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Student Spotlight

Capri Copp

Senior, Communication Studies

Many IUPUI students will recognize Capri Copp from The Spot on JagTV. Copp is a broadcast intern in the Office of Communications and Marketing. In addition to hosting The Spot, she is a writer and reporter. Copp, a Communications Studies major with an English minor, hopes to graduate in December 2010. However, her path was not always so clear. "At first I was a biology major and I wanted to be a doctor" she says. "Then I took communication classes and the faculty members were really great."

It wasn't long before Copp won a top honor from the faculty she admired so much. She was selected as the winner of the department's Speech Night Competition for her speech, "This is Reality," which focused on the need for harsher punishments for sexual predators. "Winning Speech Night was the beginning of my realization of how much I loved giving speeches," Copp says. "From there, I changed my major to Communication Studies. I had found my niche, and I am grateful for the experience of IUPUI's Speech Night."

Set on her new path, Copp built on early involvement and service as a mentor and Orientation Team staff member by joining Communication Studies' honorary society, Lambda Pi Eta. Copp also holds positions as the IUPUI Lilly Scholars Network Chapter President, Communications Club President, and Jaguar Forensics Speech Team President.

"College is not just about classes and studying," she says. "Students have to be involved in activities, broaden their social network skills, and really put their name out there."

This past summer, Copp studied intercultural communication in Wroclaw, Poland. She immersed herself in the countries culture, finding the architecture and atmosphere breathtaking. "One of the Principles of Undergraduate Learning for IUPUI is Understanding Society and Culture," she says. "After studying abroad, I can easily say I have developed this skill greatly. I learned several aspects about this culture including, the language, mannerisms, behaviors and gestures. I have further improved my people skills, and I am more comfortable talking with anyone, no matter their background or language."

Graduation is quickly approaching for Copp. As she leaves IUPUI to pursue a career in broadcasting, she carries with her confidence born from her making the most out of her undergraduate experience.

--Dustin Maynard
English Major

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