Jazzy Innis ’24, a communication major with a concentration in public relations, would be the first to tell you how game-changing the junior year of college can be. From studying abroad in Galway, Ireland, last summer to attending the NCAA Convention in San Antonio in January 2023, Jazzy is taking every opportunity to enrich her life before senior year.
Traveling to Galway with the communication department, Jazzy earned six credit hours in international multimedia production. The coursework centered on journalism, videography and audio stories. “I had more experience doing graphic design, ad campaigns and crisis communications. I decided to take the leap, though, and sign up,” notes Jazzy.
She wrote two pieces regarding faith practice in Ireland — focusing on church attendance, the effect of COVID and the Catholic Church’s response to its own scandals. “I loved every minute of this project,” Jazzy says. “It taught me so much about how to conduct interviews, write articles and then refine them after edits. … Studying abroad with Berry allowed me to experience and learn from a culture different from my own. This program prepared me for my future career because I was able to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. This was the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“The experience of studying abroad changes students,” says Curt Hersey, associate professor of communication. “Jazzy now has a more expansive vision of the world beyond America, and her ability to engage and thrive in an international setting grew.”
Back at Berry in the fall, Jazzy became deeply involved as a content creator for the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), which facilitates career exploration, resume building, networking, and job and internship searches. “Jazzy’s junior year has been particularly meaningful because she has taken a leadership role within our marketing team,” says Alicia Gauker, associate director of LifeWorks training and development.
Jazzy’s leadership skills set her up for a trip to the NCAA Convention, also attended by Athletic Director Angel Mason and President Steve Briggs. “Ginger Swann [assistant athletic director] encouraged me to apply for the NCAA DIII Student Immersion Program,” explains Jazzy, also a member of Berry’s indoor and beach volleyball teams. “The program was started by Louise McCleary [vice president of Division III] to diversify Division III athletics and allow ethnic minorities to start building connections. I was one of 40 students to be accepted into this program. …
“There were many opportunities to network and chat with insightful professionals. My assigned mentor, Jess Duff, has been so kind and has helped me explore some options for when I graduate from Berry. … I learned through this conference that I might want to pursue a career doing communications within athletics.”
Tackling your third year in college with energy, curiosity and determination can be life changing. Jazzy says, “My junior year has been pivotal because it has allowed me to mature into someone I am proud to be. The experiences I’ve had have allowed me to grow and gain confidence as a future professional.”
Thinking about studying abroad? Now’s a great time to plan for the year ahead. Talk to your advisors, professors and peers about their experiences. Check out Berry's International Experiences. They’ll help you sort through options and guide you through the process.
