Author: swilki3

Meet Alice Scarbrough, the Department of Communication’s Student Services Coordinator.

Alice started working for the Department of Communication in May 2023. 

As the Student Services Coordinator, her role is to build out the schedule for semesters, help with student questions, course requests, and any work with the undergraduate coordinator, Dr. Lori Pindar,  along with the departmental advisor for both major programs, Ms. Kaela Gardner.

Alice is originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where her parents own a local variety shop that sells books and gifts. Alice graduated from Winona State University with a B.A. last December and moved to South Carolina two months later. Her goal was to work at Clemson because she had visited the campus a few times before as her partner had family there, and quickly fell in love with how welcoming everyone was!

Prior to working at Clemson University, Alice worked a full-time job at a social services agency for two years. The agency provided Safe Visitation services and programs for children and their families who have been separated due to Child Protection Services intervention. Alice was part-time for one year as a Monitor and Tracker, and was then promoted to the full-time role of Safe Visitation Supervisor for her second year while being a full-time student. Alice’s mentor was the supervisor prior to her, who encouraged her to apply to the position as she transitioned into a different role. This role helped her with her professional development and she learned valuable time management skills. “It’s very important to prioritize certain things so that you can be the best version of yourself,” she emphasized.

In her prior role  she met her most impactful mentor that she notes was there for her in every way. Her mentor wanted her to succeed and answered any questions that Alice had. The best lesson that Alice learned from her mentor was to not be afraid to ask questions, as they will help further your career.

Alice maintains a healthy work-life balance by making sure to get everything done that she needs to do for the day before planning out time for herself. She also makes sure to know when to say no to things that she doesn’t necessarily have time for. Her only challenges thus far at work have been getting to know everything that she needs to know for the job, however, with such welcoming co-workers, she has been able to learn quickly!

If you’re ever looking for Alice, you can find her in her office at Strode 401!

How to find us online:

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University

YouTube: ClemsonCOMMChannel

Instagram: @Clemson_Comm

Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM

Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM

Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

Meet Carrie Watkins, the Department of Communication’s Office Manager and Assistant to the Chair. 

Carrie started working for the Department of Communication in August 2023.

As the Office Manager, her role is to know all of the ins and outs of the department, deal with time cards and paychecks and to help with the hiring process for faculty, staff, and students.

As Assistant to the Chair, her role is to help the Chair out with anything they need–and while it usually requires  scheduling meetings or signing/filling out paperwork, Carrie also keeps a pulse on the department and its people, cultivating an open, friendly, and productive environment for everyone.

Prior to joining Clemson University, Carrie owned two businesses– a Women’s Boutique and a Dance Studio! Carrie’s mentor, Marcie Cope, ran the Dance Studio before her. Carrie credits Marcie with teaching her how to be personable with people and how to run a business.

In the time between owning a business and joining the department, Carrie took some time off to be a mother of two beautiful children. She re-entered the workforce in a part-time banking role  which helped her with the transition from motherhood to her now full-time job at Clemson.

Carrie emphasizes that in your early 20’s, you may have no idea where you are going to end up career wise. In fact, Carrie went to school for medical assisting, but quickly realized during her clinicals that this was not for her. Her decade’s worth of experience running two businesses showed her that she greatly prefers working in an office environment.

If you’re ever looking for Carrie, you can find her in her office at Strode 408, which is decorated delightfully! Stop by to say hello and know that you’ll definitely leave with a smile.

How to find us online:

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University

YouTube: ClemsonCOMMChannel

Instagram: @Clemson_Comm

Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM

Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM

Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

With a new semester and academic year ahead of us we are so ecstatic to be assisting the Department of Communication as media interns! To learn more about us as interns and Clemson students read below:

Lindsay Kaine

Where are you from?

Vienna, Virginia (outside of Washington D.C)

What grade are you in?

Junior 

Why did you choose Clemson?

