The first week of classes brings a fresh start for incoming and returning Rebels alike. As students adjust to new schedules, meet classmates, and settle into campus life, many are already looking ahead to what they hope to accomplish by the end of the school year.

For some, that means earning a 4.0. For others, it’s all about taking another step toward a future career. But, the first week is also about making friends, creating memories, and pausing to appreciate where they are, what they’re working toward, and the opportunities ahead.

Photos by Josh Hawkins

Scoring a Goal for Their Careers 

Fatima Navarro and Bernadit Houchan say that this semester they will work toward their goals while becoming the people they hope to be by the end of the year.

“I’m looking to develop my career skills more,” admits Navarro, a second-year journalism, sports media, and broadcast major, who has already been building up her broadcast credentials as a news anchor with The Rebel Report. 

In addition to her academic hopes — “I really want to get a 4.0 semester” — Navarro is looking forward to making new friends and creating even more memories in her second year at UNLV.

Likewise, Houchan is setting the bar high with the aspirations of earning straight A's. A third-year psychology major, she’s on the pre-med track.

“I really want to go into the medical field,” Houchan says. “I’m a medical assistant already and soon to be an x-ray technician, so I’m getting there.”

Both women have a few ideas for how their May 2027 selves can “lock in” this year. “I think [future me] would want the current me to remember to work hard, that there’s always a rainbow after the storm, and to trust the process; everything happens for a reason,” Navarro muses. So she's telling herself, “You’ll get to where you need to be when you need to.”

Houchan reminds her future self to appreciate the good things life can bring. “Studying is an opportunity,” she says. “Not everyone has it, so be grateful for it, and that you made it through another year.”

Kind of Chic to Be a Hospitality Student

Maekayela Galan, Kaylee Chamberlain, and Zoey Anguiano say this fall brings a renewed focus on academics.

Galan, a hospitality management major, will graduate in May. As she enters her last year at UNLV, she’s already thinking about what she wants to take with her from the whole experience.

“I really want to hold onto the friendships I’ve made throughout the last three years I’ve been here. Live more in the moment without worrying about the stressors. I want to enjoy life to the fullest,” she says.

Chamberlain, a third-year hospitality major, says the year ahead is an opportunity to become more intentional about her academics and responsibilities.

“I’m going to start using the library more, join group study sessions, and really focus on my classes,” she says.

Angiaono, a third-year hospitality management major, looks forward to a hospitality administration course where she’ll learn about the operations of the Formula 1 Grand Prix and work at the race when the event returns to Las Vegas in November for its third year. 

As the semester gets underway, she also wants to hold onto the exhilarating feeling that accompanies a new beginning. “From today, I want to remember the excitement of the first few days of school, getting back into the groove, and not losing that excitement for everything,” Angiaono says.

A Schematic for the Semester  

Finishing this chapter is the main focus for transfer student Joshua Hernandez. Coming back home to Las Vegas from Oregon, Hernandez is approaching his first semester at UNLV with an intentional mindset. “I’m completely just focused on my school. No distractions.” 

With plans to graduate with a degree in architecture, he is hoping to keep this outlook during his time as a Rebel.  

“I’m almost done. I want to make myself proud and make my family proud.”

We’ve Heard It Before and We’ll Hear It Again: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone 

What’s the one piece of advice everyone gives to new students?

Jeshua Lopez has gotten the message loud and clear, and she’s ready to get out of her comfort zone. 

“Because you never know what's on the other side, you know? Like, when I get out of my comfort zone, something good always happens. It's definitely a struggle,” she says about pushing herself, “but that's what I want to do. I'm looking forward to expanding myself, networking, and building some communication skills.”

We could all use a bit of Lopez’s enthusiasm as the semester gets underway.