Student Alex Nguyen customizes own education path with open emphasis
If you’re looking for unique, you’ll find it in Alex Nguyen. An open emphasis communication major, Alex knew from the beginning that she wanted
a custom-made college education.
“I wanted to have a little more control of my education,” she said. Alex has a passion for advertising and technology and decided to create a path where she could enjoy both.
She picked classes that interested her most, becoming more and more confident in approaching potential employers with a specific and developed set of skills.
A project she says she’s proudest of is the Symphony in the Flint Hills website, which Alex helped develop. “It was single-handedly the most challenging thing I have ever created for a class and it ended up reinforcing my passions in web design work,” Alex said. This portfolio piece led to work opportunities.
Alex said she advises undecided students to challenge the system. As in, “don't just follow the single outlined path.” She recommended choosing classes you are passionate about and working with advisors to achieve the degree you want.
“The ESC faculty is by far the most passionate and most helpful group of individuals
I have come across,” Alex said. “They care deeply about their students’ success, and
that’s rare.”
In her opinion, communication classes are the most applicable in the professional
world because you always need communication skills, both verbal and written.
A self-proclaimed mix of geek and hipster, Alex loves video games and all things related to the Internet. She also admits her slightly unhealthy addiction to Dr. Who. And her latest achievement? This music junkie recently attended her 800th concert.