Name: Sláine Kathleen Kelly
Year: Graduate Student
Major (now): Masters in Sports Communication and Media Studies
Major at UP: Organizational Communication
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
What was it like to fly ALL the way across the country for grad school? Crazy?
I love traveling and exploring new places. I get bored easily with my surroundings so it’s fun for me to go somewhere new. At UP people always seemed to be shocked that I came to Portland all the way from Minnesota. So going to the East Coast is about the same distance. Also, I didn’t fly. Unfortunately, I had to drive my car all the way to Connecticut. Thankfully I had my mom and two aunts with me, but it was horrible. I hate driving. But I am happy to be out here. It’s definitely a change of scenery and people. West coast is the best coast though, there’s no doubt about it!
Favorite part about grad school?
My favorite part about grad school is shocking, but it’s the work we get to do. It’s not like undergrad, at least the program I am involved with. We are actually out there with cameras interviewing people, shooting games, directing, and producing. It’s absolutely amazing. I love every second of it. I’ve met some great people and my professors are kick ass. Not to mention CT is so central to so many sports outlets in this industry. I guess I have a lot of favorite things!
What do you miss most about UP?
What most do I miss most about UP? Hmmm that’s a tough question. I think Julia and I talk everyday about something we miss about UP or Portland. Whether it’s the amazing food, specifically Mexican and to be even more specific Cha Cha Cha (we haven’t found a good Mexican place here in CT and we CRAVE it everyday) or the smiling faces you see on campus rain or shine. It’s safe to say that my heart will always bleed purple and I’ll forever be a Pilot!
What advice would you give undergraduates who are considering grad school right after college?
Do your research. For me personally because I had such a broad major that allowed me to do so much. I knew I wasn’t going to go to grad school unless it was super specific to something I wanted to do. I knew senior year I wanted to learn more about broadcasting and specifically sports-related broadcasting. I started researching grad programs the fall of my senior year and there wasn’t anything that really stuck out to me. A lot of it was sports management or journalism along with other stuff I didn’t care to do. So I kind of gave up on grad school and thought I would work for awhile and then to back to school later. But literally a month before gradation I got an email from KG about this new grad program at Sacred Heart. I read about it and applied that night. It was exactly what I was looking for. Plus, it’s a 12-month program which is awesome since most graduate programs are at least 2 years. So long story short, do your research!
While at UP, you were heavily involved with Her Campus Portland. What did you like about your experience with Her Campus?
Her Campus was great! We had such an amazing group of girls. I loved getting together with everyone weekly. I didn’t write for Her Campus, I did more PR and event planning so I loved planning events…especially our parties! It was always fun to watch out social media presence grow over the time I was there. Plus reading the articles every week that all the other girls wrote.
What is your go-to look this season?
My go to look this season hmmmm, usually I am way more into my fashion but I am a full-time nanny so leggings and comfy sweaters have been my thing. But I start my internship at NBC Sports next week, so I’m excited to pull out my business casual items. I got this super cute grey sleeveless dress for Christmas that I can wear with black tights, a button down underneath and tall high-heeled black boots!
Any New Year’s Resolutions?
My New Years resolution is definitely to get back into working out every day. I was running cross-country for Sacred Heart but unfortunately I broke my foot again so I have to find a new athletic hobby to do. Julia and I want to take on kickboxing!! We’ll see what happens.