Admissions

Why did you choose UNI?

I chose UNI because I decided to step out of my comfort zone. I could have easily went to a school in Texas but when I visited UNI for orientation, I thought why not take a chance. UNI is not too big or too small, it is the right size that makes you feel comfortable and wanted. I knew that UNI had all the elements that would help me gain experience in my major field. I also chose UNI because I had heard many testimonies from UNI Alumni, everyone that I had spoke with had so much passion for UNI.

What's the best thing about UNI?

UNI has a big support system and that's what makes it unique and the best. The faculty and staff are tremendous in helping their students. I know whenever I need assistance, I can always count on someone helping me with pride. Everyone I have encountered at UNI has made me want to succeed even more. Student Support Services are one of the best things about UNI because they assist students in academic success. All the different departments at UNI strive for student success and it shows when students step out and search by networking.

What surprised you the most about UNI?

What surprised me the most about UNI were all the various opportunities that were available to me for my enrichment and development as a college student. As a result of my growth and development, I have acquired both educational skills and invaluable experiences by working hard at academics and staying involved in extracurricular activities.

What kind of on-campus organizations/activities are you involved in? How does that involvement enrich your overall college experience?

I work as a STAR (Student Tele-counseling Admissions Representative). I was a team captain in Up ‘til Dawn for St. Jude's Children's Hospital fundraiser for children with cancer. I have been a member of the Hispanic Latino Student Union. I have filmed for UNI-TV, events on campus, and I recently had my first radio show on KULT 94.5. I have been on many committees such as the Latino Ball committee for advertising and the San Antonio committee for transfer students visiting UNI from community colleges in San Antonio. Also I have served on student panels such as orientation panels and for prospective San Antonio students. I was a pathfinder during Jump Start in Fall 2011. The involvement of all the activities/organizations enrich my overall college experience by gaining knowledge and also by being a team player. The involvement helps me to work with others just like I will be in my near future after attending UNI.

How has your academic experience been? Tell us about any great classes or professors that inspired or challenged you. Are you happy with your major choice?

My academic experience has been challenging. I transferred from a community college back in Texas, so I had to adapt to the University lifestyle of being a student. However, because of my adaptations such as studying harder, reading more, and communicating with my professors I now know what it takes to succeed at a University. I had a teacher my first semester here at UNI who challenged me with her exams because there was no such thing as a multiple choice test or anything where you knew what the answer could possibly be. I was lost because I didn't know how intense a test could be and how much studying I had to do for the main intro class of my major.

I am glad that I had effectively communicated with my teacher about getting help in the course. If I had not inquired I would have probably dropped the course without knowing that my teacher was willing to help me as long as I had put in the effort to study twice as hard and consult her when I didn't understand something. So thanks to Francesca Soans who always challenged me because I know the media field is very competitive and she was showing me not to give up.

Francesca has given me the courage to always do better. Also Ron Steele another professor I recently took has given me inspiration and motivation to reach my dreams. Ron demonstrated how important it was to know and understand material as well as the importance of not giving up and having the drive to work in the media field. I am happy with my major choice, the media field is always evolving and there are many different jobs to work for in electronic media.

What do you like best about your major?

I like that I'm able to learn about the different aspects of the media field through my major on campus. The Electronic Media Department has UNI-TV, KULT 94.5, Iowa public radio station, and equipment to gain the experience for the real world. My major allows me to gain majority of my experience on campus but they also require me to have a three hour internship or co-op credit which I'm able to gain a more professional background of the media industry with my field choice. Each teacher in the Electronic Media Department brings something different in their teachings and as a student I'm able to gain beneficial knowledge from each one of them.

At UNI, I am...

using my resources, networking, and helping others.

What's your favorite place on campus and why?

The library is my favorite place because I'm able to escape from any distractions and I am able to concentrate better in there. I make sure and take advantage of the hours when they open, close, and have extended late hours during finals week. The library is like my second home on campus!

What advice would you give high school students getting ready for college?

I would say that college has its ups and downs just like anything else in life. As a student you make your college experience for what it is. In order to succeed you have to manage your time, reach out for help, network, and put in the time and effort every step of the way. College is a learning process that you will learn a lot about your major but also about yourself. You will grow as an individual and reach your dreams.

Years from now, what will you remember most about UNI?

I will remember all the support that I had at UNI. I will remember the people who helped me to get to UNI from Texas, the people who helped me along my way, and the wonderful acquaintances I made. I will definitely remember everyone who helped me reach my dreams. I will always remember the Jump Start Program who helped me take my first steps at UNI. My Academic Learning Center Advisor who has helped guide me in the right direction. The experiences and memories that I had at UNI will definitely be something to remember.

Has the Financial Aid Office helped you with your college education? If so, in what ways?

The Office of Student Financial Aid has always helped me with my college education. Every time I need help they always provide me with answers to my questions. The Financial Aid Office helps me to understand any confusion I may have especially with loans. I know that majority of students always have the question, about how will I be able to afford my education? The student financial aid office is one of the most important aspects when a student decides to attend college and I can honestly say that the UNI Financial Aid Office has been wonderful. I would especially like to thank Juanita Wright and Elizabeth Minard because they have been a huge part of helping me with Financial Aid since day one.

What do you plan to do with your UNI education?

I first plan to graduate with my B.A. in Electronic Media. I'm considering going to graduate school for Student Affairs. I have a passion to want to help students especially because many people at UNI have helped me along my way as a transfer student. I first plan to work in radio and television broadcasting but ultimately I want to help students with their transitions into higher education. I want to follow in the footsteps of those who have led the way for me to reach my education and dreams.