Hi, I’m Mia! I’m a senior at the College of Charleston, double majoring in Communications and Theatre with a concentration in Performance. Originally from Jersey, I’ve fallen in love with the charm and history of Charleston. I enjoy giving tours to family and friends when they visit, as well as to prospective students my family knows—it’s always such a fun way to connect with others and share everything I love about CofC and this amazing city.

Hometown

I am from Northern New Jersey but now live in Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Major(s)

Communications, Acting

Describe your college experience

My college experience at the College of Charleston has been nothing short of amazing. From the moment I stepped into the Cistern Yard for the first time, I knew I’d found my forever home. The transition to college was easier than I expected because I felt so lucky to be in such a beautiful place, surrounded by Oak trees and Spanish moss, and I was excited to meet new people and explore the city. Now, as a senior, I still cherish afternoons studying with friends on the green outside the library, soaking up the South Carolina sun, or strolling down King Street for a quick bite or some retail therapy between classes. Even those early morning classes are worth it because I feel so fortunate to be a student at CofC. My professors know me by name and make every class engaging, leaving me eager to learn more. Outside the classroom, I love taking spontaneous beach trips, exploring Charleston’s incredible food scene, and enjoying the warm weather year-round, especially during the 'winter months.' Every opportunity here has helped shape who I am. The College of Charleston, with its beauty, culture, and sense of community, has been the perfect place to grow and I am so beyond lucky to have spent my last 4 years here.

Tip for future students

If I could say anything to future students, it would be to enjoy every minute because it really does go by so fast. Get involved, try new things, and be open to new experiences and opportunities. Take advantage of our beautiful campus, the city of Charleston, and everything they have to offer because there really is no better place to go to school.

Favorite class

1. Acting for the Camera with Paul Rolfes. This class was a perfect fit for me since acting for film and TV is one of my biggest passions. The course is designed to teach students the tools needed to perform on camera, which is a totally different experience than acting on stage. We worked on assigned pieces, received feedback from Paul (who is a working actor himself), and learned technical principles specific to on-camera acting. It was hands-on and real-world, and I gained so much practical experience. 2. Freedom of Expression with Dr. Kirk Stone. This class was a lot of work, but so rewarding. The course uses case studies and the analysis of historical and contemporary issues to explore ethical concerns in communication contexts. What made it so great was that Dr. Stone brought real-world examples to the table, which made everything feel more relevant and engaging. His passion for teaching and his genuine care for his students made him one of my favorite professors at CofC. I’d recommend this class to anyone—it’s thought-provoking and eye-opening!

Career goals

I’m still figuring out exactly what I want to do after college, but I know I want to pursue something in acting or the communication field that aligns with my passions. I’m creative, organized, a strong communicator, and hardworking, so I’m looking for the right fit where I can use my skills and be truly engaged in the work. Whatever it is, I’m excited to take the next step and find something that fuels my passion.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I could go either way—either having a cozy movie night in with friends or going out to explore Charleston’s amazing food scene. There are still so many restaurants and spots I haven’t checked out yet, which is crazy! Watching the sunset by the Battery or at one of the beaches is also one of my favorite ways to spend a night because our sunsets here are absolutely beautiful.

High school or secondary school

Sparta High School in Sparta, NJ