Meet Graduate Student Ambassador Zora DeSeignora

Describe your interest in your academic program and what you hope to gain from it.

I am a first year student in the MA program for Communication. I love Communication and the many areas that this field overlaps. My hope and desire before I leave is to not only grow in my knowledge of the field, but to pick up some production or video-editing skills.

What is your favorite course you’ve taken so far? If you are in your first year, what course are you most looking forward to in your program? Why?

This is my first year in my program, but my favorite class at the moment is Strategic PR! This class has really shown me how to work as a PR professional and the many roles the professionals in the industry have.

What are a few things you would like to share with prospective students regarding the Villanova student experience?

Coming in my first year, I was nervous starting a new program and meeting new people. But I've found some wonderful friends among my peers in my cohort and through other organizations. I love that we support each other and are always there to make each other laugh.

How do you maintain a good school/life balance?

I've learned that if I'm tired, I just need to go to sleep. Rest helps a lot with productiivty, and I find that when I get a lot of sleep, I am more productive. Occasionally I have to stay up to finish work, but I try to give myself a time limit so I'm not up to late and can still get rest.

If you’re living around Villanova, what are one to two “must do” experiences you would suggest to students new to Villanova and the surrounding area including Philadelphia?

I'm new to the area, so there's so much more for me to explore! But my favorite places around have been Turning Point and Insomnia Cookie, both located in Bryn Mawr!

Describe what it means to be a graduate student at Villanova. In other words, why Villanova?

Villanova is a great place to continue to grow as a graduate student. So many of my peers are so knowledgeable, and it's so amazing to be in classes with them. I feel like I grow every time I leave my class because there's always something new that I have learned.