‘College Tour’ spotlight: April Gable

It was such an incredible experience! I honestly felt like a UC celebrity getting to work with such a talented crew and friendly student extras. Each member involved with “The College Tour” was supportive and always willing to lend a hand to me with my scene.

UC is the place to be. It is time that UC is seen for all it offers to students, from nationally recognized academic programs and undefeated sports teams to inclusive community and an overall one-of-a-kind charm. There is no other place on Earth like the University of Cincinnati, and I am so glad to be a part of its history.

My favorite memory at UC had to be the 2021 AAC Championship Game. After the sold-out crowd of alumni, students, staff and so many others stormed the field, I stood in the stands with the UC Bearcat Bands smiling ear to ear as we played the alma mater and fight songs. I have never felt such humbling and overwhelming excitement in my life — I was frozen in time watching a scene from a movie. I couldn't help but feel overcome with emotion and pure pride that I attend the greatest university there ever is or was. 

When we sing "stand first and last for old UC" in the alma mater, we mean it. This community is stronger than ever before and seeing so many rejoice together that night reminded me how thankful I am. It is so very bittersweet that my time at UC is coming to a close in just over a year, but I would never trade my experiences.

Before my first year and during my time here, my family worried about having the financial standing for me to continue my education here. Throughout my first three years, I worked approximately three jobs during the school year and five over breaks to make ends meet. These jobs range from being a resident adviser and a baton coach to working at the undergraduate admissions office, as well as at a restaurant, a department store and so on. I did not want my parents to have to stretch themselves even thinner for me, especially as I have two other sisters, so I made it my responsibility to get myself through, and I am so glad I did. 

I have applied for several scholarships and earned a handful which have been such a blessing and enabled me additional time to pursue passions like student body president and becoming a national baton twirling champion.

I see myself pursuing a career in higher education with the end-goal of becoming a university president, and maybe returning to UC for that role.

I have learned immensely through my experiences in varying offices here at UC, which has fostered a deep appreciation and care for a university's community. I want to continue to enrich the path I lead by staying in this career field and hopefully support others the way I have been. 

I would not be here without my mentors and role models. I want to ensure that future students have someone in their corner taking a chance on them like so many did for me.

One of my favorite quotes this year has been, “The best things live on the opposite side of fear.” Why I included this is to give you the sign to take that leap of faith you've been kicking around, take time to invest in yourself and give everything you can to your goals. 

UC has opened my eyes to what I am capable of — which in turn has opened doors for me to succeed and flourish.