Interested in becoming a 2019-2020 Hixson-Lied Success Scholar?
Please visit this
website
for more information!
|
|
UNLV'S GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT YET!
By Brianna Hermann, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
|
|
“Different, Daring, Diverse” – UNLV is even more innovative than ever. UNLV has now attained “the gold standard” for university research classifications throughout the nation. Out of over 4,000 different colleges and universities throughout America, UNLV is now 1 of 131 carefully selected institutions to achieve a Carnegie R1 status. A Research 1 designation means UNLV has reached the highest standing rank a university can achieve in terms of research. Other universities to achieve this elite honor include Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Dartmouth, Princeton, and Stanford.
This status is granted through the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, an organization that has been conducting and granting this honor for over 40 years.
The classifications for obtaining this honor are outlined by the National Center for Education Statistics and the National Science Foundation (NSF). One of the primary focuses of this data is the university’s number of doctoral degrees granted as well as research expenditures. In 2013, UNLV granted 124 research doctoral degrees; just last year, they awarded 162. Since an R1 status is the highest research activity status a university can obtain, all of the 120 selected universities are all considered “doctoral universities.”
UNLV, home to over 30,000 Rebels and 3,500 faculty members, obtaining an R1 status added validation of commitment for many faculty members and students who attend this university. It has also shown progress in UNLV’s next accreditation plan to achieve its status as a Top Tier university by 2025. Here at UNLV, students are highly encouraged to get involved in research in order to maintain this competitive status and honor. Some of UNLV’s current and most popular research opportunities range from the usage of solar power and solar cells to generate more efficient energy sources for our city, to research on placental consumption, or radiochemistry. For more information about ongoing undergraduate and graduate research opportunities available to UNLV students, please visit their
website
.
|
|
"EIFFEL" IN LOVE WITH FRANCE
By Martha Amaya, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
|
|
France is home to the city of love, city of lights, and the pink city. It always seemed like a faraway dream to me, like a land out of a fairytale. I certainly never imagined I would be able to visit, much less study there; finances always assured me I would not, along with the nagging anxiety of being in another country. Nevertheless, I found myself in Charles de Gaulle Airport on the afternoon of Thursday, August 29th. I was shocked, to say the least, considering I had departed two days earlier, on a Tuesday night. Where had Wednesday gone? Once I got over the initial panic, however, I realized I was living my dreams and I needed to relax, eat crepes, and put on a beret. So how did I end up in France?
I will start at the beginning. One of my biggest concerns, going into study abroad, was my ability to pay for my studies. As a Hixson-Lied Scholar, I am classified as a low-income student; a student who faced a financial roadblock. Europe always tops the list in terms of expenses, and France is a popular, pricey destination. Additionally, while most UNLV scholarships applied towards my study abroad, a few would not be applicable. I turned to other funding sources instead. The incredible Liz Arias, the study abroad advisor, recommended two well-known funding sources to me: the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant and the U.S. Department of State’s Gilman Scholarship. The grant helped me immensely and eased my concerns. I highly recommend that any students considering study abroad look into the Phi Kappa Phi grant! I was even more shocked to hear that I had been chosen as a State Department Gilman Scholar. I received additional support from the Office of International Programs at UNLV, which also offers scholarships for studying abroad.
Finally, it was time for me to leave for France! I studied with USAC, the University Studies Abroad Consortium, which UNLV is a part of. It makes transferring credits back simple and is widely regarded as the best study abroad provider. I chose the small city of Pau, to the south of France, but before arriving there, I took an optional Paris tour. Those of us in the tour arrived four days before everyone else on a special group flight. Our journey began in the city of love, where we were picked up at the airport after our long flight over the Atlantic Ocean. Paris was a hit. USAC took us to all the famous sights: up the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and we even got a boat ride in the River Seine! At the end of our trip throughout Paris, it was finally time for us to arrive in Pau. For those of us staying with host families, it was even more daunting: we would be meeting the family we would be living with, and this could make or break our entire experience.
