Okay, let’s head over and meet Claire. She’s a senior from Pennsylvania, studying visual and sound media. She loves being behind the camera and on the stage. Now she’s landed an exciting job as a broadcast associate for the MLB network. But before she goes, let’s hear Claire’s Seton Hall story. Claire, the camera’s rolling.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always had my hands on a camera. And in fact, I would spend most of my free time making short films. Coming into college, I knew I wanted to find a place that would challenge me and allow me to be creative. Seton Hall delivered. I’ve been able to join the radio station, the university choir, and I’m currently the field producer at Pirate Television. Through the television station as well as our numerous production classes, I’m able to get that real-world, hands-on learning experience that has allowed me to create content that is premiered in two film festivals. Also, with our close proximity to New York City, this gives us accents to talented faculty and alumni who are working in the field, which is great for networking. It’s also great for internships. I’ve been able to intern with awesome films and CNBC. Thanks to the theater department on campus, I’m also able to pursue my other passion for performing. There’s always a theater production in the works, and a lot of them take place downtown in South Orange at the Performing Arts Center. Speaking of South Orange, it’s a safe, adorable town with family-owned restaurants and boutiques and a movie theater. Plus, there are lots of parks and hiking trails nearby. Lots of students also walk downtown to catch the train to New York City. It’s just a 30-minute train ride. Seton Hall organizes trips to Broadway shows, sporting events, concerts, and lots more. There’s also trips to the Jersey Shore, DC, and Philly. I love this area so much that I’ve decided to live here permanently. In fact, after graduation, I’ll be working for the MLB network as a broadcast associate. I can’t wait to expand on all the skills that Seton Hall has taught me.
– I think they need me back at the TV station. Back to you, Alex.
– Claire, you are absolutely right. South Orange is a fabulous town. Just a quick walk from campus, you can grab a train to Manhattan to intern at media outlets like CNN, HBO, the New York Times, or theater and production companies. And it’s awesome that you’ve already landed a broadcasting job. Congratulations, Claire.
Students find their way here from around the globe. Idara grew up in Nigeria, choosing Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations because of its amazing reputation. She’s met ambassadors, attended the US-Africa Leader Summit in Washington, and studied at the UN. Idara is the perfect person to talk about Seton Hall’s global perspective. So Idara, over to you.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up in Nigeria, I was exposed to the amazing food, music, and tradition that makes it my rich cultural heritage. But I also experienced firsthand the economic disparities that have kept a lot of African countries in a cycle of underdevelopment. So when I was looking at graduate schools, I wanted a program that allowed me to keep a global perspective by enhancing my knowledge and skills in African economic development. And here at Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy, I’ve been able to do just that in and out of the classroom. For example, Seton Hall offers a UN-intensive summer class and a UN-field seminar course led by amazing faculty. These courses have exposed me to high-level panels and events at the United Nations headquarters in New York City through which I have met with the Jamaican ambassador to the UN, director of partnerships at the United Nations Foundation, and the US ambassador to the UN. Seton Hall also offers mentorship opportunities with alumni, and my connection with one SHU alum encouraged me to attend the US-Africa Leader Summit in DC, where I got to engage with leaders and entrepreneurs at the US Department of Commerce. Seton Hall is always providing opportunities for students to take leadership roles and shine. At Seton Hall, I have also been able to help organize events like the World Leader Forum series that brings global leaders like the US ambassador to the UN and the president of the UN General Assembly to campus to engage with students. Seton Hall has given me so many enriching and dynamic experiences. I know I’m leaving here with a stronger resume and stronger connections, and I’m proud to be a diplo for life. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Idara, you are having such profound experiences. That’s what you can expect at Seton Hall, with faculty who are former ambassadors and Fulbright Scholars, a vast network of internship providers locally and globally, and close ties to the UN. We all can’t wait to see what you do next.
If you come to Seton Hall, chances are you’ll run into Kai. He’s active in his fraternity, a student government leader, and even manages to hit the beach volleyball court outside his dorm. From Dallas, Texas, Kai wanted a diverse school with an active campus close to New York City. Seton Hall was the right fit. Kai, show us what’s happening.
