By Myra Kivett
As a senior at IUPUI in the BA/MA program for Communication Studies and a music minor, I have focused on taking classes in journalism, public relations, communication studies, and music. I will graduate in December with my BA in Communication Studies and in December of 2023 with my MA in Applied Communication.
I am also a songwriter and just released my first single! In the fall of 2020, I completed a certificate in music industry essentials from New York University and, in 2021, I completed a certificate in General Music Studies from the Berklee School of Music.
While at IUPUI, I have had various opportunities in and around the city to intern. I have worked as a compliance education intern at CSPRING, a media/audio engineering intern at Round Table Recording Company, and as a journalism/project management specialist at MediaFuel Digital Agency. I found these opportunities all through mutual contacts and networking. Furthermore, I am currently working for IUPUI’s Athletics department as a student photographer. I came to find this opportunity by simply reaching out to the program. It has allowed me to build my portfolio and grow in my skills.
I always dreamed of studying abroad in college. I was worried with the pandemic that this may not become a reality; however, I sifted through IU’s study abroad portal deeply and found a trip to London that looked like it had the possibility of running. I applied, very hopeful, and am so glad I did. In May I traveled to London through Indiana University Bloomington’s School of Theatre. Since I was young, England was always a place I desired to visit. Being able to see the land and experience the culture where some of the most noteworthy writers and creatives crafted their art was greatly inspiring.
While in London, I attended class at the IES Abroad Center and was exposed to culture in various forms. The focus of the class was on theatre and costume design, but we were exposed to much more than that. Whether it was through visits to museums, theatrical performances, the opera, or through pure adventuring, it is safe to say that I gained an experience of a lifetime, not to mention, many amazing friends! This trip allowed me to further many skills that will carry me through life. The relationships I formed with my new classmates, peers, and professors proved to be some of the best relationships I have formed in college. This, in addition to interacting with a foreign culture and those in it, made my time in Europe a great experience for which I am truly blessed and thankful for.
– Taking a weekend trip to Paris with three classmates where we saw the Eiffel Tower, the Lourve, the Arc de Triomphe, Montmarte, Sainte-Chapelle, the Pantheon, the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Musée d’Orsay. We also sang in a restaurant called Au Cadet de Gascogne, and took a cruise along the river seine (all in 32 hours)!
Aside from traveling, music, and school, I have had opportunities to volunteer in the Indianapolis community and opportunities to excel academically as a Bepko Scholar. The Bepko Scholar program has challenged me in and out of the classroom and has taught me self-discipline. Not only has it given me a bigger heart for the community, but it has gotten me in touch with a tight-knit community in the Honors College at IUPUI, which I am grateful for. The Bepko Program is the reason why I am where I am today.
Following graduation, I hope to pursue a career in music/entertainment full-time. As an independent songwriter, vocalist, and pianist, I would ideally love to immerse myself in a music hub, like Nashville. I can’t wait for what the future holds and am grateful for my time at IUPUI and all the opportunities it has given me! Go Jags!