All right, time to meet Shawn, a junior from Missouri majoring in architecture. Shawn’s love of the arts paired with the precision of engineering is what attracted him to RPI, but it’s the spirit of camaraderie in the School of Architecture that inspires him every day. You’re up, Shawn.
– I appreciate the introduction, Alex. What’s up everyone? Ever since I was a young child, I’ve always been invested in the built environment around us. When I grew up, I wanted to be an Imagineer at Walt Disney World. My dream college was one that invited the ingenuity of the arts with the precision of engineering. And what do you know, my dream came true when I discovered RPI. RPI boasts a diverse array of programs spanning five schools with one that I could proudly call my academic home, the School of Architecture. As a third year student in the five year architecture program, I’ve been immersed in the intricate world of architecture in my journey so far. The esteemed Greene Building, nestled adjacent to the iconic 86 Field, is a hub of architectural exploration and innovation. Guided by insightful professors and embraced by the tightknit school community, I found a nurturing educational haven where I’m continuously inspired by the best in the field. Within this vibrant environment, I’ve been introduced to the fascinating nuances of studio culture and I’ve gained a proficiency in the art of model making, engaging pin-ups, captivating visual displays, showcasing our work to professors and peers have been enlightening from envisioning abstract geometrical concepts to tangible structures that could be built. The spirit of camaraderie within the School of Architecture is unparalleled, with the shared commitment to mutual growth and success. As a part of the mentorship program, I help incoming first year students, guide them through the academic journey. In recent years, RPI’s influence has amplified my journey, offering abundant avenues for growth and achievement, from featured online projects to archived works in the School of Architecture. This past summer, an enriching intern experience at HKS, a global architectural leader, highlighted RPI’s role as a gateway to excellence and success. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Shawn. You’ve really found your home at RPI. In addition to a design studio, a fabrication and a digital futures lab, the School of Architecture operates three research centers, and students can study in locations like Italy and Argentina. RPI’s architecture students are creating a beautiful and sustainable future. Thanks, Shawn.
Say hello to Nathan, a PhD student in biochemistry and biophysics. Nathan is harnessing every opportunity he can at RPI. He’s conducting important research, accessing state-of-the-art equipment, innovating and collaborating. On top of all this, he’s growing personally, giving back, and pursuing his creative interests. The sky’s the limit, Nathan. Please take it away.
– Thanks Alex. I always knew I was passionate about science since I grew up reading books about herbal medicine and anatomy for fun. Although growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I always thought that would result in me becoming a high school science teacher. Although after getting my bachelor’s in biology, I started looking into medical school and that’s when I found my love for research. And my professors and I started to look into graduate schools and they helped me find RPI. RPI has all the things I loved about going to a small school, but also the advanced technology I expected at a much larger institution. After losing my grandmother to Alzheimer’s and hearing about all the research being done here on the disease, I knew it was perfect for me. The PhD program offered a fully funded education via research or teaching assistantships with a competitive stipend. This lets me focus on my research but also get involved with campus and local life without having to get a second job. I have had the opportunity to not only do high level research with advanced equipment, but also broaden my horizons. This year, a friend and I started a company with the hope of helping people with Alzheimer’s disease to better communicate with their physicians. I also got involved in a large poetry community and LGBTQ plus community in the region. The environment here gave me the courage to publish my first poetry anthology, “Cotton Candy Sun”, but also to take risks in many other aspects of my life. RPI encourages students to get involved both on campus and off campus. The opportunities through RPI have taken me to conferences and symposiums, where I have met people from all aspects of research. Whether working in another lab or pursuing my love for education, I know that I will be going in with the advantages that I was given by choosing to get my PhD at RPI. Back to you, Alex.