– Thanks, Alex. Well, my family and I moved back from Kenya before my junior year of high school. I began looking for a college with a diversity of people and opportunities. And Seton Hall’s wide variety of programs and proximity to the cultural hub of New York City made it the school for me. It’s only my sophomore year, but I’ve gotten to do so much during my time here. I’m part of the Honors Program, Greek Life, along with the chess and volleyball clubs. I was also fortunate enough to receive a research fellowship. I’ve worked in the chemistry labs on my first semester freshman year, and I’ve loved every second of it. Outside the classroom, I’ve enjoyed the bustle of campus. There’s always something going on, whether it be a petting zoo on the Green, a carnival, concert, cheering on the Pirates, or the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. However, my favorite thing is the day-to-day interactions, whether it be hanging out with my friends on the Green, grabbing a drink at Dunkin’ or Starbucks, watching a movie in the residence halls, or just having conversations in the dining halls. These interactions are what makes Seton Hall feel like a second home. Seton Hall provides my fellow students and I tons of opportunities to find our place in the world. By interacting and learning from world-class professors and faculty, we are put in a position to become the best versions of ourselves. Beyond the classroom, Seton Hall hosts some amazing speakers who talk about the most fascinating and relevant issues of our time. On top of that, Seton Hall’s 150 clubs and organizations give students a ton of opportunities to find something they enjoy. I’ve loved my class and experiences here at Seton Hall, but more than that, I love the people. Because of this, I ran and was elected president of the Student Government Association, and I’m so excited to serve the student body in this capacity in the coming year. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Kai, you are living your college dream. Congrats on the election. With 14 Division 1 Big East teams, intramural sports, a highly competitive eSports team, Greek Life, student clubs, a radio and TV station, and access to influential speakers like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Seton Hall is just awesome.
Now it is time to meet Diana, who knew she wanted to be a doctor since she was a youngster. Diana chose Seton Hall because of its rigorous academics and stellar reputation in STEM fields. She engaged in four high-level research projects with her professors. Plus, she presented her soon-to-be-published research at academic conferences. Take it away, Diana.
– Thank you for that introduction, Alex. Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor. So it was no surprise that Seton Hall was the first school that I applied to, especially since their STEM programs are known for their extensive academic rigor and preparation for graduate and professional schools. Here at Seton Hall, I engaged in four research projects, presented at academic symposiums and international conferences, joined five clubs including the Slavic Club, Chamber and University choirs, and studied abroad in Italy. After three years in the laboratory, my findings are in the process of getting published in a scientific journal. The clubs allow me to give back to the community and de-stress after classes. Studying abroad in Italy gave me a chance to learn more about Seton Hall’s Catholic mission and grow closer to my own faith. Seton Hall ships individuals who are well-rounded, aware of their surroundings, and who seek to make a change within themselves and their environment. Everything about Seton Hall has helped my academic journey and provided real-world applications for classroom material. Here, you can turn your projects into reality, work closer with faculty, and get significant help receiving employment or graduate school acceptance. There are always new research opportunities, a lot of which receive national grants. Scholarships are also readily available, and I’m graduating university completely debt-free. Seton Hall truly is a second home, a community that every student is proud to be a part of. Thanks to Seton Hall, I was able to strengthen my character, develop my leadership skills, do well on my MCAT, and achieve my dream of attending medical school. I was accepted to both medical school and surgical neurophysiology master’s program, and I’m extremely excited and grateful for everything Seton Hall has given me. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex. ♪ Hallelujah ♪
– Thank you, Diana, and congratulations on getting into med school and achieving your dream. You really made the most of your time at Seton Hall. SHU students, as they’re called, are exploring diverse passions and have experience from early on that helped them build a stunning portfolio and resume. Thanks again, Diana.
Seton Hall really is all about opportunities and advantages that help you stand out and achieve your goals. Take Nick, a sophomore. He’s already had four internships, focused on his passion to help others. Nick has found a way to merge his interests in international affairs with a desire to make the world a better place. Nick, tell us all about it.
– Thank you for the warm introduction, Alex. Hello, everyone. In high school, I was a part of nearly every service-related club, and I knew I had to find a university that would cultivate my love for volunteer service. I soon discovered Seton Hall University and that it was the right place for me. Once here, I discovered the field of international relations. Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy is truly world class, and the professors and students are dedicated to improving the world around us. I’m at the end of my second year at Seton Hall, and so far, I’ve been able to participate in four internships, with Stanford, Harvard, the Ronald Reagan Institute, and the Sant’Egidio Foundation for Peace and Dialogue. During my time as a Harvard Public Policy Leadership Scholar, I learned from world-renowned scholars about the steps needed to make a policy-oriented change to improve the lives of all Americans. With my current internship with the Sant’Egidio Foundation, I’ve researched numerous crises transforming in South Sudan, transcribed documents, and presented my findings to my colleagues assisting in mediating the conflict. These experiences have furthered my commitment to wanting to embark on a career that serves others. My professors and advisors have helped educate me on the pathways for a future career in international affairs. Helping others is so central to Seton Hall’s mission. When learning about Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, our namesake and the first American-born saint, I learned the value of optimism and remaining faithful to Catholic values such as truth, freedom, justice, and love. Every day on campus, I can see the results of Seton Hall, creating a welcoming and diverse environment for students to live their truth by being free and obtaining their dreams, addressing social justice issues, and providing love for all people. I’m excited to develop my intellect at Seton Hall University in a way that harnesses the good in humanity and helps to shape a better world. Back to you, Alex.