I wanted a change of pace and have always had family in South Carolina so I decided to take a leap of faith and go out of state! I have loved my time as a Tiger and am so glad I found the school for me.

What is your major and why are you interested in that field? 

I am an English major with a communication minor and I am interested in these fields because I have a passion for writing and content creation and I feel that by pursuing these degrees I can learn how to apply what I already love doing to a career.

What has been your favorite memory as a Clemson Tiger so far?

Running down the hill after the final home football game of my freshman year. We had just beat Wake Forest and it was my first time being able to run to the field with all of my friends and classmates. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming freshman?

Get involved in as much as you can! College is such a great place to try new things and meet new people so get yourself outside of your comfort zone. 

What is your favorite spot-on campus?

The Tiger Media center in Hendrix! Since joining The Tiger newspaper it has become my home away from home. 

What was your summer anthem?

Karma by Taylor Swift

Sophia Wilkins

Where are you from?

Scotch Plains, NJ

What year are you?

 Senior 😭

Why did you choose Clemson?

I chose Clemson because my english teacher convinced me to apply and visit as she thought it would be a good fit for me. The second I stepped foot on campus i fell in love with it and knew this was the place for me!

What is your major and why are you interested in that field? 

I’m a communication major. I’m interested in this field because it is so broad and there are so many different career paths that I can take with it which I need because I am indecisive.

What has been your favorite memory as a Clemson Tiger so far?

My favorite memory as a Clemson Tiger so far has to be all of the home game days. The environment and energy is unmatched to anything else ive ever experienced and it just makes me so happy!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming freshmen?

I would tell incoming freshmen to not pass up any opportunities even if they are scared to do 

something/feel unqualified. The truth is everyone feels unqualified until they take that leap and throw themselves into it.

What is your favorite spot-on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the amphitheater- i like to sit in the sun there in between classes

What was your summer anthem?

My anthem of the summer was Bad Memories by Meduza!

Izzy Klett

Where are you from?

Chicago, Illinois 

What year are you?

Senior 

Why did you choose Clemson?I chose Clemson because of the family aspect it gave me when i visited, everyone is very nice

What is your major and why are you interested in that field?My major is sociology and I am interested in it because it helps me better understand humans which can help for many different career paths.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen?The advice i would give an incoming freshman is to take advantage of all the amazing opportunities that Clemson offers

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the rowing Dike, I love to go on runs there at sunset or go swim

What was your song of the summer? 

Soweto by Victony, Rema, and Don Toliver

Now that you you’ve gotten to know us we can’t wait to get to know you! 

How to find us online:

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University

YouTube: ClemsonCOMMChannel

Instagram: @Clemson_Comm

Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM

Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM

Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

With the spring season approaching, we are ecstatic to introduce ourselves to you all! Below, you will find a few questions that we answered so that you can learn a little bit more about us.

Meet Hannah, Grace, and Sophia:

Hannah:

Hannah is from Tennessee, with a Language International Health major and a Sociology minor.

Why did you choose Clemson?

I chose to go to Clemson because as soon as I stepped on campus I felt at home. Everyone here is so supportive and family oriented. Additionally, as a student athlete I absolutely fell in love with the athletic facilities and coaching staff! 

What is your major and why are you interested in that field?

My major is language international health with an emphasis in health administration. I chose this field because I have a heart for healthcare and would love to pursue something in Medical Sales. 

If you had to pick one place to vacation, where would you go and why?

I would love to travel to Bora Bora one day. It has been on my bucket list for a very long time. While I’m there I would love to stay in an overwater villa and swim with dolphins. 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to an incoming freshman?

Always live in the moment, don’t wish college away. Things might seem overwhelming and school will be hard. However, 4 years will fly by and next thing you know you’re walking across the stage with your diploma in your hand. 

Grace:

Grace is from Connecticut, with a Sociology major, Communication minor and an Athletic Leadership minor.

