Communication Studies

Lyndsey Parham – B.A. 2006

When I graduated from UNCG, I had a number of interests that I was looking into. I knew that I wanted to work with non-profit organizations- whether in the field of social justice (i.e. any work with the homeless, working poor, those in need) or in the field of camping (i.e. youth camps, summer camps, outdoor education, retreats). During my time in college, I had the opportunity to become involved with organizations and activities that gave me a taste of these different avenues and where my passions and interests lie. I can connect two specific courses I took that had a distinct impact on my decision towards my eventual career. Having taken Communication and Society and taking part in a Communication Internship I was able to hash through two diverse venues of potential job opportunities. I now work for Sky Ranches Inc. (known simply as Sky Ranch) which is primarily a summer camp that also runs outdoor education and retreat programs in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado as well as internationally in Kenya, France, and Russia. I specifically work with our School Programs department that facilitates outdoor education and leadership experiences for campers ranging in age from fourth grade to seniors in high school. In the summers I have had the opportunity to help serve as an assistant director for our day camp program and I’ve also had the chance to become involved with our camps in Kenya, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Having moved to Texas directly after graduation, I find it hard to find the words to describe how enriched my life has been since leaving UNCG; more specifically the role that the Department of Communications played in the process. The courses I took, the professors that taught them, and the other students I worked through this major with, all challenged and prepared me to effectively contribute and work in the job that I have now. What’s most recognizable for me is the awareness and knowledge I have about working with people in an organization, what strategies are most effective in creating a good working environment (for my coworkers and the guests we have), and how each specific course I took while at UNCG has brought understanding and information to a level where I can see tangible results that make me more and more thankful for choosing this major and department for my specific study.