Nicole Day, a recent graduate of ұ, was accepted into the Walter Cronkite School Of Journalism and Mass Communication. Beginning this fall, she’ll be able to live out the dream she’s had since turning 18: to be a PR professional. Her journey into the public relations world began right here at ұ.
As an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society, Day was looking for an institution that was giving back to the community and making a significant positive impact. “I was searching for something more,” said Day, “the second I saw ұ campus I was sold, but, what made my decision was how active the Phi Theta Kappa chapter was here.”
The Phi Theta Kappa Chapter at ұ, “Rho Pi,” is ranked 12th in the world out of 1300 chapters globally. This year, Day attended the International Conference in Orlando, Florida with her Chapter and together they won three awards: Distinguished Chapter Award, Distinguished Honors In Action, and Distinguished College Project. Day credits the community college experience, faculty, and mentors with the successes she’s been able to achieve, and share with her Chapter, because of the support system in place here at ұ.
The impact of “the amazing faculty that really care about their students and really invest in their students,” said Day, were what truly allowed her to succeed. “It’s not like you’re going to graduate and you’re never going to hear from them again. You’re going to graduate and they’re going to be your support system wherever you go,” said Day. “Amy MacPherson, Jamie Martin, and Genesis Toole are easily my three mentors. I’ve been very lucky to get those faculty members.”
Day notes the difficulty of transition from high school to college and recognizes that her achievements aren’t every students’ experience when they go to college. The importance of community college is not lost on her, “community college is more of a family wherever you go,” said Day, “and I am very passionate about that!” The amount of one-on-one time, genuinely helpful faculty and staff, and the smaller campus have cultivated an atmosphere of growth for Day. “I have loved my community college career and I highly advise that anybody go to community college first.”
As Day looks forward to her future, she doesn’t forget her alma mater, the institution that prepared her for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She assures me that she’ll leave a mark, make the world around her better, one step at a time. “I like to think I leave an impression everywhere -even if it looks more like a bear paw instead of a footprint.”