An interview with Lainey:

Why did you choose to pursue your major(s) in communication?

I chose to pursue a major in communication because of all the different career possibilities there are with a communication degree. Not only is there a wide array of career possibilities, but these careers give me the chance to advance into my fields of interest. There is an abundance of careers that interest me in the communication industry. In addition, Washington State University’s College of Communication has degrees and majors that most schools in the state do not have, which helps set it apart from other communication programs. I am currently majoring in risk and crisis communication, which is one of the communication majors that is hard to come by in Washington state. Furthermore, I think that over the last decade, many young adults have lost their communication skills due to the evolution of electronics. This is another major reason why I chose to major in communication and makes the major even more important. I wanted to be completely prepared when I entered the workforce, and I think that this major helps assist in that by creating employees who can communicate well verbally and on paper. I have always loved writing, so choosing a major that was very writing heavy did not scare me but excited me. This major comes with so much versatility in the options of classes you get to take as well as the careers you can have after graduation.

What do you hope to achieve after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to pursue a career that helps others. I have also known that no matter what I do as my future career, I want it to be something that helped people, and getting a degree can help with that. With my knowledge on risk and crisis communication, there are several avenues I can choose for careers that help people. As of right now, my number one choice of career is to become an emergency management director and help those who go through natural disasters. With this career I would oversee getting supplies that the places needed and making sure they have proper escape routes and alarm systems. This career excites me because it is helping others during a vulnerable experience. The victims of natural disasters can often feel helpless because most of the time, there is no stopping what is going to happen. They can be evacuated safely and in a timely manner, but many of the things that they work so hard for, their house, car, business, etc., cannot be saved when a natural disaster hits.

I am also open to working with a non-profit on suicide prevention or at-risk youth, primarily homeless or fostered youth. I am a big advocate for mental health and could help others seek help for their own mental health in both of these careers. My biggest goal in life is to have a career that benefits others more than myself, and if I can do that then I will consider myself successful.

How does receiving a scholarship support you in your college experience?

The scholarships I have been awarded this academic school year will support me in my college experience by allowing me to focus on my academic studies without the worry of finances. I work all summer in the food and beverage industry to make ends meet while I am at school for the rest of the year. With the scholarships I have received from the generous donors at Washington State University, I do not have to worry about paying for my tuition or class materials. This allows the money that I make while working the summer to pay for my rent, utilities, and food for the year.

I am currently a junior here at Washington State University, and this is the first year that I did not have to take out any student loans to help pay for my expenses. It is a very liberating feeling to know that all the money that paid for my tuition, books, and housing is money that I do not have to pay back. I am extremely thankful that these scholarships have allowed me to lessen the amount of student debt I will have at the end of my college career. School is something that is extremely important to me, and I am lucky to be able to focus and prioritize my schoolwork and not have to worry about getting a job that is unrelated to my future career to make ends meet.