– I love hearing that RPI helps students develop professionally and personally. Researching the disease that affected your grandmother and potentially contributing to new treatments must be so gratifying. It’s fantastic. Students have access to clubs, support and research centers on campus in Troy and New York City. Well done, Nathan. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Now we’re gonna meet Audrey, a junior industrial chemistry major who’s a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at RPI, also known as ROTC. Audrey’s gonna tell us about her growth through ROTC, including the time she spent on a destroyer learning the responsibilities of a naval officer firsthand. You’re up, Audrey.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey everyone. My search for college was a little bit different than a typical high schooler. I needed somewhere that blended my want for outstanding academics as well as my desire to serve in the United States Navy. I found that RPI was just the place. The Naval ROTC program here really does shape the finest officers in the fleet. We learn everything from basic naval history to leadership and management skills to advanced ship navigation techniques. Here in the ward room, midshipmen gather to tutor each other, keep watch over the spaces, and learn what it’s like to have a support system of over 50 fellow students and six active duty Navy and Marine Corps officers ready to help you with everything you need. The greatest thing about Naval ROTC here is the leadership skills you learn and how you can use them not only in the fleet, but in the classroom and beyond. RPI offers undergrads the ability to engage in research, and I’ve been able to apply my leadership skills in the lab, whether it’s through collaborating with many different disciplines on a research question or presenting my findings to the group. My background in naval leadership has taken me further than I could have ever imagined. This summer I had the privilege to spend a few weeks underway on a destroyer and learn about the responsibilities of a naval officer firsthand. I got some great insight about the day-to-day life of sailors, but most importantly, how to best lead them. In addition to the Navy, RPI has a longstanding history of both the Army and Air Force ROTC branches. RPI’s rigorous education will carry me throughout my naval career, as I hope to become a nuclear officer and serve onboard an aircraft carrier. The skills and knowledge that I’ve learned at RPI will be the foundation of my future. Back to you, Alex.
– Audrey, your ROTC experience is an example of RPI’s legacy with the US military. RPI has produced one of the highest numbers of naval flag officers. RPI offers three different ROTC programs, which offer participating students officer commissions into the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps after graduation. Thanks, Audrey.
Let’s meet Mark, a senior earning his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences while working towards his master’s in mechanical engineering as a Co-Terminal student. RPI is home to many maker spaces like the Forge, and Mark is gonna tell us all about it.
– Hey Alex, thanks for having me. I’ve always been pretty focused on both academics and computers, so it was no surprise that I ended up going into engineering. Figuring out what I want to do after college has been a years long journey, but a huge part of that is exploring what I love doing right now. Ever since my first semester, I’ve been involved with the Forge, a fully student run makerspace that works with students from every major and department, empowering them to make their ideas, for class or otherwise, a reality. I started off as a volunteer, helping to keep the space open to casual users, but in the years since I’ve continued to invest in the club and the experience that we create for students, and I’ve grown to love the time that I spend at the Forge so much that I’m now the president. It’s a surreal experience being at the helm of a club that is host to hundreds of students every semester, bringing brand new dreams to life every single time. We’re not the only ones helping students create on campus either. From the Mill, our partner space with industry leading tools and technology, to shops and spaces in other departments like the School of Architecture and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, there are tons of opportunities everywhere you look to take charge of your own education and make your RPI experience truly unique. I’m coming to the end of my time at RPI, and it’s a bittersweet thing. As much as I’ll miss all the awesome things I’ve done on campus, I know that it’s prepared me for even more amazing experiences in the world beyond. I hope RPI can be that building block for you too. Back to you, Alex.
– Mark, it sounds like you’re keeping yourself very busy as president of the Forge. Who knows what you’ll invent after RPI? Thanks again.
Let’s hear from Erin, who is a senior in the accelerated BS PhD program studying biological neuroscience. It sounds intense, but Erin says the support system at RPI makes a world of difference. She feels she has a strong foundation for her doctoral studies, given her academic and extensive research experience while an undergrad at RPI. Take it away, Erin.
– Thank you, Alex. What’s up, y’all? When choosing a university, I wanted to be in a place where I not only felt welcomed, but a place that would foster my undying curiosity about the world. Lucky for me, visiting RPI’s School of Science cemented my desire to come and explore the opportunities it had to offer. Upon being accepted, the discipline that resonated the most with me was biological neuroscience. Having grown up with a sister with autism, I’ve always wanted to learn more about the brain and how it operates in different individuals. From engaging lectures to integrative lab sessions, RPI offers so many ways for students to further their learning. For example, all students within the School of Science receive a foundational education in biology, chemistry, and physics. Despite the large number of students in these courses, there are smaller recitation periods and even smaller mentoring groups to ensure that students don’t miss a single concept. Furthermore, RPI has a plethora of research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. I was accepted into the accelerated BS PhD program offered here. Program participants attend semester-long rotations and labs on top of their coursework so that by their senior year, they have already chosen a lab which allows them to get a jumpstart on their first year of graduate school. As I prepared to enter my last year RPI, I am planning to get my PhD. In addition to the extensive foundation I’ve received in biology, chemistry, and physics, I’ve also gained an extensive network of RPI friends and colleagues who I know I’ll continue to rely on well after graduation. Back to you, Alex.
