It’s time to meet Hailey, a junior Communication major from Franklin, Wisconsin. Not every student knows exactly what they want to do when they enter college. In fact, students often change their minds at least three times. But Carroll’s caring and dedicated faculty and staff encourages students to find purpose and meaning while attending college. Tell us all about it, Hailey.
– Thanks, Alex. I’ll take it from here. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I ever wanted to go to college. It was a difficult transition from high school, especially when I had no sense of what I wanted to study. The main reason why I chose Carroll was because of the scholarships and because my parents are both alumni. Even though I was lost in the beginning, I now believe that choosing Carroll was one of the best decisions of my life. Entering college during Covid was tough. Carroll had done their best to make things as normal as possible, but I continued to struggle in connecting with my peers. Thankfully, it was my professors that really came through for me. Their caring approach helped me realize that I belong. Halfway through my first year, I declared a major in Communications and started participating in clubs and organizations that my faculty advisor encouraged me to join. I have made so many friends on campus, which has made me feel so much more at home. I found a family in the Carroll Players, our on-campus theater group, and realized that the piece I’ve been missing from my life was acting. That’s my passion and now it’s also a part of my minor. One of the many things I love about Carroll is their commitment to student wellbeing. They even have an on-campus boutique, Orange Thread, that supports students by offering free items such as interview clothes, household essentials, food and personal care products, all for free. Carroll may be small in size, but the community is so strong. Knowing my professors and peers on a personal level has allowed me to excel in both school and in life. I’m so incredibly grateful for the experience that Carroll has given me. And on that note, Alex, the stage is yours.
– The Orange Thread sounds like an amazing resource for students, Hailey. That would’ve been so cool to have around when I was in college. From the Orange Thread to the Center for Student Life and Wellness, Carroll is dedicated to supporting students in their academic pursuits by also providing services for their mental, physical and spiritual health. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Hailey.
We can’t wait for you to meet Will, a sophomore from Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Experiencing college athletics might feel unattainable for some, but Carroll is a competitive D3 university in the Premier College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. This allows student athletes the highest level of competition, plus they can balance their career aspirations with the pursuit of athletic excellence. Will, we’re tossing it over to you.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. I always knew I wanted to play college football, but where exactly? It was clear from my first visit that Carroll’s coaching staff had a much different vision than other schools I was considering. It took just a few weeks for me to realize I made the right choice. My experiences have all been positive ones. Carroll has an excellent business program. Being accepted to the Direct Admin MBA Program allows me to earn both a bachelor’s and an MBA in four years. The faculty who are skilled and dedicated get to know you on a one-on-one basis. I even got an internship after my freshman year. The small campus is a great environment to get to know many people and truly feel a part of the Carroll community. Whether it’s sitting down for lunch or stopping by the Recovery Room in Van Male, there’s always somebody to connect with. My teammates have become my best friends. Everyone cares about each other on and off the field. On game day, the environment is electric due to supportive fans and of course our dynamic marching band. After a long hiatus, the Marching Pioneers relaunched in 2018 with now over 70 members. I also have time to get involved outside of athletics. I lead a weekly Bible study where I’ve truly gained invaluable communication and organizational skills and have made strong connections with so many students. I don’t think there’s another campus with such an interconnected student population. Every connection I’ve made feels genuine. It’s a family for sure. That’s all I got. Tossing it back to you, Alex.
– What an arm wheel and wow, you’re right about an electric environment. It makes you wanna go back to college. It sounds like Carroll really prepares you for what lies ahead, allowing you to finish your undergrad and master’s in just four years, unbelievable. Enjoy the off season, Will, and thank you for the thrills on the gridiron.
All the way from Paris, France, let’s welcome MJ, a double major in Musical Theater and Communication. In addition to academics, MJ’s experience at Carroll has also offered her many student organizations and volunteer opportunities to take advantage of. Let’s explore more. MJ, you’re up.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been attracted to the United States. When I first started looking for a college abroad, I had no idea what I wanted to be or where I wanted to go. I looked at dozens of schools and chose Carroll University. One of the best decisions of my life. It doesn’t really matter if you don’t know what you wanna study the second you step on campus. Carroll has more than 95 areas of study to choose from. There’s plenty to explore, and the campus is absolutely beautiful in all seasons. After just one year, I can definitely say I belong here. Everyone at Carroll wants you to succeed and enjoy your college experience. I feel so grateful to be surrounded by such a dedicated and supportive team. I also get to meet incredible people and join amazing organizations like Pionissimo, the acapella group on campus, or Habitat for Humanity. I even got to spend Spring Break shingling roofs and enjoying the beach in Florida. Carroll has so much to offer, you’ll never run out of things to do. From music opportunities and Greek life to intramurals and eSports, there’s something for everyone. And if you can find the event or trip you love, you can always request it. Perks of being on a small campus. No matter how you decide to live your Carroll experience, you’ll make lifelong friendships and wonderful memories. You’ll be ready to face the world being the best version of yourself because that’s what Pioneers do. Hope to see you soon. Back to you, Alex.
