Personal Statement
|
I graduated Gonzaga University with a Bachelors in Communication. With a fervor for news journalism, I am interested in using my knowledge in communication to instigate social change.
If you were to ask my family and friends to describe me, they would most likely emphasize my industriousness, adaptability, and bilingual proficiency. Yet, the attribute that lies at the core of who I am and has been the driving force behind my professional journey is my exceptional communication skills. During my spring semester abroad in 2023, I actively engaged in cross-cultural interactions, immersing myself in Spanish culture. By choosing to live with a Spanish family and communicate using the local language, I deliberately sought experiences that broadened my understanding of Spanish culture and fostered meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As I enriched my knowledge of the Spanish language, I gained a new appreciation for what it means to effectively communicate. Communication is not just an oral experience, but a written and visual concept as well. I recognized that communication needs to be framed for varied individual communication abilities, and this is why language fluency is such an important skill. Through my bilingual proficiency, I can effectively communicate with both Spanish and English speakers. Studying in Spain, I developed a genuine openness to diverse environments and an eagerness to engage in equitable cross-cultural experiences that enrich both my personal growth and intercultural understanding. Intercultural communication has long been valued in my home life as well. As the daughter of an Irish immigrant who arrived in this country at the age of 21, I draw inspiration from my mother's relentless work ethic. My mother has worked so hard for everything we have, and I would like to think my mother’s industrious, hardworking attitude is something that I have developed through my work experiences, most recently with Neurelis Inc. and Rancho Valencia Resort. My extensive work experiences as a marketing intern, hostess, and sales representative have taught me to be quick on my feet and adapt to my changing environment. As a critical thinker, I have identified and responded to community needs based on situational context. In my capstone, “Who Died and Made You Queen? Fuair An Stair Mícheart” I analyzed artifacts with communication theory to shed light on how people forge meaning and identity through social memory. Critiquing Boudica’s social memory, my capstone becomes a powerful tool for breaking down inequitable power structures that disservice female and native identities from positions of power. In addition to my prowess as a critical thinker and outstanding communicator, I possess a captivating on-air presence. In the whirlwind of 2017, I found myself, at the tender age of 15, in an interview on the Fox 5 Morning News. What seemed like an ordinary interview transformed into a defining moment. With a demeanor far beyond my years, I faced the interview questions with a maturity that belied my age, answering with poise and exuding confidence. I wasn't just answering questions; I was telling a compelling story, fervently encouraging participation in the upcoming charity fashion show. As I progress into the workforce, my ability to create a compelling on-air presence and tell engaging stories will prove invaluable. Driven by a passion for news reporting and communication, coupled with a rich tapestry of attributes encompassing industriousness, adaptability, bilingual proficiency, exceptional communication skills, and a deep-rooted understanding of cross-cultural interactions, I am uniquely poised to meet the demands of future roles, where accuracy, critical thinking, compelling storytelling, and communication are paramount. |
|
What have I gained from my education in Communication Studies at Gonzaga University? |
Gonzaga University, home to the Della Strada Jesuit Community, prioritizes intellectual rigor and justice-aligned faith, emphasizing the Ignatian philosophy of "cura personalis" or care for the whole person. In an environment where peers and professors genuinely attend to not only physical but also spiritual and emotional needs, I developed profound compassion. This compassion, instilled by Gonzaga, fuels my genuine desire to alleviate others' suffering.
My Gonzaga education, deeply rooted in Jesuit pedagogy, has uniquely equipped me for a seamless transition to the workforce, nurturing my critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, alongside compassion. The Core curriculum, a cornerstone of my academic journey, instilled the importance of critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling me to analyze diverse perspectives and apply them to social issues. Engaging in Gonzaga courses and readings cultivated reflective and critical thinking, empowering me to analyze artifacts and critically engage with the world, enriching my ethical perspective. University coursework reflects my commitment to challenging inequitable power structures through research and critical analysis. Honing my critical analysis skills, school assignments such as my digital ethnography, “Whoniverse as a Lens for the Universe” and capstone, "Who Died and Made You Queen? Fuair An Stair Mícheart," transform extensive analyses into a call to action, instigating social change. Through university assignments, I have learned to analyze and apply communication theory to social issues, fostering a mature commitment to social justice. It is through Gonzaga’s education that I remember why critical thinking is such an essential concept; The ability to form one's own opinions, thoughts, and ideas is vital as it is what separates the shepherd from the sheep. As the Social Media Officer for Gonzaga University's Wags for Zags Club, I refined my marketing and leadership skills by volunteering at the Spokanimal Shelter, organizing events, and curating content for the club's social media. My experience at Gonzaga University has prepared me to navigate the evolving digital world, enriching my expertise in social media and digital marketing. Studying in Spain through a Gonzaga program, I embraced diverse environments and engaged in cross-cultural experiences that enriched my personal growth and intercultural understanding. By choosing to live with a Spanish family and communicate using the local language, I deliberately sought experiences that broadened my understanding of Spanish culture and fostered meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My time in Spain cultivated a genuine openness to diverse environments and fueled an eagerness to engage in equitable cross-cultural experiences, aligning perfectly with the values of social justice, diversity, and intercultural competence emphasized by the Gonzaga experience. My Gonzaga education not only enriched my passion for equality but also provided the tools to pursue it. As I enter the workforce, armed with scholarly knowledge and critical thinking skills, I will continue to advocate for marginalized identities, working to create a more equitable, compassionate world. Gonzaga's education inspires me to challenge inequitable power structures, advocate for social justice, and contribute meaningfully to the common good. |
