Political Science and Communication Major
I chose Heidelberg because from the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. The small class sizes, beautiful campus, close-knit community, and the way faculty and students genuinely cared made it clear this was where I was meant to be.
I majored in Political Science and Communication because I’ve always been fascinated by the power of words and the way messages influence people’s beliefs, actions, and even the course of history. I wanted to blend that interest with my desire to make a difference, and these two majors gave me the perfect foundation to do just that.
One of the biggest challenges I faced at Heidelberg was dealing with self-doubt and burnout during my junior year. Everything seemed to hit at once—leadership roles, classes, volunteering, working, and just life in general. It was overwhelming but I handled it by learning to pause, to ask for help, and to let go of the pressure to be perfect. I leaned on the people around me, realigned my goals, and reminded myself that progress doesn’t have to be fast, it just has to be forward.
The best opportunity I discovered at Heidelberg was leading our delegation at the Model UN Conference in San Francisco. Representing our university after months of preparing was a surreal, full-circle moment. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, inspired me, and reaffirmed why I’m so passionate about this work. And of course, getting to travel and experience a new city was an unforgettable bonus.
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in my sorority, Kappa Psi Omega, contributed to the school paper, participated in public service projects, volunteered at the Hub, and was active in the Student Alumni Association, Model UN, the Research Conference Committee, and many other leadership opportunities!
The thing I’m most proud of about my Heidelberg accomplishments is completing two capstones during my senior year; one on how social media is reshaping crisis communication strategies, and the other on the effect of social media on political campaigns. Both projects pushed me academically, challenged my writing and research skills, and solidified my passion for work that blends politics, communication, and media.
One faculty or staff mentor who impacted my ‘Berg experience is my professor and mentor, Dr. Marc O’Reilly. He was always there for me—supportive, honest, and incredibly fun to talk with. In my political science classes, he became my go-to sounding board for everything from big projects to everyday questions. His mentorship, guidance, and belief in me truly made all the difference.
My advice to new freshman me would be don’t shrink yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Say yes to the things that excite you and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re not behind…you’re just getting started.
My favorite Heidelberg memory is meeting my best friend, Morgan, and getting to experience college by her side. We grew so much together over the years, and it’s the little moments—along with the big ones—that I’ll carry with me for life.
My plans after graduation are to begin my MBA at Heidelberg this fall while searching for new opportunities to grow professionally. I’m excited to pursue a career that integrates my interests within communication and political science! But before I dive into that, I’ll be studying abroad in Italy—an opportunity I am beyond excited about!