In college, people identify themselves three ways: name, year and major.  My name is Rachyl Jones, and I am a senior at the University of South Carolina (UofSC).  I call myself a “journalism student,” although I am not a journalism major.  I used to introduce myself as an “English major,” and while this was true, I didn’t feel like it described what I was learning and what I wanted to do with my life.  

 

My claim as a “journalism student” comes from integrated learning – the combination of my college experiences – including my English major with a writing concentration, a minor in public relations and advertising, a minor in media arts, my Advanced Master of Mass Communications program, a marketing internship, journalism internship and part-time journalism job.  Integrated learning has played an important part of my college education because my experience isn’t summed up by calling myself an “English major,” like it might be for other students.  Instead, people get a better image of me through my description as a “journalism student,” a product of my carefully curated learning experiences.

 

I was able to challenge myself academically because high school AP credit set me graduating in three years, but I was in absolutely no rush.   I fell in love with the college culture – the campus, the people, the learning environment.  By extending my education to the average four years, I was able to participate in additional degree programs, take classes in what most interested me and in what I knew I could benefit from.  This story encompasses the first thing you need to know about me: I love learning.

 

I am a very different person today than I was when I entered college.  In high school, I was the stock definition of a follower.  I copied fashion trends, hobbies, even handwriting.  I wasn’t valedictorian, team captain, on student council or president of any club.  I was an involved student, but I lacked the confidence to be a leader.  My freshman year of college, I stumbled into a leadership position by chance.  My “big sister” in the sorority, who acts like a mentor, was going abroad and she needed someone to fill her position as Circle of Sisterhood chairman, our sorority’s representative in the philanthropy that all Panhellenic sororities contribute to.  No one wanted her position, so as her “little,” she asked me to take it.  This consisted of attending meetings, planning events and relaying information to my chapter.  The first time I spoke at a chapter meeting, my voice shook so badly that no one could understand me.  As the semester continued, I gained more confidence in my ability to lead, and I found out that I actually liked it.  At the end of my freshman year, I remember thinking, “I could be president.”  One year later, I was.  The person who stuttered through their first chapter announcement was then leading those meetings weekly.  This brings me to the next thing you should know about me: I am always looking to become a better version of myself. 

 

If I had to describe my college experience in one word, it’d be “busy.”  Over my four years at UofSC, I’ve had internships with Raleigh Magazine and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech).  I’ve been registrar and president of Kappa Kappa Gamma, event chairman for Circle of Sisterhood and public relations chairman for Order of Omega.  I’ve held jobs at Pro 3:5 Sports Academy and NCBiotech, as well as operated an Etsy shop and personal blog.  I was an accountability board member for College Panhellenic Association and an IGNITE committee member for Dance Marathon.  I was a Capstone Scholar, attended three professional development conferences and studied abroad in Rome.  I’ve been given a writing award, a video award and three scholarships.  None of this was necessary for my degree, but I found myself passionate about so many organizations.  Also, I’m graduating Summa Cum Laude, reflecting my passion for learning.  UofSC has given me a world of experiences, which is why I turned to Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD), specifically the Professional and Civic Engagement Pathway. 

 

Through my GLD e-portfolio, I’d like to share three key insights I’ve formed from my time in college.  Each key insight will have a different focus, tying in my within-the-classroom experiences with my beyond-the-classroom ones, and connecting them to my view of professional and civic engagement.  I’d like to show how my key insights have set my goals for the future.  I plan to attend graduate school to receive a master’s degree in journalism, which I feel readily prepared for due to my time at UofSC.  Lastly, I’d like to share a leadership page, where I plan to apply my learning to solve real-world problems, specifically in the journalism industry.  As a whole, this e-portfolio encompasses what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown and how I plan to continue this growth in the future.  Thank you for taking the time to read my e-portfolio!