Meet Kaya Hill ’23, a junior majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in History and African-American Studies. In this blog, Kaya shares how her interests in communication and history has led her to thinking about graduate school and beyond. She talks about her road to Communication Studies as well as what she hopes to accomplish in the future.

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What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

The proudest moment in my college career so far has been delivering a 10 minute speech on the importance of teaching Black history in schools.

Have you won any awards for your work?

I have won a couple of outstanding contribution awards in both the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of History. These are very significant to me because I pride myself in engaging in the classroom and being an active member in any environment I’m in.

What are your plans after college?

I plan to go to graduate school and study intercultural communication.

Can you share one thing that people don’t typically know about you?

I am self taught in 4 different instruments!

Who are your mentors?

Dr. Laura O’Hara and Mary Moore have been huge mentors for me in the Department of Communication Studies. Dr. Emily Johnson in the Department of History has also been a huge mentor for me.

Are you involved in any student organizations at Ball State?

I am at part of the Student Antiracism and Intersectionality Advisory Council. We seek to educate, inform, and creative a community for POCs and allies on campus.

What do you think is most important about Ball State?

The connections you build with your professors are so special. They truly care about your success in university and in life. You don’t get that at every school.


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