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
IMC Hawks Blog 
Hi Jennifer.
Reading your post left an impression on me. I graduated from a great community college and made my transfer to UNCW. I have only been here a short bit but throughout this time, I have taken up many opportunities which have made me excited to be apart of the Seahawk family. I too wish I began my journey at a university because I will be saddened to leave UNCW here shortly. It is a confident feeling knowing you’re becoming the person you aimed to be, and I am forever thankful for UNCW providing great networking connections to increase that.
When I arrived at UNCW I had no idea what I wanted to do as a major or a career. COM has become my lifeline to UNCW and I love the classes and opportunities I have received because of this major. When I graduate I know that just like you I can rest easy because my degree prepared me well.
I always find myself more motivated after hearing things from upper class-men who have walked in my shoes. As I started my COM journey this past year I feel the sense of community you describe and am excited about my future as I continue my following two years until graduation. I have already learned a lot about myself like you said, but I know that this major, my peers, and the professors will help open up new things that I will learn about myself to help me grow as a person. Your post is inspiring and I look forward to becoming an official COM major and continue growing in the major.
I think this post is amazing! It really reminds me to take advantage of all the opportunities I can get from being a COM major at UNCW. I really do agree with you on the more COM courses you take, the more you find yourself. The COM department really does provide the skills and knowledge to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, and creators.
Jennifer, as a Junior in the COM Studies department, taking COM 200 and IMC 231, graduation feels like lightyears away. Time truly does fly though. I can’t believe in a few short weeks it will be summer again, and another class is graduating. Congratulations! I too transferred to UNCW. I spent three semesters at a large SEC school where the only things that mattered were football and greek life. I am so glad to be here in Wilmington now, and being part of the COM Studies department has given me such a sense of community. I have made friends in all of my classes and I love everything we are learning. I too feel as though I will (one day) graduate confident and ready to apply what I have learned to the jobs I want.
I’m a transfer student too and I can completely relate to wishing I had come straight here because I agree UNCW is such an amazing school with so many opportunities and adventures! I think it’s great that you’ve enjoyed your time here and I’m sure you’ve impacted the communication department in ways you might not even know! Good luck with your time outside of UNCW and I truly wish you the best!