Name: Natalie Steele
Hometown: Paramus, NJ
Major: Communication Studies, Radio/TV/Film Track
Minors: Business Management and Psychology
Organization Involvement: TCNJ Ambassador, TCNJ Phonathon, TCNJ House Assistant, Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society (President), Hellenic Society of TCNJ (President), Leadership Development Program, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Teach for America Campus Coordinator
Natalie Steele is a senior Communication Studies major in the program’s Radio/TV/Film track, with minors in Business Management and Psychology. You might have seen Natalie walking around backwards on campus while giving a tour to prospective students as a TCNJ Ambassador, you may have gotten a phone call from her as a representative of TCNJ Phonathon, or you might have even attended one of her original workshops as a Facilitator through the Leadership Development Program (LDP). Natalie hopes to continue to integrate the skills she has learned and developed through Communication Studies, Business Management, and Psychology with working with people in the future.
What led you to major in Communication Studies, specifically in the Radio/TV/Film track?
As I started to apply to colleges while in high school, I was initially undecided about my major. I was interested in applying to The College of New Jersey, and I went on the school’s website to look into the different majors offered here. I read a lot about the Communication Studies program, and I was already interested in TV and Film, so I thought why not study something I already know that I like? The Communication Studies major has a really open curriculum, so from the classes I took as a freshman, I was able to gain an understanding about what it would be like to continue with the program. And after taking Dr. Ryan’s Languages of Film and Television (COM 117) and then Intro to Communications Studies (COM 103), I knew that I wanted to move forward with this major and continue to work with people and develop my interpersonal skills.
In what ways do you look to combine your double minors in Business Management and Psychology with Communication Studies?
I really like to learn about the theories from all three disciplines and then make the connections between them. This brings different perspectives back to Communication Studies. My minors in Business Management and Psychology have helped me ground what I wanted to get out of my Communication Studies major as well. I think it’s important to learn about yourself during your time here at TCNJ, and then use that knowledge to figure out what you want to get out of your major and the classes you take here.
How have your Communication Studies classes helped prepare you for being a workshop facilitator and presenter through the Leadership Development Program (LDP)?
The Leadership Development Program (LDP) was one of the first clubs that I joined here at TCNJ, and my experiences with this organization have made me feel more confident because my skills as a public speaker are valued. As a facilitator, I deliver original workshops to diverse audiences, and therefore I have to make a cohesive presentation based on my audience. This is one skill that I have developed in my Communication Studies classes—it’s important to understand your audience, whether for a paper you’re writing for your professor or a presentation you’re giving for a class or in public. The different theories that I learned about in my Communication Studies classes have helped to solidify the abilities that I utilize as a facilitator.
As the President of Lambda Pi Eta, the Communications Honor Society, what can you tell us about the achievements of TCNJ’s chapter?
Lambda Pi Eta is the Communications Honor Society, and it is open to both Communication Studies majors and minors. Through this organization, current students, alumni, and faculty are able to come together and network through sponsored events such as Career Day and panel discussions. Last year, I was the Vice President of Programming, and I am currently the President. This honor society really focuses on Communication Studies students coming together and making an impact together. Dr. John Pollock is the advisor, and has won “Advisor of the Year” several times. He’s always very involved with Lambda Pi Eta, and very supportive of students.
You have had two internship opportunities through NBCUniversal’s Casting and Media departments. What were some of your responsibilities and what were your internship experiences like?
At NBCUniversal I was offered a position as a Local Media intern, in which I had to “tag and bag” promotional clips featured during commercial breaks. This meant that I had to place markers for airing show promotions, such as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show on at 4:00pm.” Because the show would have different start times for different parts of the country, I had to edit this information before I could submit it. It took a lot of organization, but it was a great experience. I also later worked as one of NBCUniversal’s Casting Interns, in which I communicated with different agencies and coordinated with them to make sure that certain people and actors, most of which were child actors, were being sent over for casting.
Who has been your greatest influence or support throughout college?
