Spotlight: Building His Professional and Personal Self
Rising senior Patrick Boardman let his interests in “language and human relationships” guide him to the College of Communication and Information Sciences.
Name: Patrick Boardman
Hometown: Huntsville, Ala.
Major: Communication Studies, English
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2011
Why you chose your major:
I selected majors in communication studies and English based on my more overarching interest in two fundamental areas: language and human relationships. The more I continue to experience the world around me, the more assured I become of the immense importance of both disciplines to my future goals. I knew when I started my higher education that I wanted to learn about something that would benefit me not only professionally but also personally, as well. I definitely feel as though studying communications and literature has done exactly that.
Why you chose UA:
Growing up as a student journalist, I always looked forward to visiting The University of Alabama for the annual ASPA Convention. As I sat in the Bryant Conference Center listening to faculty from the College speak, I knew that the academic tradition of UA had a great deal to offer. When the time came to make a decision about which college to attend, all of my criteria pointed me towards the Capstone.
Career goal:
Broadly speaking, I want to be able to use what I've learned here to help people. Being that such an aspiration can take so many different forms, I am content to follow the opportunities that my efforts and experience at UA will provide. I would love to do internal communications or media relations for a non-profit organization. I'm also interested in working in something like publishing, music or film because I'm excited about how the arts and industry will be changing in the coming decade.
Best thing about college so far:
I have really enjoyed the guest lecturers that the University hosts (namely: Ted Sider, Cornel West, Steven Pinker and Chuck D), as well as the opportunity to study under a great faculty. It's always a joy to be able to spend several hours a week listening to people as brilliant as some of the staff members here at the College, as cheesy as that may sound. As far as getting involved in campus activity, I have probably most enjoyed working with WVUA-FM. I host a specialty music show titled the Y'allternative Press which airs weekly, and I have a great time putting together the playlist to share with fellow music lovers on campus.