What are the benefits of a learning community?
Having a group of people from your college that you know, and more importantly, living in the same residence hall as people in your college is a great way to get to meet people. The LC gives you something to bond over. It was a great way to transition into meeting new people and even now, four years later, I still have people I can say hi to just because we were in the same learning community.
What surprised you most about OHIO?
It's a simple answer. I had no idea the people would be this nice. Nearly every student that I've met, whether it's at the gym, in class, or at a party, has been really cool and friendly. It's something you have to experience while on campus, but it really surprised me.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal for the future is to be a successful journalist. For me, success will be defined by finding a job where I can find people whose stories need to be told and tell their stories in a way that will have an impact. Ideally, I would be writing features about sports and society on a national and international level. And I wouldn't mind coming back to OHIO as a professor somewhere down the line.
How are the campus facilities?
The facilities on campus are up-to-date and really nice. The whole campus having Wi-Fi is really helpful. Ping Recreation Center is great and the athletic facilities make games fun to attend. The bike path is great in the spring time for running or biking.
What’s the best advice you received while in college?
My parents always told me to make sure to have fun. It sounds more like something you would hear from an older sibling or an uncle, but I found it very helpful coming from my parents. In college, your schedule can get really hectic really quickly. It's really important to take at least a little bit of time out and enjoy yourself. Play sand volleyball. Go to a movie. Sit on the College Green and read. Whatever is fun for you, make sure to schedule that in to your craziness.
How did you choose Ohio University?
I had researched for about two years to figure out what school I wanted to attend. I had always considered OHIO because it wasn't too far away from home and I knew it had a good journalism school. But when I went on the campus tour after being accepted, it just felt right. The students and faculty on campus were the perfect blend of serious academics with a laid-back atmosphere. Plus I visited in the spring and the campus was absolutely beautiful. I toured a lot of different colleges, but OHIO blew everyone else away.
Who is your favorite professor and why?
I've really enjoyed most professors that I've had, especially those in my major. If I have to choose a favorite, though, it comes down to a tie between my advisor, professor Ellen Gerl, and Dr. Yusuf Kalyango. Professor Gerl has been so helpful in guiding my crazy scheduling and, as a magazine journalism professor, has really taught me a lot about how to be a successful magazine journalist. Dr. K— a former CNN foreign correspondent— was the professor that was in charge of my trip to Zambia. We spent a month together in Zambia, so I got the opportunity to really bond with a professor.
