Hometown: San Jose, CA
Major: Criminal Justice

Why did you choose UNLV?

I've been coming back to Vegas twice a year with my parents ever since I was a child during vacation. I've always been familiar with Vegas, but every time I came back, there was always something new to explore or watch, which always grabbed my attention. Besides Vegas in general, UNLV is an amazing research school that has a great Criminal Justice program and offers support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders like myself.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Opportunity. Take advantage of the opportunity we have to offer! Whether it’s in academics or involvements, I believe that any UNLV student can always find something to be a part of. Out of our 400+ student-led clubs and organizations and 300+ majors, you’ll always find a place at UNLV because Rebels Make It Happen.
 

How are you enhancing your college experience?

Vegas is a city that is constantly growing in diversity and performance. I always find somewhere new to eat or something new to watch live, there's never nothing to do. The hospitality and performing arts life in Vegas is something you just have to experience yourself. 

Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Major: Jazz and Commercial Music

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because I found affordable tuition partnered with an excellent music program in a place where I can take music from education to profession.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

It will be chaotic, and it is like that for anyone. Just keep adapting.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I work in Lied Library, specifically in the Oral History Department, and it has been an amazing opportunity to interview people and hear their stories.

High School: Del Sol Academy
Major: Entrepreneurship

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because it was close to home, and I knew I could save some money, and I knew it would bring me more opportunities to have my own business. I know that they have a great study abroad program, which I’ve always wanted to do since my freshman year of high school.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

It’s OK to try new things even if you’re a little skeptical because you may end up liking it. Get your work done ahead of time so you will not be stress.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I am actually a part of a sorority called Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. It is a multicultural Greek Sorority, and it has taught me so far the importance of unity and sisterhood and helping me stay on track with my grades.

High School: Academy of Careers & Exploration
Hometown: Adelanto, CA
Major: International Business, minor in Spanish

Why did you choose UNLV?

I've felt a connection to Las Vegas long before I decided to go to college here. Between the many vacations, birthdays, and my brother's wedding, my family has made a lot of great memories in this town. Growing up, I always said I wanted to live here, but when it came time to choose an affordable college with plenty of career opportunities, that childhood dream became a reality.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

There's a lot of free or cheap entertainment on campus that you may not think of! Consider following the sports schedule, the Barrick Museum exhibits, and the Fine Arts calendar. You might get the chance to win some swag, meet some artists and celebrities, and have some great experiences on a college budget. Start a challenge with your friends to see who can collect the most performing arts or sports admission tickets!

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I currently work as an Orientation Leader and a Rebel Recruiter for the Office of Admissions. I also work as a Resident Assistant in the Dayton Complex. Before COVID, I worked for the UNLV Faculty Center. I've also been busy with student organizations! I'm currently involved in the National Residence Hall Honorary, the 1st Generation Club, and the Honors Knitting/Crochet Club.

High School: Valley High School
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Major: Accounting

Why did you choose UNLV?

I choose UNLV for the amazing business programs that it has. Let's go, Lee Business!

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

"There is no reason to believe that there will be no development or changes in the future." -Arie Selinger

How are you enhancing your college experience?

Currently, I am the Vice President of Recruiting at IBA and a member of IMA.

High School: Las Vegas Academy
Major: Vocal Performance

Why did you choose UNLV?

Choosing to go to UNLV was a decision that made the most sense to me in my senior year of high school. As a Vocal Performance major, I needed to study with a voice teacher that was the right fit for me, so I decided to continue with the voice teacher I had started with in high school! Because of this decision, I continue to receive the training I need and get the opportunities that only UNLV offers!

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

It's okay to struggle! College is not easy through and through. That's why we have resources for students to look to in times of need. If you ever feel like you are having difficulty, ask for help!

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I am enhancing my college experience by being involved through my job as Vice President & National Communications Coordinator in the Residence Hall Association. I also attend Group Fitness Classes at the SRWC and take advantage of the programs and events they put on! Outside of UNLV, I participate in the Choral Scholars Program at one of the UNLV Choral Director's churches.

High School: Etiwanda High School
Hometown: Fontana, CA
Major: Journalism and Media Studies

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because it’s right in the heart of Fabulous Las Vegas! There's an endless amount of opportunities for everyone in such a lively city.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Enjoy your time in college! This is a vital time in your life for exploration and finding yourself. Work hard and don't pass up any opportunities.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I'm enhancing my college experience by involving myself with student organizations such as the Black Student Organization and African Student Association. Both of these clubs have connected me with many people/new friends that I wouldn't have met without joining.

