Razor's Edge Global Scholar

ANDRES LOPEZ

Major: Communication
Year: Senior
Hometown: La Libertad, El Salvador

"What I like the most about this program is the doors that Razor’s Edge Global opens for you. Being a part of this program has allowed me to make the most of other opportunities that arise as a result of me being a Global Scholar. An example of this being my internship this past summer, where I worked with the most influential politicians of my country, looking to fight corruption in the government. I landed this internship thanks to my profile as a Global Scholar; a perfect example of the doors a program like this can open for you."

What would you have liked to know about Razor’s Global Scholars Program when you were first applying and interviewing for it?
I would have liked to know more about our involvement in school. It wasn’t too clear about what my duties and requirements were going to be at first, and I would have been able to make the most of them if I knew exactly what they were from the start. 

One of the best tips I can provide for an interviewing student is confidence. Believe in yourself. Your attitude walking into an interviews goes a LONG way, and besides academic achievements, a strong personality can win over the toughest of interviewers. 

I believe that a Global Scholar must be exactly that: Global. Somebody with a world view that understands how different the world can be, and how much of a beautiful thing this is. They must be able to fully embody everything we stand for, from leadership to team work, always keeping in mind that we work towards a more culturally aware campus. 

The event I enjoy the most has to be the Global Village, because everybody at NSU has the chance to see what REG is like. A beautiful mixture of cultures that work together in harmony for the good of NSU’s campus. 

I feel like REG has given me a family. I know that as a member of REG I am wanted here. It makes me feel at home. I know that if something is wrong, I can count on both my peers and the authorities of the program to help me solve anything that may be wrong. I feel like the people in this program have my back at all times.

Razor's Edge Leadership Scholar

Andrew Laufenberg

Major: Accounting
Year: Senior
Hometown: Moline, IL

"What I like most about Razor’s Edge Leadership is the connections you make. In REL you are surrounded by a diverse group of individuals that like mindedly want to better the university and themselves."

I would’ve liked for someone to tell me “don’t have any expectations” going into the program. This program is experiential, and some of the best experiences come from the unexpected. 

My advice to students interviewing is to be yourself! This isn’t a program for someone who has got it all figured out, you can always continue to learn and grow. 

A student who works well with others, can give and receive critical feedback, and is dedicated to continuing growth would succeed in Razor’s Edge Leadership.

Two events that stand out to me within REL are conclaves and retreat. Our conclaves are monthly, whole program meetings coordinated by our student run leadership council. Conclave isn’t only a good way to check in with the program, but also grow closer together as a cohort and program. To further program growth, we have a retreat at the beginning of each semester. The retreats are largely based on student feedback, and create a bond through a shared experience. 

Razor’s Edge Leadership has made my experience here at NSU! Coming into college I was comfortable doing things my way. Through the program, I learned about leadership in a different light, and had to step out of my comfort zone in ways I certainly would not have otherwise. Being in the program has given me the courage, connections, and strength to get more involved on campus and leave my legacy.

Razor's Edge Research Scholar

Lorena Hernandez

Major: Exercise and Sport Science
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hialeah, FL

"I love the community aspect of Razor's Edge Research. A lot of times when students arrive onto campus as a freshman it can be quite daunting not knowing anyone and having to start from scratch. Razor's provides me with a friendly face everywhere I go. In class, at events, at the gym, there's always someone I can recognize from the program.

As a research-orientated university, there are countless opportunities to be involved on-campus with many different projects. One of the things that RER does for its students is that they allow and encourage for you to engage in those opportunities from day one. We truly hit the ground running in terms of completing many different projects and getting into the heart of what research truly is. "

What would you have liked to know about Razor’s Edge Research Scholars Program when you were first applying and interviewing for it?
I applied while the program was still very young, I was part of the second incoming class so I feel as though everyone in the program would have liked to know everything. If I could go back and tell my past self one thing it'd be to embrace the opportunities you are given and stay open to what develops.

