COM HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHT: Excellence in Oral & Written Communication
COM 100
Focused on the basics of public speaking and crafting persuasive messages. I developed foundational skills in organizing speeches and presenting arguments clearly.
COM 101
Introduced various communication principles and theories, with an emphasis on delivering presentations that connect with diverse audiences. I gained experience in adapting my speaking style to different contexts.
COM 122
This course emphasized group presentations and debates. I honed my ability to work collaboratively while delivering persuasive speeches on complex topics, which improved my public speaking and critical thinking skills.
COM 300
Focused on refining public speaking techniques. I delivered multiple speeches, learned to manage anxiety, and practiced advanced skills such as audience analysis and persuasive storytelling.
COM 352
Although primarily focused on business & interpersonal communication theory, this course required presentations on conflict resolution and relational dynamics, helping me develop my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
COM 495
As an elective course, this class involved presenting my research findings and applying communication theories to BBQ. I gained valuable experience in presenting complex research in an engaging and accessible manner.
HIGHLIGHT: Communication, Reflection, and Engagement in a Complex, Diverse Society
COM Course Experience
In my journey as a Communication Studies major, one of the most pivotal courses that helped me develop skills in engaging with a complex, diverse society was COM 352 with Dr. Parsons.
This course pushed me to reflect deeply on my communication habits and understand how they impact my ability to connect with others from different backgrounds.
Through theories like Uncertainty Reduction Theory, which explores how individuals communicate to reduce uncertainty when meeting new people, I learned to navigate unfamiliar and challenging environments more effectively.
The "Culture Shock" Moment
My journey at the University of Alabama began with a tough lesson in adapting to a new environment. During my first few months, I experienced a “culture shock” moment when I received a 10 on my first ever math test. This was a result of not studying and spending too much time partying, a reflection of the carefree attitude I had entering college. Before this, I had been successful academically in high school without having to put in much effort, but college was a different ballgame entirely.
At that moment, I realized I needed to make significant changes in how I approached not just my academics but also my overall communication with my peers, professors, and myself. It was a humbling experience that forced me to reflect on who I was then, a student who underestimated the challenges ahead and who I needed to become to succeed in such a complex environment.
Reaction and Growth
This experience became a turning point in how I engaged with my studies, my relationships, and my surroundings. I started applying Social Penetration Theory, which I learned in COM 352, to deepen my connections with others.
Instead of superficial interactions, I began to engage in more meaningful conversations, seeking to understand the diverse perspectives of those around me. This shift not only improved my relationships but also helped me become more open to learning from others, enhancing my communication skills in the process.
Job Experience and Diversity
My job as a waiter in Oxford, Mississippi, further expanded my understanding of engaging in a diverse society. Working with colleagues and serving customers from various backgrounds, I learned to adapt my communication style to fit different cultural norms and expectations.
This experience reinforced the concepts I learned in my COM classes, such as Cultural Adaptation Theory, which emphasizes the importance of adjusting communication strategies when interacting with individuals from different cultures. It taught me the value of being empathetic, patient, and open minded, which are essential skills for thriving in a diverse environment.
Who I Am Now
Today, I am a more thoughtful, adaptable, and effective communicator who understands the importance of engaging with others in a way that respects and values diversity. My experiences at UA, from my initial culture shock to the lessons learned in COM 352 and my job, have equipped me with the ability to reflect on my communication style and adapt it to various contexts. I now bring a wealth of knowledge about how to navigate complex social dynamics, whether in a professional setting or in my personal life, and I’m committed to using these skills to foster understanding and connection in any environment I find myself in.
By applying communication theories like Uncertainty Reduction, Social Penetration, and Cultural Adaptation, I’ve developed a more nuanced understanding of how to engage with others in a complex, diverse society, which will be invaluable as I move forward in my career and future endeavors. This journey has not only shaped me as a communicator but also as a more empathetic and reflective individual.
Academic Achievements and Skills
1. Communication Theory
Throughout my coursework, particularly in COM 101 and COM 300, I developed a strong ability to explain, synthesize, apply, and critique major foundational theories of communication. Through research papers, critical essays, and class discussions, I explored how these theories apply to real-world scenarios. For example, I applied Social Penetration Theory to understand relationship dynamics in a case study, demonstrating my ability to connect theory with practical experiences.
2. Oral and Written Communication
Courses like COM 123, COM 352, and COM 499 were crucial in honing my oral and written communication skills. I learned to adapt my communication style to different audiences, ensuring my messages were clear, ethical, and respectful of cultural diversity. For instance, delivering persuasive speeches and writing research papers helped me refine my ability to communicate thoughtfully and professionally in various contexts.
3. Diversity and Communication
In COM 220 and COM 495, I learned to articulate my cultural standpoint and adapt my communication to diverse contexts. Engaging in community projects and reflecting on my own experiences, such as traveling to Austin, TX with Dr. Griffin, allowed me to understand and appreciate the importance of cultural perspectives. This experience improved my ability to communicate effectively across different cultural backgrounds.
4. Critical Thinking and Communication Inquiry
Courses like COM 101, COM 352, and COM 495 enhanced my critical thinking skills. I developed the ability to formulate appropriate questions, analyze communication patterns, and evaluate different perspectives. Participating in debates, conducting research projects, and completing my Capstone project allowed me to ethically contribute to communication knowledge, demonstrating my proficiency in communication inquiry.
5. Communication Application
Through COM 499, I gained experience applying communication skills in various personal, public, and professional contexts. My work on the ePortfolio assignment, my role as a waiter, and experiences in group projects enabled me to understand how communication can empower myself and others. I have advocated for effective communication strategies in teamwork settings, demonstrating how communication can be used to build community and enhance civic engagement.
