Communication

Rein Hostess — Rancho Valencia Resort, 2022

As a hostess in a high-profile resort, I communicated effectively by exchanging  information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside the organization. Working as a Rein hostess for Rancho Valencia Resort, I communicated with the back of house, employers, and resort clientele. On more than a few occasions, I employed my Spanish to speak with Rancho Valencia employees. Sophia, a coworker and English learner, regularly approached me with questions that concerned the Rancho Valencia team in Spanish. Sophia would communicate with me to decide when to retrieve towels, take her break, and deposit soiled towels. Through my Spanish fluency, I was able to effectively communicate with Sophia, articulating my words in Spanish so that Sophia could understand what was being communicated and effectively do her job. By framing communication for varied individual communication abilities, I was able to properly communicate with coworkers and contribute to an industrious workday.
  • Insights:
    -Professionally and effectively communicating with diverse identities, both inside and outside of the organization.
    -Framing communication with respect to diverse learning styles
    ​    -Collaborating with coworkers
    -Demonstrating verbal, written, and non-verbal communication abilities

Sales Representative, Barista — Addy’s Jams and Caramels, 2021

In my role as a sales representative, I consistently demonstrated effective communication skills by actively listening to clients and employing persuasive techniques. For instance, while representing Addy's Jams and Caramels, I successfully convinced a family to purchase double their intended quantity of jam at a local farmers market. By attentively understanding the family's taste preferences, I recommended my favorite jam—strawberry freezer jam. My active listening skills enabled me to recommend a product tailored to their specific likes and dislikes. After providing the family with a jam sample, despite initial hesitation due to pricing concerns, I convinced the family to make a larger purchase. Leveraging my communication and marketing skills, I informed the family of a promotional offer—three jars for 30 dollars—and tailored my pitch to highlight the jam's compatibility with their peanut butter and jelly habits, ultimately sealing the deal. Illustrating a comprehensive understanding of the family’s needs and preferences, I engaged my communication skills to influence a large purchase for the benefit of the organization. With refined active listening and persuasion skills, I bring effective communication and an aptitude for marketing to future work experiences.
  • Insights:
    -Marketing
    -Employing active listening and persuasion
    ​-Sales experience
​

Critical Thinking

Capstone — "Who Died and Made You Queen? Fuair An Stair Mícheart," 2023

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 the construction of the first-century Celtic Queen Boudica over time from a diverse set of sources. I analyzed and interpreted data with an awareness of biases and recognition of diverse perspectives. Highlighting how communication practices maintain inequitable power structures, my capstone analyzes 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. Through my capstone, I have learned to analyze and apply communication theory to social issues, enriching my critical thinking abilities and fostering a mature commitment to social justice. As I enter the workforce, I will continue to employ my critical thinking proficiencies to instigate social change.
  • Insights:
    -Identifying and responding to needs based on an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
    -Gathering and analyzing information from a diverse set of sources.

 Digital Ethnography — "Whoniverse as a Lens for the Universe," 2023

In my digital ethnography for Dr. Melissa Click, "Whoniverse as a Lens for the Universe," I meticulously gathered and analyzed information from various sources, with a focus on the r/doctorwho subreddit community—an active digital space for fans dissecting the Doctor Who series. Through careful observation and interviews, I unraveled the multifaceted dimensions of meaning-making practices and identity formation within the Doctor Who fandom. By incorporating life-course perspectives and exploring generational fan knowledge, my research offers a comprehensive understanding of how the evolving dynamics within the Doctor Who fandom shape identity construction.This digital ethnography enriched my critical thinking, developing my critical approach in gathering and analyzing information to uncover profound insights. As I transition to the workforce, the communication and critical thinking skills honed in this digital ethnography will be invaluable for navigating professional environments.
  • Insights:
    -Identifying and responding to needs based on an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
    ​-Gathering and analyzing information from a diverse set of sources and individuals to fully understand a problem.

Equity and Inclusion

Volunteer -- SEAL Family Foundation, 2024


  • I am thrilled to have contributed to the success of the SEAL Family Foundation's Around the World Paddle event in Coronado, CA on April 13, 2024. Through my volunteering with the SEAL Family Foundation and the Around the World Paddle event, I actively promoted an event that raised finances for underprivileged members of our community, SEAL families.  I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my passion for community engagement and communication with tangible contributions to a meaningful cause.
    In adapting to diverse environments, I embraced various responsibilities. From completing the rigorous 13.1-mile test paddle to managing the SEAL Family Foundation TikTok account, facilitating behind-the-scenes coordination for news interviews, and providing hands-on assistance during the event, I demonstrated flexibility and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.
    My contributions go beyond the surface level. By engaging in the Around the World Paddle event, I not only provided immediate support to SEAL families but also contributed to long-term societal change. By amplifying the voices of underprivileged groups through social media outreach and actively participating in community events, I work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
  • Insights:
-Contributing to inclusive and equitable practices that influence both individual and systemic change.
-Managing social media outreach
-Adapting to diverse environments

Equity and Inclusion

Volunteer -- Ritsona Refugee Camp, 2019


When I was 17, I volunteered my time to help asylum-seekers in Athens, Greece. Amid political upheaval in the Middle East and Africa, Greece, welcoming the most asylum-seekers, hosted my volunteer mission at Ritsona Refugee Camp. Through painting murals, constructing furniture, and connecting with the community, I gained insight into the challenges faced by those affected by war. This experience heightened my awareness of my own privilege. Engaging with diverse ethnicities and religions broadened my perspective, fostering humility and a deeper appreciation for my own life and privileges. Through these cross-cultural experiences and interactions, I developed a cultural understanding and a sincere empathy for those suffering from war. This life-changing experience opened my mind to new ways of thinking, a skill I continue to carry with me into adulthood.
  • Insights:
    -Seeking global cross-cultural interactions and experiences that enhance my understanding of people from diverse demographics and that lead to personal growth.
    -Keeping an open mind to diverse ideas and new ways of thinking.