So many of the professors here have supported me as faculty mentors. Freshman year, I wasn’t sure about myself, but my Freshman Seminar Program professor, Dr. Slobodzian, helped me believe that I would be successful here at TCNJ. Dr. Ryan is my advisor, and she has always gone out of her way to help me and to develop our relationship as well. Professor Johnson even stopped me before Spring Break to talk to me about not only my skills, but my traits as well, which really meant a lot to me. I have also made really great connections with my on campus supervisors: Jamie Caponera, Alexis Gettings, and Ashley Morris, have all been role models for me and has helped me grow professionally and personally.
In addition, my parents are a huge influence, they always are so supportive and I feel so lucky to be their daughter! I am also extremely blessed to have a wonderful boyfriend, George Spirou, and a wonderful sister (TCNJ Freshman) Veronica Steele.
What memory at TCNJ has been most important to you?
One of my favorite memories was becoming a TCNJ Ambassador because I knew it meant that I would have the opportunity to reach out to people and use my communication skills to show my home, TCNJ. I was excited to help show prospective students why I love TCNJ so much, and explain why my experiences here have been like. I wanted people to be able to see themselves here, too. I also really enjoyed this past Homecoming because my family came to celebrate, and one of my housemates won Homecoming King! As my last Homecoming as an undergraduate student, it was the perfect moment for me to reflect on what a great decision it was to attend TCNJ with my family and friends.
What are your plans for the future after you graduate?
I am open to a lot of different things in the future, and I am just getting into the job hunt since I will be graduating this May. I have been using TCNJ’s Lionslink to get my resume out there, and I plan to take every interview opportunity that comes up. I have a lot of different skill sets that I could apply to a number of different jobs. I know that I want to work with people because it really energizes me. I want to be passionate about whatever I’m doing, and focus on having a fulfilling career as my main goal.
What advice do you have for other students majoring in the Arts and Communication or thinking about applying to TCNJ?
For TCNJ students, there are so many organizations run by students that allow you to make an impact right here on campus, so try to go to as many as you can. It’s a great way to make friends too, so be proactive and get involved! Don’t be afraid to use the resources available here on campus, either. Go to Career Services and have your résumé reviewed, or set up a meeting with your advisor to discuss your classes or future plans. For anyone thinking about applying to TCNJ, the people here are friendly and down-to-earth, but also very driven. This is a really special college, not just because of the accolades we have received, but because students love their experience here.
Name: Martin Bayer
Hometown: Galloway, NJ
Majors: Music and Interactive Multimedia
Organization Involvement: President and founder of the TCNJ Association for Music Production and Discussion (TCNJ AMP’D), Vice President of the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (TCNJ ACM SIGGRAPH).
Martin Bayer is a senior at TCNJ has double majors in Music and Interactive Multimedia. His interdisciplinary undergraduate career has allowed him to study electronic music, music composition, computer game design, and music composition for games. In fact, Martin, along with his teammates, created an award-winning computer game in just 48 hours at the 2012 Philadelphia Game Jam, a digital game-building competition! Martin plans to continue to combine his interests in music and interactive multimedia in both graduate school and future projects and collaborations.
What led you to double major in Music and Interactive Multimedia?
When I began applying to colleges, I was really looking for somewhere that would provide me with an academic career in interactive multimedia (IMM) as well as music. I was really interested in the IMM program that TCNJ offers. TCNJ also integrates art and writing as a comprehensive field with a focus on interdisciplinary studies. As for TCNJ’s focus on game design, it is definitely more geared toward students who are looking to relate new and innovative ideas from different disciplines to the concepts of videogames.
A combination of the fields of music and technology seems to be up-and-coming. Can you tell us more about how these two topics relate?
Music technology is definitely an innovative field. The best way to describe it is that it’s basically like a hybrid between engineering and music. One example here at TCNJ is Dr. Nakra’s “Conducting Robots.” Though I didn’t work on this project personally, Dr. Nakra and a team of students majoring in Engineering, Music, Interactive Multimedia, and the Sciences worked on designing and building life-sized robots that actually conducted the TCNJ Orchestra in concert. This project definitely combined music and technology, which is becoming more and more popular.
What are some music and interactive multimedia projects that you have been working on?
Since it’s my senior year, I’ve been working on my capstone projects for both of my majors. For my Interactive Multimedia capstone, I have been focusing on interactive music composition. I’ve created a prototype project that I am looking to continue to work on next semester. Users are able to compose non-linear music depending on how they manipulate the environment created in the prototype. For my Music capstone, I am focusing on musical theatre and combining technology with performing arts.
