Meet Transfer Student Kathryn Williams

Hailing from the Bay area in California, Kathryn Williams transferred to JCU after three semesters at a large university in New York City. She is a senior majoring in Communications with a minor in Creative Writing. In Fall 2022, Kathryn interned at the JCU Web Communications Office.

Kathryn Williams

Kathryn Williams

Why did you choose John Cabot University?
JCU offers students a personalized curriculum that prepares them for the real world with numerous opportunities to jumpstart their professional careers. From the moment I transferred, I knew I had made the right choice. My previous school had a more theoretical approach, and professors hardly knew their students’ names. University is hard enough on its own, so it’s great to have that extra support from your professors and staff.

Why did you choose to study Communications?
I chose to study Communications because I was interested in learning various disciplines. I learned media theory and acquired technical skills for digital editing such as Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and other skills like SEO marketing analysis that will be essential to my career. Writing is a creative passion of mine, and the minor allows me to explore it.

So far, what has been your favorite class at JCU?
My favorite class has been my Creative Writing Workshop: Mixed Genre course (CW 205) with Professor Elizabeth Farren. I loved the freedom I had as a writer and the encouragement I received from my peers and the professor. It was my first opportunity to write creatively in an academic setting.

What clubs/activities are you a part of at JCU? What are your roles within these?
I have completed 2 internships that I obtained through the Center for Career Services, with Glocalize Yourself and JCU’s Web Communications Office. Both opportunities have taught me real-life skills pertaining to the workplace, such as time management. I am also a part of So Fare Films, an independent film production company founded by Professor Jenn Lindsay, that works with JCU students and alumni. My role was to update SFF’s Twitter profile as well as help produce a series of articles related to the filmmaking industry.

What is one of your favorite aspects of the JCU community?
My favorite aspect is the diverse student body at JCU. So far, I’ve met people from all over the world I most likely would not have otherwise. I appreciate how kind and open everyone is to learning more about each other, and the connections that community members create with each other.

What are some culture shocks you experienced moving to Rome? Your favorite aspects of Roman culture?
In Rome, there are limited places to get iced coffee, so I had a hard time adjusting as I am used to my Starbucks and iced coffee drinks daily. I also was not as familiar with the language or other customs, such as eating dinner late. My favorite aspect of Roman culture is the food. There is a plethora of cheap, fresh food available everywhere across the city, something that I never experienced. You don’t realize how great it is until you travel elsewhere.

What are your plans for the future?
I have some tentative plans to work in the marketing/public relations field in either NYC or London. I love being in an urban environment where I can surround myself with other creatives. I hope to pursue my writing on the side, maybe one day publishing a few stories.