HIGHLIGHT: Healthy Personal and Professional Relationships
COM 352: Bus & Prof Communication with Dr. Parsons
Dr. Parsons and COM 352 played a transformative role in my journey toward understanding and developing healthy relationships, both personally and professionally. This course not only deepened my knowledge of interpersonal communication but also inspired me to pursue a career in academia, aiming for a Ph.D. and eventually becoming a professor.
One of the key theories we explored was Social Exchange Theory, which examines how individuals maintain relationships based on the perceived rewards and costs. Through this lens, I learned how to navigate complex interactions, understanding the importance of mutual benefit, and actively applying this concept in my professional relationships.
Professional Development: Dr. Parsons guided me through one of the most crucial aspects of my journey: my internship with my dad. She provided invaluable advice on how to apply communication theories to a real-world work environment, helping me understand how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build strong professional relationships. Her support extended beyond coursework, as she offered practical tips on refining my resume and preparing for future career opportunities. Her mentorship has been instrumental in helping me navigate the early stages of my professional life with confidence and clarity.
Leadership Skills: COM 352 also taught me how to manage and lead teams effectively. One significant experience was when I had to collaborate with diverse groups during my internship. By applying concepts from the course, such as active listening and empathetic communication, I was able to foster a collaborative environment where everyone’s ideas were valued. This experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and open communication in maintaining healthy professional relationships.
Personal Growth: On a personal level, Dr. Parsons encouraged me to reflect on my communication habits and improve my relationships outside the classroom. She helped me recognize the value of handling conflicts constructively, learning from mistakes, and understanding the impact of effective communication in maintaining strong, healthy connections. These lessons have shaped not only how I interact with others but also how I view my potential to inspire and guide others as a future professor.
In summary, COM 352 was more than just a class; it was a turning point in my academic and professional journey. Dr. Parsons’ mentorship and the course’s content significantly influenced my decision to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in teaching. The skills I gained have been essential in developing and maintaining healthy relationships, whether in the workplace or in my personal life, and will continue to guide me as I progress in my professional endeavors.
Engagement in Civic Life and Organizations as a Leader or Effective Team Member
COM 122: Critical Decision Making – Debate on Underage Drinking
One of the most impactful experiences in my journey to develop leadership and teamwork skills was participating in a debate on underage drinking in COM 122: Critical Decision Making. This course provided me with a unique opportunity to refine my ability to make sound decisions, communicate persuasively, and lead a group toward a common goal.
The debate required us to work in teams to research, prepare, and present arguments on this controversial topic. As the team leader, I was responsible for coordinating our research efforts, organizing our arguments, and ensuring that each member had a clear role in the presentation. This experience taught me valuable skills in Transformational Leadership, a concept we discussed in class, which emphasizes inspiring and motivating team members to exceed expectations and achieve a shared vision.
Applying Transformational Leadership Theory
I applied Transformational Leadership by encouraging my teammates to voice their opinions and take ownership of their research sections. I motivated them by framing our debate as not just an assignment but an opportunity to engage in a meaningful discussion on an issue that affects society. By fostering a sense of purpose and collaboration, we developed a well-rounded argument that not only met the assignment’s requirements but also allowed us to engage deeply with the topic.
Story/Example
One of the challenges we faced was a lack of consensus on how to approach certain aspects of the debate. Initially, some team members felt strongly about focusing solely on the legal implications of underage drinking, while others wanted to explore its social and psychological impacts. As a leader, I recognized the importance of integrating both perspectives to create a more comprehensive argument. I facilitated a discussion where we used the Functional Group Decision-Making Theory from class, which involves problem analysis, goal setting, identifying alternatives, and evaluating options. This approach allowed us to consider all viewpoints, find common ground, and ultimately develop a cohesive argument that addressed the multifaceted nature of underage drinking.
Beyond the Classroom
This experience in COM 122 didn’t just remain an academic exercise. I carried the skills I developed into my job as a waiter, where effective communication and teamwork are crucial for success, especially during busy shifts. By applying what I learned about group decision-making and leadership, I’ve been able to step up during high-pressure situations, whether by organizing the team to handle a sudden rush of customers or by effectively communicating with my colleagues to resolve conflicts. These moments have allowed me to lead by example, demonstrating the value of being an effective communicator in fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Personal Statement on Leadership
My experience in COM 122 taught me that leadership is about more than just taking charge, it’s about actively listening, encouraging others to contribute, and facilitating a process where everyone feels valued. Through the debate, I learned to lead with empathy, adaptability, and a focus on achieving our shared objectives. This understanding of leadership as a collaborative process has shaped my approach to teamwork in all areas of my life, from my professional role as a waiter to my engagement in community activities.
Evidence of Skill Development
The skills I developed in COM 122 have had a lasting impact on my ability to engage in civic life and work effectively in organizations. Whether I’m participating in a community service project, collaborating on a group assignment, or working in a fast-paced restaurant environment, I consistently apply the communication theories and leadership strategies I learned to foster teamwork, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to any group I’m a part of.
In conclusion, the debate on underage drinking in COM 122 was a defining moment in my growth as a leader and team member. It allowed me to practice and refine my communication skills, apply theoretical concepts to real world situations, and understand the true essence of leadership: inspiring others, making informed decisions, and engaging constructively in complex societal issues. This experience has not only shaped my approach to civic engagement but also prepared me to be an effective communicator and leader in any professional or community setting I pursue in the future.
