In college, future stars are hidden among an ocean of ever-changing faces, but a select few shine brighter than most, dedicating themselves to a greater cause. TUV online was created to showcase these stars and others, who through music, dance, poetry and fashion, work to shine bright.

TUV (Truly Unique Vision) online began as a video production company, an idea by Temple student Jason Smikle, in October 2005. His friends Ebele Mora and Fabricio Sousa signed on as partners.

"By producing DVDs for college clubs and organizations in the performing arts, I initially saw the venture as a quick way to make some money. It changed to something much bigger than that," Sousa said. The combination of personalities and talents of the three students and over $40,000 in student loans, credit cards and personal savings put TUV online into motion.

First, the company launched videos of a Temple talent show. Then, a variety of content was added to the website, including TUVpartyCAM, with known Temple shining star "Keith the Party King." The show focuses on dancing and parties on college campuses. TUV then developed their own creative content and currently broadcasts that programming on the Web site.

TUV is also a portal others use to experience different cultures, especially on Philadelphia college campuses. "Our team is extremely unique, talented and fun to be around, which makes TUV great at relating to all kinds of people,” said Mora.

Classes on video editing, music and business management plus, internships at CBS and MTV, helped the founding stars of TUV online create their website. The channels on the site include Pan-Asian; Dance with African, West Indian and Latin styles; Spoken Word and Fashion. TUV uses the most up-to-date equipment, including five Sony HDV cameras, three Final Cut Pro systems, wireless microphones and professional lighting.

"I enjoy TUV online because I can remain updated on these interesting events - things I wouldn't find on the Temple website," said Communications student and fan of TUV Josh Webber. “Coming from a small town like Gettysburg, P.A., TUV online helped me learn about cultures and people I knew nothing about. It introduced me to a new side of college."

"We don’t want politics getting in the way of our motto, 'telling the untold story,'" says founder Josh Smikle. "We plan to become a company like no other company. We are extremely diverse, unique in our business models and hopefully, we'll be the envy of the media world."

TUV is an amazing group of stars and an inspiration, pushing others to build upon their own creative ideas. Young, bright and full of dreams, most college students are looking for their own way to make a difference and shine brighter. The most brilliant stars are the ones that you can see from miles away; the ones determined to shine. That drive is what turns student stars into truly unique visions.