Communication creates connections through language, interactions and media. Yesenia Maldonado, a current dean’s list student majoring in media design and production, and minoring in digital media marketing, recognizes the critical part media plays in influencing and disseminating news around the globe.
Maldonado wanted to be an elementary school teacher growing up. Then in high school, she had the opportunity to experiment with video editing and discovered her passion. During high school, Maldonado started researching what university she wanted to attend because the “communication track” differs depending on the school. After receiving a scholarship to Alvernia University, her search ended, and her education path was clear. The communication track at Alvernia would enhance her writing, make her video and podcast editing crisper, and introduce her to event planning.
During Maldonado’s time at Alvernia, she learned the value of ethics and leadership and how it ties into service and humility. “Interactions with others and the support we give to one another matters and leads to a better community and campus environment,” she states. As a peer mentor, she interacts with people by building relationships and developing a safe space for those on campus. This “allows students to support each other because all parties can open up about experiences and be active listeners.