Two Fields, One Future: Making the Most of a Dual Major

Being a double major has between extremely challenging and rewarding at the same time. I'm double-majoring in business administration with a management concentration and communication studies with an organizational concentration. I hope this ambitious goal sets me apart from my peers and makes me a more marketable candidate when it comes to applying for jobs. 

I've been taking classes every single semester, including every winter and summer break, just to be able to graduate in four years. If I remained with only one major, I would've graduated early but knew that I wanted to make the very most of my time at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg. I figured the sacrifices I'm making now by giving up my winter and summer breaks to work and take classes to get ahead will be worth it and only benefit me as I enter the business world.

The biggest strengths I've developed so far are a strong interdisciplinary skill set, enhanced leadership and teambuilding skills, career versatility, better problem-solving, and conflict management approaches. 

I'll carry these strengths and newly developed skills with me into my professional career after I graduate. It's not been a super easy time, being a double major and taking all required classes for both majors, including general education courses, Honors courses and capstone project, communication internship, and more. I've had one heavy academic journey, but despite the scheduling conflicts, I've always found a way to make it all work.

My parents are both teachers, but I wanted to follow a new and different path for myself. I honestly was not entirely sure what I wanted to do or study, but I knew I wanted to pick a major and start taking classes for my major in my first semester. 

I came to Bloomsburg as a communication studies major after declaring my major on Husky Decision Day back in April of my senior year of high school. An alum spoke at one of the sessions that day and said that she was a communication studies major and worked with Eli Manning once. I remember her sharing her story and that was all I needed to hear to know that I wanted to study the same thing. 

Eli Manning is my favorite athlete, and I think it would be the coolest thing in the world to be able to work with him someday too. I chose the organizational concentration because I wanted to learn how to communicate with diverse groups of people within different organizations.

After getting through my first semester, I wanted to challenge myself to make the most of my college experience. During the holiday break, I spoke with my aunt and uncle who are both in the business field. 

My aunt is in the pharmaceutical sales industry and told me she thought I would like sales. She suggested I pursue a major in professional sales and marketing. She's very smart, and I knew she would help lead me in the right direction. After taking my first classes within the Zeigler College of Business, I knew I made the right decision.

During the beginning of my junior year, I had a moment of realization. I did not want to limit myself in any way with being a specific major, so I made the move to something more diverse and applicable to all areas of business.

And that was business administration. 

I chose the management concentration because one day I want to be a leader and hold a higher position within a company and wanted my education experience to best prepare me for that. I really enjoy my management classes and like how they cover different industries such as finance and supply chain. 

My favorite management class is one I'm currently taking. It's a Zoom class — organizational behavior — with Dr. (Darrin) Kass. Even though it's online, he makes it super fun and engaging. My favorite chapter we've covered so far is Positive Organizational Behavior, which is the study and application of positively oriented human resource strengths and psychological capacities in today’s workplace.

In May, I'll be graduating with my undergrad in two different degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA). I'm also considering pursuing a Master of Business Administration upon graduation.

It's important to continue learning and expanding your knowledge even when you have a full-time job. There's always something new to learn. I'm very excited to see where my professional career takes me and to be a lifelong learner!

— Lillie Corino, a senior business administration and communication studies major at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with an emphasis in management and organizational communication, is interning with the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications this fall. She's a native of Bucks County who enjoys spending time with her family, pets, ESA, watching Friends, seeing Morgan Wallen in concert, playing lacrosse, and going shopping with her mom.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

What a crazy journey it's been

Toward the end of my senior year of high school when I was thinking about college, I told myself this was an opportunity to reinvent myself in a way. Not that I wanted to change who I was entirely, but I saw it as an opportunity to improve some things I maybe didn’t like as much. In high school I didn’t like how closed off I was. I often wouldn’t give people the benefit of the doubt and that would lead to me not making friends easily.

This is something I was determined to turn around. Every new chapter in your life brings changes and I was determined for this change to be a positive one. The main thing I wanted to do differently was be more outgoing and make new friends. I left high school with only two friends, and I always regretted I didn’t make more of an effort to make more friends. I saw college as a start of a new chapter and an opportunity to put myself out there, but COVID had a different idea.