As the President and founder of the TCNJ Association for Music Production and Discussion, what led you to creating this organization? What topics or projects does the organization focus on?
Some other students and I had been having trouble using the recording studio on campus, so that’s how we got the idea to open a studio in the space next to it. We founded the organization so students could have access to a space and equipment to do sound recordings, write music, and create remixes. Some of the other members and I have released some albums, and we’ve even performed live at The Rat. You can find our music online at http://tcnjampd.bandcamp.com/.
What other TCNJ organizations are you currently involved in?
I am also the Vice President the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques (TCNJ ACM SIGGRAPH). It’s an animation-focused organization that holds workshops, tutorials, and animated movie nights for students who are interested in this aspect of graphic design. Students can share their interest in computer design and collaborate on projects and ideas.
Can you tell us about the 2012 Philadelphia Game Jam competition you participated in?
The Philly Game Jam is a 48-hour digital game-building competition. It’s a team competition, so I worked together with four other students and alumni on Team Kairos to compete against nine other teams from around the Northeast. We collaborated to create a 2-D puzzle-solving computer game that focused on the effects of time as a major theme. We won the “Most Innovative” and “Judges’ Choice” awards, and we’ll be able to register for next year’s Game Jam for free.
How have your experiences at TCNJ helped prepare you for working in your field?
Being able to participate in the Philly Game Jam was an incredible experience, and performing live in The Rat was stressful but still fun. I have definitely been able to combine my interests in music and IMM as an undergraduate at TCNJ. TCNJ is also full of great role models in professors. Dr. Nakra and Professor Ault have definitely served as role models and support for me while in the program here. I also feel that TCNJ has prepared me to continue my education, and I’ve recently applied to several graduate schools.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My next step is to go to graduate school. I’ve applied to several different programs, mostly in computer music composition and interactive multimedia and music technology. I see myself becoming an entrepreneur and collaborating on new and innovative projects that combine music and IMM.
What advice do you have for other students who share similar interests?
My advice is not to worry about it being a lot of work. Anyone doing this is going to be passionate about what they’re working on, which makes it feel like it’s not as much work as it actually is.
What is your favorite TV show? Movie? Book?
My favorite show right now is Adventure Time, and my favorite movie is Hero. The last book I read was “The Dispossessed” by Ursula K. Le Guin. It was assigned for the Honors 370 “Utopia” class with Professor Robertson, and I really enjoyed reading it.
Who do people say is your celebrity look-alike?
I usually get that I look like the guy who played Napoleon Dynamite, but I’ve also heard that I look like Weird Al.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
That’s a tough one…but I would have to say having some kind of foresight or being able to tell the future.
Name: Allison Tumminia
Hometown: Middletown, NJ
Major: Art Education
Minor: Fine Arts
Organization Involvement: Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE), TCNJ Sculpture Studio, Kappa Pi Art Honors Society
Allison Tumminia is an Art Education major and Fine Arts minor graduating from TCNJ in December 2012. She has an active role in the art and art education communities both on and off campus. At TCNJ, Allison has working experience as an artist’s assistant, sculpture studio technician, as well as a selected solo exhibitionist in The College Art Gallery. She has taught art to students of all ages in school settings, day camps, as well as art centers. Allison was also actively involved in the Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE) offered through TCNJ. Allison hopes to continue to incorporate both Art Education and Fine Arts in her career after graduation.
What sparked your interest in the Arts and Communication discipline?
I entered The College of New Jersey as an Open Options Culture and Society major. I became interested in teaching art, and soon changed my major to Art Education. One experience that led me to major in Art Education with a minor in Fine Arts was meeting Professor Bruce Rigby and taking his Color Theory class. During Professor Rigby’s class, we studied not only the science of color, but also the psychology of it as well as how colors interact. During my student teaching, I was able to teach the basics of color theory to a group of fourth grade students, which was a great experience.
What organizations have you been involved with as an undergraduate student?