– Awesome, Nick. You are definitely a change maker, and it’s so good to know that students don’t have to wait until graduation to go out and make a difference. Seton Hall lives its Catholic mission, hosting hundreds of volunteer opportunities locally and in places like Haiti and El Salvador. Seton Hall really is a special place. Thanks again, Nick.
Okay, let’s meet Ava from Massachusetts, who had two amazing internships including one with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and visited 13 countries while studying abroad, which a scholarship helped her with. Ava is a DJ on WSOU, the student-run radio station, which was recently inducted into the Rock Radio Hall of Fame. Take us for a spin, Ava.
– Oh. Hey, Alex. Hi, everyone. If you had told me when I was a senior in high school that I would be a DJ at WSOU, the number one college radio station in the nation, I would say that you’re crazy, and yet here I am. I am involved in various clubs and organizations on campus, and I’ve been on the airwaves as a DJ Ace of Spades to our wide listener base for the last three years. From there, I found more opportunities everywhere I turned. I had two internships during my undergrad, one of which was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I then had the opportunity to study abroad in my junior year and experience that brought me to over 13 different countries, and in the process, broadened my horizons and heightened my interests and further exploring the world. No matter what I’ve become involved in, the Seton Hall community has supported me every step of the way. I really love that Seton Hall gives so many hands-on learning opportunities. I found that my studies in both public relations and political science converged most when abroad, when I saw firsthand the political landscape of the countries I visited and the role communications played in shaping it. Without that hands-on experience, I would not have gotten my internship at the Met. My experiences in the Buccino Leadership Program and the Public Relations Club also gave me the tangible skills to help enhance my resume. I am so grateful for the advantages and opportunities that Seton Hall has given me. My time here may be coming to an end, but the impacts Seton Hall has made on me and the doors it has opened will last forever. Thanks for listening to WSOU. I’m Ava E, signing off. Back to you, Alex.
– Great story, Ava. Students are running the show on the radio and lots of other places. Seton Hall is committed to giving students transformative experiences from their award-winning debate team, three student newspapers, conferences with faculty, and hands-on learning that’s second to none. Thanks again.
Let’s meet Hannah who’s turning her love for storytelling into her own unique major and whose love for Weber State literally runs in the family. A majority of Weber State students lean towards the sciences, but there’s also a vibrant arts community on campus including music, dance, theater, literature, and more. Hannah, tell us all about it.
– Thanks, Alex. You’re right. I was pretty much born to be a wildcat. My parents and grandparents went to Weber State and my great-grandfather was even a professor here. I was singing the Weber State Fight song before I could form complete sentences. Now that I’m here, I can see even more clearly all the reasons why Weber is so amazing. Just look at this costume studio located in our Browning Center where we host concerts, live theater and world renowned guest speakers. I love being part of a community that cherishes art and shares it with the world. I also love that I can get a tailor-made education that centers around my life and interests. I’m currently working toward a Bachelor of Integrated Studies which allows me to choose from three different realms of education and combine them into my own personal major. Right now, I’m doing that with English, communication and, of course, theater. This fusion is perfect for me because I love the art of storytelling. As I started learning more about theater I was struck by the power storytelling has to transform culture and shape lives. Now I’m working with kids right here in Ogden in a theater program, which allows them to connect with their world through the arts, giving them a chance to tell their story. I also work at Weber State as an ambassador for the Office of Admissions. I get to host daily tours of our beautiful campus, meet with high school students to answer their questions about college and share why Weber State is great, great, great. This year I’m an ambassador president, which is helping me develop my talents in leadership. My family history is defined by a thriving college experience and I’m so excited to continue that tradition as a fourth generation wildcat. All right, Alex. End scene.
– With hundreds of programs and seven different colleges, Weber State offers a personalized education that’s right for everyone. I’m sure your great-grandfather would be so pleased to see how the university has grown and how much you’ve accomplished here already. Cheers Hannah.
Elaine is the first graduate of Weber’s brand new master’s program in systems engineering. She’s already working on next level defense projects but this degree opens more doors in a high paying field. In fact, many of Weber’s engineering programs are designed to meet needs in the aerospace defense industry, which is exactly where Elaine has excelled. Elaine, take it away.
