Olivia Forsythe is a senior Communication Studies major with a minor in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Memphis, Tennessee.

“What brought me to UTK 3 years ago was the overwhelming amount of school pride that made this university feel like a tight-knit family. To be 6 hours away from my home, the university has become my home away from home, and has welcomed me with open arms from the minute I stepped onto campus.

Beginning college, I was unsure who I wanted to become in my 4 years or where I wanted my path to lead following graduation. After declaring Communication Studies as my major freshman year, I realized that was the stepping stone in helping me to answer those questions. I chose CMST initially because of its broadness & the various opportunities it could potentially provide. But after almost 4 years immersed in the major, I realize it has done so much more for me. It’s equipped me with skills I never thought I would be good at or comfortable with. It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone in the very best way possible to become a more confident individual. And it’s truly provided me genuine relationships with my professors and classmates that will last a lifetime.

My plans for the future are up in the air, but CMST has led me to realize my love of communicating with others & a desire of getting involved within a communications/HR field of a company. My skills acquired through CMST have currently helped me to land an internship starting this fall with Girl Boss Offices located in Knoxville as their media relations/management intern!

I’m eager to start my last year on Rocky Top and in CMST, and ready to dive head first into it!”