My name is Zoe Hussey and I am a freshman Communication Sciences and Disorders major at Hampton University.  Since attending Hampton University, I have been made aware of all different types of opportunities, activities, and groups that are offered outside of high school.  There are so many stimulating activities to keep you interested, but still allow you to remain focused on school.  Although I haven’t joined any groups thus far, other than band (I play the trombone), I am fascinated with organizations pertaining to communication disorders, leadership, environmental issues, and social/cultural awareness.  This is only my second semester of college, so I am confident that I will find a group that is satisfying to me.

Everyone has always told me that college life passes by quickly, even faster than high school.  With this idea in mind, I have already started thinking about post-grad life.  I plan on attending graduate school to gain credentials as a Speech-Language Pathologist or an Audiologist.   While I haven’t made an exact decision as to where I want to spend four additional years, I will probably attend a predominantly white university, such as Ohio State University, University of Southern California, or Virginia Commonwealth University.  Attending a PWI will allow me to make a comparison between a small, black, private school, and a large, white, public school. 

Wherever I attain my master’s degree, it is going to help me get a comfortable job.  The job market is down, and the unemployment rate is up, so career opportunities are scarce, but professions in the medical field keep growing.  I have a desire to work either in a hospital with patients who have trouble communicating due to a sustained injury, or in a school with children who have trouble communicating due to neurogenic or psychogenic issues.  After a few years of working for a company, I want to open my own practice in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Focusing on my studies occupies a lot of my time, but when I don’t have any assignments or projects due, I like to do certain things that constitute enjoyment.  I like to consider myself socially conscience.  I like to watch the news, to read online articles, to check sports’ updates, and generally be aware of current events.  Being involved in the community has also been important to me, but since I have been at Hampton, I have strayed away from volunteerism.  Within the next couple of months, when the stress of being a freshman is over, I will resume most of the activities that constitute enjoyment.