Why did you choose Clemson?

I chose Clemson because I had the opportunity to represent the University on the track and field and cross country teams. After being here for the past three years I have grown to love every part of this school!

What is your major and why are you interested in that field?

I am currently a sociology major with minors in communication and athletic leadership. I am interested in this because I am a people person and love to be creative! 

If you had to pick one place to vacation, where would you go and why?

I would love to visit Australia one day. My dad lived there for a year after college and I have always wanted to see the beaches and wildlife for myself. 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to an incoming freshman?

I would tell incoming freshmen to “say yes”. Take advantage of every opportunity over the next four years even if it scares you, that is the best way to grow and learn.

Sophia:

Sophia is from New Jersey, with a Communication major and a Brand Communications minor.

Why did you choose Clemson?

As I am from New Jersey, Clemson was not on my radar until my English teacher recommended it to me. She said that she couldn’t see me anywhere else, and convinced me to apply. The second I visited, I realized that it was the place for me.

What is your major and why are you interested in that field?

I am a Communication major, and I am interested in it because I am very outgoing and love bringing in my own creative ideas!

If you had to pick one place to vacation, where would you go and why?

I would go to Italy because I am Italian and would love to go learn the language better. I also would love to try the food because I’m sure it is amazing.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to an incoming freshman?

I would tell them to never stop putting themselves out there, even if they are scared. Taking risks is essential to this major and has made me do things that I never thought I could do!

Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about us, we hope that you can enjoy our content a little bit more! Stay tuned to see our Intern Insights throughout the semester 🙂

Connect with us on our socials!

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University

YouTube: ClemsonCOMMChannel

Instagram: @Clemson_Comm

Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM

Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM

Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

Happy Fall, everyone! It’s about time you learn more about our Fall interns, and our wonderful Mentor, Dr. Pindar:

Dani Medvedeva 

What is your Favorite Food and why?

Dani’s favorite food is sushi. She loves fish and rice separately, so together they make her favorite dish. If you want to try a great Sushi place in the Clemson area Dani recommends Tokyo Sushi Grill.

What is the most exciting thing you did over the summer? If you did it with someone, who was it with? 

Dani completed her very first internship with the Department of Communications. She values how much she got to learn about being in a more professional work environment. She also enjoyed immersing herself in something that was not related to athletics and something that helped her in regard to professional development. 

What are you looking forward to this semester? 

Dani is most excited about being back in a routine. She prefers being in a routine and balancing school, practice, and internship. She is very excited about competing with her teammates, and representing Clemson University through tennis. 

 

     Sophia Wilkins

What is your Favorite Food and why?

Chicken Tenders because you can almost never get them wrong, and they taste good at almost every restaurant you go to! She loves their reliability. 

What is the most exciting thing you did over the summer? If you did it with someone, who was it with? 

Sophia got the opportunity to go to an amazing music festival in Alabama. She was able to go with a close friend and bonded over the unique experience with her. A highlight of the festival was seeing one of her favorite artists, Post Malone,  and singing her favorite song, circles. 

What are you looking forward to this semester? 

She is looking forward to figuring out her career path and fall. Doing all fun seasonal things like apple picking, trying the seasonally flavored treats and beverages, and all of the fall holidays. 

 

Maylin Lindsey 

What is your Favorite Food and why?

Maylin’s favorite food constantly changes. However, she really enjoys Japanese fusion or contemporary asian meals. Her favorite restaurants from her hometown, Philadelphia, include Sampan, Double Knot. 

What is the most exciting thing you did over the summer? If you did it with someone, who was it with? 

The most exciting thing Maylin did over the summer was travel to Mexico with her close family to celebrate a family member’s wedding. She also got the opportunity to have two amazing internship opportunities. One was with the Department of Communications here at Clemson and the other was with an amazing Homeownership Education company.

What are you looking forward to this semester? 

