Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
When Esperanza was a first-year student at another college, she decided to transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and major in communication studies. Despite initially feeling unsure, she knew it was the right decision after taking a few classes.
“What I love most about being a Communication Studies major is the wide range of career opportunities it offers, giving me the flexibility to explore so many different career paths and find and use my strengths in various avenues,” says Esperanza.
Outside of her classes, Esperanza enjoys being with family. “We spend time watching basketball games together, going on trips, and simply hanging out in the living room making jokes and dancing to music,” says Esperanza. She also shares that she likes to stay active—whether traveling, going to the gym, heading to the lake or beach, playing pickleball, or walking her dog.
Something else keeping Esperanza busy as a sophomore is an experiential learning internship at the Center for Communication Excellence.
Esperanza spent last fall working as a Communication Center Specialist, shadowing her supervisor and helping to create social media content. This semester, Esperanza has been promoted to Public Engagement Coordinator, with the increased responsibility of managing the Center’s social media accounts and working directly with students.
“Students can schedule appointments with me to help manage speech anxiety and refine their speech outlines, allowing me to make a more direct impact on their communication skills,” says Esperanza.
Seeing her supervisor in action while interning at the Center has been an impactful experience that has helped Esperanza learn the best way to support students.
“The more students I work with, the more I have improved, especially since I have taken many of the same classes and presented the same speeches. This shared experience allows me to relate to them, offer meaningful advice, and share what has helped me manage [my] speech anxiety,” says Esperanza. “One of the most rewarding moments was when a student told me how much I had helped them feel more confident about their speech. Knowing I made a real impact on their experience made me feel incredibly fulfilled.”
From strengthening specific skills to building professional relationships, Esperanza is grateful for the practical practice her internship affords.
“Managing social media for the Center has given me experience in content creation and audience engagement, which will be valuable in any communication-related career. Working with students has strengthened my leadership and interpersonal skills, especially helping others overcome speech anxiety and improve their presentations,” says Esperanza. “Additionally, this internship has given me the opportunity to join the Communication Advisory Board, where I now serve as a member, further expanding my professional experience and network.”
It is this hands-on application combined with classroom knowledge that Esperanza sees as pivotal for her post-graduation plans. “While I am still exploring career paths, this role is providing me with valuable real-world experience that will prepare me for many different roles.”
