UNLV first caught Jeremy Batu’s attention when he realized he could have the best of both worlds— living the true college experience with friends while staying close to family. Flash forward to his senior year and Batu is glad to say was able to do just that.
Between finding the perfect clubs, embarking on research opportunities, and of course, staying close to family, he’ll soon graduate with a biology degree and some amazing memories under his belt.
Why did you choose UNLV?
I chose UNLV because of the opportunities being provided that I cannot get from anywhere else. The clubs being offered are fantastic; there really is a club for everyone's niche. Also, the research opportunities are incredible which makes me enthusiastic to contribute to UNLV in a scientific manner.
How have you benefited from the Las Vegas location?
UNLV has provided me with a multitude of opportunities to serve for the community, become a research scholar, and challenge myself academically. The UNLV emails being sent out through my Rebelmail has allowed me to branch out to different clubs and organizations which have helped me develop professional relationships with faculty. The Honors College has also challenged me to think critically in Freshman year to help me throughout my future classes.
Have you been mentored and/or inspired by a faculty member? Who were they and how did they make an impact?
Yes, I was inspired by Sofie Burton, my College of Sciences Academic Advisor. I meet with Ms. Burton every semester to discuss my college courses alongside any opportunities that arise. Every time I meet with her, she encourages me to keep doing my best. She also emails me any opportunities that come up; I have accepted every single opportunity. She has inspired me to keep up my academics and to help others in need.
What is your favorite memory or experience at UNLV?
My favorite memory at UNLV is my first day of freshman year. I remember walking through the quad from the gym to the library and seeing all of the other college students just like me. The clubs on the sides were so welcoming; they answered any questions that I had. From that memory alone, I knew that UNLV is where I belong.
What is the number one reason a future student should consider UNLV?
The number one reason a future student should consider UNLV is the diverse community. The community has a variety of people from different backgrounds that come together to form unforgettable bonds. There is always someone out there that would like to be your friend and/or welcome you to their friends. The relationships that can be formed just from saying hello to a person is extraordinary.
What student organizations, activities, or resources have you been involved with outside the classroom?
I have been involved in Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) which is a pre-health honor society that helps the communities around Las Vegas through medical needs. AED provides its members with resources such as medical presentations, MCAT study preparation, and medical speakers. I am the chair of the Pre-Pharmacy Committee in AED; I provide members with volunteer events related to vaccines and pharmacy drives. I am also involved in BetterU which is a mental health club that works with the Calm Clinic (a holistic care clinic). I am the recruitment coordinator; I talk with other clubs, talk at New Student Orientations, and the Pre-Professional Advising Center to spread our club around. I am also a part of a research lab that focuses on studying Tenrecs (a mammal from Madagascar). I am finishing up my research on their heart rates, and I hopefully to present my research at a research symposium.
What else should we know?
Before starting college, I was a true introvert at heart and was afraid of the people that I would meet. After getting accustomed to the culture and community in UNLV, I was able to become more outgoing and make new friends and relationships with professors and faculty. UNLV has helped me come out of my shell to pursue my professional dreams while having fun on the way.
