UPB x SGA Fall Concert ’25

Hello! My name is Heather. I’m a sophomore majoring in Strategic Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies. I originally came to Chapman as an Exploratory student, but eventually found my place in the School of Communication. I’m extremely excited and grateful to be a part of the Student Advisory Board!

I’m from Temecula, California, so not too far from Orange. Orange has quickly become my new home, filled with friends who have turned into family and opportunities to explore the area and, of course, Chapman itself. Coming to college, I wanted to grow and was open to whatever that looked like. And although growth isn’t always easy, it takes time, patience, and openness to new experiences, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for the changes ahead.

Concert pics ft. Jorie (:

I chose Chapman because it met everything I was looking for in a university: close but far enough from home, a safe campus, a medium-sized student body, plenty of leadership and involvement opportunities, and a well-developed program for exploratory students. And if I’m being honest, two things that really sealed the deal were that first-year students could have cars and the lack of communal bathroom (because let’s be real, that’s a big deal). On a more serious note, coming to Chapman has been the best decision I’ve made. It has been one of the most awakening, exciting, challenging, and character-building experiences of my life. I’ve been challenged academically, socially, and personally, and I don’t think any other school could have provided the exact transition I’ve had or allowed me to meet some of my closest friends. Chapman truly feels like a family, and the more you get involved and embrace the journey rather than just focus on the outcome, the richer your experience will be.

My friend Elena and I at our OL banquet in ’25!

In terms of involvement, I’m part of the Special Events and Traditions Committee of the University Program Board (UPB) and serve as an Orientation Leader (OL). I’ve loved connecting with other students and supporting incoming Panthers. These roles have provided me with some of my favorite experiences at Chapman so far. Each time I think I’ve reached my limit in connecting with the Chapman community, I’m proven wrong. Apparently, I’m not the introvert I thought I was coming to college, and I think I’ve evolved into quite the opposite. 

My favorite classes I’ve taken are Public Speaking with Sarah Downey, Personal Branding with Matt Prince, and Mass Communication with Brianna Pham. They have solidified that I belong in Strategic Communication and have opened my eyes to how upbeat and engaging classes can be. It definitely helps being surrounded by great peers as well!

Last beach trip of freshman year with my friend Kirsten.

I’ve learned that growth isn’t linear. It’s one of those things that takes time and sometimes manifests through challenges. Outside of academics and involvements, I enjoy going to the beach (my favorite is Corona Del Mar), trying new vegan restaurants and coffee shops, thrifting, working out, cooking, baking, and spending time with my friends, family, and cat. In the future, I hope to pursue a career that aligns with my hobbies, such as one involving makeup, fashion, or lifestyle.

Chapman has been incredibly meaningful to me. As long as I feel proud of myself, my life, my community, and my professional path, I’ll feel satisfied. College has been the freest I’ve ever felt, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be here. Time has flown, and I’ve been able to check many things off my bucket list while discovering even more opportunities I hadn’t imagined. I came into Chapman as a social but reserved person. Now, although speaking with others still makes my heart race, face flush, and hands shake, I do it anyway because it’s something I enjoy. The more I experience at Chapman, the more comfortable I become with myself and my ability to succeed.

My roomie Sunny and I at AXO date party spring ’25.

My biggest piece of advice is to go for the thing that seems scary because you’ll never regret trying. One of my favorite quotes, which has been my phone lock screen for years, is: “Uncertainty is better than certain misery.” If you don’t take a leap of faith, the answer is guaranteed to be no. But if you go for it, what if it’s a yes?

I’m here to help any students who need guidance with advising! Feel free to contact me at hcantrell@chapman.edu