My freshman year in 2020, I moved into Columbia Hall and was trying my hardest to make connections with the other girls in my hall or people I had met through the Facebook page. All of this was going well until our in-person classes had to be moved online because the COVID cases in our area got too high. Because the classes got moved online, Bloomsburg was offering refunds on our room and board, which meant most people moved back home. I tried to stick it out as long as I could. I stayed for about a month and wanted to stay longer, but once I realized lots of people were leaving, I also went home. This really put a damper on my plans to reinvent myself and try better to make friends in college.

Although this sort of derailed my plans, I didn’t let it stop me from accomplishing my goal. I spent my sophomore year really trying to continue any relationships I formed in that short time I was on campus my freshman year and trying to form new friendships. I decided to move back to Bloom and get an apartment with my boyfriend Dylan. I didn’t have anyone I could get a dorm room with plus I thought it would be fun to live with my boyfriend. Moving back to Bloom after being home for most of my freshman year was kind of like I was moving to Bloom for the first time again. This was in a way my freshman year because I hadn’t fully experienced what it was like to be at college. Through this whole experience I really taught myself perseverance and to trust the process. Although the beginning of my college journey didn’t go the way I planned it still all ended up working out the way it was meant to.

In the past, I would have let these challenges stop me from trying again. This is why I struggled so much with building friendships in high school. I also felt since you go to school with the same people since elementary school, most friendships were already established. I found it hard for me to put myself out there because of my fear of rejection. If I had faced one issue or one roadblock, I would have completely jumped ship. 

But this experience was so important to me, and I really didn’t want to look back on college and think I should have done things differently. I forced myself to face my fears because I knew it would benefit me in the long run. I have seen myself mature and learn so many useful lessons through my four years. I understand the importance of good loyal friends who are always in your corner. If it weren't for my friends and my boyfriend I wouldn’t have been as successful through college as I was.

I also learned the importance of trusting your instincts. Not just in school, but also in life. Since I took a risk of putting myself out there and being vulnerable with strangers and it actually worked, it showed me I need to believe in myself. I would have never found my best friend Morgan if it weren’t for me going into college with this mindset. The college journey truly prepares you for your transition to adulthood. I felt like I was so underprepared when I entered college, but now I am a much more mature and prepared person who’s ready to enter the workforce. With that comes many decisions. I feel so confident in the degree I will be graduating with, the friends I have gained along the way, and the experiences I have. I will be graduating in May with a degree in communication studies, a focus in organizational communication, and a minor in psychology. 

The professors in the communication department are truly the best. They know their stuff and they are so encouraging and will help their students success in any way possible. I know because of them I truly am prepared to graduate. With all these tools I’m trusting I will be able to have a successful career. Although my path from here on out might be a little unknown I now have the skills to handle that better. 

If I face a bump in the road, I'm better equipped to handle it and trust everything happens for a reason. The support system I've built through this crazy journey will carry me through any hardships I might face. For now, I must embrace the scarries and see what the world has to offer me post-grad.

— Monica Wilt, a senior communication studies major at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with an emphasis on organizational communication, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of New Cumberland, who loves Taylor Swift, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the show Survivor.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

We’re Huskies, it’s what we do

Well… didn’t the fall semester just fly by.

After all the unexpected twists and turns, this girl is still going strong. One more semester left and looking back, I can’t say I have many regrets if any! Being involved with friends and clubs while staying active is the key to success in my book! (Not forgetting about the hours of writing papers and studying ;)) Our favorite!

But truly, I’ve learned that work DOES pay off! Be that student who puts in the extra hour to tidy up her paper. Be that student who goes out of their way to assist a member in their club with a project. Be THAT student who goes above and beyond. Sort of like Buzz Lightyear… or is that to infinity and beyond? Actually, do that too!

Oh, the Places You Go says Dr. Seuss. Make the effort, put in the work, and you’ll see the results in the end.

Starting out merely as a member of NCASC (National Communication Association Student Club), I’ve worked my way up to PRESIDENT! Taking on various leadership roles such as treasurer and public relations chair, I was an active exec member throughout my college years. It wasn’t all pretty though.