– What an incredible journey, MJ. And I agree, this campus is stunning. With such wide range of academic study areas, you can truly pair your passion with a program that challenges you for life beyond college. Student organizations on campus like Pionissimo are great opportunities to gain leadership experience, all while networking with students that have the same interests. Thanks, MJ.
Let’s hear from Elena, a double major in Animal Behavior and Theater Arts hailing all the way from Kirkland, Washington. There are very few animal behavior programs in the country and Carroll’s is the fourth largest. But college education is more than just learning skills for a job. Friendship and belonging are a key part of the Carroll experience, especially for students coming from out of state. Tell us more, Elena.
– Hey, Alex. It’s great to see you on campus. Coming here from the West Coast, I never dreamed that I would come to a small liberal arts college in the Midwest. But knowing my love for animals, my mom urged me to apply, and I couldn’t be happier to call Carroll my home. Having an Animal Behavior Program is rare. There are just over a dozen in the country, and Carroll’s is especially unique. The Animal Behavior Program allows me to explore different career paths, all while taking classes that genuinely interest me, like animal welfare and cognition. I even interned at the Milwaukee County Zoo where I learned about the care and training of exotic animals. And through a special canine care and management course, I get to train and foster a dog as part of my curriculum. I’ve been able to do other things I enjoy too, like performing. I have a second major in Theater Arts and participate in many of our productions. Ready to have your funny bone tickled? Join me and Funny Bone Mafia, Carroll’s own comedy improv team. Coming here from across the country, I was a little hesitant about making friends. But through my program and getting involved on campus, I truly feel like I found my family here at Carroll. I’m even the president and vice president of two student organizations. I don’t know what my plans are for after graduation yet, but I feel secure in the knowledge and skills I have gained. I have an amazing group of people to support me, both my friends and family, and the staff and faculty who have helped me find success at every step in my journey. If you’re like me and animals are your passion, Carroll is absolutely the place for you. Take it away, Alex.
– Elena, thank you for sharing the many ways Carroll feels like home for you. And those Pio puppies are absolutely adorable. This program provides valuable dog training for future service dogs, and it’s obvious that Carroll is always pioneering new programs to match student interests with their future career goals. Thanks again, Elena.
Let’s meet Victor, a sophomore from Milwaukee whose educational path was not a traditional one. He came in as a transfer student and Carroll has allowed him to think bigger about his career aspirations. Plus, he gets to meet prospective students while working on his on-campus job. Tell us more, Victor.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Before I graduated from high school, I had made up my mind that I wouldn’t attend college. It took working a nine-to-five job for a few months without a degree when I started thinking, “Did I really even try?” Carroll University helped me realize I had so much more to accomplish and supported me as a non-traditional student. The Information Technology Program at Carroll has exposed me to the many branches of the tech industry, from coding and designing my own mobile app to learning about unmanned aircraft systems. Small class sizes are great to get to know my classmates and professors. Although I enjoy computer programming and aviation assignments, I think it’s important to stay socially active and take a break from the computer screen now and then. I’ve been able to make great friends in class, at work, and even at the gym. Working as an Admissions Student Ambassador has helped me gain confidence in my social skills. I enjoy showing prospective students and their families the beautiful Carroll campus that I fell in love with. Whenever I give a tour, my goal is to convince the student that Carroll is where they belong. This worked out pretty well for a student that I now call my roommates and good friend. Choosing Carroll University has been one of the best decisions of my life. I entered as a nervous freshman and after only one year I’ve never been more confident in my own abilities to inspire others and succeed in my future. I look forward to touring campus with you soon. Back to you now, Alex.
– Your confidence is showing, Victor. Can you please teach me how to build my own app? It goes to show that Carroll offers opportunities to learn both the hard and soft skills to succeed in the workplace. Students are very lucky to have you as their tour guide. Be sure to look out for him and other friendly faces when you visit campus. Thanks to the tour, Victor.
