Student Life

Transcript

Alright folks, next we’re gonna head over to meet Gabby. She’s a senior studying choral music education. And she’s going to tell us all about Baylor student life outside of the classroom. Okay Gabby, it’s all yours!

Thanks, Alex! Hi Everyone. I want you to know that student life at Baylor is unmatched! With over 350 student organizations at Baylor, there is something for everybody. Now I know that sounds overwhelming, but that’s why we have this awesome event called Late Night where every club, organization, and team is showcased so students can learn about them. Personally, I am in the Baylor chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, Baylor A Cappella Choir, the Pi Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Baylor VirtuOSO — Baylor’s premier, pop/jazz A Cappella group. I especially love the creativity I get to explore with Virtuoso because, as students, we arrange and compose most of our numbers. Many of the organizations I’ve joined fuel my love of performing, and I’ve made lifelong friends within these groups. At Baylor, we also have Greek Life! About 30% of our students are in a sorority or fraternity, and there are 40 international, national, and local Greek organizations, including the Panhellenic and National Panhellenic Council. Now it’s important to note that Baylor does Greek life a little different. Freshmen don’t rush until Spring semester, giving students the opportunity to experience college life for a semester, make friends, and really get to know which organization might suit them best. Our Greek organizations also throw fun events for the whole university to enjoy such as Kappa Karnival and Delta Night Live. Every sorority, fraternity, and any other organizations who want to enter can participate in one of my favorite events — All University Sing, the largest off Broadway-style musical production you’ll ever see! Service to our community is also a part of student life. As Baylor Bears, we know it’s important to be good neighbors to our fellow Wacoans. Students interested in serving the Waco community can participate in Steppin’ Out – an event that happens twice a year where thousands of Baylor students collectively engage in community service throughout the day. This event allows Bears to give back to our neighbors who support Baylor in countless ways. Something that is very important to me is diversity and, here at Baylor, it is taken seriously. We have students at Baylor from all 50 US states and more than 90 countries. My favorite event on campus is Mosaic Mixer put on by our department of Multicultural Affairs, where all the cultural and ethnic sororities, fraternities, clubs, and organizations gather for one event. There is a showcase full of stepping, dancing, and singing from people of all different cultures and backgrounds. Speaking of which, Baylor has a residence hall dedicated solely to promoting diversity. It’s part of a group of living learning communities that are formed around similar interests or majors. The Baylor and Beyond Living Learning Center is housed in North Russell Hall, and students from very diverse backgrounds do life together. If you want to try a different country’s food every night and meet people of all different backgrounds, North Russell is the place for you. The campus hosts all kinds of activities throughout the year. You can attend events and lectures, musical performances, theater productions, art shows, outdoor festivals and can enjoy celebrations from a variety of other cultures – like Lunar New Year, Festival Latino, Gateway to India, Holi Festival and Kente Ceremony. There is something for everyone here at Baylor and everyone belongs, no matter what. Find your place here at Baylor, find your home! What’s up next, Alex?

Gabby….thank you! That was fantastic. Baylor really does have so many ways for students with all kinds of interests to get involved. Your story about finding your place at Baylor with your Virtuoso friends was phenomenal. What a cool experience! Thanks again, Gabby.