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
IMC Hawks Blog 
A first for everything is exciting at UNCW. I also have Dr.Weber and he is an amazing professor and a fascinationg man. College should be the best time of your life and you should enjoy it. COM 231 is an informative course and you can learn alot from it. I agree graduation is bittersweet but it is going to a great rode ahead for you and you lifes greatest ambitions.
What a cool post! I am just now finishing COM200 and COM231, so I am still in PCOM, and where you are looks so far away for me! I have yet to decide my focus in the major, and to even find out what I want to do. I am a double major too, and the reassurance to stick with it is some great and encouraging news! I am not quite sure what I am going to do with my life, but I also remember Weber’s words of the value of being a Communication major, and all the possibilities that come with it!
I was originally going into Excercise Science as my major and then my world was turned upside down. I went through some sickness that caused me to drop my chemistry class and force me to choose another major. I am so happy I chose COM and cannot wait to see where it will take me!
Hey there,
I too was trying to decide whether to stick to COM as my major or not, but I’m so glad that I did! There are many routes that we can take with this major, and it really does help in all of our relationships!
Audra,
I loved this post! I took Dr. Weber last semester and was really hesitant about my choice for being a communication studies major, but he turned that around for me! I have also had a love for marketing, so when I chose to be in Dr. Persuit’s IMC class this semester, I was so excited for it! I’m so glad I found a class that I can relate marketing to communication studies with!
Audra, as a senior at UNCW, your post really hits home. I love this school and I can remember the first time I walked into Wag like it was yesterday. IMC has given me a huge appreciation for branding- both professionally and personally.
Hey Audra! Congratulations on graduating this spring, I’m so excited for you! I’m glad you had four amazing years here at UNCW. It’s so good that you found a major that you love and learned so much from. Dr. Weber’s words and Dr. Persuit’s guidance will continue to take you far. Have fun out there in the world and don’t let anything stop you!
First of all I love this creative title. It really intrigued me to read on. I can also relate to the fact that I was skeptical of whether or not COM was something I should stick with but looking back as I am about to graduate I am so grateful for this major. I also think that Communication Studies will help open countless doors to opportunity. I enjoyed reading this post!
I found this post extremely motivational. I have had a lot of trouble deciding a major and coming into COM I really do think I’ve found the right one. All of my professors are unlike all of my previous professors; they actually want me to learn and grow as a person. Reading this really assured me that this major was the right choice for me, so thank you so much for that!
Audra,
reading your entry really made me think about the past four years here at UNCW. I remember the first day of freshman year like it was yesterday. I feel that the past four years have flown by and I have thought about all the memories I have made. It is indeed bitter sweet. I also do feel that being a Communication studies major has set me up for great success in the near future. Dr. Webers quote has also stuck with me and it will continue to going forward!
What an amazing post! It’s crazy how time really flies bye and you can see where you came from as a freshman, all the way to graduation day. I’m sure your college experience was fantastic and you learned so many lessons you’ll be able to take away and continue to learn more about them. I’m also so glad I am going to be graduating with my communication studies degree, I have learned so much already and I can’t wait to see what else is in store!
It’s my first semester here at UNCW and after reading this I couldn’t be more certain that this is where I’m supposed to be! Our communication department is so incredible and provides so many learning opportunities through our experienced faculty members! Thanks for endorsing Dr. Persuit, I’ve enjoyed her in COM 231 and I’m excited to know that she was so helpful for you in your career.
Side note, your writing voice is fantastic and so are your IMC puns! Congratulations on your graduation!
I can relate to many of the experiences you have had here myself. I remember changing my major two times before finding COM. Before that I found classes to be very annoying and tedious. Now I love every class I have. So it just goes to show how finding the right major can make a big difference.
This reminds me of leaving high school in a way. I’m just starting my journey as a COM major so Its like deja vu being a freshman all over again. I really feel like my time is going to be fun and worth my time. Mr. Weber is the man too. He’s always nonchalantly throwing life quotes at you but they are usually true so it’s cool that one of them stuck with you.
What made me read this article over others is the title, it made me giggle a bit. I remember Dr. Weber’s COM 105 class had a similar impact on me. When it is my time to graduate, it will be hard because theres so much to love about UNCW, I will just have to remember to say see you later.