Let’s talk to Sam, a junior accounting major from San Antonio, Texas. Making an impact within his community is essential to his TLU experience, and he has found a variety of service projects and volunteer opportunities that inspire the important work he does both on and off campus. Let’s hear it, Sam.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey y’all, I’m super excited to share with you TLU’s incredible opportunities to engage with our local community. My philosophy has always been, it’s far more rewarding to give than it is to receive. And as an accounting major here at TLU, I’m able to use what I’m learning in class about tax law to directly help those in our community. TLU is known for its VITA Volunteer Income Tax Clinic, where students from our Masters of Accountancy program are able to give free tax assistance to those in our community. Since VITA began on our campus, we’ve served hundreds of families in our community, most of them lower income and seniors, to make sure they get the biggest return possible. Making a difference for others is what we do here. If there’s something you’re passionate about, TLU will find a way for you to make an impact. Some of my friends and I were passionate about serving unhoused individuals in our city, and rather than just talk about it, we were able to do something about it. We founded TLU’S Habitat for Humanity Club, where we have organized countless builds. And we’ve been able to see what we’ve built become homes for families in our community. So whether I’m volunteering during our annual days of service or at a local assisted living facility, TLU has shown me that you don’t have to go across the ocean to change the world, you can simply go across the street. Giving back is not just something we do at TLU, it’s who we are. I get to live out TLU’s mission of learning boldly and living to inspire each time I get to serve others. So if you wanna be a part of something so much bigger than yourself, then TLU is the school for you. Alex, I’m giving it back to you.
– Thanks, Sam. You’re living the TLU mission to create bold leaders who pursue a more just world. Sam’s desire and ability to create action that makes our world a better place, is why TLU students say they learn boldly and live to inspire. Thanks, Sam.
Okay, let’s chat with Trinity, a junior communications studies major from Katy, Texas. She’ll tell us about how TLU students can truly do it all. When she’s not running track or leading the Black Student Union, Trinity has found many other campus activities that spark all her interests. Trinity, tell us more.
– Hey, what’s up Alex? Being active on campus and working with other students has changed my life. This type of engagement is just as beneficial as the experiences that I get from academic programs and athletics. I’m a senator in student government association and the president of TLU’S Black Student Union. As an SGA Senator, I help make decisions around all aspects of campus. My leadership role is important to me, as I was elected by my peers to advocate for them, from university policies to funding allocations. I am honored to represent my peers this way. I am also honored to be the president of TLU’S Black Student Union, or as we call it BSU. This organization helps create a safe space for students of color, and it’s an opportunity for anyone to learn the importance of diversity and inclusion. I’m definitely a theater kid at heart. As a communication studies major with a passion for the art of making movies, it’s comforting to know that I have an outlet to learn and create in an innovative program guided by industry standards. While I initially came to TLU to run track, I quickly realized that there were so many opportunities to be active on campus. I have the most supportive peers who offer me so many different perspectives, and I think that’s truly one of the greatest benefits of being a student that’s involved. TLU has given me the tools that I need to succeed in my future career and make my mark in this life. If you feel like you’re struggling to find a college that’s right for you, I recommend learning about how to get involved. That’s what I did, and I’m so glad that I chose TLU. What’s next, Alex?
– Thanks Trinity for sharing more about how involvement in student leadership are an important aspect of being a TLU Bulldog. I’m sure if there’s an event on campus, you are there. You never know what opportunity will arise from being part of student organizations and campus activities. Thank you so much.
Let’s hear from Linden, a double major in biochemistry and integrated science who also grew up in Seguin, Texas. Linden always thought she would have to go to a large public university to do undergraduate research. She was surprised to learn about TLU’S faculty led research opportunities and the amount of research she could do, even as a first year student. Tell us all about it, Linden.
– Howdy, Alex! Growing up in small town Seguin, I never expected to stay around for college. I always assumed I’d have to attend a large public university in order to perform meaningful research. Boy, was I wrong. The more I learned about TLU, the more I appreciated its unique combination of a close knit campus atmosphere and top level research opportunities. TLU offers one-on-one faculty research experiences for students of all majors. The university was recently awarded a five year National Science Foundation grant to support summer undergraduate research and educate the next generation of diverse scientists. I participated in this program the summer after my freshman year, and my experience confirmed my passion for research. Now I manage the TLU Synesthesia Research Lab where we use neuroimaging tools to measure brain activity. Synesthesia is a neurodiversity involving paired senses, and our lab is the first to use real-time imaging to better understand this condition. I’ve presented at international conferences, was named TLU’S first ever Goldwater scholar and to have represented TLU at the annual undergraduate research day at our state capital in Austin. My experience has validated the quality of my research and encouraged me to continue working towards a dual MD PhD program to become a physician scientist. The passionate skilled faculty members at TLU facilitate rare research opportunities for undergraduate students. TLU is a community of faith and learning where all belong. I’ve gained lifelong mentorship from faculty, completed groundbreaking research, and feel more than prepared to enter graduate school. At TLU, you’ll not only earn a degree, but you’re equipped with the tools you need to leave your mark on the world. Go dogs, and now it’s your turn, Alex.
– Thanks, Linden. Your passion for student research is quite impressive. Being able to do research with a professor as an undergraduate student is rare at most universities. You’ve proven you don’t have to attend a large university to get world-class research experience. That was fantastic!
Let’s head over to Dylan, a junior majoring in business from Katy, Texas. While baseball led him to TLU, the opportunities and challenges he’s had in his business classes have helped him realize the value of the student athlete experience. Dylan’s leadership on and off the field exemplifies what TLU students mean when they say, “Learn boldly and live to inspire.” Tell us more, Dylan.
– Thanks Alex. What’s up everybody? In high school, most of my friends were focused on the biggest public universities in Texas, not realizing how unique and incredible attending a smaller private university could be. I went to a huge 6A high school with more than 3,000 students, so the one-on-one guidance and personalized experience TLU has to offer is incredibly appealing. I was quick to figure out that smaller schools like TLU provided many opportunities bigger schools could never offer their students. While baseball and the program’s winning record originally attracted me to TLU, academics, community service and involvement are what inspired me to stay. Not only am I still playing baseball, but I’m also a leader within the community and I see the work we’re doing making an impact. I’m extremely happy with my college experience, and my success on the field has been just as amazing as my success in the classroom. TLU has provided me with several avenues to pursue the best version of myself. I’ve gained real world experience through managing a $1.5 million portfolio in Bulldog Investment Company and also in a newly created charitable foundation called Big Dog Endowment, where our student led board has given away $75,000 in the past year to fund relief efforts in Ukraine, Israel, and Florida. By taking advantage of just a few of the many great opportunities on campus, I’m now working as an equity research analyst for a wealth management firm as a junior, doing exactly what I want to do when I graduate. I’m excited to see what my future as in store, thanks to my time at TLU. Now back to you, Alex.
– Dylan, thank you for that glimpse into the TLU student athlete experience. The ability to participate in a sport, excel in class, and play a key role in managing a nonprofit foundation shows how you can truly do it all, right here at TLU. That was fantastic.