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

Where Did the Time Go?

April 10, 2019

As I sit here, trying to gather my thoughts to write this blog post, I find myself constantly switching between writing this post and looking at my photo album from the time I transferred to UNCW, back in 2016, to now. I’m still in shock and disbelief that this semester will be my last.

During my first two years, and still to this day, there would be times that I would walk up and down Chancellor’s and just smile because I worked diligently during my freshman year to get into UNCW. When I received the rejection letter from UNCW my senior year of high school, I knew that I would miss out on the first-year experience. However, I knew that attending Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) during my first year would provide me a solid foundation for me to continuing being successful once I transferred to UNCW. CPCC also introduced me into the major that I’ve enjoyed for the past four years, Communication Studies.

Although the transition from a two-year institution to a four-year university was without a doubt one of the hardest changes that I went through. The people and the professors that I’ve met made the transition more relaxed as the months passed on. I would like to pay tribute to Dr. Weber and Dr. Persuit. Dr. Weber made the “gateway to COM” course enjoyable and gave me the confidence to succeed in any COM class that I take. Dr. P’s Intro to Integrated Marketing Communication class started my journey into the IMC world. Without COM 231, I wouldn’t have enjoyed COM as much as I do now.

As for the friends that I met, the adventures that I embarked on, and the endless amounts of memories, I hope to remember it and hold on to it for as long as I live. To the person reading this post, know that you should cherish every moment that you have, never regret something you once wanted, and remember that the six core skills are not communication skills.

–Kristian Worthy ’19

As Cliche As It Sounds…

April 9, 2019

As I reflect on the last four years here at UNCW, it’s hard not to think in clichés. When people told me college would fly by, I rolled my eyes. At the time four years seemed like a lifetime away, but alas, they were right. Here I am picking up my cap and gown and furiously applying for “big girl” jobs.

As sad as it is that my college career has come to an end, it’s nice to look back and think of how much I have grown as a person in such a short amount of time (see I told you cliché). I came into college as a very shy person, I was content in the background never straying from my comfort zone. College terrified me at first because I knew I would have to fight what I thought was comfortable. In fact, my first year of college I strayed from majoring in Communication Studies, for the sheer fact that public speaking was a required course. Thankfully, I quickly learned that stepping outside of my norm was the best and most rewarding thing I could do for myself. Not only did I meet new and exciting people, but I also created experiences for myself that would have never otherwise happen.

Over the last four years, I have traveled, met incredible people, and most importantly learned a lot along the way. What I can honestly say about what was constant throughout this whole process was the encouragement and support I felt from UNCW, specifically the Communication Studies Department. UNCW has well prepared me to take on a role in the business world and I feel incredibly lucky to have received such a world-class education. What really stands out to me in terms of my education is how much applied learning the COM department offered me. I thrive from learning by doing, and while I have loved many of the lecture style classes I have taken, I have found the ability to immerse myself in first-hand experiences so invaluable. I thank the professors and staff at UNCW for allowing such unique and relevant ways to learn about the industries we strive to be in, and I can truly say I cannot recommend UNCW and the COM department enough.

While much of this blog post sounds like one big fat cliché, it’s honestly so true. These four years have been an incredible learning experience. They flew by and were packed with amazing memories. Perhaps one cliché that I feel doesn’t apply is that these years will have been the “best of my life”. I believe the experiences I’ve had at UNCW have prepared me to make the next coming years of my life the best yet.

-Tori Lyman