You see, at first, I tried so hard to follow this shiny, marbly, off-white path to guide me to my success. But in reality, this path is dusty, rugged, and dirt brown.

But that’s okay. Every path is different and leads to different things!

In my freshman year, I started out as a health science major. I loved science and formulas but my sophomore year, I learned this wasn’t the path for me. It was during the Covid-19 pandemic when I took a class called Interpersonal Communications and I absolutely loved it. Through the Zoom screen, my professor opened my eyes to other majors offered. She started telling me more about communication studies, and I was sold.

Regardless of what others thought or expected of me, I loved this new major path. Why? It was for myself.

Later on, I picked up a marketing minor as I was interested in aspects of business. I wanted to be as successful and marketable as possible after college. Even though I never really enjoyed crunching numbers, I pushed myself to learn more every day.

Happiness comes from within. And THAT is what I ultimately learned this year.

Overall, college has brought friends into my life that will truly last a lifetime. I’ve learned as much from them as I have in my courses. Life is a process, and it’s to be taken one step at a time.

And with one semester left, I can confidently say that when I walk across the graduation stage, I’ll continue to go onward and upward. We’re Huskies, it’s what we do.

— Kathryn Henriksen, a senior communication studies major at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with an emphasis on organizational communication, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this fall. She is a native of Pottstown who loves Andy Grammer, Nutella, and all 10 seasons of Friends.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

It’s right here, don’t waste it

It didn’t happen right away for me in college, but it eventually did. Meeting those forever friends is one of those precious college checklist items. It can be frustrating and depressing when it doesn’t happen early or even at all your freshman year. Rest assured it will — especially in a place like Bloomsburg.

For me it was the start of my sophomore year. I met four girls who I didn’t know at the time would change my life forever. They would go on to become my best friends. We’ve lived together for the next two years. We’ve laughed together. We’ve fought. We’ve made up, and we’ve cried. But best of all we’ve been together for it all, and soon we’ll graduate college together.

It feels so surreal to have met these four coming in to college feeling so lost to now having such a strong connection to these girls who were once strangers. Morgan, Leah, Kelly, Olivia … thank you for giving me a great college friendship experience.

Leah comes from Williamsport, a city famously known for the Little League World Series, which is a little over a two-hour drive from me. I remember first meeting her and instantly connecting with her bubbly personality and ability to make anyone laugh.

At the time she lived at Glenside apartments downtown, which was a far walk from where I lived in Soltz Hall on campus. That did not stop us from hanging out almost every day. Leah was always ready to pick me up, listen to our favorite song “Better Not” by Louis The Child and drive to Panera for lunch.

I could also relate to Leah in a lot of aspects just from the first few months of knowing her. She understood me and my struggles and was always there to lift me up when I was in a funk. She would reassure me that balancing life issues and college at the same time is not always easy.

Leah is two years older than me, so I’ve always looked up to her in a big sister aspect. She’s a social work major, so her compassion for wanting to help people in need showed every day, having one of the biggest hearts out of anyone I’ve ever met.

A specific memory that sticks out when I think of Leah was when we went to the beach together over summer of 2020. We booked an Airbnb for a few days in New Jersey and spent those days soaking up the sun. When I think of my happy place, the beach immediately comes to mind. What better way to spend it with one of your favorite people?

I felt like we picked up from where we left off, as if we never were apart from one another. In high school you think you have your group of friends who’ll always be in your life — but the truth is — it’s okay to outgrow them. You lose touch with them in your first year of college, and maybe you go home and see them over break. Meeting your college friends is like a breath of fresh air though.

I was scared to open up to new girls such as Leah, but her unconditional support and my trust in her just keeps growing every day. This semester, Leah decided to move out on her own. She thought we would be upset or that it meant we would see less of her. Just the opposite. Her decision was best for her and her mental health, and if anything, it only made us happier for her. I still take time to reach out and call her to see how she’s doing, and I know when it comes time for graduation, she’ll be right by my side telling me that, “We did it!” Leah has been there for me through thick and thin, and it’s the same for me with her.

