Get to Know Your Ambassador: Robin Duffee
by Lindsay Robles
Robin Duffee
Communication Studies, Senior
Hometown: Cedar Park, Texas
How did you become an ambassador for the College of Media & Communication?
I became an ambassador when one of my favorite professors told me about the opportunity
and encouraged me to apply. I was definitely nervous, but I was so passionate about
my major and I wanted to do anything I could to help spread the word about all the
wonderful programs CoMC has to offer! When I came to Tech, I had no idea what I wanted
to major in or what career I wanted to pursue. It was daunting to start a brand new
chapter of my life and feel aimless. During orientation, I flipped through my gigantic
course catalogue, browsing for courses that sounded interesting to me. I was drawn
to courses like nonverbal communication, intercultural communication, and persuasion
and social movements. So, I chose communication studies for a major. As soon as I
talked to Judy Poffenbarger, the COMS advisor here at Tech, I knew I had made the
right choice. I felt like I happened to find this major that was so engaging and enriching
somewhat by luck, and so I was excited for the opportunity to help others find their
way to COMS and the CoMC, too.
What do you like best about the College of Media & Communication?
I love that the College of Media & Communication is such an encouraging and supportive
community. Students, professors, and staff all look out for each other and support
other's success. CoMC has so many opportunities for students to get involved and start
engaging with their passions. There are plenty of CoMC student organizations and programs;
anyone can find a place here. I also love how excited CoMC professors are to help
students. I know a ton of my professors have had open door policies, and you can come
in at any time if you want to talk about things you are learning in class or brainstorm
for an upcoming project, essay or exam. CoMC has truly become a home for me here at
Texas Tech, and I know it can be for you, too.
What has your experience been like being an ambassador?
I have truly loved being an ambassador. I love getting to talk to prospective students
and their families about my experiences here at Tech and CoMC. I have gotten to work
scholarship events, college fairs, and alumni events. I also get to do fun things
for current students. For example, this year in February the ambassadors got to pass
out candy and Valentines from CoMC to current students. From working big events to
creating small and kind gestures, I love making an impact and giving back to CoMC
any way that I can.
What are your future career goals?
As for my career goals, I have not yet chosen a path I want to follow. I am considering
a career in real estate, recruitment, or possibly sales and marketing. I am confident
that the skills I have gained during my time here at CoMC will help me succeed in
any career I end up choosing. I have pursued two internships with the AroundCampus
group, a marketing company focused on campus communities. Last year, I was a sales
representative in the Lubbock area. This year I have been promoted to an area sales
manager, and I have the opportunity to work with a different team every day on 16
campuses in Oklahoma and Texas. I am really enjoying the challenge of managing, and
I am grateful for the chance to travel and get to know so many towns across Texas
and Oklahoma!
What is your advice for prospective students?
My advice for incoming students would be to get involved! There are so many different
kinds of people who come to Tech from around the world. Seeing thousands of people
with diverse backgrounds, interests and personalities coming together for the common
goal of gaining knowledge is a beautiful thing to behold. I would encourage prospective
students to start engaging in that learning culture in whatever ways bring you joy.
The College of Media & Communication specifically has so many different clubs and
activities, and they are a great way to make connections and friends with similar
interests and goals. Jump right in and take advantage of some of the amazing opportunities
CoMC has to offer!
Oh, and don't forget to bring some extension cords when you move into your residence hall!
A short list of advice from someone who has been there:
- Use the rec! There are fun ways to get some exercise there like swimming, zumba, boxing, rock climbing, racquetball and more!
- Make friends with your neighbors in the residence hall. It is fun to see a friendly face around the halls.
- Don't wait until the last minute to study and cram for a test. I know you will anyway, but you can't say I didn't warn you.
- Don't leave all of your winter clothes at home and plan to get them at Thanksgiving break, TRUST ME. It gets cold way before Thanksgiving break. Learn from my mistake, and you won't be shivering in a tiny sweatshirt for a month.
- The library has group project rooms that you can reserve to work on things as a group in your own separate room with a big table and white board. I didn't learn about those until the end of my sophomore year, and I wish I had known about them sooner!
- Have fun and soak it all in while you can! I can't believe I am a senior. It really will fly by. So take the time to enjoy every second.