From the moment they step onto campus students are on the move. They’re in classes, at football games, and joining student organizations. They're exploring new skills and staying on top of that homework.
Through all the moments that make up a busy semester, students are also meeting new people and making connections. In their own words, here’s how these Rebels found friendship and community on campus.
Camille McDuff-Jones, Electrical Engineering
Camille McDuff-Jones chose UNLV when she saw the diversity of students and programs. She’s made close friendships in her first semester at UNLV and hopes to continue fostering connections by joining student organizations.
“I feel kind of spoiled being an engineering student. I’m glad to be in a happy environment and not a competitive one because I feel like working together will make it a lot smoother for all of us. I'm very grateful for the people in engineering that I could connect with and be friends with. I like that I have a kind of big family here.”
Molly Kiefer, Commercial and Jazz Studies and Vocal Composition
If you thought a university located in Las Vegas would have a vibrant campus life, you’d be absolutely right. Molly Kiefer certainly thinks so. From drag bingo to Rebels games and everything in between, campus events are the perfect place to get together with friends, like Ava Chanel Andretta, and make new ones.
“I could not imagine myself anywhere else. With the football games and all the sporting events, I'm at every single one. They’re so fun. No matter what, there’s a community for everyone. No matter who you are, no matter what you do. I found a community in my major, but also outside my major. One of my friends is an architect. One is in computer programming, others are in hospitality. We're all in different fields. We all have found each other, and now we're all hanging out no matter what.”
Billy Sigilai, Computer Science
Billy Sigilai, an international student from Kenya, came to campus worried that he may not make any friends. By getting involved in first-year experience events and the International Student Organization (ISO), he found a community ready to welcome him in.
“I took part in workshops, social gatherings, and cultural exchanges through ISO, which not only helped me feel more at home but also provided me with a forum to introduce people to Kenya's rich cultural legacy. I was able to create lasting friendships and deep connections with students from all over the world by participating in ISO.”
Luke Naser, Hospitality
Friends can be the best part of the college experience, but finding that one friend you can lean on for the rest of your life makes it even better. Since meeting in their first hospitality class, Luke Naser and Makana Jamora have been inseparable, hoping to one day open their own restaurants and collaborate on future endeavors.
“This is my guy right here. We met in our first hospitality class and ever since then, we've been pretty good friends. He's always willing to help and he's always a good, genuinely nice guy. So I appreciate that. If I ever need a chef, or he ever needs someone to work at his restaurant, I'm winning.”
