing about this is I get to experience life in Tempe while only being a short drive from downtown Phoenix, which I can get to on the campus shuttles.
The Tempe Campus is ASU’s most populated campus with over 50,000 students. And I really would say that the energy on this campus is unmatched with any other college campus that I had toured. Additionally, you can go see a Broadway show at the ASU Gammage Auditorium, or you can go shopping at the Scottsdale Fashion Square. You can even take a shuttle downtown and go check out the science center or the art museum. There truly is something different to do every weekend. The Tempe Campus is home to eight different residential communities in which the first year students live alongside other students with similar majors. Getting to live alongside students with the same major is great, not only because you’re taking most of the same classes, but also because you get to build relationships with like-minded students who you may just end up working alongside someday.
Additionally, these residential communities are very conveniently located. So, students are only a short walk away from their classes, the dining halls, and the gym. For me, living on campus was an opportunity to make new friends and build meaningful relationships. I flew six hours from Alaska to Arizona by myself, knowing absolutely no one here. But within the first semester of my freshman year, I felt like I had known my group of friends here my entire life. And my roommates from my freshman year are still some of my closest friends today. And I owe that to living on campus.
ASU also has a ton of on-campus job opportunities. And when you’re a student like me who’s from out of state or maybe doesn’t have a car here, this is certainly ideal. My first year, I actually worked at the Barrett residential front desk where I learned all about ASU housing and got to meet some of my closest friends today. I am now a community assistant, which is commonly referred to as residential assistant or RA at other universities, but I get to live alongside the first-year students and act as a resource for them. The on-campus experience is something you only get once in a lifetime, and ASU’s campus truly is the place to be. I hope you learn a little bit more about what it’s like to live on campus at ASU. Back to you, Alex.
Emma, that was fantastic. Thank you for sharing all of that. ASU has so many amazing living options, it’s incredible. That was great. Thanks again, Emma.
We are now gonna head back to ASU’s Downtown Phoenix Campus by Thunderbird’s new global headquarters. Here, we have Pauline waiting for us. Pauline has an awesome story, everyone, and she’s gonna share that story and the unbelievable global mindset and impact ASU has on the world. Pauline, take it away.
Hi, everybody. I am so excited to share my story and my experience with you all. My name is Pauline Nalumansi. I was born and raised in Uganda. I come from a rural community and a family that never believed in educating a girl child, but guess what? I was determined to get that education and be the first girl in my family to be educated.
ASU and Thunderbird School of Global Management gave me the opportunity to interact with students, staff, and faculty from different countries and backgrounds. And that gave me that opportunity to learn a new language, to test different kinds of food, as well as learning a different culture. It’s like I get to travel around the world, but doing it here in one location. Thunderbird is the champion of a global mindset. ASU gave me the opportunity to participate in causes that I care about. For example, the Global Consulting Lab that gives students the opportunity to study and work in other countries with local companies. My team and I traveled to Ecuador and worked with Heifer International.
My favorite experience was interacting and meeting with the native Ecuadorian women that raised alpaca animals. It was surprising that their food and culture and way of living is very similar to my home culture. Access to unlimited resources, funds, and mentorship is another opportunity ASU gave me to engage in causes that I care about. ASU’s packed my passion for social entrepreneurship. Since I started my own nonprofit, The Pauline Foundation, I have participated in over six pitch competitions at ASU and Thunderbird, winning over $10,000 in funding. It gives me so much joy to know that ASU is allowing people like myself and others to thrive and to achieve our dreams. For future Thunderbird students, you’ll be studying in a brand new building being built right now here in downtown Phoenix.
My experience at ASU and Thunderbird made me realize that we live in a globalized world. We are citizens of the world, and you can make a difference wherever you are. You will develop a global mindset. Your entrepreneurship spirit will be enlightened. And expect to meet people from all walks of life. Alex, back to you.
Pauline, that was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story. What you are doing through ASU and Thunderbird is absolutely incredible. The world needs more people just like you. That was awesome. Bye, Pauline.
Okay, let’s head over to the center of Tempe’s campus to meet Marcus. He has a great story and is gonna speak about veteran support and community here at Arizona State University Marcus, you’re up.
Ya’at’eeh. That means hello in Navajo. I’m a Navajo Nation citizen, I’m a United States Air Force veteran, and I’m an Arizona State University Sun Devil, so go Devils. Currently, I’m pursuing my doctoral degree in civil environmental and sustainable engineering. My research is in exploring and developing capacity in construction management education and training for rural areas and on tribal lands.
I arrived at ASU as a 30-year-old sophomore transfer student. I didn’t know anyone nor was I familiar with the area. It was exciting and scary all at once. I never thought I’d be a student at a state university, even more unbelievable as one as large as ASU. The most exciting first moments that I remember was stepping foot in the campus fitness center and seeing Sparky on the floor and everywhere, even on the weights. My second moment was finishing my very first class. It was real. I am a Sun Devil. What was missing was friends. So I started searching for others like me.
So who am I? I’m a 30-year-old Air Force veteran who found my way back to school. I needed to find others like me. ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center hosts welcome events and academic and career development programs specifically designed for military and military affiliated service members. This is where we meet each other. They create an environment for student veterans to transition into their academic careers. Here’s where it all begins. Many student veterans become CEOs, entrepreneurs, presidents of nonprofit organizations, researchers, and professors. I’ve made lifelong friends who are like family, just like we did in the military, only now our mission is education.
