Choosing Communication Studies: Class of 2020

Name: Kendalyn Ferner
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Major: Communication Studies
Class: Junior 

Kendalyn Ferner’s eyes lit up as she recalled deciding to be a part of the Texas Christian University family. “TCU was not my first pick; in fact, TCU was not even on my radar when I was applying to colleges,” she said. “It was because of a trip I took with a friend to Fort Worth one day and we ended up spending the day at TCU. I unequivocally fell in love with the TCU culture. It felt as if I was at a big university, but with the small school feel. It was no question on where I should attend after that trip.” 

Originally declaring business as her major, Ferner later decided that having a communication studies degree would better prepare her for a future role in politics. “I realized that being a business major would require me to be proficient in math, and that is just not how my brain functions,” she said. “I chose communication studies as a major because every career path requires effective communication skills, particularly crisis management in politics, which is the direction I am taking after graduation.” 

Having her goals set for a career in politics, Ferner knew she would need a better understanding of different cultures and how to properly communicate in various settings. “I knew that having a minor in foreign relations would help me build a solid foundation to be proficient in my career,” she said.  

Ferner believes she has created relationships that she will have for years to come. “At first, I was nervous about leaving Georgia and coming to TCU, but it didn’t take too long for me to start forming amazing friendships,” she said. “My favorite memory at TCU was a group project that I had to work on last semester. The project challenged us in so many good ways, and it allowed my group to form a bond in which I feel we will have for many years. They’re a special group of women.” 

Advice that Ferner suggests to incoming first-year students is to not procrastinate. “For the love that is all holy, do not procrastinate,” she said. “Get yourself a planner of any kind. Write down your dates because you’re simply too busy, all in good ways, to keep up with it all.”  

Click here for more information on the Communication Studies department.