Kaylie Klausing's Journey in Media and Community

Kaylie Klausing is a senior majoring in communications and media studies, with a concentration in journalism, set to graduate this semester.

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Kaylie spent a year at a community college before realizing she wanted to transfer to a vibrant college in a big city. She specifically sought an institution that would allow her to be “immersed in the city and its opportunities but still experience the personal feel of a small school.” This search led her to Fisher.

The transition from Baltimore Community College to Fisher was remarkably smooth, largely thanks to the supportive transfer department. Kaylie noted, “The staff and students were eager to assimilate new students into the culture, and there were a lot of opportunities to do so.”

Kaylie recently began an internship at 24sight News, where she works remotely under the guidance of political journalist Tom LoBianco, who is based in Washington, DC. In her role, she assists with research and writing for various stories. She has praised Tom as a mentor, stating that he has taught her an incredible amount in just a few weeks.

One of Kaylie’s favorite spots at Fisher is the library. She says, “It's my favorite spot on campus because of the architecture, the book selection, and the helpful staff who work there. I like going there to do homework or to find new books to read.”

Juggling an internship, classes, part-time work, and a social life can be challenging, but Kaylie has found a way to manage it all. She emphasizes the importance of “finding the organizational methods that work best for you. People can say that a Google Calendar is the easiest way to manage your time, but if you prefer pen and paper, it isn't.” While managing her time may not always be easy, Kaylie is determined to navigate her responsibilities effectively.

Her favorite aspect of Fisher is the community atmosphere, particularly the ease of getting to know others. She shares, “Being with the same teachers and classmates for multiple semesters has created a sense of community and support that I wouldn't get in a lecture hall of 150 people.” She values how naturally the sense of community develops, stating, “The class sizes make learning more personalized and hands-on.”

This semester, Kaylie is particularly enjoying her classes in Media Criticism and Independent Projects in Media Studies. With a passion for music, film, and various forms of media, these classes feel like a perfect fit for her. She commends Professor Hendershott and Professor Meadows for being engaging educators who offer her the freedom to explore academic research and connect media to sociology.

After graduating in May, Kaylie hopes to find a career that ties together her interests in writing, sociology, and the arts/media, ultimately leading to her happiness. While losing Kaylie will be a significant loss for the Fisher community, we are excited to see how far she will soar in her future endeavors.