Jordan Meyers MCM’21, COM’20, a program assistant and adjunct lecturer at SC&I, always dreamed of following in her parents’ footsteps and becoming a Scarlet Knight. As an incoming student, the vast opportunities to get involved on campus and the diversity of student life impressed her the most. When she arrived as a freshman, she lived in Demarest Hall on the College Avenue campus, a fortuitous move. Jordan shares her experiences with SC&I.

SC&I: How did Demarest Hall, a special interest housing option, affect your choices?

JM: Living in Demarest Hall allowed me to explore my artistic and humanities-based passions through their many events and discussion sections. While living there, I met like-minded people who introduced me to the study of Communication. I always knew I was people-oriented, but it wasn’t until I stepped into an introductory Communication class that I truly realized this was the field for me, and I soon declared it as a major! After connecting with my undergraduate course content so deeply, I wanted to pursue a graduate degree in the same field. During my junior year, I learned more about the Master of Communication and Media (MCM) program dual degree option and was excited that I could obtain my master’s degree in just one extra year. I took that educational leap and am so glad I did. The MCM program gave me a sense of purpose. I learned theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills that helped shape me into a logical thinker and creative doer.

SC&I: Tell us about your role and SC&I and your MCM courses prepared you.

JM: After such positive undergraduate and graduate experiences, I appreciated the opportunity to start my career at SC&I. I currently provide departmental support for Professor Amy Jordan, the Journalism and Media Studies chair, Professor Marie L. Radford, the Library and Information Science chair, and Professor Marya L. Doerfel, the Communication chair. I also teach the capstone course in the Digital Communication, Information, and Media (DCIM) minor program. My position is multi-faceted; I am creative and use my skills daily, including communicating effectively, paying close attention to detail, coordinating, instructing, and event planning. Whether designing materials to promote department events and specializations, aiding in searches for new faculty members, working with students, or puzzling together many schedules to find the perfect meeting time, I’m putting my education at SC&I to great use.

SC&I: What classes and instructors had the most impact on you?

JM: I’ve taken a plethora of fascinating courses at SC&I, but here are some notable ones: ·

• “Media and Pop Culture” with Journalism and Media Studies Professor Jack Bratich. It was amazing to analyze music, literature, zines, and movies through the lenses of various theoretical frameworks.
• “Social Media” with Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communication and Information Mary Chayko. Real-world applications to our studies made me feel so connected to this course.
• “E-portfolio” with part-time faculty member Cecelia Houser. Having the ability to produce a personal website that showcases my professional and personal achievements was invaluable. ·
• “Interpersonal Communication” with Associate Professor of Communication Maria Venetis. Taking a course about relationships and identity provided me with the tools to be a more introspective person and friend. 
• “Digital Media Innovations” with Professor of Journalism and Media Studies John V. Pavlik. I built an app prototype in this course…need I say more?!

SC&I: What career advice would you like to share with incoming or potential students?

JM: Be open! Your dream job may be something you don’t even know exists. Try new internships, join a club outside of your comfort zone, and take time to explore your options and yourself.

Photo: Courtesy of Jordan Myers