Become a Boilermaker Student Stories

Karen Barrientos Moreno

The Impact Learning Communities Have on Boilermakers

Knowing you have a home on campus is key to choosing a college, and Purdue makes it easy! With nearly 1,000 student organizations and other resources across campus, future Boilermakers can make Purdue their home as soon as they arrive on campus.  

Learning communities are a great resource for students adjusting to life at Purdue and searching for a community of like-minded individuals. Student and member of the Women in Technology (WIT) learning community, Karen Barrientos Moreno, shares how her membership aided her in finding support on campus and stepping out of her comfort zone.  

Learning communities allow students to live in proximity to and take classes with students in a similar area of study. They also have a variety of mentors, ambassadors and an associated club for members to join an even larger network of Boilermakers. Resources and assistance are available to ensure success in their academics. For Women in Technology, Barrientos Moreno shares how the network associated with this learning community has helped her and other students immensely in their academic and professional development.  

Moreno explains, “The WIT community helped me gain confidence, experience, and skills I needed in my pursuit of other leadership experiences that have been very rewarding.” 

A connection to students in a similar situation, increased access to academic resources and a widespread network allows for students in learning communities to achieve academic success during their time at Purdue. Barrientos Moreno advises incoming students, “If you’re thinking of joining a learning community, definitely go for it! It’s a lot of fun and surrounds you with a network of people that help you have a great experience at Purdue.”  

Purdue persistently fosters a culture of togetherness through its many opportunities for campus involvement. These resources and connections with other Boilermakers give students the ability to take small steps and prepare for their life after graduation. Become a Boilermaker and find your fit within a multitude of engaging opportunities by accepting your offer today! 

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Mario Perez-Ahuatl

Purdue’s Dedication to Research and Involvment

Purdue University provides students with the opportunity to learn and discover with hands-on experiences. With over 2,000 undergraduate research opportunities are Purdue, Boilermakers persistently discover and innovate across campus.  

Purdue student, Mario Perez-Ahuatl, attributes his involvement in research to enhancing his education and time while at Purdue.  
“I believe that it has been very beneficial to me as it has given me an insight into how new discoveries are made. I have been able to apply a lot of the knowledge I learn in lecture halls and techniques I’ve learned from lab courses to real-life research. I see the textbook knowledge and application to the real world.” 

By getting involved in research, Mario was able to find his passion for discovery. The opportunities through Purdue research have helped transform his outlook on science and innovation.  

“Being a part of the research lab has helped me immerse myself into the world of academic research and science. I have always been in love with science, because it is what surrounds us all; the research lab has allowed me to understand it a little more at the microscopic level.”  

“In the lab, we work with Arabidopsis thaliana to better understand double fertilization, the process by which all flowering plants reproduce. I have been a part of this lab for almost 4 years now, since I have been in this lab since I was a Junior in high school. I believe that it has been very beneficial to me as it has given me an insight into how new discoveries are made. I have been able to apply a lot of the knowledge I learn in lecture halls and techniques I’ve learned from lab courses to real-life research. I see the textbook knowledge and application to the real world.” 

In research labs, students are given assignments that are unique to them and their interests. The most fascinating part of this is that no one else is studying the same project as them. 

“What makes my research unique is that quite literally, I am the only person researching this in the world. The project I had in high school had me analyzing mitochondria counts in sperm cells, something other labs may have not found useful, but I was able to make observations that other people hadn’t thought of which could impact the understanding of plant reproduction.” 

Although participating in a research lab, or any research project, takes a great deal of time along with your course load while attending the university.  

“I am in the lab around 5 hours a week. I tried to find a time to go where I wouldn’t get out too late and on days where I don’t work as well, so that I can balance out time during weekdays and weekends when I can do my homework in between classes.” 

Being a part of a program like this can be found in any course or department you are affiliated with. It all is reliant on your interest, passion, and more. Mario shares his lasting thoughts and advice on joining research labs. 

“For incoming students, I would definitely recommend finding a class that you find super interesting and would love to understand all the intricacies. Find a subject, then a department, and narrow down from there what kind of experience you’d like to get out of a lab, whether it be benchtop, wet lab science techniques, or bioinformatics analyzing data on a computer. Reach out to professors that you have classes with, as many professors are looking for new undergraduate students that are eager to learn!”. 

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Caroline Edmonson

Purdue’s Persistent Commitment to Graduating Debt Free

Purdue University persistently pursues affordable and accessible opportunities for higher education. Purdue utilizes scholarships so that Boilermakers are set up for success when coming to Purdue. Students like Caroline Edmondson utilize every opportunity at Purdue University for scholarship opportunities. Caroline is pursuing her next giant leap and graduating from Purdue debt free.  

“I am able to graduate debt-free thanks to the scholarships that I have received throughout my four years at Purdue. I’ve been blessed to have received scholarships from Purdue, organizations that I’ve been a member of, and community members in my hometown,” Caroline stated.  

By graduating debt free, Caroline is pursuing her next giant leap without financial stress. “I am beginning law school next year and graduating debt-free will allow me to experience financial freedom while I pursue this next step in life.” 

When choosing a college, Caroline placed a high priority on affordability. She knew Purdue would support her in every small step she took. “Choose a university that will be the best fit for you not only academically and personally, but also financially. Purdue was an easy choice for me in each of these aspects. I knew that frozen tuition, scholarship opportunities, and an affordable yet quality education would each be keys to building a successful future,” said Caroline. 

When asked for her final piece of advice, Caroline shares these wise words. “My biggest tip for incoming freshmen is to seize every opportunity that you must apply for scholarships! From my senior year of high school to today, I’ve filled out countless scholarship applications. It may be hard work, but the reward is worth it every time – apply, apply, apply!” 

By graduating debt free, Caroline pursues her next giant leap without financial worry. Purdue University supports all small steps students take across campus through an accessible and affordable world-class education. Become a Boilermaker and have the opportunity to graduate debt-free by accepting your offer today! 

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Erica Hong

Learn How Cultural Centers Foster Persistent Togetherness at Purdue \

Finding your fit on campus is key in the discovery of making Purdue University your home. One of the many resources that students find comfort and community in on campus are the many cultural centers Purdue University has.  

The Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center (AAARCC) is one of the six cultural centers at Purdue. Undergraduate Student Ambassador for the AAARCC, Erica Hong, shares the impact that the center has had on her and other students throughout their time at Purdue. 

The center is a resource under the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging and is open to the entire Purdue community. The vision of this organization is “to bring Asian and Asian American experiences to life through programming, networking, and advocacy efforts that are focused on enriching the Purdue experience for all members of our campus community”. Events, workshops, meaningful conversation and collaboration with other Asian-interest student organizations offered through this center are just a few of the great resources available for all Purdue students.  

The support and resources provided through the center has allowed Hong and many other students to feel pride in their cultural identity. Hong states, “Working at the AAARCC has introduced me to so many amazing people and has helped me establish a support group within my Asian American Identity.” Not only does this resource provide support, they also aid in the development of social and cultural awareness skills and professional skills. Students involved in the center are provided with opportunities to gain professional experience while making personal connections.

“Being supported in all areas of my life has allowed me to truly reach my potential as a student at Purdue” states Hong. Those interested in becoming involved with the AAARCC and finding a community of support and enlightenment can visit the center which is open from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.  

Purdue University persistently pursues a culture of inclusion and togetherness across campus. The Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center and other cultural centers aid in every small step that goes toward the giant leap of inclusion at Purdue University. Become a Boilermaker and find your fit on campus by accepting your offer today! 

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