Going into freshman year, I really wanted to have my major and future planned out. I think that’s a common feeling for incoming freshmen. 

I ended up taking a leap of faith and going in as an undecided major. That was the best decision I ever made because it allowed me to check out all the University of Oregon offers. 

I took classes in sociology, science, psychology and other areas of general study. I decided to check out the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) too, so I took J350: The Principles of Public Relations. 

That’s when I finally knew I found my major. Three years later, I could not be more proud to be an SOJC student – a.k.a., a J student.

Narrowing down the reasons why I’m proud to be a J student is a hard thing to do, but here are my top three stand-out reasons:

1. Hands-on experience

   The endless amount of hands-on opportunities that the SOJC offers to its students is unique and something I am so proud of as a J student. Whether you are an advertising, journalism or media studies major, or anything in between, there is a student organization or support system outside of the classroom for you.

   As a public relations student, I have been able to dive into Allen Hall Public Relations. It is a nationally affiliated,  student-run public relations firm at the UO. Not many universities offer that kind of opportunity. And that’s just one way I have been able to get hands-on experience and take my major to the next level.

2. Alumni relations

   One thing I can say with full confidence is that, regardless of what major you pick, you will always have the unconditional support of SOJC Duck alumni. Since you also get a great support network as a student in the SOJC, no matter where you look, you will find a Duck in your corner. At school and at every top agency, firm or company, there will be a Duck looking after you.

   I know so many fellow students who have been hired for internships or jobs because of the SOJC network. It is such a reassuring feeling knowing that the support continues to follow you once you graduate.

3. Faculty and staff support

   The thing I was most worried about going into college was getting left alone to figure everything out without any guidance. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

   Thanks to SOJC Student Services, I have received all the support and guidance I need, without fail. Every term for the past three years, I have used the school’s academic advising services to make sure I am on track to graduate and succeed. I have never felt alone or lost, because I know I have the support of the SOJC faculty and staff in my corner.

Thanks to the SOJC, I know by the time I graduate I will be ready to hit the ground running. The support and endless opportunities that come with being a Duck and a J student are incomparable, and I will take them with me as I move into my professional and personal life.

–By Erin Tooley, class of ’23

Erin Tooley, class of ’23, is a public relations major minoring in nonprofit administration. She is also a social media and events intern with the SOJC Communication Team.