Kathy Gillman, Class of 1994
by Allison Perez-Ashley, Class of 2009
After 12 years of working full-time, Kathy Gillman went back to school at the age of 30. In 1994, she graduated from SJSU with a BA in Speech Communication and a minor in Administrative Justice. She was hopeful that her degree would be a great stepping stone to law school. And even though her dreams of law school never became a reality, her time in the Communication Studies Department was a significant one.
Kathy was eager to learn and open her mind to new concepts, ideas and people. Realizing that the working world was drastically different from the world of academia, Kathy began to embrace the aspects of going back to school that brought her motivation and gratification. She said, “I graduated from college 15 years ago and I still am finding new ways that I appreciate my degree in Communication Studies.” Because communication can be applied to many aspects of today’s society, it allows majors the opportunity to study a variety of disciplines, such as feminism, environmental studies, popular culture, politics, rhetoric, gender and identity, argument and debate, nternet communication, as well as intercultural studies.
Today, Kathy works from home as a web designer and web content editor. Her flexible schedule allows her to be a full-time mother to her seven and four year old daughters. Outside of work, Kathy is involved at her daughter’s school in the PTA and aids in recreational activities. In discussing the importance of volunteering, Kathy said, “Resources, especially in schools, are so devastated now – it’s not really an option not to be involved. I think the thing I like the most about volunteering is that it is a way to get out of your own head. When I volunteer, I am doing something that is not only helping someone else, but it’s getting my mind focused outside of myself.”
Kathy recommends the students get actively involved in their own learning and challenge themselves to be open to new experiences and ideas. She said, “Believe that you can really achieve – listen to the praise you get and believe it and accept all criticism as completely constructive. Take advantage of the awesome staff and the resources available to you.”
Tenia Worick, Class of 1995
by Rina Sutaria, Class of 2010
Tenia Worick graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Spanish from San Jose State University in 1995. She currently lives in Southern California and owns her own dance company called Learn to Salsa, Inc.
You can find schedules, videos, pictures, and client testimonials on this website. Learn to Salsa, Inc offers students instruction, videos and dance services such as performances and choreography. It is evident that Worick is very dedicated to her clients when you visit the website because of the comments left on the testimonials page.
One of Worick’s biggest passions is helping children. While a student at San Jose State University, she was a Child Advocate for the courts. Her duty was to assist children by being a “voice” for them to the judge. Worick has also volunteered with an organization in Los Angeles called Free Arts for Children where she single handedly organized a last minute fundraiser that raised $1200.
She owes a lot of her success to her education and states that "the Communication Studies degree has helped me to speak publicly with confidence and effectiveness. I now have comfort addressing or performing in front of my audience."
Worick advises students to get involved in debate. She was extremely successful in this area even though she had never tried it before. Worick was awarded the Forensics Academic Achievement award when she graduated. She owes her success to the staff of the program, and specifically to Professor Austin-Lett, who is the Director of the Forensics program at the university, for all of their guidance and support.
Worick will always have wonderful memories of her time at San Jose State University within the Communication Studies department. She says the department was "like family" to her.
Zacarias Lampitok, Class of 2005
by Anthony Aguilera, Class of 2010
Zacarias Lampitok graduated from San Jose State in the fall of 2005 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies and a minor in history. He currently lives in Stockton, California, and works as an insurance adjuster.
Zacarias's true passion is speech and debate, which started at the early age of 13. He started to explore the field of speech and debate in high school, but it wasn't tell he was in college where he would show his true greatness. From 2003 to 2005 he earned several trophies for his performances at speech and debate tournaments. In 2004, along with his debate partner Jenn Sullivan, he posted a 7-1 record at Claremont College's Open Debate Tournament. Zack competed at the national speech and debate tournament with over 300 teams from all over the nation. He is still involved with speech and debate but now acts as a judge, traveling from state to state to see young, new talent.
Zack also participated in the Communication Studies Club. And he served as a tutor in the COMM Lab, helping students overcome their fears of public speaking.
Zack's most memorable moment at San Jose State was the dedication of the John Carlos and Tommie Smith statue on the San Jose State campus. He was there to witness the dedication and will always remember the moment.
Zack's future plans are to go back to school and get his master's degree in communication and maintain his involvement in speech and debate competition.
Daniella M. Sardi, Class of 2006
by Josephine Harmon, Class of 2010
Daniella M. Sardi graduated from San Jose State University in May of 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Radio, Television and Film (RTVF). She started her academic career as a Psychology major, but quickly learned that it was not the major for her. When she was deciding on a new major, Daniella wanted to study something she liked to do and wanted something that she would not lose interest in; thus the change to Communication Studies. She likes to talk, and loves the idea of knowing how to maneuver strategic words in order to communicate what she wants and is trying to portray. The art of communication is something that will be used in everyday life and for the rest of her life, which is why she planned out her undergraduate program in the area of Communication Studies.
She is currently in the profession of Marketing & Advertising as an Account Executive for 2 San Jose radio stations; 94.5 KBAY and MIX 106.5. Daniella received a job with Nextmedia Incorporated right out of SJSU and has been working her way up in the ranks ever since. Her favorite part of the job is the fact that she is not stuck in the office all day, gets to meet new people on a regular basis, and exercises her studies of communication on an every day basis in multiple situations. Daniella works on a local level in the Santa Clara County community and reaches out to businesses in the area to help them promote new ideas and create additional business opportunities. She feels that having a degree in Communication Studies has given her a great advantage as it has boosted her confidence in her speaking skills and performance capabilities when reaching out to clients.
While studying Communication at San Jose State University, Daniella was also a part of the Debate team, which gave her the experience of speaking in front of hundreds of people. She stated, “no matter how terrified I was of speaking in front of people during classes or debates, I realized they were there to help and that the audience no matter who, is looking for me to succeed.”
Daniella had the unique experience of completing an internship in Hollywood for the Entertainment Tonight show (ET), which taught her to have thick skin and be confident in who she is and has to offer. She stated, “People are looking for someone with full confidence and competence which is not what you find everyday in most people.”
The most important thing she has learned as a Communication Studies major that helps her most in her life is to “never be too scared to ask questions and go after what you want.” Daniella plans on returning to school to complete her MBA in the near future. She is looking to attend Santa Clara University at the moment but is keeping an open mind while researching other schools and programs.
Shannon Vakili, Class of 2006
by Christopher Hyland, Class of 2010
Shannon Vakili graduated San Jose State University in 2006 with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in History. What interested her about Communication Studies was her desire and passion for public speaking. Before she attended San Jose State University, Shannon had taken a couple communication classes at De Anza College. Based on what she learned from those, made the transition to San Jose State Communication Studies Department an easy, instinctual decision.
Once at San Jose State, Shannon fell in love with the Communication Studies major because of how it challenged her to think critically and outside of the box. One particular class that stood out in her mind was Communication and Culture because her professor made her see the world in a different perspective.
Her most memorable thing about San Jose State was her professors. Shannon felt a strong sense of community within the department and found her professors personable and inspirational. During her time at San Jose State, she also participated in the Communication Studies Club.
Currently, Shannon is enrolled full time at Santa Clara University Law School and anticipates graduating in 2012. She is undecided about her plans to apply her law degree, but is looking into possibly becoming a teacher.
Did you graduate from the Department of Communication Studies (formerly the Department of Speech Communication)? Tell us what you've been doing! Contact us at comm@sjsu.edu!
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