Hello, my name is Avery Grant, and I am a Freshman from Sausalito, CA. I am a Communication Studies major and Creative and Cultural Industries minor. 

NUVO dance competition in Santa Clara, CA.

I’d be lying if I said choosing my major was difficult. I’ve been a dancer since I was two, so I have always been enthralled by how messages can be communicated verbally and nonverbally. I was pretty shy growing up and preferred to tell stories through movement. However, as I’ve grown up and come out of my shell,  I recognize human communication is an art that continues to fascinate me in all of its forms. Reading and writing have shaped, challenged, and at times saved me. I never felt a strong connection to a singular academic subject like science or history. Communication combines a bit of everything, and I love how interdisciplinary it is. Communication is such an integral part of our lives, whether it be in social, familial, or professional settings. I am interested in connecting with people and sharing ideas effectively, skills that have strengthened and developed by being in the School of Communication at Chapman. 

I came to Chapman for a dance intensive in middle school, so it had been on my radar for a while. Although it was my “dream” school, I applied to sixteen other schools to have options. When it came down to college decision time, Chapman was the obvious choice. When I toured the campus, it felt like home, and I could easily picture myself happy here for four years. The small class sizes, diverse course catalogs, affordability, dreamy weather and location, and kind people on campus drew me in from the get-go. I also loved the limitless opportunities to get involved on campus, something I regretted not doing in high school.

I was looking for ways to get involved here in the School of Communication, so I decided to apply for the Student Advisory Board to help prospective and current students. Chapman has so many fantastic resources, but at the onset of my time at Chapman, I remember feeling overwhelmed with who to go to for help. In the School of Communication, members of the Advisory Board are an excellent place to start. I love getting to know people and this experience connects me with so many new faces. I’m excited to continue building relationships with professors, peers, and prospective students during my time on the Board.

My friends from the University Program Board on the UPB discounted Disneyland ticket day!

As a Freshman, I still have so much to explore in terms of clubs and organizations on campus. However, so far, I have loved getting involved with the University Program Board as a member of the On-Campus Events committee, the American Sign Language Club, and Club 55 (the Disney club). I also have an On-Campus job at the Office of Career and Professional Development, and I’m looking forward to rushing next semester. 

In my free time, I love to read romance novels, dance ballet, snuggle with my Snowshoe Siamese kitty, Lucy, and spend time with my friends and family. I love to hike, and my favorite hike I’ve done was Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park. Visiting all of the National Parks is the number one thing on my bucket list. When not in class, you can find me at Disneyland or on the Starbucks patio with an iced chai, listening to Taylor Swift. 

I am always happy to help, so please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. 

I can best be reached through my email: avgrant@chapman.edu.