Why did you choose Oregon Tech?
I chose Oregon Tech because of its close vicinity to my home in Klamath Falls, its low tuition cost, and of course the overwhelmingly positive experiences that my older brothers have had at the institution. All three of my older brothers chose Oregon Tech as their first college as well, and their path to success as a result of their education at Oregon Tech confirmed that this school is the right one for my academic and career goals.
What do you like most about your program?
I like how diverse and sociable all of the students and faculty are in the communication program. Because it is a relatively small program, the professors are determined to set each student on a path to success and are always willing to spend extra time to help you. And since the class sizes are often small, you can engage in meaningful discussions with your classmates and professor, which is not always possible in larger programs and universities.
What are you passionate about changing within this particular field and why?
Since communication studies is often perceived as too broad or not worthwhile, I want to prove that this degree is an excellent choice for many different careers, especially since almost every career involves communication in some shape or form. The field is admittedly broad, but thanks to the help of OIT’s faculty, students can focus on specific aspects of the communication field that are most relevant to their career. For example, I want to become a teacher, so my advisor and professors have helped create a plan for me and my specific career goals.
What would be your dream job?
My dream job would be teaching English to high school students. This job would involve everything I am passionate about: helping others, interacting with people daily, forming a sense of community, making a difference in young people’s lives, and sharing my love for writing and English. Earning my degree in communication studies (with classes focused on writing and literature) will allow me to then pursue a master’s in Secondary Education at another university.
What have been some of your favorite classes and why?
My favorite classes so far have all involved studying people in some way, such as my Interpersonal Communication class. In this class, we found examples of communication theories and applied them to modern day examples in various forms of media. I found that when I applied a theory from the textbook to someone memorable like Kanye West, I could understand these theories better and realize how they are relevant in our everyday lives.
Is there anything about Oregon Tech that you wish everyone knew about?
Everyone should know just how many free events there are at Oregon Tech. There is almost always something to go to each week, and more often than not, there is free food at these events! The information they provide is always useful as well, and I wish more students would attend.
Are you involved on campus? If so, how?
I have a few on-campus jobs at Oregon Tech, which make my life so much easier. Instead of having to travel to another part of town to get to work, I can just walk across campus after class and start working! I currently tutor writing to students at the Peer Consulting Center, edit and review essays that students submit online, and work at the Learning Resource Center’s help desk. I am also involved with OIT’s Circle K club, which gives me opportunities to volunteer and give back to the Klamath Falls community.
Do you have employment/graduate school plans for after graduation?
After graduating, I plan to attend Southern Oregon University in order to obtain a degree in secondary education. With the help of my advisors at Oregon Tech, I will have completed all of my prerequisites for this degree.
Is there anything more that you would like to share with future students about campus, what you wish you knew before attending Oregon Tech or anything else?
Oregon Tech’s small size is actually one of its biggest advantages. The faculty here care about your success and are a great resource to every student. Do not be afraid to ask them for help!