Describe your central passion(s) and how you hope to carry that into your post-grad plans:
Throughout my time at Flagler and through my majors, I developed a strong passion for writing. I enjoy writing about things that are fun, light-hearted, and inspirational. When I read the news, I enjoy reading these types of stories and aspire to have that kind of impact in the future as a writer. I hope to carry this passion into my post-Flagler plans by working as a copywriter or digital content creator for a college or university. Another passion Flagler has helped me develop is helping others. This one is more vague, but through my work study positions as an ambassador and admissions intern, I have learned to love guiding people through a very transitional period of their lives. I remember being in that position and having others help me through that made a huge difference.
What (or who) helped inspire your passion in this area (or areas)?
The faculty at Flagler has been my rock throughout my four years here. The communication department has some of the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals I have ever met. The professors within my major have been there for me every step of the way through every news story, video project, mock campaign, and research assignment. Professors Chapman, Hammick, Serenati, and Eaton are just a few names that come to mind when I think about the most influential professors that have helped inspire my passion in the field of communication.
Briefly tell us the story of one stand-out memory from your time at Flagler that will always make you smile:
One stand-out memory during my time at Flagler would have to be the time I was awarded Ambassador of the Year at the end of my junior year. I truly found my place in the Ambassador program at Flagler and began to devote most of my time to the organization. I spent countless hours every week and during breaks assisting the Office of Admissions and receiving this award meant a lot. It felt nice to be recognized for the hard work and dedication I put into the program after only being a part of it for a year and a half. This along with every other memory in Ambassadors will always stick out to me when I look back at my time at Flagler.
What academic resources, experiences, or mentors proved most valuable throughout your Flagler experience?
In my four years, I really embraced my connections with the faculty and staff on campus. I built relationships with the faculty and staff through classes, work study positions, and internships that ultimately benefited me in the long run. Through networking with the faculty and staff at Flagler, I learned countless valuable lessons and advice from individuals who were in my shoes not too long ago. My last semester proved to be the most valuable as I started to make some tough decisions about my life post-graduation. I was able to constantly confide in my bosses and mentors for advice and guidance on how to approach these decisions and what to take into consideration as I got closer to graduation. By establishing these relationships, I built a network of professionals that I can rely on for decades as I head into the real world.
What is one piece of advice or lesson you learned about the college experience that you wish you could tell your freshman year self?
The biggest piece of advice I would tell my freshman year self would be to not worry about things. This sounds very simple and generic, but throughout my four years I have learned that everything happens for a reason. I learned this could be good or bad things and the journey is going to be a little tough. Not everything is going to go the way you want it to, and that’s okay. I would also tell my younger self not to worry so much about what’s next and to live in the moment. Things change and people change, and you shouldn’t get caught up in the future and focus on here and now. This is something I struggled with personally, but eventually learned to accept that everything happens for a reason.
Tell us about what you’re up to next! Any cool experiences, professional positions, or unique opportunities you have lined up after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to stay in St. Augustine and work here at Flagler! I fell in love with the work environment here through my work study positions and internships and want to continue that experience in the coming years. This semester I completed an internship with the Office of Admissions and hope to work full-time after graduation. Through this internship, I learned so much about admissions operations while working with a great staff in Hanke Hall. I’m going to love sticking around St. Augustine for a little longer and I can’t wait to get started!