As for professional art organizations, I am a member of the Kappi Pi Art Honors Society. I also worked in TCNJ’s Sculpture Studio for three years, and I just ended my work experience there at the end of the Spring 2012 semester. Some of my responsibilities included managing the shop and inventory, ensuring safe usage of all shop machinery, and assisting students in not only making their projects, but conceptualizing them as well. I would say that this experience has really helped me learn a lot about how to teach art to others, and I definitely apply these skills now as a student teacher.
How have your experiences, classes, and professors at TCNJ helped prepare you to work in your field?
Every experience has helped develop my point-of-view as an artist and educator. Working in the TCNJ Sculpture Studio, for instance, has taught me what type of language to use in order to explain things clearly to students, as well as how to encourage them to explore their own points-of-view as artists. The professors here at TCNJ have also really helped prepare me as well. Professor Liselot van der Heijden really supported and mentored me as an aspiring artist and art educator. She emphasized the importance of the Fine Arts to me, which is one reason I now have a Fine Arts minor. I have also enjoyed working with Professor Elizabeth Mackie both in class and through the Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE) program here at TCNJ.
Can you tell us more about your experiences with the Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE) program?
MUSE is a summer program that is offered at many colleges, and is open to any student to apply and write a proposal for acceptance into the program. Students then collaborate with a faculty member on their proposed project. TCNJ is unique in that the MUSE program is not limited only to scientific research, but is open to art collaborations as well. In fact, I worked on just one of three art-related projects this past summer. I worked closely with Professor Mackie, and together we initially proposed a large-scale paper-making and book-making project with the intention of creating a large sculpture-like piece. Through Professor Mackie’s affiliation with the Catagenesis exhibition at the Globe Dye Works, we added an eleven-foot wedding gown and an oversized tiara to our project as part of the exhibition.
The Catagenesis exhibition is a series of site-specific works by eleven different artists which interact with the history of Globe Dye Works. In the 1950s, many women worked in the Globe Dye Works factory, which dyed spools of threads to be used in clothing or for sewing. When a woman was engaged to be married, she would have to leave the factory to tend her husband’s home. The factory workers would have a celebration for her before she left. As a wedding present, that woman was offered her choice of a pig, duck, turkey, or three pigeons to take home with her. The installation included both the gown and tiara created during MUSE, as well as a video of farm animals projected onto the full skirt of the gown. The farm sounds mix in the room with a’capella versions of songs from the time period.
What types of mediums do you work with?
I have experience working with a little of everything: prints, fiber work, performance work, and incorporating the use of clothing or other things I’ve constructed. Right now, I am focusing more on print-making and paper-making.
What was your first art exhibition like?
My first exhibition was Child’s Play. It was a solo exhibition that I had applied to as part of the 2010 4×4 Exhibition Series at The College of New Jersey. There were 16 artists selected in total, and I was in total shock when I was told that I would be among them. I had applied with a large pool of applicants, and I couldn’t believe that I had been picked.
My most recent solo exhibition was held in The College Art Gallery, and was entitled Imperfect and Primarily Female. I had already finished my Senior Thesis, and my plan had been to take the extra time to devote to this exhibition. Because of the time I dedicated to the MUSE project, I wound up only having three weeks to complete the entire exhibition! I completed ten prints, with all different layers, as well as sculpture in just three weeks. It was exciting to be one of the first two students to have a solo exhibition on campus as part of an open call for proposals. This has also been my favorite exhibition because it is a more mature version of what I was doing already up until that point.
The human body seems to be an important theme in your recent work. What led you to incorporate this into your art?
Last year, I got sick and ended up having surgery between the Fall and Spring semesters. The experience changed my views on a lot of issues regarding the human body, and is something that has given me direction in my work. I realized how out-of-touch we are with our bodies, and the misunderstandings we have of our own bodies as well as clothing. A previous work of mine, for example, shows the fruitless effort of trying to pull one’s head through a knitted tube for the sake of fashion. I intended to point that idea out on purpose.
What is your career plan? Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself becoming certified as an art educator. I would like to find a happy medium between teaching and working on my own art, or maybe working on my own fine arts projects full-time and teaching on the side. I think I will stay in the Philadelphia area because the arts are much more community-based than, for example, New York City, which has a more competitive vibe.
What advice do you have for other Art, Art Education, and Art History students?
