John Reilly

John Reilly, a senior Communications major, is really excited to be a part of the department. He started out at CSS as an Econ major, but switched to Communication because it was a lot more fun and gave him the opportunity to be more creative.

Newswriting and Reporting, which is taught by Steve Erickson, was one class that John really enjoyed thus far because he wants to be a journalist. He really liked the fun and creativity involved as well as the practical news writing skills it teaches. He also has enjoyed being a part of Steve Erickson's CSS TV News Practicum. In the class, students have the opportunity to produce a weekly 10-12 minute show, which includes anchors, reporters, and all of the skills involved in real news production. He thinks it is a valuable class because you are actually doing what the professionals do. Throughout the course he has learned which styles of communication are more effective for certain events and how to tell which information is most important.

Because of her personality and her effectiveness as a professor, John really likes Julie Ahasay. He said that she is very good at getting the material across, making it fun in the process, and doing what she can to help you learn what you need to learn. He thinks what makes her such a great professor is the fact that she has spent numerous years in both the advertising and public relations fields and brings that experience to the classroom. He believes that some things you can only learn from having real-life experience and you can learn more from people who have that real experience.

John also has liked having Steve Erickson as a professor. Not only for the fact that is just all around a cool guy, but also because he helps make sure you get through things, keeps you seeking out and discussing current events, relates real news stories to CSS news stories, and makes you read a lot-but helps you learn a lot in the process.

John hasn't had many courses in the department yet, but he has loved all of the ones he has had and looks forward to taking more classes in the future, especially Publication Design.

Click here to read John's application essay.