Communication student profile: Amy Christensen

Home town
St. Charles, Illinois

Majors
Communication Studies (Concentration: Argumentation and Advocacy); Dance

Current projects
I'm a member of the Dean's Advisory Council. The council is currently planning graduation activities, which includes selecting a convocation speaker. We're also in the process of interviewing candidates for potential teaching positions. In addition, I'm very busy rehearsing with Graffiti Dancers (a dance company on campus) for our upcoming show.

Recent/notable publications, awards, honors, exhibits
Departmental Excellence Award
Dean's List

Hobbies
Dancing, dancing, and yes... more dancing.

Questions and Answers

Why did you choose Northwestern?

The first thing that drew me to Northwestern was its academic reputation. I wanted a diversified education that challenged me both personally and academically. I also liked the size of Northwestern. The campus is easy to navigate because it is relatively small and centralized. The student body is small enough that you see friends either on campus or in class. Yet, it is large enough that you can meet someone new every day.

What inspires you most?

The other students on this campus are an inspiration, to say the least. I'm constantly amazed at the amount of talent and dedication this school attracts. It's no secret that kids here are highly intelligent, but what many people don't realize is that everyone has a secret talent on the side. Whether it is singing in an a cappella group, excelling in sports (varsity or intramural), tutoring children (now that takes talent), making movies, leading a student group, or playing in a band, everyone has some fascinating closet talent. Even more impressive is that many students juggle more than one talent along with academics and a social life! Now that is pretty inspirational.

What is the best thing about being a student at Northwestern?

Being a student at Northwestern allows for a balance in my life. College allows for a lot of freedom: no curfew, no nine to five job, and no outrageous bills to pay (hopefully). At the same time, Northwestern classes are demanding, which keeps us focused on our goals, ambitions, and responsibilities. Factor in a social life with the amazing people here, and you'll find very content, well-rounded students.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

That's easy... the beach! Believe me, beach volleyball makes Spring Quarter fly by.

What's your favorite thing about Chicago?

The diversity that Chicago offers is one of its best attributes. You can find almost anything to suit your mood: going to the theatre, catching a Cubs game, or shopping on Michigan Avenue. As for the food — it's all great! If I want Italian I can go to Little Italy, and if I change my mind I can head to China Town, Greek Town, or both. In a way, Chicago is comforting, because you can always find some aspect that reminds you of home.

What's your favorite class? Why?

Bargaining and Negotiating has been my favorite class this quarter because the material is applicable to everyday life. The skills I'm learning will be valuable for any career path I choose. It's nice to know that I'm working for an education that will work for me.

Diary

5 a.m. Sleeping... I admire those people who can function this early... but I'm not one of them.
6 a.m. You guessed it... still sleeping
7 a.m. Turning over to look at the clock and realizing I can actually go back to bed... isn't that the best feeling?
8 a.m. Waking up gradually... getting together work for the day... checking my e-mail... catching the news... reading New York Times Online... which will have to do considering the actual paper is ALL the way downstairs.
9 a.m. In the shower and getting ready.
10 a.m. In a discussion section for Theories of Argumentation... today we're debating capital punishment...
11 a.m. Happy because I have an hour break... I am grabbing a cup of coffee on campus at Lisa's Café and doing some reading for class.
noon Back to class! Bargaining and Negotiation... an excellent class that teaches you how to get your way.
1 p.m. Meeting friends at Norris (our student union) for lunch.
2 p.m. Back to class Rhetoric of Social Movements... another good class... learning right now about violent college protests... no worries, Northwestern was not on the list.
3 p.m. Class ends at 3:20 and then you will find me speed walking from north campus to south campus for my 3:30 ballet class. You can do it in less than ten minutes! (At least that's what I tell myself while speed walking...)
4 p.m. Still in ballet class... who else can say that they are required to take time in their day to dance?!
5 p.m. Ahh the moment of truth... I am done with class for the day! So it's off to the library to do some reading.
6 p.m. Grabbing a bite to eat in the cafeteria... contrary to stereotype, our food is pretty good.
7 p.m. Back to reading and studying for my midterm next week... yes I said next week... I'm trying to cure my procrastination syndrome.
8 p.m. Rehearsal for Graffiti Dancers: a student-directed dance company with strong focus on jazz and my favorite... Hip Hop.
9 p.m. Rehearsal — we're rehearsing for our big stage show in April (sorry but I can't pass up a chance for free publicity!)
10 p.m. Rehearsal... yeah I'm getting a little tired.
11 p.m. Just got out of rehearsal so it's back to Lisa's Café to grab some cappuccino and read... some more.
12 a.m. Lisa's is getting pretty packed and although my books are open, I've given in and am talking with friends.
1 a.m. I've officially given up and headed back to my dorm to check e-mail, return phone calls, and do other odds and ends.
2 a.m. In bed sleeping... yay!

Amy Christensen

Amy Christensen