– Sounds like Erin will be well prepared to pursue her PhD. I’m sure her sister and her whole family are so proud of this young scientist. Thanks for sharing your story, Erin. That was awesome.
Okay, meet Noah, a sophomore majoring in nuclear engineering with a music minor. When he learned about RPI’s music program, he was hooked. In addition to playing music in the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, Noah also gets to use RPI’s high tech recording studio to create songs. Take it away, Noah.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everybody. When I was looking for colleges, I was overwhelmed with the sheer volume of options. I had no idea which school would be best for me. RPI really stood out when I saw its amazing Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, also called EMPAC, on campus. Music has always been a big part of my life, so when I found out that RPI has a large music program as well as an interesting engineering program, I was hooked. That’s why I enrolled in their orchestra and started down the path of a music minor. In addition to my main engineering courses, I have been able to express myself creatively through classes like the Songwriting Workshop, where I got help writing original music from a great professor who’s a former rock star. Additionally, I’ve been able to play for the RPI Symphonic Orchestra in EMPAC, one of the most acoustically sound auditoriums in the entire nation. There are also great music clubs at RPI, such as the Audio Makers Club where I can talk with other music makers just like myself and collaborate together with them on new music. The club holds weekly recording sessions where you can record audio to use in your own songs. This year I’ll be taking the class Song Recording and Production, where I get to work in a recording studio independently as a lab space and develop my music creation process even more. And the best part, I get to experience all of this on top of becoming a nuclear engineer. Being a sophomore, I still have lots of experiences left ahead of me and I can’t wait to see what more RPI has in store. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Noah, that’s incredible that you get to play in this symphonic orchestra in one of the most acoustically sound concert halls in the entire world. RPI’s music program allows students to combine their love of music with science, media and engineering. RPI is an all-Steinway school, and its orchestra has even performed at Carnegie Hall. Incredible. Thank you, Noah.
Let’s hear from Alexis, who came from Hawaii to attend NJC and major in animal and crop science. She graduated last year and is thriving at a four-year college. The family atmosphere that a small college like NJC enjoys can be the perfect fit for so many students, and it allows them to thrive and grow. Take it away, Alexis.
– Mahalo, Alex. Aloha, everyone. When it came time for me to choose a school to be my home, it was important to me that it not only had my major but a strong support system behind it as well. I found that at NJC, and I’d like to tell you about it. While there weren’t many opportunities for me to visit colleges with the whole me living in the middle of the ocean thing, I’m glad I visited NJC and found a friendly college that was truly invested in my academic success. They understood that someone’s success in college didn’t just mean what classes they took. It was also the environment they were in. In my first academic advising meeting, the agriculture department chair was inviting me to his ranch to work cattle, efficiently easing all my worries about being so far away from my family. Strong support from my professors encouraged me to get involved on campus, so I became a student ambassador and club president, where I was able to grow my connections and share my story with potential new Plainsmen. These campus positions grew my confidence and sense of belonging, which will serve me well in the future. NJC also supported me outside of academics with financial aid and industry opportunities. Through the generous support of alumni and Sterling community donors, a variety of scholarships are available to NJC students. This academic support allowed me to graduate debt-free and ready to complete my bachelor’s at a four-year university. While at Northeastern Junior College, I attended industry events, connected and worked with the local community, and participated in amazing internships. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I got to experience as a Plainsman, and I’ll carry them with me as I continue my journey academically and professionally. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Alexis. Your work as a student ambassador and club president positively affected so many students and demonstrated the welcoming nature of this college. It’s also great to hear about the community support of the college and how it helps students. We are wishing you all the best at university, Alexis. Take care.
