When I was a freshman, I was surprised at how many department options there were to choose from. At first, my quest to determine which major was the right one for me felt like I was determining my entire future all at once.
In my uncertainty, the first wave of major relief came from Dr. Lorelle Jabs in my USEM class. She helped me come to the realization that finding my major could be an exciting experience that reflects my calling.
I gravitated toward the Communication major because of how interesting I found the course material, and how inviting my professors were. Dr. Bill Purcell helped solidify why Communication was right for me, because in his class I discovered the various applications of the study and how it is used in the real world.
My parents were initially skeptical about my choice to major in Communication, because they didn’t know how I would apply it in the workforce. To be honest, I did not know for a while myself. I was opened up to a whole new way to look at and interact with the world through my introductory Communication classes. I won over my parents after I learned about how this field of study has shaped the world in which we live.
A big highlight of my time in the Communication and Journalism Department so far would be debating in my “Argumentation: The Art of Inference” course. I found it fascinating how simple twists in words can convey largely different meanings and how that plays out in media, politics, and society in general.
My experience in the Communication and Journalism program at SPU has been excellent. I have such a strong connection with what I’ve learned that my college experience feels rewarding even in the midst of tests and finals. With a term as ambiguous as “communication,” it is easy to assume that the program centers on commonsense information sharing, but the application of communication could not be richer in information, more edifying to organizational structure, or more genuinely fascinating. This program was monumental in my development as a young professional.
After graduation I plan to work for a public relations or marketing firm. I’ve always found the network of large corporate offices fascinating, but I think being part of something bigger than I am is what drives me to work for a larger company. SPU has shaped me to have an affinity for leadership roles, so my long-term goals are to develop those strengths further as a means to project a positive influence and motivate progress through whatever doors may open.