This can’t be it, can it? I’m graduating from college in three weeks! I wonder how I ever made it to this point in my life? It seems like I was just entering high school as a freshman and now I’m a senior in college at Appalachian State University and soon to be an alumnus.
I remember my first day at App. I was nervous to start classes at a four-year university. I knew the course load would be heavier than what I had become accustomed to at the community college, so I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect. As soon as I got here, I got to jump right into my major (Journalism), and start classes in the communication department.
I never thought I would end up at App. My brother graduated from here in 2004, so I was familiar with the school and Boone. I had known since high school that I wanted to get into the risky career of Journalism, and I’ve had several people try and sway my decision to stay with Journalism when the job outlook looks so bleak.
But I will never regret sticking to my guns and pursuing my dream of becoming a journalist. Although it definitely hasn’t been an easy road, I truly have enjoyed every minute of my time at App and in the Comm. Department, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else.
I feel that the Comm. Department prepares students very adequately for what lies ahead and that we get pushed harder than anywhere else. The professors in the Comm. Department should be commended for this, although it does become very stressful, they are professionals and they know what it takes to succeed out there in the ‘real world’. So I say to all you younger Comm. Majors, enjoy every article you write, design you create, ad club meeting you attend, interviews, public relations events, etc. Join clubs and get involved, write for the Appalachian, talk to professors, seek advice, attend job fairs, and just get out there and do as much as you possibly are able.
But seriously, enjoy your time here, because it will go by insanely fast and you will be out there trying to find a job before you know it. When you get out there, represent Appalachian State University and be proud to know you received the best education at the best school.
I want to offer some tips of some things I wish I knew when I entered the Comm. Department.
> Talk to some of your older peers, don’t be afraid to ask them questions of what classes to take, they can provide you with a lot of beneficial knowledge.
> Don’t skip class! I know most of you won’t follow that rule, and neither do I, but seriously, it really doesn’t benefit you to lay out of class just because you don’t feel like going that day.
> Don’t put off assignments. As much of a procrastinator as I am, I have learned that if you just go ahead and get something done, you will be very glad in the end and your grade will show for it.
> Don’t be afraid to speak to professors, coming to a smaller school such as App, the class sizes aren’t as large and professors genuinely care about you and they want you to succeed!
> Take the time to have fun! Get out there and make friends in the Comm. Department, ask each other questions, form study groups, and ‘communicate’!
Best of luck to all and Go Apps!
“Journalism is literature in a hurry.” -Matthew Arnold
