Published on Sept. 10, 2024
The Honors College Communication Internship team plays an important role in telling the Honors story. They showcase their storytelling skills in a variety of ways and through numerous communication channels.
The team includes four students. Meet one of the new faces on the team, Kaiya Lynch! Lynch is a junior journalism (strategic communication) major, who is also pursuing a minor in information technology.
How did you find your way to the University of Missouri?
Going to high school in Kansas City and being the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, we would participate in the J-Day competition every year at Mizzou. On J-Day, I got to walk around campus and sit through guest lectures in the MU School of Journalism. The summer before my senior year, I participated in the J-School’s Advertising and Public Relations High School Workshop and I was like, “Yeah, I need to come here for college.”
What interested you in the School of Journalism at Mizzou?
I could give so many answers to this question! Narrowing it down to one: what sold me on the J-School was the Missouri Method. I didn’t want to just sit in lecture halls and study material that couldn’t be used until I graduated. I wanted hands-on learning, and the J-School has students participating in projects their first semester on campus. As a strategic communications emphasis, what that means for me is that I already have a portfolio packed full of advertising work.
Could you talk about being part of the Honors College and some of the opportunities you’ve had through the college?
One thing about me is that I love the Honors College. Before my first semester at Mizzou, I attended Summer Welcome (as one does) and during the Honors College orientation, Dr. (Rachel) Harper mentioned a research program called ASH Scholars. I never thought I would be involved in undergraduate research, but I applied to the “Minority Focused News” team because I thought the work they were doing was impactful. Fast forward, I was selected for the team and ended up presenting my research to legislators in Jefferson City and also did a presentation here at Mizzou. I also received my current job as a Writing Center Tutor by taking ENGLSH 2015HW (an Honors class). Plus, my communications internship is through the college as well. The Honors College has something for everyone, and I’m so glad that I’m part of it.
Do you have a favorite Honors class that you’ve participated in?
My favorite Honors class hands-down would have to be ENGLSH 2015HW. My professors (now bosses) and TA for that class were amazing and they genuinely cared about their students. I learned so much about how writing tutoring works and those skills I’ve gained translate over to other leadership roles I’ve had.
What’s a fun fact about you that others may not know?
A fun fact about me is that I’ve lived in five states!