“I’m from Saratoga Springs, and what motivates me is that I’m a first-generation student. My parents were unable to finish college, and none of my grandparents or siblings completed college. So I’m the first one in my immediate family to attend.

My parents have always been my biggest supporters. I’m the baby of the family, so being able to go to college is really exciting for me because I’m experiencing all this for the first time, and my family is kind of living vicariously through me.

Both my brothers are tech developers and programmers, which they learned all by themselves. My dad really encouraged them to learn how that all works, so they’re self-taught.

I always knew I wasn’t mathematically inclined and that I wanted to go to school. It was something I was striving for. When it came to college applications, my parents were super supportive. We looked at a ton of schools, and we decided to go to the U because it was in-state, so I’d be close to family and because out of state is expensive.

I started as a business major, and in my first year, I was like a classic first-gen student, thinking: I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t understand any of this. I’m so confused.

As I’ve gotten through the process, being in the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) has helped me a lot, as well as being a Bennion Scholar.

Serving as president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter on campus has been a life-changing opportunity for me, too. I’ve been able to develop myself as a leader and delve deeper into the world of public relations. By being part of PRSSA, I’ve also had wonderful opportunities, such as attending the international conference in Washington, D.C., and organizing meetings and events for our team and members. My favorite part by far has been watching our chapter grow and change throughout the year.

I want to continue to stay involved, hopefully continue my enrollment in ASUU, PRSSA and Bennion Scholars, to really focus on giving back.

Something else I’m really passionate about is trying to travel, so I recently applied for the Hinckley Institute Global Program. I want to stay involved and soak up every opportunity possible.

I joined Zeta Tau Alpha, which is a sorority here on campus. I would say my biggest goal is developing a sisterhood and a good network of people around me.

I’ve definitely planted my roots really well here at the university. I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else my college home.”

—Carol Hand is a communications major studying strategic communications, with a minor in business management. She is also president of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter on campus.