Spanish Study Abroad Student --IAU Madrid, 2023

During my spring semester abroad in 2023, I actively engaged in equity and inclusion by seeking global cross-cultural interactions and immersing myself in European culture, specifically in Spain. By choosing to live with a Spanish family and interact with local professors, I deliberately sought experiences that broadened my understanding of Spanish culture and fostered meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Embracing diverse environments, I cultivated fluency in Spanish, fostering an understanding of the language and the vibrant Spanish culture. I adeptly adjusted to a new way of life, seamlessly integrating into the cultural nuances by engaging in customary greetings, such as the double-cheek kiss, and savoring dinners well into the night at nine o'clock. In doing so, I cultivated a genuine openness to diverse environments and an eagerness to engage in equitable cross-cultural experiences that enriched both my personal growth and intercultural understanding.
  • Insights:
    -Contributing to inclusive and equitable practices that influence both individual and systemic change.
    -Advocating for inclusion and equitable practices.
    -Seeking global cross-cultural interactions and experiences that enhance my understanding of people from different demographic groups and that leads to personal growth.
    -Keeping an open mind to diverse ideas and ways of thinking.
    -Identifying and working to eliminate barriers resulting from individual and systemic inequities and biases.
    -Adapting to diverse environments

Professionalism

Presenter -- North West Communication Association (NWCA) 2024 Conference, 2024

  • I presented my paper titled "Who Died and Made You Queen? Fuair A Stair Mícheart" at the 48th Annual Northwest Communication Conference (NWCA), held from April 14-16, 2024, in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. As part of the Media & Cultural Studies Division, I had the privilege of presenting on Monday, April 15 at 9am. I was honored to have my paper nominated for best paper!
    At the NWCA Conference, I maintained a positive personal brand consistent with both organizational standards and my personal career values. Being present and prepared for my presentation showcased my dedication to delivering a high-quality performance.
    Reflecting a commitment to excellence and a desire to do justice to my research, I ensured that I was thoroughly prepared for my presentation. Additionally, by actively and appropriately engaging with fellow scholars and practitioners at the conference, I demonstrated an understanding of the importance of networking and collaboration within the academic community.
    Moreover, my presentation itself reflected professionalism, as I conveyed my research findings with clarity, confidence, and respect for my audience. I adapted my delivery to suit the expectations of the academic setting while remaining true to my personal style and values.
    My participation in the NWCA conference allowed me to develop and demonstrate professionalism in various aspects, including preparation, presentation, and interaction with peers. I am committed to maintaining these standards of professionalism in all my professional endeavors and contributing positively to the larger community of communication studies.
  • Insights:
    -Understanding and demonstrating effective work habits to act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
    -Maintaining a positive personal brand in alignment with organization and personal career values.
    -Arriving present and prepared.
    ​-Dedicating effort to good, prideful work. 

Professionalism

News Interviewee -- San Diego Fox 6 Morning News, 2016

In a 2016 interview on Fox 5 Morning News where I promoted the Hamilton Hearts Fashion Show, I exemplified professionalism through my presentation, on and off-air. Despite being only 15 years old, I approached the interview with a mature demeanor, responding to questions with poise and confidence. My professionalism extended to my punctuality and readiness, as I arrived at the news station well-prepared and allowed ample time for makeup and outfit preparations, ensuring I presented a polished appearance on camera. Additionally, I maintained a positive personal brand aligned with the values of the Hamilton Hearts Foundation, effectively conveying the charity's message through well-articulated responses during the interview. By sharing my personal experience with the charity and encouraging participation in the fashion show, I demonstrated professionalism not only in individual conduct but also in promoting the organization. These aptitudes in communication and professionalism will prove useful as I embark on my professional journey.
  • Insights:
    -Acting with integrity for self, others, and the organization.
    -Maintaining a positive personal brand in alignment with organization and personal carreer values.
    ​-Arriving present and prepared.

Marketing Intern -- Neurelis Inc., 2022

 As a marketing intern for Neurelis Inc., I demonstrated effective work habits by analyzing competing marketing strategies, engaging social media influencers, and leading a significant marketing project centered around epilepsy nasal spray. Consistently presenting myself, on time, in businesswear, I cultivated and maintained a positive personal brand that resonated with the values of the organization, aligning my conduct with the standards of professionalism within the workplace. A dependable intern, I reported consistently for work and meetings, and my attention to detail resulted in minimal errors in my work. My conduct consistently reflected integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the larger community and workplace.
  • Insights:
    -Understanding and demonstrating effective work habits to act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
    -Prioritizing and completing tasks to accomplish organizational goals.
    -Acting with integrity for self, others, and the organization.
    -Maintaining a positive personal brand in alignment with organization and personal carreer values.
    -Arriving present and prepared.
    -Dedicating effort to good, prideful work.