A lesson I learned as I’ve grown throughout my college years is that you have to prioritize yourself. Setting boundaries and knowing your limit is important in college, because things take a huge shift and are not always easy. You have to know when you’re balancing too much — school, friendships, work, and just in general life, and everyday problems we might have.

That’s why when Leah decided it was time to part ways with Bloomsburg, she was prioritizing mental health, even though it was a decision that involved us too in the roommate perspective. Despite the fact we had to find someone new for our lease, our friendship and support for Leah came first. Mental health is something that should always be taken seriously, no matter the circumstances.

— Sarah O'Leary, a senior communication studies major with an emphasis on interpersonal communication, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of Scranton and is an avid Harry Styles fan.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

Whatever the path, make it yours

I’m not gonna lie, my first semester of college was rough. Within days of starting of school I was living by myself in Elwell Hall with constant thoughts I was never going to be able to form a friendship. Everyone else on my floor had a roommate and someone close to connect with.

 
Adding to that stress I realized after nearly failing my first college biology class, maybe I should reconsider my major. I thought I wanted to go into radiology. I thought making friends in college would be super easy.

 
I thought I had this college thing figured out.

 
From visiting Bloomsburg in the summer to moving in and then to the first week of classes, I had this overwhelming fear about adjusting to such a big change from high school. And before the fall was over it was becoming true.

 
One clear thing hits you when you reach college. You’re on your own. It can be thrilling and quite rejuvenating. It can be motivating. It can also be down-right frightening. So, I took it upon myself to really figure it out — to find my path. They say college is a journey. It’s where you follow your career dreams and find yourself. Actually, that’s what I did at Bloomsburg.

Up first was my major. I didn’t wait it out and immediately went to my advisor to discuss the other options I had. As a freshman you want to do well right from the start and make your family proud — make yourself proud. I always heard of people coming into college being undecided without a major, which was something I never considered. I thought going into college I already had to have everything figured out, which is the furthest thing from the truth.

 
It's okay to be undecided, and it’s okay to change.

 
So, I then changed my major to communication studies, focusing on the track of interpersonal communication. I had already taken an interpersonal communication class and enjoyed it. The professor was great and very supportive. My sister had been a communication studies major at another school, so I knew a little about what I was getting into.

 

People often underestimate communication studies and the opportunities it could bring after college. The courses I’ve taken over the years have been anything but easy. I had to take public speaking, which was a fear of mine I never thought I could overcome. The thought of standing in front of a classroom of strangers to make speeches about my beliefs or touchy subjects scared me to death. There were also rules of public speaking I had to learn, like constant eye contact with your audience and not always looking at flashcards. I got through the hard courses though, and fast forward to my last semester, I’ve already completed my major courses I need for graduation.

 
This was the best decision I could’ve made! I’ll forever be grateful to my younger self for deciding to make a change when it was needed — to choose a new path, right there and not later. This was something truly meant for me.

 
Me … yes, back to me. That first semester seemed to be just that … me. I was lost in my major, and I was lost in my search for friendships. So, much like my major I took it upon myself to figure it out. If it wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought to find friends, I would make it easy for them to find me. I left my (residence hall) door open. I chatted with others at hall meetings, and I made it a point to make friends in class.

 
Simply put, I made friends. Though unlike many fellow freshmen and my Elwell neighbors I had yet to find my best friends, my people — my Bloom people. I learned that’s okay. It doesn’t happen for everyone their first semester or their first year of college. But it does happen, trust me.

And it’s absolutely the best thing about college.

 
— Sarah O'Leary, a senior communication studies major with an emphasis on interpersonal communication, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of Scranton and is an avid Harry Styles fan.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

So many reasons

I think there’s always a reason that makes everyone’s experience here in Bloomsburg University unforgettable.

For me, that’s a number of reasons.

At the start of my junior year, I transferred to Bloomsburg University. I had attended West Virginia University for two years studying forensic science — where I found I wasn’t so suited for chemistry. I decided it was time to pack my bags and look for a new direction. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon BU that I found that direction.

