Integrated Media, Communications, and Sport Management Major
I chose Heidelberg because of the university's excellence and prestige in my field of choice and intended career choice (broadcast journalism). With that in mind, I also wanted to pursue another four years of athletic competition, and Heidelberg presented the best fit for me. Rich in opportunities both on and off campus, I was able to enhance my skills for the workforce as I near completion of my bachelor's.
Additionally, Heidelberg's PlusOne MBA program provides another opportunity to expand my education, improve my skill set, and prepare for my career (I have been accepted/enrolled in the upcoming MBA class).
I majored in Integrated Media, Communications, and Sport Management because I wanted to diversify my career routes and explore unlimited opportunities. When I first came to the institution, I vividly remember admissions briefly mentioning I should consider Sport Management as a major or a minor.
At the time, I just wanted to get through my freshman year with one major, getting acclimated to the workload and my first year in college. But as time has gone on, I've gained an exemplary understanding of time management, in which I added either a major or minor in both my sophomore and junior years.
By mastering studies in each of these fields, I'll gain the skills necessary to work in multiple facets of the sports industry, either in media, journalism, or in facility management (or other forms of management). The increased versatility isn't just a resume builder; it serves as a reminder (and eye-opener) to employers of the unique level of versatility I possess as I enter the workforce in the upcoming years.
Initially, a major challenge I encountered while at Heidelberg was finding the healthy balance between work, personal, and educational life. With so many various priorities, such as on-campus organizations and athletics, as well as job responsibilities, sustaining a proper lifestyle meshing those together with college felt unattainable for a long time.
However, I handled that adversity by eventually creating thoughtful time management tools for myself, as well as always staying ahead of schedule by a week or two with classes. This ensures me a 'work-school-personal' life balance that I can maintain and always adapt if needed. While workload feels rather massive at times, there's never a moment in the day I regret it, because it will strengthen me for my future!
The best opportunity I discovered at Heidelberg was getting involved with on-campus organizations! With the increased independence as a college student, your experience over four (or five) years is what YOU make it! Live it with no regrets, and get involved on (and off) campus with various organizations. Build connections with people that will last a lifetime, helping you into the future! This campus and the surrounding communities are surrounded by people that want to see your success, so don't let that opportunity go to waste!
Outside of the classroom, I was involved in nearly every area of my life! Athletically, I participated in Track & Field for four seasons and Cross Country for one season. On campus, I spent one year with Heidelberg's student organization, Enactus. I've also continued involvement with Heidelberg's faith-based student organization, Cru. Lastly, I spent each of my four years working with the institution's Sports Information Department (SID), working at the university's countless athletic events and competitions.
I also got involved in admissions, Krammes, and ResLife while at Heidelberg, and other events/student opportunities! I also have my OHSAA license in officiating and plan to use it into the future.
Outside of athletics and academics, work consisted of employment as an independent contractor for two radio stations near Heidelberg, working similar roles. Additionally, I've also been employed remotely as an independent contractor for Fansided in a sports journalist role. While none of these roles are likely permanent or long-term, they do represent the beginning of my journey in the industry I hope to pursue!
The thing I'm most proud of about my Heidelberg accomplishments is the willingness I've had to expand upon various endeavors (work, school, and personal) and increase my willingness to learn. Additionally, I had the ability to obtain and adapt my understanding of different people and their backgrounds, trying to better Heidelberg's campus in the future! I'm proud of how I've overcome the many obstacles that have come my way throughout my four years!
The entire Communications/Media department. Rather than giving credit to just one faculty member over my four years, it's far more deserving to give them all credit. Even to those who have moved on to the next phase of their life, each and every professor in this department has made me the person I am today and prepared me for life after college.
Working together, we've established real, genuine personal connections that will last a lifetime. For that, I'm forever thankful for their contributions to my four years I've invested at Heidelberg, and to the rest of my life. I plan to stay in touch and remain a part of the Heidelberg family.
Jeff Garvin (SID) has also been an instrumental piece of my development towards my career path as a sports broadcaster. Without him, I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today in that career field. For that, I am blessed and forever grateful (and will never forget the endless hilarious conversations and moments together).
My advice to new freshmen would be to embrace the changes coming to your lives! God is moving mountains for all of you, much of it coming in incoherent forms and fashions! Expect the unexpected, get involved on AND off campus, and be aware of your surroundings! These four years fly by, and every day presents something new. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way and MAKE opportunities for yourselves (nothing is given to you here!). Have fun, but be conscious of why you're here (your education)!
My favorite Heidelberg memory to this day is still the Brandon Reed overtime touchdown winner against John Carroll in 2021, my freshman year. Alongside that, another favorite memory of mine is when I served as the sideline reporter for Heart of Ohio Sports for a Heidelberg football game my sophomore year.
My plans after graduation are a multitude of things. I plan to continue pursuing sports broadcasting, but doing so either as a radio personality or on-air talent. With my several majors and business minor, I have now opened doors to potentially pursue coaching, facility management, journalism, podcasting, officiating, and other involvement within sports while the sports broadcasting route takes its lengthy process to get going.