Public Relations Senior
Hometown
Erie, PA
“The School of Journalism really prepares you for the outside world.”
What do you enjoy most about being a journalism student?
The School of Journalism really prepares you for the outside world. You learn how to think critically and how to address problems creatively. Those are applications that not only apply to being a journalism student, but to life as well.
What has been your most rewarding experience at the J-School?
My most rewarding experience at the J-School is getting the “The Mountaineer in DC” internship at GolinHarris. After being selected by the School of Journalism, you must go through the interview process to be accepted for the internship. The internship was real PR experience, and I learned a lot about the PR field.
Are you involved with any clubs or extracurricular activities?
A lot of my time has been taken up by being an officer for WVU’s chapter of PRSSA, the Public Relations Student Society of America. I was the historian for two years. My duties include taking care of our bulletin board in Martin Hall, keeping the history of the chapter and creating fact sheets.
We really want to uphold the quality of the chapter, so future students can benefit from the organization. I think it is important for journalism students to realize what internship opportunities are out there. I would like to take an investigative role to find organizations that offer student internships and provide that information for journalism students. We are currently trying to rebuild the chapter and make it into what it used to be, as it was one of the founding chapters of PRSSA.
What J-School professor has made the greatest impact on you?
It is hard to narrow it down to one person. There are two faculty members that have made a great impact on different aspects of my life. Dr. Martinelli was one of my PR professors last year. She really fine-tuned my writing. She worked with me to write an article about what PR professionals look for in students during interviews.
The J-School instructor I’m probably closest to is Pam Hanson. She has been there for guidance in my educational life and helped me with my personal goals. She cares about what I’m doing at the School, but also my overall life. Pam just has a great energy and excitement. She makes me want to go out into the world and do my job better.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned at the J-School?
The most important lesson I’ve learned at the J-School goes back to my first journalism writing class. Dr. Esper came in and talked about an interview he conducted. There was a woman that had a tragedy in her life and would not talk to any reporters. He was able to go to her house and without him saying a lot, she told him the entire story about what had happened. At that moment, I realized that as a journalist conveying news or representing a client, I have to be able to connect with people.
What are your goals after graduation?
My goal after graduation is first to get a job. I am interested in the political sector, so I am hoping to find a job in Washington, D.C., working in government relations. On the side, I am trying to get my wedding planner certification, so I can do wedding and event planning on the weekends. I might eventually be able to switch into event planning full time.
What advice do you have for future/current journalism students?
The advice I would say is most important for journalism students is not to just focus on writing or journalism but to explore the world. Journalism encompasses world affairs. You have to be nationally and globally aware as a student. You should understand how the government works even if you don’t plan to work in a political sector. Also, get involved on campus. The best way to learn about the world around you is to experience it yourself.