Student Spotlight November 2017

    Jessica Sanchez

     

     

     

    Jessica Sanchez graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Communication at the University of Louisville. During her senior year of undergrad, Jessica interned with the Kentucky Derby Festival, which she reports as being one of her most valuable learning experiences. After conferring with advisors, she chose to continue her education and is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Communications, focusing on Public Relations and Marketing. In addition to coursework, Jessica holds a Graduate Teaching Assistant position. 

     

     

     

    Interview:

    1. What brought you to the University of Louisville?

    I grew up in Louisville and have always been a fan of the university. When I was a senior in high school, I went on campus tours of all the major universities in Kentucky and UofL was the campus that felt the most welcoming. I was also drawn to the diversity of people here.

    2. What made you go into this field of study?

    I took a Strategic Communications class my sophomore year of undergrad and loved it. I knew then and there that I wanted to learn everything I could about this field.

    3. Awards and Publications:

    Publications
    A few of my stories were published in The Louisville Cardinal from when I freelanced the past two years. One of my favorite stories I wrote was “What It Means to be a Child of Immigrants” because I was able to interview people from different cultural backgrounds.
    Awards
    I was awarded an assistantship from the Communication department and I am now a teaching assistant. I have also received the Governor’s Scholar Award, Churchill Downs Scholar Award, and Trustees Scholarship.

    4. How do you think this advanced degree will change your role in society?

    Apart from making myself more competitive in the job market, I chose to further my education to better myself and grow as a person. I have only been a graduate student for a few months and I have already learned more than I could have ever imagined. This advanced degree will give me the tools to be successful not only in my career but in my everyday life

    5. What accomplishment, academic or otherwise, are you most proud of?

    I am most proud of receiving my first degree and being offered an assistantship for the Graduate program. When I got my acceptance letter, I couldn’t help but burst into tears. It was an emotional and proud moment.

    6. What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience at UofL?

    So far, my favorite experience would have to be giving my first lecture. I was so nervous that the students wouldn’t take me seriously but they were great about participating. Seeing them taking notes and getting excited over the activity we did in class made me so happy. It made me excited about the possibility of teaching my own class.

    7. What do you feel is the greatest challenge that graduate students face and how have you dealt with this challenge?

    Graduate school has been overwhelming at times. Everyone warns you about it but you don’t really understand until you experience it for yourself. I think the best thing to do to keep from getting overwhelmed is to focus on one task at a time and try not to look at the laundry list of work to get done. Also, make sure to set aside some time for yourself to relax and reset.

    8. Family life:

    My family means the world to me. I have an amazing mom who raised me and my two older brothers on her own. She taught me what it means to be a hard worker and never give up on my goals.

    Fun Facts
    A talent you have always wanted: Photographic memory
    Favorite book: Pride and prejudice by Jane Austen
    Favorite quote: Become who you were born to be –Lady Gaga
    Role Model: My mom, because she’s the hardest working woman I know.
    Favorite Vacation Destination: Disney World
    If you weren’t in graduate school, what would you be doing now? I would love to be traveling.