Directory

Hometown

• Kettering, Ohio

What do you like most about your major?

The thing I love most about my major is how tight knit the Department of Communication is. As a student who values community involvement and interpersonal communication, finding a school where asking for help is not shunned (but encouraged), outreach is accessible and face-to-face interactions in class settings are all a must. The Communication Department inhabits all of these characteristics. Every faculty member in the department cares not only about you and your future success, but your current well-being as well. I have never felt this sense of care from an institution before.

What do you love most about UD?

UD is the place to be if you are wanting to personally and professionally flourish. There are so many opportunities to become involved on campus, and you are bound to find something that you enjoy. There are always opportunities knocking at your door,. You just have to take the initiative to go out there and get them.

Favorite class at UD and why?

My favorite class at UD has been CMM 202: Foundations of Communication Theories and Research. Over the course of my academic journey here at the University of Dayton, I have thoroughly enjoyed the majority of my classes. However, I have truly enjoyed this class most of all. I have learned more about interpersonal relationships, the denotations and connotations behind words and especially how meaning lies within the people and not within the words themselves. Through communication, we gain greater knowledge and a deeper understanding of the world around us, and several communication theories are created in order to further reiterate this power that communication holds. I have also applied so many theories I have learned in this class in other classes you would never think are "communication" based.

What piece of your academic journey has most prepared you to begin a career after graduation?

The networking and internship opportunities I have received at UD have me feeling the most prepared for when I graduate in the spring. My mission upon transferring to UD was to utilize any and all resources available to network and connect with my peers and professionals and land an internship. This summer, I had not only one, but two internships. As a UD student, I found opportunities at the Career Fair, upgraded my resume after visiting UD's Career Services and developed my Handshake profile.

What clubs/organizations are you involved in at UD?

Although I am a transfer student, I did not hesitate to partake in as many clubs and activities as I could. I am continuing my summer internship as a digital marketing strategist at UD's Center for Leadership, and I manage all of UDCL's social media accounts. Besides working part-time at the center, I am also currently involved in UD's Public Relations Student Society of America as PR director, I am an avid member in the professional communication fraternity, Phi Beta Chi, as well as a previous member in UD's Irish Dance Club. I have also been a student volunteer in UD’s longtime and cherished tradition, Christmas on Campus.

Why did you choose UD?

As a transfer student, I felt as though I would not immediately "fit in" upon arriving. However, that ended up not being the case. UD’s transfer programs are amazing, and I have always felt respected and feel as though UD shares an equal level of respect for everyone’s personal journey. Additionally, communication at UD is simple. If I have questions regarding financial aid, credits, etc., people are there to help you. I am never left in the dark, and I am valued and respected as a student and human being. The culture at UD is also amazing. From the classes I have taken at UD, to the amazing professors I have met and learned from, UD’s level of education is something of a greater value that I am grateful to experience.

Is there anything else about your UD experience you think prospective students and their families should know?

I have been able to make my goals a reality. I am now officially a student at a university I am forever grateful to be at, and I’ve always felt a deep sense of pride within my education. I realize now that everyone’s journey is different and it does not always have to be the same. Life experiences vary, and this is just my journey. Diving into my second (and final year) here at UD, I have since learned that you can absolutely do what you want to do as long as you believe in yourself.