Name: Nicole Pudlo
Major: Strategic Communication
Hometown: Woodland Park, Colorado 

Why did you pick Texas Christian University?
It was one of the better schools in the area. I went to Tarrant County College first and then transferred to TCU in the spring of 2018. I wanted to challenge myself. I ended up getting a partial scholarship to TCU. I always wanted to come here. 

Do you have pets?
My household has four dogs, but only one of them is mine. Her name is Jazz. She’s a Shih Tzu, 3 years old, and she’s the love of my life. 

What do you think you have done in college that has most surprised your friends and family?
Just going to college. I took a break after I graduated. I didn’t actually start pursuing college until I was 25. I was going through some self-discovery phases and I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to waste a bunch of time and money trying to figure it out until I wanted to commit to something. I was just trying to figure out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life and I kind of needed to find that niche before I went on that journey. 

What is your favorite thing about the TCU student body?
The passion of certain students. Some people are so passionate about things that really matter and it makes other people feel that same passion. Especially when something goes wrong. I remember when Atatiana Jefferson was shot, a lot of people did that march. People care, to some degree, at least. 

What is the most impactful habit you picked up in college?
Organizing my time. I’m still not awesome at it, but it has really helped me. Just the benefits of something as simple as a daily planner and calendar; those are things I never used before TCU. 

What musical artist has gotten you through college?
Claude Debussy. I’ve listened to so much classical music, but especially Debussy, when it comes to studying and just trying to get my head on straight. Probably I’ve listened to “Clair de Lune” more times than any other song in the last two and a half years. It helps keep me sane sometimes; it helps with the stress. 

Is there a class you would retake?
Honestly, I really loved Writing and Editing and Strategic Writing. I got a lot out of those classes and I feel like, taking them over, I could get even more out of those classes—I could just keep refining my writing with those types of assignments. I feel like I’ve gotten something out of almost everything that I’ve taken. I could benefit from retaking any of my Spanish classes, because the more you deal with it the better you get.  

Click here for more information on the Strategic Communication department.