How did you choose to attend Hofstra?

There were a few things that influenced my decision.

Of course, the Communication School was a big consideration. I thought about majoring in journalism, but my calling turned out to be public relations for broadcast news. I still enjoy working on and learning about journalism and television production. My feeling is that if I understand how the industry works, in front of the camera and behind the scenes, I can do a better job as a PR person. 

Hofstra’s Dance Team was also a draw. I’ve been dancing competitively since I was three years old. Hofstra’s team is highly regarded and has won national and world titles. I was very excited when I made the team and knew I’d be able to continue that part of my life for another four years. 

Another factor was the proximity to New York City. Hofstra is about an hour away from my home in Staten Island. I’m very family oriented and liked that I could get there easily if I needed to. But even more important to me have been the opportunities the city provides for communication students interested in networking and internships.

How did you choose your public relations major?

I took the class on the “Fundamentals of Public Relations” my second semester with Professor [Jeffrey] Morosoff, and I quickly began to see myself excelling in this field. Rather than go into journalism as I originally intended, I could see myself as a spokesperson, social media manager, or someone who works with companies to build their image and reputation.

What have you enjoyed about your studies?

We have a great opportunity in the PR major to take a class called “The Swing Agency,” which takes on different clients. We worked with the Long Island Advocate and the Nassau County chapter of the League of Women Voters. It was a fun and interesting experience, because you’re not only learning about public relations, but you’re also getting involved with the community. 

I love that Hofstra has a very small student-to-professor ratio. I think that helps you connect with professors more personally and professionally. If you enjoy what you’re learning, that close interaction makes you love it even more. 

I have also enjoyed my time as president of Hofstra’s chapter of PRSSA (Public Relations Society Student Association). I became involved with the organization in the spring of my first year. It has helped me make connections with alumni and leaders in the field who want to support and help the Hofstra PR program. It has been a goal of mine to make our chapter stand out among others around the country and to work in partnership with the other areas of the Herbert School, like the HEAT Network and the Sports Networking Club. I feel like I was able to achieve what I wanted.

What kinds of internships have you completed?

My first relevant internship was at CBS the summer after my sophomore year, doing research and fact-checking for the Evening News with Norah O’Donnell. Then I was with NBCUniversal for nine months. From January to May I was a production intern on the Special Reports team, where I worked on breaking news like the Alex Murdaugh trial and the first indictment of former President Trump. Then I moved over to working on public relations and communications for The Today Show, Dateline, Meet the Press, NBC Nightly News, and the NBC News Group.

What are you going to miss the most about Hofstra?

I’ll miss having the freedom and space to try new things. There are so many outlets on campus for expressing your skills and exploring your interests. After you graduate and are working in a full-time job, it’s not as easy to bounce around as I have here. I’ll be working in PR or journalism or television production, but it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to have my hands in all those areas as I’ve been able to at Hofstra. 

And, of course, I’ll miss the people. I know the connections I’ve made with my professors and my friends in the Herbert School won’t disappear, but I’ll miss seeing their friendly faces every day. If I’m walking on campus, running to grab a cup of coffee, or just in the hallways of the Herbert School, I run into person after person who I know and am friendly with. It’s been like being a part of a big family.

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