Time Flies By When You’re Having Fun

April 18, 2019

I remember this like it was yesterday, my mother helped me move into my freshmen dorm and right before she left, she said one thing that stuck.  She told me, “enjoy this time, it will go extremely fast.” I rarely admit when my mom is right, but man, was she right.

My experience coming to UNC Wilmington was vastly different from a majority of students.  As I opened up my admission packet I was elated.  Little did I know that my admission decision would be a first year spring admit (FYSA) for the class of 2019. I was crushed, and being the person I am, looked for a solution. I quickly discovered the UNCW at Maynooth University in Ireland study abroad opportunity (which was exclusively for FYSA students). To be completely transparent, UNCW was not my first choice of school, and I was intending on studying abroad and later transferring to a big state school my sophomore year.

11986449_1150580941623202_7241974845210659846_nI decided to come to UNCW because they were known for their sciences, which was perfect because I was set on being a physician assistant.  I had my entire life figured out at the age of 19 with a clear plan of how to reach my goal.  I walked into my first biology class with eager anticipation and within the first week of college, I said “never again”.  I went straight to my academic advisor and discussed my options. My advisor suggested communication studies due to my personality and people fluency, and I thought, “perfect, a major for talking.”

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Little did I know; Communication Studies is much more than just talking. Dr. Weber taught us in the first week of Com 105 that one can do virtually anything with a communication degree if they put their mind to it.  For the first time, I felt like I made a really smart decision.  Throughout my time majoring in Communication Studies, I have learned significantly more than about experiential life than a biology degree would have provided.

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I have learned concepts beyond the classroom through the academia of Communication Studies.  I have learned how to be an active problem solver, overall social awareness, how to get creative when time calls for it, and how to be a good person.  I was miserable during communication theory, but it taught me how people tick and was one of the most valuable classes I have taken. I learned in my Integrated Marketing Communication classes how to market a company/ brand, but also learned the importance of overall self-brand awareness.  Finally, I have learned how to prepare for the real world in my capstone. Despite my complete and utter fear to graduate, I know that my Communication Studies degree has prepared me for what is to come. All good things must come to an end, so enjoy your time here.  Every. Single. Moment.  Enjoy it because my Mom could not have been more correct.  These four years will fly by.

–Alex Patton

 

 

Farmers’ Markets Galore

April 17, 2019

Since Wilmington is a rather large city with hundreds of businesses, the small local businesses can sometimes be overshadowed. However, in my opinion, it is important to support local businesses to show your appreciation for the town you live in live in. One of my favorite ways to support local is to shop at farmers’ markets. Now that the warm weather is here and summertime is quickly approaching, farmers’ markets are back in business and ready to serve their community!

One of my favorite markets in town is Port City Produce. This shop has two locations, one on Market Street, five minutes from campus, and one on the way to Carolina Beach, fifteen minutes south of campus. They both feature an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other local goods such as honey, peanuts, and jam. Personally, I love to stock up on the watermelon, peaches, and strawberries. Nothing says summer to me like fresh fruit and PCP is definitely the place to go. Not only are you supporting a family business when you shop here, but you are also supporting the various farmers that source to the locations. You can check them out on Facebook, Instagram, or by visiting their website.

Source: Port City Produce on Instagram

Another one of my favorite farmers’ markets is the Riverfront Farmers’ Market in Downtown Wilmington, which is held every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The 2019 season has already begun, but the market will stay open until November 23rd. It changed locations from last year and is now located on Dock Street on the block between Front and 2nd Streets. The market features a variety of vendors that include local farmers, producers, and even artists and crafters. What I like about this market is that it gives you the opportunity to speak directly with the people who grow or craft their goods. This market is the opportune way to support the town of Wilmington, as it features vendors from all categories. Also, the items change weekly so there is always something new to explore. Learn more about the market, including the weekly vendors, on their website.

Riverfront Market

Source: Wilmington-NC

There are many more farmers’ markets to explore in Wilmington besides the two listed here and they all offer something unique. If you have never shopped at a local market, I highly encourage you to visit at least one, as it might change your perspective on how you buy your food. Supporting local businesses, whether that be a farmers’ market or a clothing store downtown, is essential and will keep money in the community. I would love to know your favorite local spots around town and what they have to offer. Get out there and visit somewhere new everyone!

–Colleen Worrell

The Finale

April 15, 2019

 

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“You do not play a sonata in order to reach the final chord, and if the meanings of things were simply in ends, composers would write nothing but finales.” – Alan Watts.