I was initially hesitant about living with a French grandma in her early 70’s, but lo and behold, I firmly believe I got the best host parent any girl could ever wish for! She greeted me with hugs and the French
bisous
- a traditional French greeting consisting of kisses on both cheeks. My host mom then treated me to a French pizza, complete with a cheese-stuffed croissant crust. She only spoke French, which was a blessing in disguise. I was
forced
to speak French, and my language abilities increased exponentially compared to those students who chose to stay in the dorms. I was so sad to leave her, and we still remain in contact, emailing weekly.
|
|
As for the classes, the intensive language program far exceeded my expectations. We took twenty hours of French language a week, in small groups with students of different nationalities. In my group, there were students from Korea, Argentina, Greece, Colombia, Canada, Peru, Australia, and China. They did not all speak English, nor did I speak their native tongues; we were thus required to speak in French if we had any hopes of communicating. The professor did not speak English either. If we had a question, we needed to ask it in French. It was challenging, but also incredibly rewarding: even successfully posing a question was something to be proud of! Our class bonded remarkably well, and we took field trips. The French students thought we were incredibly cool and exotic when we were really just a bunch of dorks trying to learn how to navigate French slang.
My time in France has changed me for the better, and I’ve learned that I’m capable of navigating my way even when I do not speak a language properly. It has taught me to pay close attention to others and to be aware of cultural differences. Most of all, it has taught me to value my home as well, and to appreciate UNLV. I was homesick for France upon returning, but excited to reunite with my fellow Hixson-Lied Success Scholars. I was ready to tell them and everyone else about all my adventures!
|
|
ワクワクな JAPAN: EXCITING JAPAN
By Danika Manguiat, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
|
|
Since getting back from studying abroad in Hyogo, Japan, I find myself getting asked the same questions. “How was the weather there?” (very cold and humid), “What was your favorite food you ate?” (tonkatsu, I am a very simple person), and lastly, “How was your trip?” While these questions are to be expected, they always leave me with the same conundrum, rendering me speechless. That is, how do I describe such an eventful four-month experience and just wrap it up as something as simple as a “trip?” It has been a little over two weeks since I have returned, and yet as quickly as it came, it feels like nothing more than a dream. Yet, every time I think back on my experience, a quote from Netflix’s
Anne with an E
comes to mind:
“I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears of sensations and excitements awaited those who had the courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.”
When I first made the decision to study abroad, I never actually thought I would be able to do it. The idea of being in a new country and traveling out of the country alone for the first time, was frightening. Yet somehow, against all odds, I went out into the world’s expanse and enjoyed every moment of it. Despite all this, the experience was unforgettable. Being abroad, I was able to step out of my own “familiar” life; I could step out of my comfort zone to venture into the unknown. Just in the semester I was there, I was able to visit many different locations: Tokyo, Nara, Nagoya, Kobe, Osaka, and the list goes on. However, my absolute favorite part about studying abroad was meeting new people.
It was interesting to think about people from all over the world, all choosing to study in Japan and how, against all odds, we got to meet each other. Not only was I able to meet Japanese students, but I was able to meet people from other countries and broaden my narrow view of the world.
|
|
Out of all the new experiences I encountered, I would say the one that had the most impact on my overall experience was being with my host family. My host family experience was both something I worried about most and the best part of my experience, oddly enough. Even before getting news on my host family, I was nervous about the entire thing. To top it all off, my host family had a total of six members; they were twice the size of my family here at home. During New Year’s, I spent a lot of time with my host family, doing traditional Japanese activities like hatsumōde, eating osechi, and watching NHK Kōhaku Uta Gasse. My host mom even let me borrow one of her old kimonos so I could attend the Seijinshiki. I learned so many things from my host family and was able to improve on my Japanese language skills.
It is difficult to summarize my study abroad experience in just a few words. I feel like I have so many stories to share yet very few opportunities to do so. However, I encourage everyone, as someone who never thought studying abroad would be possible, to go out into the world’s expanse. The amount of scholarships available for studying abroad – encouraging students to go abroad – are immensely helpful. Though it may seem daunting, the experience is one-of-a-kind.
|
|
THE ESSENTIALLY ELLINGTON CONCERT
By Ines Rojas, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
|
|
Hey Rebels, do you like Jazz? If so, then you will be delighted to hear that our university hosted the second annual Essentially Ellington South West Regional Festival. This event is held to preserve and promote the influence of jazz nationwide. The event also provides high school jazz band students, from all levels, with the opportunity to perform on a big stage alongside acclaimed jazz musicians, and receive feedback from jazz professionals.