I was a stranger to the town, the people, and campus itself — and despite only touring campus once during orientation, I was ready to start somewhere brand new to me. Although I was ambitious to get involved during my remaining time, I was unsure of what path awaited me. Now looking back, I can confidently say I’ve found my way. It’s crazy how in the constant turning of the world, one can occasionally find that state of calmness — the one where it feels as though all of your blocks are falling into place. For me, that happened during my time here in Bloomsburg.

I went on to pick up communication studies — a study I’m now passionate about and wish I’d found sooner. This program has allowed me to explore my creativity by equipping me with the skills to take up digital design, social media marketing, or really anything within this realm. The important thing to note is I’m not limited to just that. The communication studies program prepares you for a world of possibilities — it’s just up to you to find your path.

I went on to join Sigma Sigma Sigma national sorority and found friendships I will hold near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Not only that, but I also met Jaime North through our educational program for Greek life, who went on to later become my internship supervisor this semester. As eager as I was, I also went on to join the Frederick Douglass Debate Society where I met some amazing role figures: Robert Green, Erin Brummett, and Shavonne Shorter — all of which belong to the communication studies department. 

As someone who loved debates in high school, the Frederick Douglass Debate Society allowed me to continue my enthusiasm. My experience with this group was incredibly rewarding as it was constantly bettering my argumentation and research skills.

Then the pandemic hit, and my world flipped upside down.

All of those study sessions in the Harvey Andruss Library turned into at-home homework. Typical hangout sessions turned into group Facetimes, and free time transformed into finding new hobbies to take up the time, like trying new recipes or picking up scrapbooking. One of my favorite recipes that came out of the pandemic was something that was trending on TikTok: Fold-over wraps. These were something I was crazy about — always trying to brainstorm new takes on the wrap for different mealtimes.

Then in the fall, things changed again — but I argue for the better. We returned to campus (sort of) and found new ways to make our time in Bloomsburg remarkable.

All of that work I put into online classes paid off. I came back with better online study habits and a determination to work toward graduation despite the question of in-person or online classes. Those distant Facetime calls made me miss the friends I’d made — making seeing them again something I can appreciate so much more now. And those hobbies I picked up have gone on to spark “New Food” nights with my friends where we try out things we’ve never had before. Surprisingly, one of my best friends had never tried fish until this semester so of course this was a meal we had to cook up, among others. I also began my internship with the Office of Marketing and Communications this semester and I’ve found some passions I’d never known before — specifically, passions for content creation and marketing. Because of this, I started applying to marketing jobs and even had my first interview for a potential real-life job upon graduation.

Now looking back, I can’t imagine my time holding anything less than my countless study sessions in Andruss — the place I formed so many friendships in group study rooms — or those late nights with my best friends. I can’t imagine not meeting the people I have, or not finding myself as an individual and professional. My new reality is something I’ll never take for granted again, especially in light of all of the changes we’ve faced in the past year alone.

Little did I know I’d find so many reasons for why Bloomsburg was so special to me. We all have our reasons. I wonder what yours may be.

— Caprice Gillick, a senior communication studies major with an emphasis on leadership and public advocacy, is interning with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of York County and a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

Thank you for being exactly what I needed

Looking at my graduation cap and gown hanging in the closet in front of me, I feel a lot of things.

There’s a slideshow in my head of the past four years. Of how my freshman year self feels like a different life time, yet my college career flew by in a blink of an eye. Can’t say I loved every minute of college. I’m not sure anyone can, but I wouldn’t change any of it to become who I am and where I am.

The best friends who were strangers from all over the place are now like family. My boyfriend who I met the very first day of sophomore year in that algebra class has stuck by me to this day. They’ve been my best friends, my roommates, my rock, my shoulder to cry on, and my happiest memories.

To them — thank you for being exactly what I needed and for helping me become who I am.

Every part of this town turned into home for me. From living in Montour Hall to living by the downtown fountain, to living in my sorority chapter house. The coworkers at Steph's Subs and Aramark who I shared dreadful shifts with, yet loved where we were. The peers in my major who started as someone to ask a question turned to someone to call a friend.

Home isn’t a place but a feeling, and Bloomsburg has that feeling. I’m sad to leave, but I can begin to grow a life based off of what it gave me.

Looking at my cap and gown, I think of my high school graduation — the girl I was then, starting out in the world not knowing where I’d end up.