What tips do you have for students interviewing?
Students that are interviewing need to show their passion in that interview. Your passion is something that is unique to you and makes you the type of candidate any program would be lucky to have. I also love it when students who are interviewing have done their homework on our program and ask insightful questions about it. It shows interviewers that they care about the program and what they can do for it instead of the scholarship and the financial compensation they'll receive.

What type of student would succeed in this program?
One that is exceptionally curious. Research works because our scholars have questions they want to be answered; the program works by providing scholars with the tools and people needed to go and find said answers. 

Can you name one or two events that stand out to you?
I enjoy our bonding events. A while back we did this ropes course along with some other activities that brought everyone together outside of campus and textbooks, it was a great time. 

How do you think this changed your experience at NSU?
If not for Razor's Edge, I wouldn't be at NSU. Besides the direct scholarship support, this program has given me a sense of belonging that I don't know if I could have found in another academic organization. When we all come together and talk about our research, I'm truly inspired by my peers. We're in every facet of this university from marine science, to biology, to mathematics, to exercise science. How much do I know about corals? Close to nothing, but hearing the impact my classmates make on research that is quite literally changing the face of the world, pushes me to do more and be better in my endeavors. Every day I get to spend researching NSU, I'm extremely grateful to this program and the people in it. 

Razor's Edge Shark Talent Scholar

English Pollard

Major: Athletic Training
Year: Senior
Hometown: North Lauderdale, FL

"I love that I can not only be a witness to the growing arts program at NSU, but also be a part of the growth. Being given the opportunity to use my love for performing and visual arts to create initiatives and events that allow the NSU community to be involved with the arts is amazing."

What would you have liked to know about Razor’s Edge Shark Talent Scholars Program when you were first applying and interviewing for it?
When I was first interviewing for Shark Talent, I wish I'd known the time commitment that goes along with the program. Time management is essential for any class, sport, job, or program, so be mindful of that. I've put a lot of time into Shark Talent, from event planning and promotion to tabling and coming up with creative ways to engage people. However, it has been worth it to see more people on campus know about us and the arts they can be involved with.

What tips do you have for students interviewing?
When you're in your interview, don't be nervous! I know it's so easy to say that, but then not apply it. But I promise you the more you show your true character and passion for engaging others in the arts, the better the experience.

What type of student would succeed in this program?
You have to be committed to more than just the money for this program. If you're not focused on being a hands-on ambassador for the arts in the NSU community, you may not feel like the time you're putting into it is worth it. 

Can you name one or two events that really stand out to you?
I love the Shark Showcase that we put on. It's a show we recently started organizing that is planned and directed solely by Shark Talent students. Anyone at NSU (student/faculty/staff) can audition to showcase their talent and we end up seeing so many people's talents we normally wouldn't have seen.

Another event we have organized in the past is called A Spectacle of the Arts, which is an opportunity for any and Shark Talent scholar to showcase their talent. I love this event because we are able to showcase abilities that may be different from our main discipline in the program and NSU is able to see the talent behind the other events we plan.

How do you think this changed your experience at NSU?
I can definitely say, going into my senior year, I don't regret interviewing for this program. It has helped me to become a better advocate for the things I'm passionate about. I've been able to freely express my ideas and help turn ideas into NSU's increasing knowledge of the arts.

Razor's Edge Shark Talent Scholar

Kaeleigh Sturgeon

Major: Theatre
Year: Senior
Hometown: Robbinsville, NJ

"Something I wish I would have known when applying is that it is totally okay if your audition doesn't go exactly as planned. I’m a theatre major and I know it can be hard walking out of an audition knowing you messed up a line or just weren't feeling the way you performed that day. Honestly, looking back at my audition video, I know I’ve improved a lot since then - which is great! Everyone is always practicing and bettering themselves and Shark Talent gives us the opportunity to do that. The most important part is truly being yourself in the interview and showing how your passion for the arts can contribute to the program and NSU as a whole."