High School: Littleton High School
Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
Major: Hospitality Management

Why did you choose UNLV?

UNLV has the best hospitality program in the country, and because that is my major, I want to get the best education I can. I also wanted to go out of state, but still a little close to home!

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

If you don't go after what you want, then you'll never get it. And if you never take a step forward, then you'll always be stuck in the same place. Never forget why you are here.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I have gotten myself into every possible extracurricular leadership opportunity I could while being here at UNLV. I am currently the Dayton Complex President, which also means I am involved in RHA. I am serving as a CSUN intern, currently serving on the Dean Advisory Board for the Hospitality College, and am a member of UNLV DECA and UNLV WOCC, as well as being an Orientation Leader!

High School: Coronado High School
Hometown: Henderson, NV
Major: Psychology

Why did you choose UNLV?

I have lived in Las Vegas for the majority of my life and have loved every second! UNLV is one of the most diverse schools in the nation and is a Tier 1 Research University. There are so many opportunities available here. I cannot imagine going anywhere else!

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Come in with an open mind and an open heart! College can be an exciting and scary time where you will be exposed to new people, ideas, and perspectives. Learn to embrace this and be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Join that RSO, try out for that leadership position, whatever it may be, go for it and trust that you are at the right place.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I am a part of the UNLV CSUN Student Government. I work to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus and ensure that the student body feels heard. I am able to help create positive change on our campus so that all students can feel comfortable at UNLV. I am also a part of AED, a pre-health honor society for students interested in medicine!

Hometown: Tracy, California
Major: Pre-Nursing

Why did you choose UNLV?

I am from a small town and absolutely fell in love with the liveliness of Las Vegas. The school is extremely diverse, which is very important to me. UNLV also has an amazing campus with a clear view of The Strip.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Make sure to use all of the resources! If you work with your professors, create study groups, attend tutoring sessions, and simply reach out for help, you can be successful in any course.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I have gotten involved by going to school events, especially sports games where I have made some of my favorite college memories. In my second year, I began working on campus with the Office of Admissions to have a role at UNLV besides being a student.

High School: Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Major: Criminal Justice

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because I wanted to go straight into a university for my college experience and be able to experience everything UNLV offers.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Do not procrastinate your work. Try making goals for completing your work by a certain day before the due date, and you will never miss anything.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I have recently started looking into fraternities, and I'm currently set on joining Raza Unida, which is an interest group for Gamma Zeta Alpha.

High School: Basic Academy of International Studies
Hometown: Henderson, NV
Major: Political Science

Why did you choose UNLV?

I wanted to go to a college where I was as close to my family as possible and still have that full college experience. UNLV provided both of these, so choosing UNLV as the university to pursue my college degree was an easy decision.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Stress is not a way of life. Enjoy your experience, and take time to breathe if you ever need it!

How are you enhancing your college experience?

Instead of going to class then going home, I am giving myself time to go to different club meetings, workshops, and much more. Having a job on campus has really encouraged me to meet new people everywhere I go. Whenever I receive different emails about exciting events on campus, I make it my mission to go and have a good time. There are so many things to do on campus, and going home right after class is not an option. :)

High School: Highland High School
Hometown: Palmdale, CA
Major: Theatre Arts and Film

Why did you choose UNLV?

As a Nevada resident for over five years, it was the most logical and affordable choice. What I did not know was that it would be one of the most enriching choices I have ever made! Every day I learn something new about UNLV and am blown away by its diversity and commitment to its community.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Every "setback" is a springboard for you to leap forward even further than if you had none at all. You can do this (and reach out to anyone when you feel like you can't)!

How are you enhancing your college experience?

During these crazy times, I am enhancing my college experience by participating in virtual meetings held by various groups (including Film @ UNLV) and also participating in the Phi Beta Professional Arts Fraternity Interest Group as Vice President. We're hoping to have an official chapter soon!

High School: East Career and Technical Academy
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Major: Secondary Education - Math

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because it offered me the ability to stay close to home and still have a college life. The fact that UNLV is such a big campus with students all around the world, and Las Vegas, has also allowed me to meet people who share several acquaintances with and had no clue!

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Have fun responsibly! Do not miss out on once in a lifetime events because you are worried about school. Find a balance between your social life and school life!

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I have attended various UNLV events such as UNLV Premier and the involvement fair, however, I found a program I was interested in at the College of Education called NITEP for teachers in training!