One thing I wish I had known before I got out of the service was that ASU has full online degree programs. The same award-winning professors that teach here on campus are the same professors that teach these degrees online. You can access and start your higher education career from anywhere in the world. And talking about my experience here at ASU, I have to say it has been exceptional. I work here and I study here. This institution has provided me with the opportunity to work with tribal nations and the construction industry nationwide.
Because of ASU and working with student veterans, I’ve been invited to the White House to discuss Native American veteran issues. I’ve met members of Congress, members of the Cabinet, State leaders, and higher education professionals to talk about Native American student issues today. I wake up every day thankful that I get paid to work with tribes, that I get to do research here with leading experts in my field of study, and I get to do it all here at ASU. And back to you, Alex.
Marcus, that was fantastic. First off, thank you for your service. And it is awesome to hear how ASU is supporting veterans and helping so many accomplish their dreams. That was great. Thanks again, Marcus.
Oh, this is gonna be a lot of fun. We’re now heading to the Generator Labs. Here, we’re gonna meet up with Zion, a senior majoring in computer science, who’s gonna talk about what an innovative mindset is all about here at Arizona State. Zion, you’re on.
Thanks, Alex. I grew up on the west side of the big island of Hawaii on a coffee farm to a Native Hawaiian-Chinese family. So as you can imagine, computer science was a stretch for me. I decided to attend ASU in my senior year of high school because of a great counselor I had, Miss Kekaulike. She introduced me to the idea of pursuing education in more than just my classes, and ASU was the perfect fit with its startup and research culture.
So I joined ASU and started my degree in computer science. When I got here, I was hungry to join a startup or a club. I was introduced to a hacking club, the pwndevils. Don’t worry, the good kind of hacking. I had no knowledge of cybersecurity at the time and was honestly frightened by some of the complex concepts. To learn more about my major, I started competing in these 48-hour events called CTFs, cybersecurity competitions where we hack into sanctioned machines as fast as we can. I was highly devoted to these competitions and found myself competing in them every single weekend.
Soon I saw my grades taking off because I had acquired potentially years of experience in computer science in only a few months. I saw myself rising to the top of my class because of a super interesting extracurricular club I had joined. This is really where my innovative mindset started forming. As I started getting better at these competitions, I started getting invited to finals competitions with my team all over the world. These experiences really start changing the way you start thinking about problems and open up an entirely new way of approaching things.
Now, as the president of pwndevils, I try to make sure that these experiences can be replicated for the next generation of ASU hackers. Soon, I found myself asking, if I can do all these hacking things, how can I fix them so bad guys can’t? I then found myself in a research lab where I could take all these things I had learned as a competitive world-class hacker and apply them to research to fix the real world. My lab inspired me to do great things and it parallels the experiences that many other students have here at ASU in research labs.
It’s always intriguing to hear about the different things people are doing in their labs, like volcanic analysis with AI-driven drones, or modeling black holes, or exploring education through virtual reality simulations. All very interesting topics. I was able to access this hidden and complex field all through the experiences that ASU had made available to me, which completely opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. Alex, back to you.
Zion, that was awesome. Great job. These hackathons you’re getting to compete in through ASU look amazing. I wanna come to one of these events one day. Thank you again for sharing your story. Cheers, Zion.
Okay. Everyone let’s meet Alex. He’s not only a member of Carson-Newman’s men’s soccer team, but this junior is majoring in finance and economics. Alex is going to talk to us about the incredible opportunities he’s had to get a hands-on experience in the business program. And he’s going to share a unique program that gives students valuable investment experience. Okay, Alex, it’s all yours.
– Hey everyone. I’m a junior here at Carson-Newman and on the men’s soccer team. When I began my college search, I primarily based my decision off where I could play. But after being here for a few years, I’ve realized that there’s so many more opportunities than just soccer. Since being at Carson-Newman for the past two years, I’ve been able to connect with many teammates, professors, and peers that have helped me grow educationally and professionally. With Carson-Newman being a smaller Christian school, it allows our professors and advisors to take a more personalized approach to helping us reach our full potential, both inside and outside of the classroom. Our business program has a state-of-the-art building and faculty with real-world experience to help students succeed. Our McLean Investment Center allows students to work with a student managed investment fund. We work with professors to manage the fund and gain valuable investing experience. This personal approach has helped me keep my education and grades on track, but it has also allowed me to grow and take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom, such as work and internship options. As a matter of fact, my recent internship with Northwestern Mutual will really contribute to my goal of becoming a financial advisor. And Carson Newman has a great MBA program, which I planned to enter after I finish my undergraduate degree. Be assured that whatever major you choose you can count on being prepared for the real world and enjoying your experience along the way. After being here at Carson-Newman, I can tell you there’s no place that I’d rather be. Carson-Newman has provided me with opportunities that I could not have imagined having as a college student. Okay. Back to you, Alex.
– Alex, thanks for sharing your experience as a business student here at Carson-Newman and all the exciting opportunities you have received here. Oh, and good luck getting your MBA. Thanks again.