Mass Communications Concentration

There are a number of ways in which NDB prepared me in my career. I had the gift of experiences in collaboration and leadership that allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself and learned skills of working within a group to move something forward. Aquacades performances, cheer/dance, and my time on ASB all taught me early invaluable skills that allowed me to navigate a number of roles throughout my career. 

The staff and teachers at NDB continuously motivated me to do my best every day, encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, and truly cared about my success both inside and outside of the classroom. Their constant support, guidance, and belief in me have helped shape me into the person I am today and have prepared me for success in my future at Santa Clara University and beyond.

My favorite class at NDB was Fr. Downey's English class. I learned how to develop my own writing style, take risks, and put my heart and soul on paper. It wasn't just about proper grammar and sentence structure—it was an art. In addition to Fr. Downey's mentorship, Michael McKenna's Current Events class inspired me to become a newspaper reporter. Peggy Brady's English class fostered a love of reading and telling a good story. After college, I became a newspaper reporter and editor. I loved every minute! My job eventually morphed into communications/media roles at Serra High School, the Nueva School and my current media relations position at Kaiser Permanente. When I look back on my career, I realize that it all began at NDB.

NDB has taught me life skills that I will carry to UCSD and with me for the rest of my life. It has taught me to be outgoing and to step out of my comfort zone, to try new things and meet new people. I have found my family here and would love to cultivate that at UCSD as well. I have learned to take on leadership roles through volleyball and other clubs/activities that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Collectively, the skills I learned at NDB and perfected at TCU have allowed me to become an asset within the sports and entertainment industry. After one year I have been promoted, led our team in evolving the guest experience, and personally hosted all-star musical talent, such as Joe Jonas and promoted the importance of women in these industries. I look forward to learning, mentoring, and evolving the sports and entertainment world. Notre Dame taught me to just go for it. You might meet failure along the way, but no matter what, everything happens for a reason. It also showed me that being around strong women and collaborating with others is beneficial to everything in life. 

Notre Dame gave me a lot of skills in leadership, teamwork, project organization, public speaking and knowing how to ask the right questions that helped me through college and in my post-grad life. With caring and excited teachers, as well as a supportive and lively environment and a lot of incentive to work hard, Notre Dame was a great place to prepare me for my future.

At NDB, I was always encouraged to speak up, make mistakes, try new things, challenge myself, and be a go-getter. This made me fearless in college and starting my professional career. This propelled unbelievable passion, ambition, and growth that I continue to build upon today. There was also an unbelievable support system between faculty, staff, and fellow peers, which taught me the importance of community and its impact. Anything is possible when there is a sense of community and purpose, and I learned that at NDB.