Since the beginning of high school, I had a four-year plan. I was diligent in choosing classes and extracurriculars to boost me above my peers and help me get into the university of my choice. My whole life I was told of the importance of public education and how without it life would be challenging. School, for me, has never been very difficult, but more or less a chore that lasted sixteen years. However, my journey turned out a little backward.

I attended an early college program, graduated early, attended a private university on a full-ride, dropped out of college, was forced back into college, and arrived at UNCW with a 4.0 GPA and a very cynical view of public education. The plan I had for my future was torn to shreds, and I had no clue what I wanted to do. My major had gone from Wildlife Rehabilitation to Business to Film and finally ended with Communication Studies. So, if you are anything like me my time within higher education has had its ups and downs, but Communication Studies provided some positivity within my two years here at UNCW. It helped me learn not only about the world/people around me but also about myself.

Here is what I learned:

  1. First off, do not let fear dictate your life. Overthinking is destructive and can lead to missed opportunities. Take a clue from Steve-O: count to three and just do it.
  2. Try not to think so far ahead, I know it sounds cliché to say, but…live in the present. If you spend so much time thinking about the future, you will find yourself looking back on the past wishing for something to change; which is just as toxic to your mental health as is assuming what will happen in the future.
  3. Surround yourself with people who challenge your perspective and if you don’t know something don’t pretend you do. Confidence is essential but be careful not to let your ego take control.
  4. FIND A HOBBY. It helps keep you sane and helps build new skills. When I dropped out of school, I explored many new outlets. I started to read more and research subjects outside of the normal curriculum. I was happily pursuing my own educational purposes, and it allowed me to obtain a job that I actually enjoyed.

At the end of the day try to realize that 99% of people have no clue what is going on. You don’t have to pursue something if you don’t want to and you definitely don’t have to follow a path that’s already laid out for you. Try to be realistic with yourself as well, not everyone will end up extremely successful, but find something you enjoy and pursue that passion. When I reflect on my years chasing a degree, I realize that I wasted a lot of time seeking approval over an assignment that was probably read over once and thrown away. I was afraid to do something else because I was unsure of what the outcome would be. I settled for my education, while I should have been chasing something worth living for.

– Christian Lombardi

 

IMC-You Later

April 15, 2019

As I reflect on these past four years at UNCW, so many memories come flooding back to me. I remember my first day of class, when I quickly learned that Physical Anthropology was not for me. I remember my first ever basketball game, and the first time I ever tried Jole Mole. I also remember my first COM class with Dr. Weber, my first exposure to the Communication Studies major here at UNCW. As a Film and Communication Studies double major, I often toggled back and forth with the idea of dropping my COM major, that is, until COM 105. I am forever grateful for the piece of advice Dr. Weber gave us one afternoon: “There’s nothing a COM major isn’t capable of. If you study COM, you will be successful in almost all areas of your life.” I wrote it down, and took it to heart, and I’m forever grateful for that lecture. Without it, I might not be here writing this blog post. So thank you, Dr. Weber.

I’m also taking some time to reflect on another course that significantly changed my life: COM 231-Intro to IMC. While I knew documentary was my passion in film, I had yet to find my Communication Studies passion. Enter Dr. Persuit, who taught me about all things advertising, branding, public relations, and marketing. It was as though something had been unlocked inside me, and suddenly a whole new world of exciting career possibilities opened up before me. Without her support and guidance, there’s no way I would be pursuing the careers I am after now, or interning as a public relations and marketing specialist in Wilmington. My only regret in college is that I wasn’t able to take more of her classes. So, thank you, Dr. Persuit, for pushing me outside of my comfort zone, and always believing in us IMChawks.

Although graduation is a bittersweet time, I remind myself that it’s not “goodbye,” it’s “see you later.” Communication Studies has opened doors for me that allow for a career in the field I love, in the city I love, and I can never express how grateful I am for that. Here’s to the best four years of my life so far, and the even better years to come.

-Audra Bullard

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Hard to Walk Away

April 14, 2019

As I sit back and reminisce on my time here at UNCW, I can honestly say that these past four years have been the best years of my life. When I first arrived here, I had no clue what I wanted to major in. After asking other people for a couple weeks what major I should pursue someone mentioned COM to me because of my wide variety of interest. That recommendation shaped my four years here and I am forever thankful for that person because his advice changed my life for the better.