Now I think of the girl I am now. Completing my biggest accomplishment in life thus far. Making my family proud as a first-generation college student.

I can say confidently now I'm the girl who knows exactly what she wants and has what it takes to see it through. Looking at that cap and gown, I’m proud of myself. It’s bittersweet; I’m sad, I’m happy, but most of all I’m excited for what the next stage of my life is going to bring me.

And I can thank Bloomsburg for that.

— Drew Hess, a graduating senior communication studies major and emergent media minor, interned with the Office of Marketing and Communications this spring. She is a native of Stowe, Vt., a town of 4,472 people in northern Vermont known for its trails and ski slopes.

#BloomOnward #HuskyLife

A virtual senior send-off

The recent turn of events with the COVID-19 virus that has taken the world and the students here at Bloomsburg by storm has led to classes being moved online for the rest of the semester. For many students this is sad and frustrating, but especially for those of us who are seniors.

I transferred to Bloomsburg in August 2018 after completing my associate degree at Luzerne County Community College. After two years of online classes, I was ready to experience college campus for the first time as a commuter. Since then, I’ve made many connections and taken advantage of the great opportunities Bloomsburg had to offer.

I’ve attended two Husky Leadership Summits, the Career Intensive Boot Camp, and numerous presentations on campus. I’ve presented at the College of Liberal Arts Symposium, won the Howard Schreier Award for Top Scholarship in Communication Studies, and have been inducted in the Lambda Phi Eta Honors Society. I’ve written for our student publications, The Voice and BUnow and now BU's Office of Marketing and Communications. And I’ve had a good amount of Chic-fil-A.

Bloomsburg University is another victim of coronavirus. This early closing feels like premature finish to my college career. As a commuter, I left campus shortly after the beginning of spring break and didn’t have a chance to bid farewell to anyone. Scrolling through social media feed is also disheartening, as many seniors bid farewell and university accounts congratulate seniors.

It is still to be determined if there will be a graduation ceremony. At this moment a large gathering of people in one area is what a virus would thrive on. It’s an all-around tragic turn of events but given recent reports of current cases of coronavirus victims in PA, could have been more tragic. Perhaps many of this year’s seniors will return as alumni sooner rather than later, due to the virus robbing us of our last few months on campus. I know for myself I would like to return for at least a brief visit. Thankfully, I’m also a local commuter, and it will be easier for me. Hopefully there will be some more silver linings to these bleak, unprecedented times.

— Gabriel Miller, senior communication studies major

Coffee with President Hanna

I recently had the opportunity to speak with the president of the university Bashar Hanna. It was the first “Chat with the President” event of the semester and was in the Starbucks café.

I was there to observe the event for my internship. The president asked about my coursework in communication studies, what my favorite and less favorite classes were. He also asked about my career aspirations. I told him that I planned on working in the Marketing and Communications Department at Geisinger as I interned for them over the summer. He told me to make sure I have the experience on my resume, and when I went to apply he would put a word in for me because one of the university trustees works for Geisinger and likes to hire Huskies.

President Hanna was very friendly and amicable. I never had met a university president or someone in a similar position of power, so I was surprised with how open and friendly he was.

He was also talking with a biology major about the struggles of organic chemistry and her career aspirations. I was surprised when he said he took organic chemistry as well. He also talked to a marketing major about the local bowling club.

Many students were thankful for the coffee vouchers. A few students stopped by to talk with the president for a short while.

— Gabriel Miller, senior communication studies major

A tasteful tour of Costa Rica

We’re almost to the end of the third module of classes now, and our group is busy studying Latin American Civilization and Culture. Together we’ve covered everything from ancient Aztec and Inca civilizations to the Latin American wars of independence in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A few of us took a day for a tasteful tour of Café Britt, a leading innovator in gourmet Costa Rican coffee. I’m not big on coffee myself, but fortunately Britt also specializes in cookies, nuts and chocolates (highly recommend the dark chocolate-covered pineapple jelly).

Two weekends ago we piled into the buses to head to La Fortuna, a small town northwest of San José in the shadow of two huge volcanoes, but first we took a high-flying detour to a huge jungle zip-line course. The Tarzan Swing was a surprise, not to mention the “Superman” line for the grand finale.

