Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Media and Communication
Minor: Graphic Design
Hometown: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Student groups, clubs, organizations, jobs, internships, honors, or athletic affiliations: Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Vice President, Salem State Log Public Relations Ambassador, Student Navigation Center Resource Development Intern, Media and Communication Student Ambassador, Commonwealth Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta, Tau Sigma
What made you choose Salem State, and what is one thing a prospective student should know about our campus community?
I transferred to Salem State because of its diversity, both in its student body and in the majors and minors it offers. As a Latina, I did not know what a Hispanic-Serving Institution was when I first arrived or that Salem State had recently become one, but over time, I became proud not just to learn more about that designation, but to be involved in the university's Hispanic-Serving Institution initiatives. Especially at a time when the Latino and Hispanic community continues to face discrimination, Salem State goes out of its way to serve and support this community. One thing a prospective student should know is that the university really does put in the effort to understand and celebrate Latino and minority communities while also creating opportunities for students to succeed.
Once you got to campus, what made you say, "This is the place for me?"
My first semester really solidified that Salem State was the right place for me. I was able to take classes like How PR Works, Writing for Media and Multimedia Storytelling, where I learned and practiced skills essential to the field I had always dreamed of entering. At my previous school, I was mostly learning theory and would have had to wait until later in my college career to apply those ideas. At Salem State, I was able to begin practicing professional communication and campaign work right away. I learned from professionals who genuinely wanted to help me succeed, and I started to feel not just like a student, but like a professional.
What made you choose your major? What about your area of study ignites your passion?
I have always been intrigued by the effect the media has on how people perceive the world. People can be influenced by everything they hear and see online, so I wanted to learn more about communication and media literacy to become not just a stronger communicator but also a stronger consumer of information. I also became interested in graphic design because of my love for art and my desire to be the person who can create the materials needed in public relations and marketing campaigns. In a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to create visuals and content, I want to emphasize the unique value of thoughtful, human-centered storytelling and design. I want to bridge the connection between public relations, advertising and design because they go hand in hand in campaigns.
Do you live on campus or commute? If you live on campus, what have you enjoyed most about your experience? If you commute, how have you stayed engaged with the campus community?
I live on campus, which has allowed me to attend campus events and keep up with the meetings and responsibilities that come with serving on the E-board of PRSSA. It has also made it easy to invite friends over for game nights, movie nights and group project work. Being on campus has helped me feel connected and involved in a very immediate way.
How have you grown as a person during your college experience?
During my time at Salem State, I have gained professional development and public speaking skills that have shaped how I show up in the classroom, in PRSSA, in my internship at the Student Navigation Center and in off-campus opportunities. I have also learned the value of research and truly understanding an audience or community, which has influenced the way I communicate, design and build relationships. These experiences have helped me become more confident, more intentional and more aware of the impact that thoughtful communication can have.
Can you describe a challenge that you overcame at Salem State?
One of the biggest challenges I had to overcome was financing my education. At my previous private institution, my family and I were paying a lot out of pocket, which was financially and emotionally draining. There were moments when I seriously considered dropping out. Once I transferred to Salem State, I received a lot of support from the Student Navigation Center, which helped me find ways to finance my tuition, making the costs much more manageable. That support allowed me to focus on my studies and eventually give back by interning at the Student Navigation Center, where I have helped other students from underrepresented communities facing similar challenges.
Could you discuss the relationships you've developed with faculty members and how these relationships have influenced your learning and personal growth?
There are so many faculty and staff members who have supported me throughout my time at Salem State. The Student Navigation Center staff have been incredibly helpful from day one and have made sure finances did not become a barrier to my success. They also host events like Money Matters that taught me more about financial literacy and helped me become a more responsible student and professional. On the media and communication side, my professors have given me professional guidance that has shaped how I present myself in class, in my internship and in off-campus opportunities. My graphic design professor, Amy Kunberger, taught me to think deeply about each design choice and to pay close attention to detail. Working with her helped me better understand client needs, professional expectations and how to balance creativity with strategy.
Can you describe the educational value and affordability you've experienced at Salem State University? How has the university supported your academic journey regarding quality and accessibility?
As someone who transferred from a private school, I've found Salem State much more affordable, which has made a huge difference in my ability to focus on school rather than financial stress. At the same time, the quality of my education has remained strong. My professors have created assignments and projects that encourage collaboration with local businesses and campus communities, which has allowed me to feel like a professional while still being a student. That balance of affordability and meaningful, applied learning has made my time here especially valuable.
Salem State emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Can you share any memorable experiences where you've applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings or through projects?
One memorable example was during my first semester in How PR Works. My professor divided the class into groups and had us create a public relations campaign for a local business. My group partnered with the Ugly Mug Diner to build a campaign to boost morale during the slower parts of the year. It was one of the first times I truly saw how the skills I was learning in class, like strategy, messaging and design, could come together in a professional context. It helped me understand how a real PR team functions and gave me a real sense of what I want to do in my career.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you believe your time at Salem State has equipped you for success in pursuing these plans?
After graduation, I want to pursue a career designing and strategizing promotional materials and marketing campaigns, ideally in publishing or the entertainment industry. My time at Salem State has prepared me for that path by helping me combine communication strategy, design skills and leadership experience. Through my classes, my work in PRSSA and my internship, I have learned how to research an audience, communicate effectively and create thoughtful, engaging work that serves a purpose. Salem State has helped me feel ready to enter the field as both a stronger communicator and a stronger designer.