– Hey, Alex. Let’s get our gears turning and talk about engineering. Growing up in Northern California, I spent a lot of time in the garage with my dad. I learned at a young age that if we could think it, we could bring it to life using tools and scrap metal. One fall break, I visited my brother at Weber State University. I took a tour of the engineering building and instantly knew that this was the school for me. The faculty are so committed and really welcome you with open arms. I’ve always felt like I was part of a tight-knit family. Weber State collaborates with Hill Air Force Base located just down the road. This has given me solid training and hands-on experience and it’s even launched me into a successful career in the aerospace and defense sector. I got to work on real-world projects that challenged me to grow as an engineer. My undergraduate internship with defense and aerospace innovator, Northrop Grumman, actually turned into my first full-time job as a manufacturing engineer. I now work as a customer advisor for the Air Force. I help to ensure that all the needs and requirements are being fulfilled on the next generation nuclear missile. My involvement at Weber State really honed my leadership skills, like my time in the Student Senate Society of Women Engineers and as a resident assistant in campus housing. These experiences equipped me with the confidence and ability to take on more leadership roles in my professional career. I’m about to take my next step as the first graduate of Weber’s new master of Science and Systems engineering program Weber State ignited my passion for engineering. My goal is to share that with others, particularly women as I continue to grow in this exciting field. Back to you, Alex.
– Elaine, it’s amazing to see that the skills you started practicing with your dad and honed at Weber have taken you so far. All the best as you continue the challenge of making America’s defense nuclear missile system sustainable for the next 70 years. It sounds like you’ve got a lifetime of important work ahead.
Let’s join Garrett, a junior in professional sales. He’s discovered that student government or WSUSA is a great way to develop leadership skills. During his time in office, Garrett saw a need and advocated for change. The result? A more inclusive campus for all students. It’s just one example of the impact student leaders are making by working together. Take it away, Garrett.
– Ah good game. Thanks, Alex, and welcome everybody to the lanes and games here on campus. Growing up local to Ogden, I always had big plans to move far from home for college. I never knew that my dream university would be just down the street. I chose Weber State for its renowned professional sales program. I quickly found a job as a graphic designer alongside my older sister who was the media manager for student government. That’s when I realized there wasn’t any queer representation in Weber State University Student Association or WSUSA. So when the first LGBTQ plus student Senator position opened up, I immediately applied. After being selected for this awesome opportunity, I was able to represent and advocate for queer students across campus and create safe spaces like the ones that I depended on before coming out. After learning about parliamentary procedure, and how to navigate the student senate, I passed several pieces of legislation protecting queer students on campus. One initiative to display pronouns on roll sheets so we can mitigate misgendering in classrooms is rolling out soon. Weber State leaders have proven that they truly care about student activism. WSUSA leaders and advisors are constantly working to make campus a better place for absolutely everybody. They’ve been amazing mentors. They’re welcoming, willing to train, and they love helping students to make positive change. Since serving as the LGBTQ plus student senator, I’ve been elected as the executive vice president where I was able to oversee and run student senate sessions making them more accessible for everybody. Recently, my sister Ashley was reelected as the student body president. I’ve loved working with her and learning about why it’s so necessary to speak up and advocate for students whenever I can. That’s all for me Alex, back over to you.
– Congratulations on your new legislation, Garrett. One of WSUSA’s purposes is building meaningful connections on campus and in the community. This rewarding work is a valuable asset to any resume and it’s a lot of fun. No matter what your major is, make it a goal to get involved and give back.
I’m excited to introduce Gabriela, a sophomore in elementary education. WSU prepares teachers to make a difference in the classroom and the community. Internships and volunteering for local outreach programs offer students hands-on experience, giving them a voice with real impact. Gabriela is using her voice to help children with diverse backgrounds and she got her shot at college through a unique scholarship. Gabriela, tell us all about it.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, guys. As a first generation college today and Mexican American, it was important to find a college that made me feel included. When I was awarded a scholarship from the Utah Jazz NBA team, I had the opportunity to go anywhere but I chose Weber State ’cause I feel at home here. There are students and faculty that look like me and relate to my experiences as a Latina. Being a student here has taught me how to overcome my fears and not be afraid to ask for help. It’s important for me to have access to student services like counseling and a gym. Weber State hasn’t just helped me become a better student. It’s helped me become the best version of myself so I can have a positive impact on those I teach. I’m excited to work in Ogden as a bilingual teacher because there’s a large Hispanic and Latino population here. I love seeing reactions from kids who have a teacher that looks like them, understand their culture and speaks their language. I know it helps them feel safe and it improves their quality of life. The teacher Education program focuses on teaching principals, but it also helps us learn new exciting methods that improve traditional educational practices. One of those methods is drama-based instruction. This type of learning uses creativity and imagination to help young students learn new information. I also love that WSU has club and organizations that integrate education. You’re looking at the Educators Rising President. This organization has helped me build connections with students like me and impact my community by volunteering at local schools, which is something I want to do for the rest of my life. Thanks for listening, everyone. What’s next, Alex?
– Gabriela, the Jazz were looking for future champions. It’s easy to see why they banked on you. Your ability to relate with children from all walks of life letting them know they’re not alone is gonna have a positive effect on generations to come. Thanks, Gabriela.