Sara Hartanov is a Communication Studies major and a member of the School of Communication Student Advisory Board. The SAB advocates for the needs of students in the SoC by serving as the student voice to the administration and generating and implementing programs and initiatives designed to enhance the student experience within the SoC. Have questions, concerns, or ideas about the student experience in the School of Communication? Let her know! 

Hi! My name is Sara and I have not had the most “traditional” college experience. After graduating high school in my hometown of San Clemente, California, I attended San Francisco State University. I discovered San Francisco was not where I wanted to complete my degree. Subsequently, I moved back home to Orange County and went to Saddleback Community College. I transferred to Chapman University in 2019 and have never looked back! I am now a senior Communication Studies major and am so grateful to be here. I knew that I wanted to complete my undergraduate education somewhere that had smaller classes where I could really get to know my professors and classmates. It also helped that Chapman is in Orange County, and I can commute to school. Even as a commuter student, I feel connected to the campus and have had a wonderful experience.

 When I first began my college journey, I was a lost soul and did not have any direction on what I wanted to study. After taking some introductory communication courses, I knew I found my place. I have developed meaningful relationships with my Communication professors and have thoroughly enjoyed every class I have attended. I have been able to work as a research assistant and gain valuable knowledge of different communication concepts. I am interested in intercultural communication because I love to travel and explore new places. In my travels, I have utilized what I have learned about how other cultures and people communicate. I am also passionate about family communication, especially since I come from a big family. My little brother attends Chapman University with me and is on the lacrosse team. You can find me in the Chapman Stadium stands, cheering on the Panthers when they play!

 

 I am so grateful that Dr. Bevan recommended I apply to the School of Communication Student Advisory Board this past semester! My goal with working with the School of Communication Student Advisory Board is to encourage students to get more involved. The benefit of Chapman being a smaller university is that there is more opportunity to create a close-knit community within the departments. I also think it is vital to promote the School of Communication whenever possible. Even when not in the classroom, I identify as a Chapman Communication student in all aspects of my life. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help other transfer students, or any students for that matter, find their place at Chapman and be comfortable enough to get involved and use their voice to better our community. We, as students, have to ensure the well-being of our fellow students.

Cheering on (my brother and) the Chapman Lacrosse team!

I hope to continue my education at Chapman and earn an MS in Health and Strategic Communication. With my passion for communication and the endless opportunities that Chapman provides, I know I will have the tools to succeed in whatever I choose to do after school. I am still unsure what that might entail, but I am looking forward to what the future holds!