What made you choose this major?
When I initially registered for classes my incoming year, I was exploring. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do but I knew where my interests were. First semester I took Pio Core courses and really enjoyed them but hadn’t quite found a class that I would want to declare my major in. When it was time to register for second semester classes I went to an advising meeting with an academic advisor here at Carroll. She sat me down and recommended a few courses in areas she thought I would enjoy based off of my interests. Two of the courses were communication courses. That next semester I took my first communication class. I fell in love with the professors and how much they genuinely care about each and every student not just in the classroom but outside of it too. The course material was incredibly relatable and extremely easy to connect to. This was appealing to me because at what point in your life would it be negative to be a good communicator? I became a communication major that next semester and have yet to not honestly enjoy a communication class.
What is your career objective?
My career objective would be to become a corporate trainer or some type of educator in the corporate world.
How has what you’ve learned in your courses so far prepared you for your future?
What I have learned will not only benefit my future career but all interpersonal relationships I currently have or will have some day. Being a good communicator prepares you for being a good employee, co-worker, relationship partner and family member. I have learned various techniques to better explain my thoughts and feelings to other people in my life. This is beneficial to ensure I hold happy, healthy relationships with many others. Additionally, my writing and public speaking skills have vastly improved. When I began taking communication courses, I was not a strong writer or speaker. However, in Com101 the professors do an amazing job of making everyone comfortable and ensuring the classroom is a safe place for everyone. While writing and public speaking will also be something important in my life, I am now much more confident in my skills to do so.
What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?
All the communication faculty are incredibly kind and relatable. They all have asked me on multiple occasions about when my swim meets are, what my plans are for the weekend and other questions that show they care about me outside of the classroom. Since the professors are so open it makes going to office hours not something to dread but honestly, something I look forward to. Additionally, being able to have a communication professor as an academic advisor allows you as a student to feel particularly connected to a faculty member in your major. I really enjoy this because it adds to your support system on campus of people that care about you and have your best interest in mind.
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your education at Carroll?
My interpersonal communication class was incredibly close and open with one another. We had honest conversations about our own interpersonal relationships with a professor who remembered what you had said weeks later. It made everyone feel very included in class. In class, we did an activity involving touch. We all picked partners then the assignment started. Obviously, you would stop whenever one person became uncomfortable, but the activity was used to explain a theory we were learning that day in class. This example perfectly illustrates how in every communication class it is rarely just a lecture, we are constantly having group activities, discussions, playing games and learning all at once.
How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person?
By allowing me to have the time to be involved in so many other things. I have two minors in addition to my major which is an amazing way to explore other passions, such as being a leader and a teacher in some way. I am also involved with the swim team on campus which is an incredible way to meet people and enjoy a sport regardless of your skill level. The Pio Core allows students to explore different areas of study to become well-rounded people. Carroll is an amazing school to be able to explore different opportunities on and off campus. By being able to be involved in all these different activities I am able to enrich my growth as a person here at Carroll.
If you were recommending your major to a prospective student, what would you tell them?
As a communication major, there will be many open doors after graduation. I am able to have a major that I enjoy and can be applicable to so many different jobs and opportunities. Ultimately, the beauty of a communication major is that the skills are transferable to many areas of your life, such as personal relationships, professional relationships and skills for a wide array of jobs.
What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
The quiet section of the library in one of the cubbies in between the book stacks. This spot is like its own little world. It is quiet, you can see outside, and when the sunshine’s in and it is warm. You can focus on your schoolwork and not feel like you are trapped in a library.
Learn more about the communication program