One of the most important things for us to do as students is become involved and make ourselves known. Networking with professors and other students is very important – nobody is an island! We all need feedback from others in order to grow, and even to get inspiration as well. There have been many times that I have sat down with a peer to brainstorm on an idea or project I had in mind, and I always found that I was able to think differently or solve a problem because of that collaboration.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Book?
My favorite movie has always been The Sound of Music. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but my favorite shows on TV right now are The Real Housewives of New Jersey and The Middle. My favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck.
What songs are your playlist right now?
Right now, I’m listening to Bruce Springsteen’s new album, Wrecking Ball. I actually saw him with his family at a store a few weeks ago, but I was too scared to go up to him and say something!
Name: Karachi “Kara” Ukaegbu
Hometown: Roselle, NJ
Major: Communication Studies – Concentration in Radio/TV/Film
Minor: Interactive Multimedia
Organization Involvement: Student Film Union, Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Educated Leaders with Innovation and Tenacity to Evolve (E.L.I.T.E.)
Karachi “Kara” Ukaegbu is a Communication Studies major in the class of 2013 here at The College of New Jersey. With a concentration in Radio, TV, and Film and a minor in Interactive Multimedia, Kara’s main interest and talent lies in film and documentary editing. Her professional experiences as a film editor include working as an editing intern for NBC Universal, Atlantic Records of Warner Music Group, and New York Women in Film and Television. Kara has also proved herself to be a leader both on and off campus: she founded the Student Film Union, served as the co-founder and coordinator of TCNJ’s own Campus Organic Community Garden, and created nine short films and documentaries for the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement and its partnering organizations, including the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
What sparked your interest in the Arts and Communication discipline?
I chose to enter the Communication Studies major because it made the most sense to me. It’s where I feel that I can make the most difference. I actually began my freshman year at The College of New Jersey as an International Business major. I wound up taking a 400-level directing class with Professor Johnson, which is where I realized my passion for film. I accomplished so much during that class, and I gained a lot of self-confidence. I switched my major shortly after. Through my experiences in COM classes, I learned that I am really good at editing, I am excited to hone my craft, and that I can imagine myself in this career for the rest of my life. Truly, I am blessed to have found my passion, and look forward to whatever is next.
What was your experience with your first film like?
During the summer of my freshman year, I created short promotional films for Bonner using old footage of Bonners and their experiences. Immediately, the Director and Assistant Director loved it. Those films were my first contracted pieces of work. The best part was when two of them were screen in front of the entire Bonner group. I felt so proud of myself when I saw older Bonners that I looked up to tearing up as they reminisced about their college years through Bonner. It’s amazing how through editing, I was able to tug someone’s heartstrings.
Afterwards, I embarked on several personal projects. It was very rewarding to have my peers—other students whose work I really admired—tell me that they wanted to work with me after watching some of my films. That is when I knew that I wanted to continue in film as a career.
How have your experiences, classes, and professors at TCNJ helped prepare you to work in your field?
The directing class that I took freshman year was my first and favorite class, though the editing classes I have taken have led me to finding my passion for film editing. I enjoy the basic technical fundamentals and learning how to use them to showcase my own voice in my work. Professor Johnson, who is my academic advisor, has also been both a great educator and support for me, and has helped me gain confidence in my abilities. It takes a lot of courage to expose yourself to the world through your work, and the Communications Department has helped build my confidence in order to take creative risks, which has helped me develop my unique personality and professional identity.
Knowing that hard work and dedication does pay off, my best experiences within the Communications major are creating challenges and continuously proving myself. When I learned that I won the Promise of Achievement award in the COM department or hear good reviews about projects I’ve worked on, I feel humbled. It affirms that I am on the right track toward my future.
What has your involvement with the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement been like?
I have been involved with the Bonner Center since my freshman year. Since then, I have received the annual National Leader Scholarship that focuses 300+ hours of service combating civic issues in local community. I was given a lot of responsibilities, even as a freshman, and I found confidence in myself to rise to the occasion because I knew others felt that I could handle it. One accomplishment that I am really proud of is the Campus Organic Community Garden, a 2,000 square foot garden on campus that supports the global “Green Movement” effort. That was my first major project through this organization. Essentially, we changed the infrastructure of the campus itself through developing this garden, which is not an easy thing to do. As the co-founder and coordinator of this project, it gives me great confidence to know that I made an impact on the campus itself. I’m glad to say, it is still thriving and there are plans for expansion soon!