UNLV was an ideal location for this event, given that it is home to the exceptional Jazz Ensemble. Our Jazz Ensemble is so exceptional that they have performed internationally several times in places like Europe, Africa, Japan, Australia, and more. The Jazz Ensemble was also present at the festival that was held at the Artemus Ham Concert Hall from January 31, 2019 through February 1, 2019. The show consisted of a stage that encircled talented musician, along with beautiful jazz pieces, all with a welcoming host that narrated it all.
This event is held once a year and is co-sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Jazz Outreach Initiate, UNLV, and Thomas Bridge. My experience at the event was an unforgettable one. The ambience that filled the air during the concert was much more than that of black and white gala; it was the stage of life where the artists’ emotions, instruments, and melodies came to life. I attended the event the first night of the festival, and I have to say that the event impacted me more than I ever thought it would.
I must admit that I was not a big fan of jazz going into the concert. However, the love of jazz blossomed in me, a new petal in the in the beautiful bouquet of roses that music is. After listening to such beautiful, vibrant, and heart filed melodies; and watching the pianist, cellist, and trumpeter expel their souls into their instruments, I could not resist becoming a fan of jazz myself.
I would highly recommend the festival to anybody so they could bear witness to the breath-taking talent and magic that happens when talented jazz musicians take the stage. I am very pleased that UNLV welcomes such events because it exposes the community to new opportunities that can have the ability to awaken the artist in you!
|
|
TUTORING AT UNLV
By Marissa Salazar, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
|
|
One of the many resources the Academic Success Center offers is free tutoring. There are many students who do utilize tutoring, but there are many other students who do not know that tutoring is an available option for them. Many students use tutoring for courses they need help in such as math, biology, chemistry, and foreign languages. Tutoring can be found in the Lied Library on the second floor or at the Thomas T. Beam Engineering Complex- Building A (TBE-A).
The Lied Library tutoring lab is available Monday through Thursday from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, as well as Sunday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, for specific computer science courses. The Engineering Building tutoring lab is available Monday through Thursday from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the TBE A 207 lab. You can access the tutoring schedule and subjects tutored in on the UNLV ASC website
here
. The mission for the tutoring program is to supplement in-class instruction and enhance overall academic experience. Tutors are students who have done well in a subject and are able to help other students with their content support. The responsibility of the tutor is to help the student understand the question or topic, so they will not just give the answers.
When I found out that the tutors were also students, I decided to give it a try because I knew that in some way, the tutors were at some point students just like myself. My first time going to the library for tutoring was a unique experience. I did not realize how many students go to the tutoring program for help. Initially, I thought I was going to be the only person there with issues in my class; however, it was very reassuring to know that I was not the only one seeking tutoring services. Working with a group of other students can be somewhat overwhelming; however, working in a group allows you to look at problems from different perspectives – perspectives that you would not have seen otherwise. There are many qualified tutors who can help a diverse student population. I can attest that the tutors will not give up until you understand the question or topic you are seeking help in.
|
|
Tutoring has been a lifesaver for me, and I hope that through my experience, other students will seek out help from tutoring as well. If you have any questions regarding tutoring services, please reach out to them via email at
tutoring@unlv.edu
or phone at 702-895-3199.
|
|
RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
By Andrea Santillan, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
|
|
Whether you are a freshman applying to your first job ever, a senior finishing your degree, or getting ready to apply to your first “adult” job, you all have one thing in common. Almost all of the jobs that you will apply for will require you to provide a resume. Some may even ask for a cover letter. While creating these may feel like arduous tasks, with a few tips, it can become a more doable process.