Okay, let’s hear from Laryssa, a sophomore who’s in the RN program who’s also working as a nurse in the Sterling Hospital. NJC has state-of-the-art labs and partners with local hospitals to provide hands-on clinical experiences for students. Many graduates start their medical careers right here at these hospitals, making a difference in these rural communities. Tell us more, Laryssa.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. Growing up, I have always wanted to become a nurse. I found my passion for a career in nursing by watching what other nurses have done for me and my family in times of need. Having someone to care for you when you can’t take care of yourself is what motivates me to be successful in this program. Nursing requires a lot of classroom and practical learning. After growing knowledge in the classroom, NJC has a fantastic lab on campus with mannequins that allow us to apply what we are learning to a safe environment. They simulate all kinds of conditions, including delivering a baby, but they are so realistic that the lab can really make you feel like you are in the delivery room. In addition to the lab, the nursing program requires us to gain clinical experience across the spectrums of care at hospitals and care facilities across our region. It is a lot, but we have an amazing team of instructors who prepare us to succeed. The first and second-year students work together, which strengthens everybody’s knowledge with the goal of passing the exam to become a registered nurse. The instructors have all worked as nurses, so they truly understand the challenge of becoming a nurse. They support us with life skills, coaching, and mental preparation, and resilience training. It’s more than just the skills necessary to become a nurse. They’re preparing us to become compassionate caregivers. If you have a desire to become a nurse, NJC is right for you. The combination of a caring faculty and modern training equipment will help set you up for success, and I look forward to my career as a nurse. We need to practice some IVs. Alex, are you ready?
– Thanks, Laryssa. We know NJC is teaching you to be a fantastic nurse, but no needles today. Clearly, NJC focuses on the practical experiences you need to care for patients, and it is so exciting to hear about the focus on your resilience and mental preparation for this high-intensity work. Thanks again.
Now, let’s hear from Arturo, a music student from Costa Rica. NJC hosts international students from six continents who bring a remarkable cultural experience to this campus. Arturo has taken advantage of the state-of-the-art recording studio and many opportunities to perform his music on campus while he studies in the U.S. Hit it, Arturo.
– Thank you so much, Alex. And what’s up, everyone? I’m originally from San Jose, Costa Rica, but I always knew I wanted to study in the U.S. My goal is to prepare for a career as a music producer and an artist. I was really excited to find the music and recording program at NJC. They provide me with all the tools that any musician would want to have, all done in a small college environment. This includes a beautiful and inspiring music studio to have developed my skills as a producer and a welcoming place to practice and share ideas with friends. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with musicians from all over the world, which is a great experience to add to my portfolio. In this program, we learn about all aspects of the music industry, which makes for an amazing education and excellent preparation to work in many areas of the music industry. NJC organizes many events and concerts where students can showcase their talents. A good example of this is the annual culture fair, an event where students from all around the world prepare traditional foods from their home countries and share a part of their culture. I was really happy to perform as a singer as well as cook Costa Rica’s traditional breakfast, the Gallo Pinto, which everybody loved. Studying at NJC has been an enriching experience, and looking forward, there’s a lot of room to grow in my field of study. With a fast growing city like Denver in close proximity, students can enjoy all the opportunities that a nearby city can provide, but also enjoy the slow pace and more focused life of a small town like Sterling. And that’s all for me. Pura Vida, Alex.
– Pura Vida, Arturo. Thank you so much for sharing your music and your culture with us today. NJC provides so many unique opportunities for you to grow as an artist through their classes and interaction with your fellow students from all over the world. We know your songs will get a lot more streams in the future. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Let’s hear from Colleen, who is a Sterling native and a business major, but she is also on the cheerleading team and a music performer. NJC prepares students for a strong future academically but also provides the opportunity to grow in their area of interest with a multitude of clubs and activities here on the campus. Over to you, Colleen.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I wanted to do everything, but I needed to pick a major for college. I enjoy math and communication and watched my parents succeed in business careers, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps and make them proud, so a business degree was the perfect fit for me. The business program at NJC goes far beyond the classroom. As a business student, I’ve had the chance to learn outside of the classroom as an intern at a local bank. Also, I attend NJC with my twin sister Cassidy, and we are both very involved in music. We’ve had many opportunities to perform together at campus and community events. The talent shows and musical performances on campus have helped me to step out of my comfort zone and explore other interests and cultures. This year, I will be on the new NJC cheerleading team, where I know I will make new friends and represent our college. We get to cheer on and support our fellow student-athletes, and we perform at home sporting events. NJC has students from all over the United States and the world. Getting to know them and learn about their cultures has exposed me to some amazing people and their music. Although I grew up in this area, I never appreciated everything that goes on around NJC. I know I’m growing as a business professional through my studies, but my passion for music and cheer provide even more growth as a person. My teachers have really helped me to figure out what I can do after NJC, not only to further my education but to succeed in life. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– NJC!
– Wow, Colleen, you are truly taking advantage of everything NJC has to offer to build your future and expand your personal comfort zone. It’s so exciting to see that Sterling offers excellent support to the college with student growth opportunities at local businesses. Thanks again, Colleen.