(As told to Liam Hogan)

What’s your year and major?

I am a sophomore (rising junior) at Appalachian State University, majoring in electronic media and broadcasting with a concentration in journalism and a minor in film.

What does a typical day at college look like for you?

A typical day for me varies on the semester.

During the week, when  I have early classes, I typically wake up around 8:00-8:30 and start my day from there, classes usually ending around 3:30 p.m. From there, I usually do some homework until about 5 p.m., when I either have a meeting for work or I just chill for a little. I typically cook on weekdays since I am off campus, so I also have to prioritize time for that. Then I’ll do some readings, usually, and relax for the rest of the night.

When I have later classes that don’t end until around 6:30 p.m., I am usually a little lazier and sleep in longer, but I do my readings in the morning, so I have more time for cooking, playing basketball, hanging with my girlfriend/roommates, etc.

What do you look forward to the most every day?

I look forward to around 7 p.m., when I know the day is coming to a close and I can relax and watch sports/TV and hang out with the people around me, as well as get on my Switch or Xbox.

What is your favorite thing about App State?

My favorite thing about App State is the opportunities. Since it is a smaller in-state school than some of the colleges in NC and the fact that I am in a pretty niche major, I have so many opportunities outside of class that I don’t think I would have at other schools, bigger and smaller.

For instance, I have been able to work sideline for sporting events such as basketball and football, as well as commentate on these sports, and also work behind the scenes as well during sports broadcasts like soccer, volleyball, football, basketball, and baseball.

I’m very grateful for the opportunities I have had so far, especially in my first two years. That’s an aspect of working in my field that I didn’t think I’d have: being able to get right to work as a freshman.

Is there anything specific to CSD that’s helped you at college?

A couple of things that CSD has done to help me in college thus far:

One would have to be the engagement in the classroom. What I mean by this is that a lot of my classes (especially major-related courses) are 30 people or fewer per class. Outside of a few lectures with 90-100 people, professors expect engagement and discussion during their classes, and CSD has given me the confidence to speak up in class since that’s how all their classes were formatted.

CSD has also prepared me for the courses I have taken at App so far. There are a lot of diverse classes and classes that you wouldn’t think you would have to take in college, like I had to take a theater class for a gen ed, but I had taken classes similar to that in high school so it prepared me for the kind of material and work I had to put in, even for these “easier” classes.

And of course, journalism with Mr. Savicki, as well as yearbook and media productions with Mrs. Chaffman.

What’s the most surprising thing about college that you weren’t prepared for?

The most surprising thing, or I guess a “culture shock” I got from college, was all of the organizations that are advertised to you, especially when you first get on campus. I think I was signing up for and taking stuff from an organization every day for a month.

Also, a basic answer, but just the freedom that you have, and that classes don’t take up most of your day like high school, so there’s a lot more time to get work done and get involved on campus.

What are some tips you’d give rising freshmen at App State?

Some advice I’d give to college students in general, regardless of where they choose, is to put in the work and avoid procrastination. It will happen to everyone; Procrastination only gets worse when you get to college because of the freedom, but keep track of your assignments and any club meetings or things for an organization that you need to do/attend. You will naturally learn time management in college; it kind of forces you to in a way, but procrastination can be limited if you stay on topic and get your work done. I still struggle with it every morning, not wanting to get out of bed, but if you set a planner and make a list of things you have to do for the week and get them done one assignment at a time, you will be fine.

Also, you can still do things you love outside of school, but school always comes first. After all, you are paying to take these classes and get an education, so you might as well stay “locked in,” as the kids say.

But remember college is fun, you have so much time to do things outside of classes and homework, so the quicker you focus on school and get things done, the more time you have to explore and to feel the freedom of being an adult in college.

Anything else you want us to know?

If anyone who reads this or is in journalism right now and is thinking about going to App, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. The media and broadcasting major always needs more students, and I can help point you in the direction of where you want to go and what you want to do.