Isabella is a double major in mass communication and political science.
Why did you decide to become a Mass Communication major?
It took me my first couple of years in college to figure out what degree I wanted to pursue. In high school, I enjoyed humanities classes like History and English, and I participated in my school’s journalism classes. When deciding what classes to take as an incoming freshman, my advisor encouraged me to enroll in Introduction to Mass Communication. The class really opened my eyes to the program and made me realize my interest in journalism. When accepted to the school during the spring semester of my sophomore year in the Strategic Communication major, I quickly realized that my favorite parts about studying journalism were more in line with the Mass Communication major. I love the flexibility that the Mass Communication major offers and that it allows me to explore so many different aspects of journalism, including the economic, political, legal, and sociological impacts it has on society.
What has been your favorite part of your experience at the Hubbard School?
My favorite part of my experience at the Hubbard School has been the connections I have made with people both in and out of class. There is such a massive mutual respect between journalism students to the point where I have never felt intimidated or afraid of speaking up in class. I also enjoy how journalism classes and professors always prioritize candid discussions on all topics. I sincerely believe that the people I have met at HSJMC are people I will stay connected with for the rest of my professional career.
What journalism class or professor has had the biggest impact on you?
It’s hard to pinpoint one professor or class that stood out among the rest because I have had so many great experiences at the school. I took both Introduction to Mass Communication and Administrative Law and Regulation for Strategic Communication with Chris Terry and loved the classes as well as his teaching style. Susan LoRusso has also been one of my favorite professors. She managed to carry out the exceptional task of making sometimes tedious material enjoyable and engaging in Information for Mass Communication.
What minors, internships, or activities are you pursuing outside of your Journalism major? How do you think these enhance your study of Journalism and/or your future career plans?
In addition to Journalism, I am also pursuing a major in Political Science. I have found that the Mass Communication major has greatly complemented my second major. I have also taken part in a couple of different study abroad programs, including a freshman seminar in Germany and a May session in South Africa. During the summer of 2018, I participated in an internship in Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Senate. During this internship, I had the opportunity to gain experience both on the legislative side and communications side. All of these different experiences have shaped my career goals as well as given me new perspectives that I have been able to take back with me into class.
What journalism course would you recommend for other students in your major?
Some of my favorite courses in the Mass Communication major have been the ones that focus on the historical perspective of journalism. My favorite class in this area, and the one course I would recommend to other students in the Mass Communication major, is Media in American History and Law: Case Studies with Sid Bedingfield. My favorite part of the class was covering the impact of journalism during the civil rights era.
What advice do you have for future Hubbard School students?
Connect, both in a networking sense and a personal sense. As someone who has struggled with this throughout her college career, I can not stress enough that you should go to office hours and stay in touch with your professors. Especially at the Hubbard School professors have outstanding industry advice and can be a source of guidance throughout your professional career. Also, connect with your classmates. Your peers in class are the same people you will be working with after graduation. Maintaining meaningful connections with these people is worth it.
