Corey Ann Seldon
Major: Public Relations
Inspiration:
Social Injustice. "As a freshman I saw a performance of the campus organization Voices Against Violence. They do interactive performances that address campus issues like domestic violence, sexual assault, drug and alcohol usage, and so forth. It really inspired me to do something with my career around these issues."
Favorite Class:
Public Relations 348 with Dr. LeeAnn Kahlor. "Professor Kahlor really pushed us on ethics. The press releases we worked on were all about meaningful topics like interracial adoption. We learned to write speeches for different audiences about things that really mattered, real weighty social issues. Robert Jensen, my Communication Honors professor also really challenged our beliefs. He encouraged students to ask questions about how we fit into society, what our role is as communications professionals."
Where UT Meets the Real World:
Communication Career Services. "I've gotten a couple internships through the career center. I worked for Teach for America as a recruiter trying to find passionate, talented young people to work in tough schools. I spoke to classes and passed out information at events. I used some of the tactics and strategies I learned in my classes to persuade students to become interested in the program. I also worked with 21st Century Learning Centers, helping them come up with better strategies to retain students."
Aspiration:
Social Services. "I want to take the skills I am learning in communications and take them into a different setting. I'd like to start a theater troupe or organization that works with domestic violence and sexual assault issues. I wish that people would sit down and have conversations, come to a common understanding, and base action upon that. I want to have an impact on social ills."
Favorite Means of Communicating:
Conversation. "I love a good conversation where both people are open and willing to exchange ideas."
