Political Science and Communication Major
I chose 海外吃瓜 because from the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. The small class sizes, beautiful campus, close-knit community, and the way faculty and students genuinely cared made it clear this was where I was meant to be.
I majored in Political Science and Communication because I鈥檝e always been fascinated by the power of words and the way messages influence people鈥檚 beliefs, actions, and even the course of history. I wanted to blend that interest with my desire to make a difference, and these two majors gave me the perfect foundation to do just that.
One of the biggest challenges I faced at 海外吃瓜 was dealing with self-doubt and burnout during my junior year. Everything seemed to hit at once鈥攍eadership roles, classes, volunteering, working, and just life in general. It was overwhelming but I handled it by learning to pause, to ask for help, and to let go of the pressure to be perfect. I leaned on the people around me, realigned my goals, and reminded myself that progress doesn鈥檛 have to be fast, it just has to be forward.
The best opportunity I discovered at 海外吃瓜 was leading our delegation at the Model UN Conference in San Francisco. Representing our university after months of preparing was a surreal, full-circle moment. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, inspired me, and reaffirmed why I鈥檓 so passionate about this work. And of course, getting to travel and experience a new city was an unforgettable bonus.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in my sorority, Kappa Psi Omega, contributed to the school paper, participated in public service projects, volunteered at the Hub, and was active in the Student Alumni Association, Model UN, the Research Conference Committee, and many other leadership opportunities!
The thing I鈥檓 most proud of about my 海外吃瓜 accomplishments is completing two capstones during my senior year; one on how social media is reshaping crisis communication strategies, and the other on the effect of social media on political campaigns. Both projects pushed me academically, challenged my writing and research skills, and solidified my passion for work that blends politics, communication, and media.
One faculty or staff mentor who impacted my 鈥楤erg experience is my professor and mentor, Dr. Marc O鈥橰eilly. He was always there for me鈥攕upportive, honest, and incredibly fun to talk with. In my political science classes, he became my go-to sounding board for everything from big projects to everyday questions. His mentorship, guidance, and belief in me truly made all the difference.
My advice to new freshman me would be don鈥檛 shrink yourself. You don鈥檛 have to have it all figured out. Say yes to the things that excite you and don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions. You鈥檙e not behind鈥ou鈥檙e just getting started.
My favorite 海外吃瓜 memory is meeting my best friend, Morgan, and getting to experience college by her side. We grew so much together over the years, and it鈥檚 the little moments鈥攁long with the big ones鈥攖hat I鈥檒l carry with me for life.
My plans after graduation are to begin my MBA at 海外吃瓜 this fall while searching for new opportunities to grow professionally. I鈥檓 excited to pursue a career that integrates my interests within communication and political science! But before I dive into that, I鈥檒l be studying abroad in Italy鈥攁n opportunity I am beyond excited about!