When I came to Quinnipiac University, I had no idea I would be working at my school’s radio station, let alone even being in the Communications program.
Four years ago, I was graduating high school and planning to be a psychology major at Quinnipiac. I was in the 3+2 MSW program and ready to take the next step into becoming a school psychologist.
Look at how quickly that changed.
Through my freshman year I joined different clubs and organizations. I was Photography Editor for The Quinnipiac Chronicle and a general board member for the Student Programming Board. It wasn’t until I met Quinnipiac alum Jennifer Moglia, that I even considered the possibility of switching my major.
The first conversation that Moglia and I ever had was me telling her my major and her asking me, “Why?” You can see this referenced in her own sendoff from last year.
Fast forward to the end of freshman year. It was the day of Wake the Giant and I had just emailed to switch my major from Psychology to Communications/Media Studies. In the end, Moglia was right and I did belong in this program.
Sophomore year I started going to WQAQ meetings. I wanted to just focus on concert photography at first, so that’s what I did. I didn’t have my first gallery published until August 2024. The first article I wrote, and first press conference I attended was June 2024.
My first radio show was February 16, 2024. I had a two hour long show, which from what I knew, hadn’t been done in a while- if it was ever done at all. I felt crazy walking into my first show and sitting there for two hours playing music and talking. I played songs from all of the concerts that I went to at any point in time.
From there it became a passion. I hosted every week, except for ones the university was closed. I made my own graphics and show posts on Canva, posting them to my Instagram account that I made.
I joined the executive board as the Production Manager for the duration of my junior year, and have been taking the last few shows of Peachy Keen Tunes in as I go.
WQAQ is where I’ve met some of my best friends, had relationships, breakups- if you name it, it’s probably happened to me while I was part of WQAQ. I don’t think I would trade any of these experiences for the world either.
Amanda Geraci and Jennifer Moglia are two of my best friends. Without WQAQ, I never would have met them. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their help getting settled in the organization. I am so eternally grateful for them.
WQAQ is also where I met the girl who’s become like my little sister. Riley Cohan, you are everything that you want to be and more. I am so endlessly proud of you and what you’ve accomplished so far. I’m excited to see what you do in the future.
Ashley Rusch, my twin. I have seen you do so much with your show. You’ve become so much more confident in yourself in the time that I’ve known you. You went from just playing your oldies and retro music, to interviewing and taking photos of artists this year. Please don’t stop doing what you love, even if it’s a side hustle when you become a teacher.
Owen Clark, MollyAnn O’Malley, Nick Nardi, you all have made my life so much happier. I don’t think I would have had as many laughs as I did this year if I hadn’t met you all. Tierney Smith, I wish I knew you for longer than this semester. You are the sweetest girl I’ve ever met.
WQAQ is the place where I found my passion. I’ve been through it all, and so will everyone else in this organization. I’m so proud to be part of WQAQ.