I also produced a documentary on Joe, a patron of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, and the nine short films for the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement. These films are used annually, from introducing 1500 TCNJ freshmen to the program to visual support in speeches made by the director, Patrick Donohue, and affiliate partners such as AmeriCorps, Youthbuild, and more.
You were selected for several unique internship positions. What can you tell us about working in the field?
I have worked as an intern for four different organizations: NBC Universal, Atlantic Records of Warner Music Group, New York Women in Film and Television, and Big M Productions, Inc. & Cowgirl Media, Inc. Through these internship opportunities, I gained invaluable experience as an editor of films, short-clips, trailers for feature-length documentaries, music videos, and award speeches.
This past summer, I interned for the New York Women in Film and Television. This organization honors noteworthy women, such as Martha Stewart and Claire Danes, especially through its involvement with the distinguished MUSE Awards and the Designing Women Awards. I began as an Administrative Intern, though my hard work and talents were recognized and my position evolved into an Editing Intern and Videographer. You’ll be surprised how people notice not only the big things you do, but the small things as well! I gave 200% on every task I was given, and it really paid off. I was eventually given the responsibility to edit the archives of interviews, and through this internship I was able to network with those already working in my field.
Networking is key. Essentially, it is how I gained the privilege to move from one internship to the next. Through my paid internship with NBC Universal’s Operations and Technical Services, I was able to meet the spectacular teams in broadcasting and executive management from New York and Los Angeles, including the company’s CEO, Steve Burke.
What is your favorite memory at The College of New Jersey?
My favorite memory was starting the Student Film Union in the Fall 2011 semester. That year, I served as the organization’s President as well, and I am currently the Treasurer now. I wanted to create an organization for students and faculty alike who are interested in film. What sticks out most to me is the first interest meeting that was held for SFU. I led the meeting myself, which alone was a lot of pressure, but I couldn’t believe the turnout we got! The meeting took place in a classroom in the Social Sciences building, and it was packed with students who all shared the same interest and passion for film as myself. In the first two weeks of this semester alone, we have over 140 new students who signed up for SFU membership!
I also worked with Dr. Donald Leake, the chair of E.A.S.E, to produce the successful video pilot series that highlights TCNJ’s academic departments, such as the Educational Administration and Secondary Education Department. That has been a great experience as well, and is another accomplishment at TCNJ that I am proud of.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Much of my inspiration comes from just trying to figure out life. I am driven to build a foundation for an amazing career, but I know it all starts with my hands and my ambition. No one else is going to the work for me.
My peers are inspiring too! It’s a great feeling to be surrounded by incredibly talented and creative people. It energizes me. I am always encouraged to take my creative ideas to the next level because I know that we support and appreciate one another.
What is your career plan? Where do you see yourself in five years?
People always say that it’s difficult to find work after graduating, especially with the economy the way it is now. But I’m passionate about film editing, and I’m not worried about finding work. In five years from now, I see myself producing TV shows for major networks. Or maybe I will even be an editor or filmmaker at an award-winning Sundance Film Festival. I know it’s a high goal to set for myself, but the Communication Department at TCNJ has helped me build up the confidence in myself to make those kinds of achievements in my future.
What is your advice for other Communication Studies students?
The most important thing is to find your voice and your own character, and stick to it. Always stay open-minded, but don’t sway from yourself and who you are. Take what you are doing seriously and commit to it, and invest your time in something that you truly care about. Surround yourself with people who support you and what you are doing, rather than those who may discourage you from your goals. Find ways to have others recognize your work, and always strive to be better and greater than your last accomplishment.
The faculty in the COM department care about their students. We are not new names soon to be forgotten by the end of the semester, or faded grades in last year’s records. We are appreciated, and our professors take time out to invest in those who accept it. They host a wealth of history, accomplishments, and wisdom. So, it’s important to take advantage—talk to them and learn inside and outside of the classroom. I am grateful for the resources that are available to me, and all students should take advantage of TCNJ and the Communications Department has to offer.