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Student Spotlight: Athalie Fiegl’22 (Communication)
Discovering All the World has to Offer
This week, we are shining the spotlight on Athalie Fiegl ’22 (Communication).
Fiegl has journeyed from entering Roberts undeclared to discovering her love of communication, becoming the Beacon Editor-in-Chief, leading the campus ministry In Jesus’ Name, and traveling to Puerto Rico in the Global Honors program.
What do you see yourself doing as a career?
I’d like to build a career in exploring people’s stories.
I want to use my writing and analytical skills to understand other people’s perspectives and amplify other people’s voices.
I also want people to find healing and work through emotional and mental struggles. In the future, I could see myself continuing my education in literature or in psychology.
Tell us about your journey as a Roberts student!
I entered Roberts undeclared, hoping I would find greater clarity about direction for my career as I took different classes.
I decided on a Communication major with a concentration in Psychology.
Why? I chose Communication because it’s a versatile skill that incorporated my love for writing.
I chose Psychology because I wanted to better understand human nature and how we interact and experience our stories.
My professors have helped me draw connections between these two different fields.
Another formative experience was being a part of the Global Honors Program. It taught me about world issues, my place in them, and ways that I can make an impact on the world around me.
I loved learning about different cultures and religions and applying that knowledge on our trip to Puerto Rico at the conclusion of the program.
Many of my other classes have also expanded my worldview. I love how my Bible classes have challenged me to think deeply through my faith and wrestle with hard questions.
The experiences and friendships I have made at Roberts have equipped me with confidence to face the working world.
What is the best thing about studying your major?
I love learning about how different people think and the many perspectives behind communication. It isn’t a straightforward process, it’s full of complicated and beautiful nuances.
I love the classroom environment of open discussion where we can explore and analyze concepts together.
What course (so far) has been your favorite and why?
World Religions taught by Dr. McPherson and Dr. Koehl was one of my favorite classes because we studied many different communities and their beliefs.
Throughout the course we went on field trips to visit different religious places of worship, such as a mosque, Hindu temple, and synagogue.
What’s it like being the Editor in Chief of The Beacon?
I love being the Editor in Chief of the Beacon for the 2021-2022 school year!
I appreciate working with my fellow editors, Trevor Fuino and Esther Wilkins (pictured). It’s a fun team dynamic, brainstorming topics for upcoming issues and bringing all the content together.
My Communication classes have helped me in this role to be discerning in the way stories are presented.
I’ve learned it is important to be aware of the greater narratives that are at play within society, even while writing for a smaller audience.
Tell us about your two internships at the College!
I have been an Admissions Intern for almost three years.
My job entails organizing and scheduling visits for potential students.
My favorite part has been the encouraging atmosphere of the office. The admissions counselors and my supervisor are so helpful and supportive of my growth.
As a result of working here, I am so much more comfortable making phone calls and my customer service skills have improved. I feel confident in my ability to complete a task well and to ask questions for clarification if I don’t fully understand something.
I have just recently joined the Marketing Team as an intern. Even though I’ve only been here for two weeks, I’ve already been involved in a variety of marketing ventures. I’m learning how much preparation and planning goes on behind the scenes, even for one simple social media post.
How do you serve others?
In Jesus’ Name is a service club that I joined freshman year. I am now a leader and seek to serve on and off campus.
Some activities we have organized are card writing for the senior living community and a lunch on campus during winter break for those who couldn’t go home.
In the past we have served at the Rochester Family Mission.
Read our interview with the Executive Director of the Rochester Family Mission, Warren Meeks Jr.!
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Don’t be afraid if you don’t have an exact career goal in mind. Things become more clear as you navigate your college journey.
You can’t put a price on the experiences you have or the friendships you make.
Faculty Feedback
"Shine the spotlight on a delightful, soft-spoken, somewhat shy individual who has many more interests and abilities than can easily be managed, and you'll discover Athalie (Attie) Fiegl. You’re apt to find her juggling classes, assignments, Communication internship, Beacon preparation, Admissions coordination, and CLC technology.
"Whether in class discussion or serving as tutor or study-group leader, Attie is both a serious student engaged in her education and a supportive peer responding to others' needs and concerns as she embodies her deep Faith commitment. Our world is waiting for what Attie will bring to it, wherever she goes!"
-Dr. Elvera B. Berry, Professor of Communication
"Attie cares, feels, and thinks deeply and broadly. I was always excited to read her written assignments because she has a gift. Attie is one of the best writers I have had the privilege of teaching. I learned so much from her reflective writing. She added depth of character and thought to the Global Honors Program, and I cannot wait to see how she uses her gifts to serve the world, a world that she now understands in a more meaningful way."
-Dr. Amy Kovach, Dean of the School of Education and Social Work; Honors Program Director
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