Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Aurora Turner
Where are you from?
Woodbridge, Virginia
What year are you?
Junior
What’s your concentration?
Strategic Communication*
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I love writing and the creativity the J-School gives me.
What’s something that you feel makes the KU J-School unique?
The various opportunities for students to test out different concentrations.
What’s the best part about being a Jayhawk?
The sense of community.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they reach you?
auroraturner@ku.edu
*The Strategic Communication concentration became the Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations concentration in 2022.
Sydney Clark
Where are you from?
Blue Springs, Missouri
What year are you?
Sophomore
What’s your concentration?
Sports Media and Society
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
From day one, the J-School felt like home, a place to grow and develop my journalism skills. I loved the environment, and the potential opportunities I could have to get involved as soon as I stepped on campus. The J-School is one of a kind and the experiences, lessons and opportunities I have received, continue to make this place the place for me.
What’s something that you feel makes the KU J-School unique?
One thing that makes the J-School so unique is the friendly environment. The friends I have made are like family here; there is always laughter and smiles filling the building. It’s nice to be in a place where everyone wants you to succeed, and that's exactly what the KU J-School is.
What’s the best part about being a Jayhawk?
There isn’t just one good part about being a Jayhawk; every single part is the best. From the traditions that run deep through the crimson and blue, there is no place like Kansas, and that’s the best part. There is only one Jayhawk family, and the support and love that comes from that can’t be matched.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
Being determined will get you far. No matter what class, assignment or obstacle comes your way, if you stay determined you will grow in so many ways. You are about to step into a new journey, but it’s the best one. Stay focused and passionate; it will take you far.
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they reach you?
sydneyclark@ku.edu
Ladazhia Taylor
Where are you from?
Kansas City, Missouri
What year are you?
Senior
What’s your concentration?
Strategic Communication*
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I went to Paseo Academy, where I was exposed to broadcast journalism. I fell in love with the hands-on approach that the major offered me as well as the ability to connect with other communicators. Majoring in journalism at KU felt like the right next step for me.
What’s something that you feel makes the KU J-School unique?
What’s unique about the J-School is that it feels small and intimate in terms of students, but it’s so much bigger when you factor in all of the opportunities for growth and success.
What’s the best part about being a Jayhawk?
The best part about being a Jayhawk is the ability to be a part of a community of good-hearted and inviting people. The traditions that we have are truly one of a kind; you have to be here to understand it.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
These will be some of the best years of your life, yet they won’t last forever! Enjoy your time but do so responsibly.
How can students or prospective students reach you?
ladazhia@ku.edu
*The Strategic Communication concentration became the Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations concentration in 2022.
Claire Olmsted
Where are you from?
Ottawa, Kansas
What year are you?
Sophomore
What’s your concentration?
Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I chose to be a part of the J-School because of my involvement with journalism throughout high school. I was involved in yearbook and newspaper and grew to really love the advertising and leadership side of those. Also, I was really close with my journalism teacher and she was a great example of how amazing journalism can be!
What’s something that you feel makes the KU J-School unique?
I think the J-School is unique because there are so many opportunities to get involved at any point throughout your time here. No matter what your interest or concentration is, you can be a part of something that builds a community within the school. The various broadcast clubs and shows, the Kansan, and the Agency are all great real-world examples of working in the world of journalism.
What’s the best part about being a Jayhawk?
The best part about being a Jayhawk is the community you become a part of during your time here and beyond. Lawrence is also an amazing town that offers a lot of opportunities for various things to do outside of school.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
I would say to get involved and do so early. Being involved allows students to create a community and begin networking with people that could, later in life, help you in getting a job or simply just being a friend. There are so many opportunities at the J-School no matter what grade level you are at, so getting involved sooner rather than later is beneficial!
How can students or prospective students reach you?
claire.olmsted@ku.edu
Mya Peterson
Where are you from?
Prosper, Texas
What year are you?
Junior
What’s your concentration?
Sports Media and Society
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
The J-School felt like home immediately. Even through the pandemic, the staff and students made me feel like Kansas was the right choice.
What’s something that you feel makes the KU J-School unique?
Endless opportunities. Everyone is involved and wants to make sure other students feel safe to create, try new things, and be who they want to be. The uniqueness is our students, who we are and what we stand for. There's never a dull moment.
What’s the best part about being a Jayhawk?
Being a Jayhawk is equivalent to being a part of a big family. As an out-of-state student, Lawrence feels like home. Everyone cares about the students -- the staff, community and students. Also, being a national champion has a great ring to it, too!
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
Try everything. To be the best you have to try everything. Being a journalist is more than writing or being on air; being a journalist is knowing a little about everything. Immerse yourself in your major and learn all you can during your four years.
How can students or prospective students reach you
petersonmya2771@ku.edu
Bryna Kelley
Where are you from?
Albuquerque, New Mexico
What year are you?
Sophomore
What's your concentration?
Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations. I am also majoring in business management and leadership.
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I chose to become a part of the J-School because I loved the sense of community within the J-School and the different ways I could get involved right away.
What’s something that you feel makes the KU J-School unique?
I think the J-School is unique because by the end of four years you have met every student in your graduating class and spent time with every professor. Students have the ability to make an individual impact on the J-School and KU during their time here.
What’s the best part about being a Jayhawk?
The best part about being a Jayhawk is going out of state and having people say "Rock Chalk" to you because you've joined such an amazing network of people that love this school!
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
One piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to always be open to meeting new people and making new connections. You never know where those connections will take you!
How can students or prospective students reach you
bryna.kelley@ku.edu