By: Erika Verellen

Communication Studies major, Laura Tatum, is a rising senior preparing to graduate this December. With only about a month left to go here at Belmont, Laura sat down with me to reflect on her most cherished memories during her time at the university. 

Laura began by boasting about the communication department, emphasizing how solid the department is as a whole and, additionally, how the professors are exceptionally knowledgeable about the communication discipline. 

“There have been very few, if any, COM classes that I’ve walked away from feeling like I did not learn anything,” said Laura. 

The senior not only spoke about her love for the communication department, but also told me about some of the amazing relationships she has made during her time here. Laura spoke fondly about two COM professors in particular – Dr. Amy Schmisseur and Dr. Jimmy Davis. 

“I adore Dr. S, she is phenomenal. She is so engaging and so passionate about what she does and it makes me want to work hard…Dr. Davis is the one who suggested I study abroad and helped me figure out how to graduate a semester early, so shout out to him,” said Laura. 

With Dr. Davis’s guidance, Laura had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England, this past summer. She knows this is a college experience she will never forget and proceeded by sharing a favorite London memory with me. 

“The last night we were there we went to the oldest pub in the city built in 1667 and we sat at an old mahogany table. It was surreal because many famous writers and actors had been to this pub and sat at the exact same table,” said Laura

This may be such an adoring memory for Laura because she is awfully passionate about books. She is currently looking for jobs at different publishing houses and is hopeful she can get her foot in the door. 

“I desire so deeply to go into book publishing… I would love to be in the literary world,” said Laura. 

The last question I asked the December grad was any advice she would give a new COM student. She first joked about not waiting until the last minute to do your Well Core like she did, but then quickly moved on to share two key pieces of advice. 

“Do not be afraid to engage with your professors as people. You have a voice and college is a great time to learn how to use it,” said Laura and also added, “School is important but not the most important thing. Your well-being is more important than an A in the class.”