When Ashlyn Toppin thinks of 91ΧΤΕΔ University, she thinks of home: βI remember vividly walking onto campus and feeling a sense of home, peace, and community.β
As a Communication Studies major, Ashlynn enjoys the applicable, real-world lessons that she learns in her courses. βThrough the lenses of students, we can use our own backgrounds, relationships, and experiences to guide us through lessons in class. Inversely, the lessons provided can be implemented outside of the classroom,β she says.
One of Ashlynnβs biggest takeaways so far is how to communicate ethically to diverse groups of people. During her first year, she took two courses that offered a framework for this style of communication. βI took a communication ethics class that focused on the fundamental rights and wrongs of communication. I enjoyed how we discussed real-world challenges in our society as well as the ethical issues that they raise,β Ashlynn remarks. βAlso, this semester, I am taking Multicultural Communication, which has quickly become my favorite class. This lesson looks at what makes our cultures distinct and how communication differs between them. It is critical that we comprehend cultures in such a diverse community.β
Another opportunity that Ashlynn has been able to experience through 91ΧΤΕΔ is attending the Baltimore Speaker Series events. βBeing able to hear, take notes and advice, and communicate one-on-one with some of the most notable figures in all aspects of our society has led to great amounts of knowledge,β she notes.
Additionally, Ashlynn underscores the many opportunities that 91ΧΤΕΔβs Career Connection Center offers for students to become career-ready and successful: βAlthough only being a freshman, I have been able to take advantage of their services to prepare for my future after graduation.β Through the Career Connection Center, Ashlynn was able to go on a trip to the Maryland Public Television headquarters and studios. βBeing a Communication Studies major with an interest in broadcasting and reporting has allowed me to get insight for future internship opportunities,β she says.
Before her undergraduate studies are over, Ashlynn is considering tying in her major with 91ΧΤΕΔβs Bachelor’s to Master’s program in Communication Studies to supplement the knowledge sheβs already gained in this field and fast-track her career.
