“I place a high value on relationships with others, and I feel valued and heard by all of the Communication professors.”
Originally planning on majoring in Biology and Theatre, Kate decided to switch her major to Communication Studies after realizing that she was interested in the “relational side of human communication.”
The faculty within the department have been a major influence in her love for Communication Studies. She explains that her professors are “very welcoming and eager to connect with their students.” She especially appreciates the faculty’s willingness to connect with students apart from topics of academic interest. She says, “I love that they are always willing to make time to talk with their students about their lives outside of the classroom.” Because of her appreciation for the entire Communication Studies faculty, Kate says that she is unable to choose a favorite professor. “They are all great people,” she says.
Of the skills that she has gained as a Communication Studies major, Kate has especially valued the abilities that she has developed to approach topics from multiple different perspectives. In addition, she says that her classes have allowed her “to be a better presenter with more confidence,” giving her a voice to express these perspectives. Something else that Kate appreciates about the department is the way she is able to go beyond classroom learning and start thinking about a future career. She points to faculty bringing in guests to speak about “their career path and the resources they provide on campus.” Kate’s skills in communication have also allowed her to succeed in internship experiences.
Apart from her involvement in the Communication Studies department, Kate is involved in other organizations on campus, including the Adoption Recognition Community, Diversity Leadership Council, the Tri Sigma sorority, and Pound Pals.