Courtney Combs - Choose ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Courtney Combs
Class of 2026Hometown: Berlin, NJ
Why did you choose ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?
I chose ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ based on the atmosphere when I stepped on campus. At first, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ was not my first choice, as I had this vendetta to go to an out-of-state university. But when visiting other campuses nothing matched the welcome that ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University gave me when touring the campus. It just felt like home and made me instantly want to apply and attend here.
How did you choose your major?
I am a communication major who is looking to go into the field of being an anchor either with sports or regular news. Growing up I was always told I was a great public speaker, or in other terms my mother would tell me that I could talk a lot and that I am such a social butterfly. That is part of the reason why I chose my major but, the reason why I specifically chose it was because I have a great love of journalism. I am always staying up to date on the latest news; mainly the news that can be found on social media and I really enjoy writing in general.
What have you gotten out of your academic program so far?
Thus far, I have become a T.A.L.O.N.S where I give new students a realistic view of academic, social, and emotional changes that may occur in their transition to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ by attending Orientation and Welcome Week events. Also, out of my academic program I am now working with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University Relations and Marketing’s TikTok account.
What other opportunities have you had at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?
I had the opportunity to be the Student Speaker for Experience ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Day for Admitted Students event and was offered the opportunity to be a part of the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Now podcast where I was able to interview the new dean in Arts & Humanities, Ian Marshall.
How is ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ preparing you for the next stage of your life?
As I am in the field of communication, wanting to be in the broadcasting industry, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has prepared me for the next chapter in my life by giving me opportunities to practice my skills. Simply by being able to interview people who attend ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ University, doing a podcast, getting the experience of being on the radio station, being behind the camera, and talking in front of millions of people. I feel this is helping prepare me, so that I’ll already have the experience before stepping into my next chapter of life and feel more comfortable when I go into my career.
What are your career goals?
When I think about careers and career goals, I envision my future being fluid. I feel I will have different points in my life where I will try different things. For starters, becoming a journalist would be my first career goal as I enjoy staying up to date on current events and writing, next would be a news anchor as I love media platforms and enjoy being behind a camera. To continue being a sportscaster would be another goal as I enjoy sports and love to talk about the game. So being able to provide commentary is something I would really enjoy doing. Lasty, becoming an influencer as I would enjoy being able to promote and make a difference in the world.
What advice do you have for students thinking about attending ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?
The advice I would give for students thinking about attending ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ would be to get involved, as getting involved will help you be more active and have a better network around campus with opportunities and connections that you wouldn't have been able to make If you stayed in your dorm all day or just went back home.