Questions and Answers

What are you studying?

I’m on the home stretch of my program with plans to graduate this spring! A large portion of my studies centers around the idea of empathy helping individuals bridge gaps with others. It is truly amazing to see how effective it can be. My capstone project expands on the idea of empathy and focuses on nonprofits' fundraising in virtual reality environments. Virtual reality is a powerful tool that can provide a user with the opportunity to literally see from someone else’s perspective, a key factor in expressing empathy. I’m very excited to see how this project turns out.

What impact would you like your work to have?

I want my work to have a lasting impact in my community and/or in the world. As I previously mentioned, a large portion of my work has focused on empathy and how we express it toward other people, particularly those who we would view as opposed to us. I feel like anything we can do to help bridge the social divide that’s developed within the culture of the United States would be a worthwhile effort.

Who inspires and motivates you?

My family and Ted Lasso.

What advice do you have for future students? 

Any time you get a chance to connect with professionals who are in the industry you're considering, go for it! When I first started this program I (somewhat nervously) went to the Strategic Communications Leadership Network at the Portland campus and it was a great experience. Not only did I get to make great connections but was able to receive incredibly helpful advice and coaching. That experience significantly helped me, and I would encourage anyone else to take full advantage of any opportunity like that.