Despite closing one chapter of her education, she is still thankful for her many experiences in such a short timeframe and desires to continue working with faculty members who have already poured into her success.
Lauren Hinson, a senior Communications Studies major from Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been named the College of Media & Communication's Banner Bearer for the Summer 2023 commencement ceremony. While many enter the workforce immediately after graduating, Hinson was accepted into CoMC's graduate program for Communication Studies, where she will spend another two years in the college furthering her education.
CoMC's Banner Bearers are chosen based on extracurricular involvement, academic success, leadership, and professionalism throughout their studies. Of the College of Media & Communication's estimated 140 graduates for the Summer 2023 commencement ceremony, Hinson not only maintained a perfect grade point average, but possessed each quality of holding this high honor all at the age of 19.
Hinson made her eagerness known when she chose to complete her four-year degree in two years. Despite closing one chapter of her education, she is still thankful for her many experiences in such a short timeframe and desires to continue working with faculty members who have already poured into her success.
“Last spring, I had a class with Dr. Jenna LeFreniere who is also the head of the master's program for Communication Studies,” said Hinson. “She told me she thought I would be a great candidate for the program, but graduate school was never on my radar. After doing research and applying, I was accepted and offered the TA position which comes with great scholarships and financial aid. Since I completed my undergraduate studies in two years and the master's program is only two years, it was the perfect fit for me wanting more of CoMC.”
Once she knew she was passionate about the College of Media & Communication, she wanted to serve CoMC in any way to show future students that they are valued no matter their situation.
“I tried to get myself involved in our community as much as possible,” said Hinson. “Last year, I was a Dean's Student Ambassador for CoMC and that was such a privilege. I was also able to be a part of other organizations and activities for student life and for our college while here. I worked both behind the scenes and with faculty and staff for special events, and with recruiting by giving tours to potential students and families. It's been a wonderful opportunity to represent the College of Media & Communication and show students the endless possibilities.”
Although Hinson's first two years in CoMC went quicker than she expected, she still admires the lifelong connections she has made along the way and is hopeful for what is next to come.
“I fell in love with the College of Media & Communication's community and my professors,” said Hinson. “I had a great experience with meeting students who had similar goals and passions in life as me and I just knew that I did not need to look for anything else. I knew that I made the right decision to be here.”
“I chose CoMC and Communication Studies as a major because I knew that a communications degree would be a great foundation for me,” said Hinson. “I knew the profession could be applied in any area of expertise. Communications Studies was the perfect major to set me up for success and it could also be applied in any field. The thing that I didn't plan on, and will always be grateful for, is falling in love with the major and the college and finding my passion— as much love as I have for this college, I see how much they love me right back.”