Maylin is looking forward to learning more about her major as the classes are getting more specific. She’s also looking forward to football games and Clemson Game-days. 

 

Dr. Pindar

What is your Favorite Food and why?

I absolutely love lunching at Sunnyside Café with the Bacon Fontina Sandwich with fries, grits or a biscuit. This is one of my favorite meals because I usually am having lunch and catching up with my best friend and colleague, Lindsey!

What is the most exciting thing you did over the summer? If you did it with someone, who was it with? 

I spent my summer relaxing out on Hartwell as often as possible on a boat. When not on the lake, I traveled to see friends and celebrate their achievements (babies, weddings, you name it!) and caught a music festival or show here and there. 

What are you looking forward to this semester? 

I’m looking forward to finally getting back into a real groove this year—seeing students, teaching classes, and engaging with colleagues across campus in meaningful ways.

 

Now that you know more about those behind the scenes, we look forward to sharing more content with the Department of Communication. Don’t hesitate to say hi if you see us around!

 

How to find us online:

LinkedIn: Department of Communication-Clemson University

YouTube: ClemsonCOMMChannel

Instagram: @Clemson_Comm

Twitter: @ClemsonCOMM

Facebook. @ClemsonCOMM

Online: www.clemson.edu/communication

My Experience at Hangout Music Festival 🙂

Picture this; it’s a random day in April. I’m sitting on a bench in front of Daniel Hall (because where else would I be) when I receive a call from my cousin with an offer that I couldn’t refuse. 

“Would you come with me to Hangout Music Festival if my mom buys you a ticket?”

While in utter confusion because I’ve never heard of Hangout Music Festival, I tell her that I’ll call her back. My first move is to look it up. I see the names “Post Malone” and “Doja Cat” and I immediately call her back and say yes without hesitation. Believe it or not, I have never been to a concert other than Bruce Springstein with my mom (ugh) so this was really exciting for me! My aunt wanted me to come because my cousin is 17 years old, and she needed someone to watch over her.

Fast forward to May 19, 2022– it’s time to go! Hangout Fest is in Gulf Shores, Alabama. My cousin lives a few hours away from there, in Fort Payne. On the

Thursday of May 19, I flew to her house, where I was warmly welcomed by her adorable cats. 

The next morning, we drove down to Gulf Shores. We stayed in an RV park, which was something I never thought I’d do, but it was actually really cute and convenient– a 5 minute walk from the festival! After spending 2 hours covering ourselves in makeup, bubble braids, and glitter, it was time to go. It had to be 90 degrees out, but we didn’t care. As soon as we walked in, I was shocked by the atmosphere; the entire festival was on the beach! There were food stands everywhere, 4 stages, a DJ tent, hammocks, and so many people. We started at the Surf Stage where Oliver Tree performed. I was really excited to hear him because of his song “Alien Boy.” The crowd was ecstatic when that song came on! After this, we went to the DJ tent for quite some time. Though it was blazing hot in there, it was probably the most fun little tent to be inside. We were dancing our butts off for hours while multiple DJ’s came through!

We can skip the rest of these little performances and start talking about the headliners. Zedd was amazing, with a strong start and lots of flames. Following Zedd was my favorite artist, Post Malone. We didn’t leave the crowd during the hour break between Zedd and Post Malone, and we spent this hour shoving our way to the front. We got pretty close! Post Malone was amazing– his performance was so meaningful and you could tell that he cared so much for his fans. I even cried when my favorite song, Circles, came on.

The next day, we were supposed to see Doja Cat, however she unfortunately canceled due to issues with her tonsils. On the bright side, Lil Yachty had to be the most fun performance ever. He handed out water bottles for his performance, and made everyone open them and throw them in the air at the same time– it was awesome!

Overall, Hangout Fest was the experience of a lifetime and I will definitely be returning next year. Not only was it so much fun, but it also brought me so much closer to my cousin!

 

–Sophia Wilkins, Junior, Communication