iv. Privateer Pride: What is Your Why at UNO
Photo by University of New Orleans
At the University of New Orleans, our students are known for their determination, hustle, and heart. Perhaps UNO was your first choice college and you know exactly what major you want to pursue. But for many students, their journey to college and major selection has unexpected turns. You may have landed here after a change in plans, or because staying close to home made the most sense financially. You may be torn between a few major programs of study or unsure of what your interests are. Maybe UNO wasn’t your first choice—but now, it’s your right choice.
What matters most is that you’re here, and you’re moving forward! That’s the Privateer spirit.
At UNO, we see grit every day: in students who are the first in their families to attend college, in those balancing jobs and caregiving responsibilities, and in students who didn’t take a straight path to get here but refused to quit. Grit is what keeps you focused on the big picture, even when today is hard.
Privateers are bold. We’re resilient. We don’t let challenges stop us—we navigate around them, charting our own course and helping others do the same. At UNO, you’re surrounded by students who are changing the direction of their lives and rewriting what success looks like for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Even if you’re still figuring out your next step, you’ve already made a powerful decision by being here. This university is a place where you can discover your purpose, sharpen your skills, and build a future you’re proud of. You don’t have to have it all figured out today—just stay curious, stay open, and keep going.
News anchor and UNO alumna Sheba Turk once sat in the same seats you’re in now. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do at first—but she was sure she wanted to earn her degree. Balancing work, school, and life, she kept showing up. One class changed everything for her and set her on a path to a career she loves. That’s the kind of transformation that happens here.
Watch the video below to hear more about her journey.
So, hold your head high. You’re part of a community that believes in second chances, fresh starts, and fierce determination. Be proud to be a Privateer. Your journey matters and this is just the beginning.
