You Matter At SUU

Transcript

SUU is dedicated to keeping classes small, lowering tuition and fees for students, and making sure T-Birds are the number one priority. And our next student knows firsthand that students aren’t just a number here. Let’s meet up with nursing major Davi. And hear, her personalized experiences with faculty and staff right here at SUU. Davi, it’s all yours.

– Thanks Alex, hey everyone. Before moving to Cedar City, I had absolutely no connection to SUU or even Utah. And while I came in hopes to get into the nursing program, I stayed for so many other reasons. With the number one nursing program in the State of Utah, SUU has provided me with an opportunity to further my education away from home, but not too far away. From the moment that I first stepped on SUU’s campus, I knew there was something special here. As a first-generation student, I didn’t know what to expect coming to college. And if I was to say that I didn’t get a little homesick when I had first started, I’d be lying. SUU connected me with an ACE, which is a peer mentor from day one. They checked in on me, let me know about opportunities to get involved, and my ACE is a friend that I still have to this day. There’s a feeling of personal connection found throughout campus. Another example, on the very first day of my general chemistry class, my professor Elaine Vickers went over the syllabus and class expectations, which was typical. As she dove into the material. I remember her saying, “Chemistry is not just the study of matter. It’s the study of that matters. And I want you to know that you matter to me.” It was cheesy and kind, but it was easily the thing that got me through that semester. While her job was to teach us chemistry, she made it known that no matter what was going on her door was always open and she was there for us. And she’s not the only professor I’ve had who acts this way. I’ve had so many relatable professors, funny, and compassionate too and each have helped me to feel like I’m where I belong at SUU. The faculty and staff have truly shown me they care about my success even beyond the classroom. As a student, it’s easy to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself or think that no one cares. But at SUU there’s always someone that cares. Always someone with their door open, and always someone ready to listen. I feel better prepared for my career as a healthcare professional because of the supportive staff and opportunities I’ve been given as a student here. At SUU, there is a personalized student-first approach from professors to staff, to other students. SUU is truly dedicated to the students as they help each to succeed in their academic and career endeavors, while also presenting each with opportunities to get involved and have the college experience they’ve always dreamed of. In all my time here, I’ve never felt like just another student. I’m always made to feel like I matter and that I have a voice at SUU. Back to you Alex.

– Thank you so much, Davi. It’s definitely obvious that this is such a caring campus. It’s great to be a T-Bird. We appreciate that, take care Davi.