“I really enjoy hearing people’s stories and getting to share them with others through my writing,” says Jessica Daugherty.
Jessica Daugherty, a senior majoring in communication with an emphasis in journalism at Eastern New Mexico University, is graduating this spring.
Her ultimate career goal is to “eventually become an editor at a small publishing house. I love reading and exploring new types of literature, so if I can do that while also helping somebody achieve their dream of becoming an author, I will be happy in life.
“The biggest achievement I can ever hope to reach in my career is to be happy and enjoy going to work every day,” she explained. “I also want to be able to help others achieve their dreams, while also achieving mine.”
Jessica chose to study journalism because she “always had a curious mind, and I gained a passion for writing in high school, so I figured journalism was the best to combine those two things. I also really enjoy hearing people’s stories and getting to share them with others through my writing.”
Jessica was born in Clovis, New Mexico, and lived in Melrose, New Mexico, until she was three. She then moved with her mother and sister to Kingman, Arizona, and remained there until she transferred to Eastern. She decided to attend ENMU because of its “small class sizes and reputation as a good communications school. I really enjoy that you get to work closely with professors and build a relationship with them here instead of just being one of many names in a class.”
Jessica’s favorite class at ENMU was “COMM 205, ‘Beginning Reporting,’ with Dr. Janet Birkey. That class was the beginning of my journalism career, and also where I met a majority of my friends that have helped me get through these past few years.”
The professors that have been the most influential and helpful throughout Jessica’s undergraduate career are Dr. Birkey, Dr. Patricia Dobson, and Dr. Jenny Dean. “These three women have taught me so much about journalism and being a good writer and photographer. They were always there when I needed help, and they truly go above and beyond to help their students.”
Her favorite part of being a Greyhound is “the sense of community on campus. No matter what department you are in, you will have the support of all of the faculty and staff, inspiring you to keep going and do your best.”
Jessica was on the Dean’s List for the entirety of the 2017 school year, and she also was given a scholarship from the Eastern Star Chapter of Yuma, Arizona.
She loves to go to the Student Academic Services Building to study because “the building is usually pretty quiet and the building gets a lot of natural sunlight.”
Jessica is an assistant editor for the University newspaper, “The Chase,” and works in the Advising Center on campus. Her hobbies include reading, writing and going on adventures with her friends.
Jessica’s recommendation for those looking to study communication is to “make sure they are ready to have a lot of work and meet tons of new people.”
(Written by Alyssa Chapman)
