“Being away from home in the Las Vegas atmosphere has allowed me to find myself within my own college experiences.” This is how hospitality sophomore Makayla Franklin explains the impact of her college decision. 

Between attending the No. 1 ranked hospitality management program in the U.S., joining a plethora of outstanding clubs, and finding her best friends -- Makayla Franklin has quickly learned that UNLV is where she belongs. 

Why did you choose UNLV? 

I choose to attend UNLV because it offers the best Hospitality Program in the country. With the desire to have a career within that industry, I figured why not go to the place that is number one for my major! UNLV is also located in a warm climate, and I absolutely love the warm weather Nevada has to offer. 

Get to know Makayla!

What are you up to when you’re not on campus? Hanging out with friends or having my own dance parties 

What was your “almost major”? Secondary education

Dream company to work with? Disney

Go-to coffee shop order? Iced coffee with heavy cream, two pumps of vanilla, and two pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup

Proudest atypical accomplishment? I have raised chickens as pets

Best part about being in Las Vegas for college?

Nevada is a close enough out-of-state option, where I feel like I have freedom away from home, but home is a short plane ride or drive away. I also am not a fan of the cold, so with UNLV being in the desert, this was the ultimate option for me! 

The Las Vegas atmosphere has allowed me to find myself within my own college experiences. I have been able to create my own academic and extracurricular path, which fits me and my needs/wants. Also being in Las Vegas, I have access to many job and internship opportunities along the strip which fit into my major. Being in Las Vegas and being next door to the strip, the ability and the access I have to help forward my career path is exceptional. 

Have you been mentored and/or inspired by a faculty member? Who were they and how did they make an impact?

While being at UNLV, one faculty member who has inspired me is my Residence Hall Association advisor Joshanna Holyfield. Joshanna has taught me that it is crucial I should stand up and speak up when I have something to say. She has taught me the benefits of advocating for myself. She does nothing but stand behind me in support of the things that I need to ensure I am successful in the things I do. She is the glue that holds together the RHA Executive Board. She not only advocates for the executive board but also advocates for all of the students who live in the residence halls. She is an advisor everyone looks up to, and a positive leader everyone is willing to follow. 

Number one reason a future student should consider UNLV?

If you want a place where you can feel like yourself and be welcomed into a big community that treats you like family, UNLV is the place for you. The community and atmosphere at UNLV is something no one can replicate. Once I stepped onto campus, I felt at home and the people within the UNLV community always remind me of the reasons why I belonged at UNLV. 

What student organizations, activities, or resources have you been involved with outside the classroom? 

I am currently involved in the Residence Hall Association. Last year I served as the Dayton Complex President and I currently serve as the vice president and national communications coordinator for RHA. I am currently an Orientation Leader. I serve on the Dean Advisory Board for the Hospitality College. I am a mentee in the Navigators Mentorship Program in SDSJ. I am also a current intern at CSUN (student government), with hopes to get more involved as an officer. I am a member of the Women of Color Coalition and DECA as well. 

Advice for fellow Rebels? 

Many people will tell you that you will find your best friends when you go to college. To be completely honest, at first, I didn't believe them. After making the friends I made in my first year, I must say I have found the people that I want to be around for the rest of my life or college journey at least. The people and the connections I have made while being at UNLV for only one year are unmatchable. The friends I have made at UNLV have created an environment that I like to call my home away from home and I wouldn’t ask for it any other way.