As I was walking to my office this morning, the bells of St. Ignatius were chiming. Sure, they could have been announcing that it was striking 9:00, but I think they were really chiming in anticipation of today’s blog post! At long last, “10 Questions” are back!
I have asked a few of our newly minted Communication Studies alumni to answer 10 questions about their time here at USF and in the COMS department. The first to accept my proposal? Azul Corajoria, who, in addition to just graduating this past May, also just landed her first post-collegiate job! That’s right…. she was employed less than three weeks after she graduated! Congratulations, Azul! Here are her answers to our 10 Questions:
2013 Communication Studies graduate Azul
#1: What is your favorite memory from USF?
I have a lot of wonderful memories, but to answer the question, my most favorite memory from USF I would have to say occurred second semester Junior year. I met some fantastic people that have forever changed my life, one of them being my best friend Alica (who I just so happened to meet in a COMS class) 🙂 For me, whether it’s traveling or just hanging out, it has never been about the location itself, but the people who surround me while I’m there that I enjoy. This time I was lucky to have both. Beautiful campus in the most amazing city, and the BEST company that hold my most endearing memories. SHOUT OUT TO MY LOVES (you know who you are) <3
#2: What are you most proud of during your college career?
Looking back, I am most proud of the way I was able to manage my personal life and academic life so well… if I may so say myself. Graduating with honors, an amazing resume, and many many amazing memories to look back on, I would say is definitely something to be proud about 🙂
#3: What will you miss most about college?
What I will miss most about college is the ability to spontaneously do fun activities with my friends on any given day and the breaks…oh the breaks. Summer break. Winter break. Those random days off that were always welcomed. No longer will I be able to travel for weeks or months at a time…for now.
#4: What was your favorite thing about being a Communication Studies major?
EVERYTHING 😉 Seriously though. Besides our amazing faculty and fellow classmates, Communication Studies classes have challenged me in ways other classes (not pointing fingers!) have not. Almost every single one of my courses helped me grow academically AND personally, not many other classes have the ability or curriculum to both those things.
#5: What, if anything, would you have done differently if you were starting your college career over again?
I transferred from a community college, which had very many benefits and I DO NOT regret choosing that path, however I did lose the whole “dorm experience.” I also wish I would have gone and explored the city more. It is all too easy to sometimes convince yourself on a Tuesday (for example) to stay in and study some more. While keeping your priorities straight obviously, try to remember that you are still in college, COLLEGE, and these are the time you will look back at for the rest of your life. So go grab a beer, eat a taco, and have fun!!
#6: What advice do you have for students in their first or second year of college?
Ah. ENJOY. Seriously. It goes by way too quick. Good grades are satisfying, really satisfying, but don’t forget you only have (well…usually) four years of your life in college. Make some bad decisions (I’m not condoning anything!). Learn what you can from your classes, jobs, internship, volunteer work, friends, personal experiences, etc… TRAVEL during the breaks! You have WEEKS of nothingness, take advantage while you can. Use the career center before you graduate! My resume looks absolutely AMAZING thanks to them. FINALLY (because I don’t want to type a novel) nothing is the end of the world. I’ve seen and gone through horrible break-ups, I promise, PROMISE you’ll get through it. Family problems, they will work themselves out. Friendships, come and go like the seasons, the important ones will shine 🙂 Bad grade, do better next time and it will all pan out! You get what I mean 🙂 Good luck.
#7: What are you most excited for as you begin this next phase of life after graduation?
I’m excited to get my career going and add new experiences and people into my life! I’ve always enjoyed going to new places and putting myself in situations where I get to meet new people so I’m excited to do that yet again. USF was that for me, a new adventure, and now my post grad life is.
#8: What do you hope to be doing five years from now?
Haha…I got asked this question in my first interview and it was the ONLY question I didn’t prepare for. Honestly, I still can’t tell you. I try not to stress about it. I guess if I had to answer though: I hope to get my student loans paid off as soon as I can and then, in between jobs, travel. I still need to do more traveling. I also want, and WILL get, my own little apartment to live in with my puppy, Kolbie 🙂
#9: How are you different now than when you first started at USF?
How am I NOT different would be an easier question to answer (or would it…hmm. Anyways!) I have matured on many different levels, and grown to be the woman I am proud to be today. I think a lot more rhetorically. I am more conscious of my actions and their consequences.
#10: What three words describe your current feelings about graduation?
1. Bittersweet
2. [I’m] old.
3. So…
A big thank you, Azul, for answering our questions! You shared some great advice and we are so proud to call you a Communication Studies alum!