Arriving at La Fortuna, we got our first breathtaking look at Arenal Volcano, a 5,500-foot geological wonder with clouds surrounding the summit. Its most recent eruption was in 2010, and visitors can occasionally spot thin lava flows near the crater.

We spent a night in the natural hot springs that flow from the Tabacón River at Arenal’s base. Trust me, they’re better than any hot tub you’ll ever find. We’re coming into the homestretch now, and the daily rains have finally died down as the dry season (mid-November to April) steadily approaches.

— Joshua Lloyd #HuskyUnleashed #HuskyAbroad

Joshua Lloyd is a junior Spanish and Interpersonal Communication major spending this fall studying abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica. Through SOL, he is studying Latin American culture and civilization.

Am I career ready?

Okay I’ll start off with a quick story about girl that was entering her senior year of college and by a sick twist of fate was forced to change her major,….AGAIN. Yes folks, she was entering into her fourth year of school and on to her third major and not by her choice this time. If you have not already guessed this mystery girl is me!

Summer 2016 I was officially without a major and for the first time in my college career completely directionless. With some research I decided to become a communications studies major with a track in leadership and public advocacy.

Going into the major kicking and screaming if I may add. I had no idea what comm stud majors did and what they had to offer, all I knew it would get me out of school the fastest so I signed up. Disclaimer, this is not one of those Cinderella stories about how I fell in love with my major and lived happily ever after. Even though that is literally what happened. This is about the journey that helped me realize that is major is where I belong and who/what helped me get to that “ahh” moment.

Career Boot Camp

Because I had no idea what I could do with my major, I decided to visit the Center for Professional Development and Career Experience (CPDCE) where I learned about the Career Intensive Boot Camp. If you do not know what the boot camp is, it is a weekend where juniors and seniors participate in workshops all about professional development.

I got the opportunity to network with alumni, get my resume reviewed, and go through mock interviews throughout the weekend. One of my personal favorite sessions was the etiquette dinner at Monty’s, where I enjoyed a four-course meal with a straight posture and fancy new (proper) dining etiquette.

What was most impactful throughout the experience was talking to some of the alumni who had such an interest in listening to my dreams and goals. I mean really listened, took their time out of the day to speak with me and guide me on how to make them into a reality.

Encouraged me to stick with my major and challenged me to see how my department could befit me. I had some of the most meaningful conversations that weekend that inspired me to have a new outlook on my situation and communication studies.

Since then, I have stayed connected with many people I met that weekend. Now a regular in Center for Professional Development and Career Experience. I go to workshops throughout the semester and learn some great tips about handling life after graduation.

I am now in my last semester of college, last…semester…of undergrad! The time has flown by and I am excited to see where my life takes me. Join me as I explore what the CPDCE workshops, guest and events to help me prepare for the ever so daunting adult life ahead.

— Giovanna Andrews, senior communication studies major #HuskyLife

How fate landed me the perfect roommate

When I look back at the summer going into my freshman year, the first thing I think about was waiting to find out who my roommate was going to be.

Like most of you, I have never had to share a room or living space before, let alone share it with a complete stranger. I am actually the youngest of three, and the only girl, so the idea of having to share my space with another girl was completely foreign to me.

You have two options when it comes to roommates:

• you can find one on your own through the Bloomsburg University Class of 2020 Facebook group
• you can decide to let fate work its magic and see what happens

I went with the second option.

I know that some freshmen are hesitant because of the rumors they hear, or horror stories online of psycho roommates. To be honest, those stories are few and far between. I have to tell you though, deciding to have a random roommate was one of the best decisions I could have made.

Here is the story of my freshman year.

It's kind of ironic, actually

My roommate friended me on Facebook (remember this was three years ago!) and we started talking over FB messenger, and then eventually started texting.

The process is a little like the first stage of dating — you get to know each other by asking basic questions, trying to get a feel for their personality, hobbies, interests, where they're from. You move on to the important stuff, the roommate stuff — do they like the room hot or cold, do they go to bed early or stay up late, do they like going to the gym, are they into the party scene.

