Learning Outside the Classroom

Transcript

Let’s meet Madeline, a senior majoring in Environmental Science. Madeline says she loves UTSA because of the close-knit campus community and activities happening all around campus. In fact, she’s gonna tell us about an opportunity the university gave her to travel halfway around the world. I’m excited about this one. Madeline, please take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. So you’ve heard my fellow Roadrunners talk about the research and internships. That’s because UT a realizes the importance of learning through experiences. For me, that looked like interning abroad and sharing my time. Growing up, I didn’t do much traveling, but through UTSA’s Study Abroad program, I was able to travel to the other side of the world. UTSA offers study-abroad programs across the globe no matter what your major is. As college students, we are starting to develop an understanding of who we are, how we fit into the world, and what legacy we want to leave. I chose Thailand because as a environmental science major, Thailand represents a climate change frontier. This was my opportunity to apply what I was learning inside the classroom and help those who are most impacted by climate change. I worked at a non-profit doing amazing child rights advocacy work and even helped write a $20,000 grant to fund heart surgeries for patients in underserved communities. My time abroad solidified my career path in the non-profit realm. UTSA emphasizes learning outside the classroom. For me, that means taking advantage of every opportunity I get, no matter how outlandish. I’ve explored the business world through an internship with a local renewable energy startup. I co-founded an organization that has distributed over 2,500 trees to the San-ton community and I’ve camped in the New Mexico mountains and deserts while conducting research. UTSA is truly classroom to career. Seizing the experiential learning opportunities has made me a more around in student and professional. Getting to travel halfway around the world combined with the unique educational experience has made my time at UTSA really special. After my summer abroad, I intend on doing some more traveling and are more intent on ever than saving the world. Back to you, Alex.

– Madeline, your story is amazing. It’s great to know that UTSA is committed to preparing its students to be engaged global citizens. And good for you for taking that opportunity to expand your worldview and experience another culture firsthand. Thanks again for sharing.