To learn all about aviation science, let’s meet Isa, a junior who’s gonna show us how pursuing her love of nature and technology is made possible at Carroll. At the Prairie Springs Environmental Research Center, students can partner with faculty for cutting-edge environmental research in one of the most inviting states for outdoor activities in the US. And who doesn’t love a good drone shot? Time to take flight. Take it away, Isa.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I loved two things, nature and technology. When I first came to college, I thought I had to pick one or the other. Carroll University gave me the opportunity to combine both in the new Aviation Science and Drone Technologies program. The possibilities to combine this major with other disciplines are endless as drones are now becoming a critical technology in businesses and industries. Carroll is the only school in Wisconsin with this unique major. Not only do we get to learn about drones, we get to build, fly, and engage with our community, giving us real life experiences. This definitely puts us ahead of the game for career advancement. I put all of this into practice at Prairie Springs, our environmental education center and biology field station, by taking aerial footage of conservation dots and prescribed burns. I surveyed the 75-acre campus with a multi-spectral drone to interpret the environment’s health. I’m also conducting my own research on oak tree health and ecological restoration using drone technologies. And if that isn’t cool enough, I can present my research at professional conferences. Pretty cutting edge. When I first came to Carroll, I had no idea I’d be able to combine the things that I love. Through all of this, I’ve been able to gain knowledge on how the world works ecologically and how to apply aviation science to that lens. Speaking of lens, gotta fly.
– Wow, thank you for your insight, Isa. This small liberal arts university is the first of its kind in Wisconsin to offer Aviation Science and Unmanned Aircraft Systems specializing in sensor development. This world-class opportunity here at Carroll launches graduates into a growing and high-demand field. Thanks again, Isa.
Let me introduce you to Nancy, a junior from Malaysia majoring in sociology. UC Merced, celebrated for its warm and inclusive atmosphere, is the ideal backdrop for Nancy’s inspiring journey. She’ll illuminate how UC Merced nurtured her sense of belonging and self-discovery. At UC Merced, there’s a place for everyone, and dreams truly take flight. Take it away, Nancy.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Nice to meet you. My mom brought me and my little brother here from Malaysia because she believed in a great education for both of her kids. UC Merced have created an environment for me to have that and much more. In high school, I was really shy and I felt lost. But since coming to UC Merced, I have gained more confidence in myself. Being in clubs and organization helped me build a community that make me feel more connected and has helped me with my professional and leadership skills. If it wasn’t for my involvement on campus, I wouldn’t have found new things outside of my degree that I enjoy, like marketing and content creation. I came to UC Merced with a different career path in mind. But talking to my professor and being involved on campus have helped me find a new path to sociology. I love my major because it helped me understand the world better so I can make a difference. UC Merced has given me a lot of opportunities that I’m grateful for. As vice president of Marketing & Sales Organization, I learned valuable skills. I participated in the Yosemite Leadership Program where I learned to advocate for my environment and to be a better leader in our generation. As a capstone project, we work with Cumbres de Monterrey National Park in Mexico to address challenges that the park face with educational programs and to bring more awareness. UC Merced have helped undergrad students like me to get real-world experiences. Without the organization I’m in, the classes I’m taking, the friendship I made, and the challenges I overcome, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Back to you, Alex.
– Nancy, thank you for sharing the ways UC Merced as an institution provided opportunities and experiences that have helped shape your educational experience and future career goals. With over 200 professional and social clubs, it’s no wonder these Bobcats excel at creating their own opportunities for success. Great job, Nancy.