High School: Forest Trail Academy
Hometown: Orlando, FL. I also lived in Saudi Arabia for 8 years before moving back for college!
Major: Secondary Education – English, minor in Creative Writing

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV not only to be close to my family but because of our school's emphasis on diversity, inclusiveness, and its proactive involvement with the community.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Keep your goals in mind no matter what, and remember why you decided to go on this incredible journey to further your education. Think of it like a lake you have to cross, and college is the stepping stone path across it; sometimes, a stone may seem a little slippery, but keep looking to the end of the lake, your goal, and that will give you the strength to jump to the next one.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I like getting involved with the great opportunities UNLV offers for volunteering with students, especially through Rebel Educators, such as Nevada Reading Week and the CCSD's Mentoring Messages program.

High School: Northwest Career & Technical Academy
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because it's close to home and offered all the educational opportunities and extracurricular activities that I was looking for in a university.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Learn how to balance all the aspects of your life - especially taking care of your physical and mental health. :)

How are you enhancing your college experience?

A way that I'm enhancing my college experience is by getting involved with RSO's. I serve on the board of the Filipinx American Student Association and am involved with other RSO's as a general member. It has made my college experience so much more fun and has allowed me to get involved with opportunities that I would never have been offered if I didn't start with my RSO involvement.

High School: Las Vegas Academy of the Arts
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Major: Biological Sciences, minors in Neuroscience and Addictions Prevention

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because I could really see myself growing and thriving with all the wonderful opportunities UNLV offers! With Las Vegas being such an always improving and evolving type of city, I knew that going to UNLV would help me further establish who I am and who I can be to the Las Vegas community.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

This is all a journey!! So take things one step at a time because you can do this :)! With that being said, some pieces of wisdom I'd drop are:

• Be present and show up! Commit yourself to your classes! Even if you're not vibing with something academically, you can still definitely get something out of a class.
• You can't pour from an empty cup. Self-care is oh so important! If you are feeling unmotivated or burnt out from a class, take a bit of time to step back from the material, it'll still be there after a break!

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I am enhancing my college experience by getting involved with some of the several student organizations! I am involved with UNLV's Creative Arts Journal: Beyond Thought, the American Medical Women's Association, UNLV Buddies, Hearts for the Homeless, and an internship with CSUN! I am also a prospective volunteer for UNLV's Community Clinic! I am really grateful for all these organizations. They have given me so many amazing opportunities to grow as an individual, serve the community, and make meaningful connections and experiences!

Hometown: Gilroy, CA
Major: Public Health

Why did you choose UNLV?

I've always wanted to get out. I knew that UNLV had great opportunities, and I wanted to take every advantage of them.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Do your best to take advantage of every moment and opportunity. Don't be scared to ask for help!

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I am involved in Hope Church.

High School: Las Vegas Academy of the Arts Las Vegas, NV
Hometown: Renton, Washington
Major: Psychology

Why did you choose UNLV?

As a local, I originally wanted to venture out to new places, but UNLV offered me the opportunity to explore the community I was already in from a new and deeper perspective. UNLV has allowed me to seek new levels of growth in my life and form connections with so many wonderful people, and I can't be more excited to continue on this journey!

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

Be willing to accept uncertainty and be curious! College means change, and a lot of new things will be headed your way, but don't let that intimidate you. Learning to keep an open mind and seek out unfamiliar passions will allow you to push yourself to reach your greatest potential. There may be a lot of surprises along the way, but embrace your path because you may never know just where it might lead to.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I am involved in LEAD Team, which is a part of UNLV's Service Learning and Leadership organization as well as Beyond Thought Creative Arts Journal. By fostering challenging yet uplifting work environments, both have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone in order to pursue my passions and enhance my leadership skills. I am able to strive for positive change within my community by sparking important conversations in topics related to leadership and the arts.

High School: Waipahu High School
Hometown: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Major: Comprehensive Medical Imaging - Radiography

Why did you choose UNLV?

I chose UNLV because the moment I stepped on campus, I felt like I had found my second home. Also, they provide great opportunities and programs. It is also the best fit for my major. And, there are a lot of things to do around campus.

What words of wisdom would you share with new students?

I would say have fun in your freshman year. College is way different than high school. But do not neglect your studies.

How are you enhancing your college experience?

I have been a member of great organizations such as STARS, and I also work on campus. I highly suggest working on campus because they are really willing to work on your schedule.