My roommate was a summer freshman, which was cool because she was already familiar with campus, knew the shortcuts or different ways to go to class, had her own group of friends, and knew what to bring for the room.

The reason I say that my story is ironic, because I think part of the reason I chose to have a random roommate was to branch out and new people, which is exactly what had ended up happening.

Flashback to accepted students day

I met a girl who was the same major as me and we immediately connected and started talking. Little did I know that when she would message me on Facebook months later, the day we moved into the dorms, our rooms were a few doors down from each other. On that same day we went around the hall, meeting our neighbors and the people who would soon become our best friends.

There was a group of about 10 of us that were really close. My favorite part about being so close to them was the atmosphere in the hall. We all kept our doors open and bounced around from one room to another when the boys got rowdy or we just wanted to go somewhere else.

Each of us had our rooms set up so differently that we kind of used them for different purposes. The boys next to me had the perfect set up for a movie room — there were tons of bean bags and fold up chairs. The girls down the hall had a really open room so that was a fun hang out room.

What you will find is your own way, and your own wings to connect with others. Each person has their preference of random roommates versus chosen roommates.

Fast forward to this fall

I will move into my first ever apartment with six of my friends, and guess who my neighbors are? Some of my neighbors and best friends from freshman year. Talk about ironic.

— Kate Armstrong, junior communication studies major #HuskyLife #ProfessionalU

It's spring. It's time. Your future awaits!

Oh, the spring semester is probably the most interesting and dynamic point in an academic year:

• freshman don't feel like the new kids anymore
• sophomores are halfway done with college
• juniors begin to feel the pressure of senior year
• seniors are savoring their last few moments of an era unlike anything they'll experience again

Coming to college, I had a good grasp of what my interests were, but had no direction when it came to the type of career I wanted to pursue. I wanted all of my classes, not just my major classes, to be useful tools to me both in college as well as in the future.

Whether that time is in another class, during a job interview, or when I am already in a job. I wanted to know what other options I had in addition to my major, which is when my advisor introduced me to the world of minors and concentrations.

A major "concentrated" effort 

After going through this process and speaking to my friends who are in the same boat, the most valued piece of advice I can share with you is to network. Network network network. I think one resource that gets overlooked is your professors.

Picking up a concentration meant taking classes tailored toward areas of study that would help me in my future endeavors — exactly what I was talking about above! But, I still needed to take general education classes.

My concentration helped me fill my time with classes that I genuinely wanted to take, classes that would still be relevant to me after school.

I was immediately drawn to the human resources concentration because of the wide range of topics and classes offered. Just like communication studies, there are so many aspects of HR that I never even knew existed. A new found love of law and the legal system resulted from the classes associated with this track, which has actually opened several doors in terms of jobs and internships.

Welcome to Internship Season

Speaking of jobs, the spring semester also means that summer is around the corner, and for juniors and seniors, that is code for internship season.

I have been applying to summer internships since January, and let me tell you that the last three months have consisted of pure stress, persistence, and a lot of self motivation. Anyone who is internship hunting right now knows exactly what I’m talking about. Between the cover letters, emails, networking, and countless hours of researching, this process is a LOT of work.

Our generation is in a unique place right now. We are really the first generation of young professionals going through the job and internship process with the presence of the web and media at the intensity that it is today. As society and technology evolves, so does the working world, which impacts the people who are trying to break into it, namely, you and me.

Network, Network ... Network!

Get to know them!

They are professionals in the industries of your dream job. They have connections and access to people that you probably don't, and, they are going to be the ones who write your letters of recommendation!

In my first blog post, I wrote about the power of connections — the number one way to get your foot in the door. My second piece of advice is to build your resume. Start now. Seriously.

Earlier when I said that we only have four years here, that means we only have four years to join clubs, take leadership positions, do research, and volunteer. You can't apply anywhere without one, and it is a work in progress that will stay with you for your entire professional career.

Four years seems like a long time until your freshman year is over, then you're half way done with college ... and then you're scheduling for your senior year, or you're graduating in one month.

— Kate Armstrong, junior communication studies major #HuskyLife #ProfessionalU