Every resume should have a few sections in common. They all need a header, education, internship, relevant professional experience, and other professional experience. This information should be present in that order. You could also include a “Qualified By” statement in between the header and education section. In the resume’s header, feel free to include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn account. Make sure that your LinkedIn mirrors your resume. There should not be any information on your resume that contradicts your LinkedIn. It is also equally important to make sure that the email address you provide is professional. After the header, you can then choose to include a “Qualified By” or “Objective” statement; however, these are optional. If you do choose to include a “Qualified By” statement, try not to be generic. The following section should be about your education. Once you get a college degree, it is no longer necessary to include your high school diploma on your resume. People will assume that you have a high school diploma if you have a college degree.
Lastly, you write about work experience. A good way to do this section is to start out with experience that is most relevant to the job that you are applying to. Also, while writing about employment history, be action-based and result oriented. Highlight your accomplishments instead of simply listing the responsibilities you had as a part of the job. For example, instead of stating how you made fifty calls a day for a job, you could write that most days you made twice the amount of calls required. You can also include various extracurricular activities after the education section if you have minimal work experience. Also, if you speak any foreign languages, you could include that as a skill. However, if you do include a skills section, do not include vague ones such as “strong communicator.”
There are other things to keep in mind when it comes to formatting a resume. The font that you use should be something easy to read and professional-looking, like Calibri or Arial. Your font size should be about 10 or 11. The spacing should also be consistent so that the resume has a cleaner look. Lastly, your work experience should be in chronological order if you have held more than one job. There are also a few things you should try to avoid. Do not include your home address if you are posting it to a job board. If this is where your resume is going, you should instead include the city and state in which you live on your heading. A lot of people have access to job boards, so it is not very safe to have your address out there for everyone to see. However, if you are sending your resume directly to a company, it becomes significantly safer to have your address on your resume. You should also try to avoid including references on your resume. If the employer wants them, they will ask for them. You should also avoid including graphics, unless you are a graphic designer.
|
|
Sometimes, companies will also ask for a cover letter. The header for a cover letter should be formatted the same way as your resume. The first paragraph is where you explain why you are applying for the job. For example, you would like to have a certain job that has opened up, or you would like to have a certain internship. The second paragraph is your chance to tell the company what you can offer. Explain what makes you unique, and the reasons why they should hire you. The third paragraph is where you wrap things up. Thank whomever you are writing this to and tell them how you plan to follow up. For example, you can tell them that you would love to schedule to meet with them sometime in the following week. Fortunately, there are various resources at UNLV that can help you as well. Career Services is available for students and alumni for life. You will be able to receive help in getting a job now and at any point after you graduate. There is also a job fair every semester. This semester, it is on March 6
th
. It is open to current students and alumni, regardless of which year you are in. Even if you are not currently looking for a job, this is a great opportunity to network and find out what employers are looking for in potential candidates. You can find out which employers will be at the job fair on Hire A Rebel. Lastly, one of the most valuable resources available is Jenna Heath, UNLV’s lead career counselor. You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with her by contacting Career Services via email at
careerservices@unlv.edu
or phone at 702-895-3495.
|
|
|
|
Ms. Christina M. Hixson graduated from high school in Clarinda, Iowa and moved to Omaha, Nebraska to attend business school. She later went to work for Mr. Ernst F. Lied , a car dealership owner in Omaha and in 1960 she joined Mr. Lied in Las Vegas, Nevada as his assistant. After Mr. Lied’s death in 1980, Ms. Hixson became the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust and turned the Lied Foundation Trust into one of the largest foundations in the state of Nevada at that time. Ms. Hixson has a special understanding of young people who, like her, came from a challenging family background and are willing to work hard.
|
|
|
|
Mr. Ernst F. Lied was born in Columbus, Ohio and attended the University of Kansas for two years, where he played on the golf team. He ultimately graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1927. Mr. Lied became a Buick dealer in Omaha, Nebraska and later his dealership was ranked third in the country for the number of cars sold. Mr. Lied established his charitable foundation in 1972, and upon his death in 1980 at age 74 nearly his entire estate funded the Lied Foundation Trust. Lied Foundation Trust has enhanced the capabilities of many schools and enriched the quality of many lives!
|
|
*All photos used are original, can be found on unlv.edu, UNLV social media or have references indicated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
