Name: Tori Patton
Year: Junior
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Major: Media & Communication Studies
Relationship Status: In a committed relationship to myself
Her Campus (HC): What’s your major and what are your favorite and least favorite classes?
Tori Patton (TP): I’m majoring in Media & Communication Studies, minoring in Spanish and am also pursuing a Leadership Certificate. I’m currently taking an Interracial and Intercultural Communication course that I LOVE! I have also loved all of my classes for my leadership certificate. While I love learning and practicing Spanish, those classes are probably my least favorite porque español es muy difícil para me.
HC: What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your major?
TP: The biggest takeaway I’ve gained from being in my major is the importance of listening and asking questions. Through the feedback I have received, I have begun understanding the power that words convey. My coursework has given me a tangible skill set full of tools to communicate effectively and has allowed me to study how humans communicate.
HC: What made you choose FSU?
TP: I had a hard time deciding where to spend my college years but the first time I stepped foot on FSU’s campus, I recognized the culture of the university that places emphasis on each individual Seminole. It is for this reason that I quickly realized Florida State University was meant to be my home.
HC: What organizations are you involved with on campus?
TP: I’ve been involved in a multitude of campus entities, including Dance Marathon, the Student Alumni Association, Student Government Association, the Advance Party, Alpha Phi, Garnet & Gold Key Leadership Honorary and, most recently, the Power of WE.
HC: Of the organizations that you are involved in, what are you most passionate about?
TP: The Power of WE for sure. I’m super passionate about creating a more inclusive and diverse campus. But, beyond that, I’ve found that nothing is quite as fulfilling to me than helping my fellow students feel connected to this wonderful university. It is truly exhilarating when I feel as though I was able to make a student feel more welcome or help them realize why they matter to Florida State. Whether that is done via a meaningful interaction or connecting them to a certain organization or group of people, it is always such an amazing feeling. Power of WE is so beautiful because that is what the campaign seeks to do every day. That is the culture that it seeks to create.
HC: Do you have any advice for people that would like to get involved?
TP: Yes!!!! I would always caution students who want to get involved to think critically about why they want to get involved. Take the time to get to know who you are and what you value, what your morals are before you jump into the first opportunity that arises. There are so many amazing organizations, people and opportunities on this campus! All you have to do is identify what makes you you, and why you value the things that you do. It will light a fire within you, so follow that fire. That’s what is going to make you a better person and this campus a better place.