Okay, let’s hear from Braydon, a junior from Murrieta, California, who’s majoring in computer science and engineering with a minor in management analytics and decision-making. He’s gonna share how UC Merced became his home away from home. The University of California, Merced provides more than professional skills. It’s a place of connections and cherished memories. You’re up, Braydon.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up, everybody? Before I attended UC Merced, I decided to come check out the campus and see what it was like. Immediately when I came to campus, I felt welcome, not just by the staff, but by the students as well. This campus really showed me what home away from home is like. Along with my classes, the clubs and organizations that I’ve been involved with out on campus have made a huge impact on my personal life. When you’re part of a club or organization at UC Merced, you get to meet so many people who are involved and create lifelong friendships. My fraternity, as well as my job as an RA on campus, make me feel like I belong, like I’m a part of something that’s bigger than me. Because of my involvement on campus, I’m more motivated and I feel like I have a mission. My UC Merced journey has been so much more than attending classes and hitting the books. It’s been about discovering a profound sense of belonging on this campus. While academics are undoubtedly essential, the organizations that I’ve had the privilege of joining in my time at this school have added such a rich layer to my college experience. Because of my involvement, I’m not only able to be a member of something but I’m thankful that I have the ability to move forward in my organizations. I had the honor of being the president of my chapter of Sigma Chi, where I’m learning invaluable leadership that I can take with me for the rest of my life. The experience has really created a strong sense of community for me that I feel comfortable interacting with. My experience at the University of California, Merced has provided so much more than just professional skills. I’m making amazing connections and memories that I will always cherish. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
Awesome, Braydon! UC Merced has a unique ability to foster a sense of home for its students. The bonds and friendships formed here are a testament to the inclusive nature and sense of belonging. UC Merced truly stands as a place where lasting connections are formed. Well done, Braydon.
Let’s meet Isaac, a senior majoring in human biology from Riverside, California. Isaac’s journey is one of unwavering determination. Despite early medical challenges, he’s now dedicated to understanding the science of disease and working towards cures. UC Merced empower students, like Isaac, through research opportunities and clubs, fostering both academic and personal growth. Isaac, you’re on.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi, everyone. I grew up with a single mother and a little sister. My mom was the first ever to go to college in our family, and she even graduated with a master’s degree. I was always inspired by her and I knew I had to go to college. I wanna raise the bar even more and inspire my little sister to go to college too. When I was a little boy, I had a lot of gastrointestinal problems, and I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals. My family and I had to make sacrifices for me to be where I am today. I was always angry, and I was confused, and I didn’t understand why I was sick or why other people had diseases and why there were no cures for them. And that’s why I became a human bio major because I wanted to understand the science of diseases. And more importantly, I wanted to help the world find a cure. UC Merced is helping me and other students reach their goals by offering amazing research opportunities and educational clubs, like the Field Curious Research Club. In FCR, we go on trips and learn how to properly conduct research and perform tests. Getting these experiences now in college will be so helpful in my future career and my future endeavors. Since coming to UC Merced, I’ve grown personally. I’ve learned how to be patient and how to form strong study habits and how to keep my head up. I’ve clicked with a lot of people here ’cause we all have a story. We weren’t just handed this opportunity. We worked hard and we deserve to be here. I am so grateful for my UC Merced experience, and I’m so excited to see what other opportunities in research and what my future holds. Back to you, Alex.
Thank you, Isaac! At UC Merced, there are abundant opportunities for both research and personal growth. UC Merced’s recognition as number one in the UC system for student participation in undergraduate research and creative projects by “U.S. News & World Report” further highlights the incredible potential within the institution. The possibilities here are limitless. Thanks again, Isaac.
Let’s meet Letha, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Barstow, California. She’s about to share her remarkable UC Merced journey, where an abundance of resources and a supportive community have been integral to her growth. At UC Merced, getting involved on campus provides not only safe spaces but also fosters connections and community engagement. Over to you, Letha! Tell us more.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. When I was considering on where I wanted to go for college, I had my heart set on finding somewhere with the proper resources and a supportive community, and I was lucky enough to find that here at University of California, Merced. Student clubs are a perfect way to discover new people, new experiences, and new opportunities. There are tons of organizations that span across different interests and goals, from networking to dancing. I’m a member of the Black Student Coalition, or BSC. This organization was founded by students with the intention to create a safe space for Black students on campus with an emphasis on mental health. This particular club has allowed me to find a welcoming community that I lacked in my hometown. I’ve also been given the opportunity to connect with different organizations and faculty, be a part of events that bring together both UC Merced students and the Merced community as a whole, and become a more professional individual. BSC and other organizations on campus host events throughout the year that help students de-stress, build community, and have fun. There are many free events where we have live music, student performances, and local vendors. We even host a flea market where we invite local vendors from all over Central Valley to sell their items on campus. At these events, we see people come together and truly support one another, which is so awesome to see happen outside of the classroom. Being a student here, I learned that there are so many different resources and opportunities. Students are prioritized, and the efforts are made to make sure that students feel connected and supported. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– A heartfelt thank you to Letha for sharing her story. It’s essential to highlight UC Merced’s steadfast support for affinity groups with offerings such as the AFRO Hall Living Learning Community, a testament to their commitment to fostering inclusivity and community connections. UC Merced truly stands as a place where dreams thrive. Cheers, Letha.