What aspects do you like the most about being a part of Razor’s Edge Shark Talent Scholars Program?
My favorite part about being a part of this wonderful program is getting to know like-minded students who care and are so passionate about the arts like I am. The talent program in general is full of creative, passionate students who have so much to offer NSU with our varied interests in the arts.

What tips do you have for students interviewing?
My top tip for interviewing is be honest and be yourself! I know it can be nerve wracking, especially having to audition as well as complete an interview. Just breathe, you’ve got this. Let your passion and love for the arts shine.

What type of student would succeed in this program?
The type of student who would succeed in this program is one who seeks out opportunities and is a real go-getter. They are passionate about their art form as well as the arts in general and want to see the arts, both on campus and off, succeed and flourish.

Can you name one or two events that really stand out to you?
Some cool events Shark Talent puts on are our talent shows. We generally put on one each semester and it’s a really great way for members of Shark Talent to get experience in running a show as well as gaining more experience in performing or showcasing their designs.

How do you think this changed your experience at NSU?
Being in Shark Talent has greatly improved my NSU experience. I have met many wonderfully creative people who have become some of my best friends. Many people are always thinking of new ways to showcase their talents to the NSU community and beyond which has made for some really fun and spectacular events that I’ve been grateful to have been a part of.

Razor's Edge Shark Teach Scholar

Kassandra Santos

Major: Elementary Education
Year: Junior
Hometown: Hollywood, FL

"Aspects I like the most about being a part of Razor’s Edge Shark Teach Scholars Program is the inclusivity of the diversity within the program. Being a woman of color in this program, I find myself able to have ample space to be heard and seen. Not only do I feel valued as a person, but there is also room for ample opportunities to grow personally and professionally within the program through peer educator roles and activities we do at our retreats and conclaves. In this program, it truly feels like a welcoming family."

Something I would have liked to know about Razors’ Edge Shark Teach Scholars Program when I was first applying and interviewing for is the duties and typical student schedule with our requirements. I would have been better prepared to know what type of schedule I would be having as a part of the program since being a Razors’ Edge student is not like a typical college student. 

Some tips I have for students interviewing is to be authentic and honest. Being yourself and honest with your answers means much more than trying to tailor your answers to the interviewer. The interviewers want to get to know you beyond what is on paper, they are already aware of your statistics and accomplishments but what is more important is how you are as a person. 

The type of student that would succeed in this program is students who are capable of being involved in multiple extracurricular activities and someone who works well with others. In this program, throughout our peer educator roles or working in our committees, we work with multiple different people in different areas, so it is imperative to be flexible and respectful. 

Some events that stick out to me are W.A.V.E. general body meetings and community fest. W.A.V.E. stands for We Achieve Via Education and it is a club created by the first cohort of Shark Teach to advocate for education at NSU and around our community. At each meeting, there is an interesting topic spoken about and engaging activities. Community Fest is an event that happens around early February where clubs/organizations can have tables with information and people from the community can have a great time, Shark Teach provides materials to create bookmarks and people love to stop by and make one! 

This changed my experience at NSU by giving me a family of like-minded individuals who have similar aspirations as myself. We are all different in our own ways but can relate on certain levels. Being in this program has allowed me to grow and prepare myself for the future. 

To be in both Shark Teach and the Fischler Academy is to be highly involved in the NSU community. By being in both programs, you are typically on track for a more rigorous school schedule since you are on a 3+1 track. This can involve 21 credit semesters, multiple extracurricular activities, and many opportunities for experience in the classroom. 

Some things that Shark Teach students to do that are different from the Fischler Academy are a requirement of a peer educator role of minimum 4 semesters, monthly conclave meetings, and active participation within the program. Since the Fischler Academy has specialized education courses with a different curriculum for each major, less is required. Both coexist in a way where it allows us students to be heavily engaged and enriched with opportunities to grow as a leader and as future educators.