I remember walking into Dr. Weber’s 105 class as if it was yesterday. I was filled with nervousness and anxiety because I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, Dr. Weber and his charismatic personality helped calm my nerves and anxiety and I was able to enjoy my time in the class. After taking 105 I felt confident that COM was the major for me but what career I would pursue with it was still a question I could not answer.

Once I enrolled into COM 200 things began to become clearer for me. Since COM 200 is the last gateway class, during that class I started to get exposed to certain focuses that the department offers. The one that struck me was Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). I was attracted to IMC because I loved the idea of being able to use my creativity and learning how to market products or campaigns. I think that knowing what attracts consumers and how to properly do the research to determine that are huge components of an entrepreneur, which is what I strive to be.

I can not express enough how much this major had shaped me professionally. Having the ability to communicate and work with others has provided me with internship opportunities and jobs throughout my four years. For those who are reading this and are not for sure about COM, understand that in this department the tools and networking opportunities that you will be provided with are irreplaceable.

It saddens me to think that this is my last month here, but I leave here with no regrets. The friendships I made here, and the things that I learned I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

  • Cedric

Thank you, UNCW!

April 14, 2019

Can I write this without getting teary-eyed? I don’t know. Let’s test it.

I, unlike other students, have only spent two years on this campus. Everyday I regret going to community college and not coming straight to UNCW. I had no idea about the endless opportunities university life has to offer. I never realized how many opportunities I have been given in these past two years until now. I have been given the opportunity to lead our major’s organization, to host several large and small-scale events, create marketing materials for campus-wide events, meet famous people, be a part of a printed publication through internships, work with awesome peers, the list goes on. But most of all, I have been given the opportunity to truly find myself with the help of this institution and the collective body the makes up UNCW. I have been given the confidence to believe in myself and the skillsets I possess. I have found that I am a graphic designer, a photographer, a strategist, a team player, a performer, a public speaker, and a leader.

At the end of high school, I had been intimidated by a university setting because I thought I would never fit in with a group of people or truly enjoy my experiences. Boy, was I wrong! The Department of Communication Studies has given me awesome peers, friends, and most of all, a solid group of trustworthy, professional connections for the future. Working with minded individuals through this major has given me a fulfillment that I would not have gained anywhere else. We are all in this together in that we have to explain that we DO NOT just learn about how to talk with people! In fact, we are problem solvers, critical thinkers, creators, and inventors. Through choosing communication studies, we have the privilege of taking what we learn and applying it to any field we are interested in. This is why I am leaving UNCW with a great amount of confidence.

I am thrilled to know I will forever be apart of the community that is UNCW and am proud of the person I have become through my experiences here. To anyone who is reading this, remember to keep an open mind with COM and venture out into unfamiliar territory. Your major has mapped out that opportunity for you. The more you learn about the communication studies curriculum, the more you will learn about yourself and discover the person you have destined to be. It’s hard to believe that for me, this time is now.

No, I’m not crying yet, but on May 11th I’m sure I will be whether it is from happiness, sadness, or relief! For now, Wings Up, and as Dr. Olsen says, PEACE OUT!

– Jennifer Mabes

Tides Of Change

April 12, 2019

With graduation QUICKLY approaching, I’m starting to get a little sentimental about my time at UNCW. As I reflect I realize that some of the experiences I’ve gained here have prepared me for life post-grad more than I could’ve imagined.

I remember eagerly and anxiously sitting in COM 105, wondering what this major would have in store. I hate to admit, but Dr. Weber was right—if you put in the work a degree in Communication Studies will set you up for the highest amount of success.

My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity, ~seas~ the day (haha *cringe*).

No, but really, use the resources that are offered to you! Professors sometimes seem intimidating, but they are there to help you. Those who are about to take COM 400, go to the career center. It’ll save you so much time and make you feel more confident in your skills.

I’m thankful for the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) curriculum. Classes like Strategic Writing in Communication, Message and Campaign Design, as well as Brand Strategy and Research,  have made me confident in my abilities as a communicator. Through these classes, my writing and creative problem-solving skills have only strengthened. I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in class to my internship, which ultimately led to a job. I can undoubtedly say that without the Communication Studies Department and help from Professors (shoutout to Gentry, Persuit, Willingham, and McDaniel) that I wouldn’t be where I am today. With their guidance, I’m excited to graduate and take on this new job that waits in the next chapter of my life.

-Claire