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Students in the Communications, Media and Theater Department at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are building more than professional skills for future careers. Through the newly formed CoMeT student organization, they are creating opportunities to connect with one another, develop leadership abilities and strengthen communication skills.
Hannah Hutton, a junior majoring in multimedia journalism, serves as president of CoMeT. She has worked to establish a student organization where students can learn, practice and refine communication skills outside the classroom.
Working alongside Abigail Seyoum, a senior majoring in public leadership and changemaking with a concentration in public affairs and a minor in behavioral neuroscience, Hutton helped bring the organization to life. Seyoum serves as the club’s vice president, and both are excited to see CoMeT officially launch this fall.
CoMeT, which stands for communications, media and theatre, aims to unite students interested in the many facets of communication.
“Our goal is to bring everyone together within this building and across campus,” Hutton said.
The organization plans to build community through a variety of events and travel opportunities throughout the year. Members will have opportunities to learn practical skills, network with peers and professionals, and engage in experiences that help prepare them for future careers.
The Importance of Communication
Both Hutton and Seyoum emphasize that communication is a valuable skill for everyone, regardless of their academic major. Several of the organization’s officers are not communications majors, underscoring the broad relevance of effective communication.
As a non-communications major, Seyoum said her interest grew as she began to recognize the impact communication has in every setting.
“You don’t realize how important communication is until you see what happens when it’s missing,” Seyoum said. “Communication isn’t only about what we say. It’s also about how we connect with people and understand one another.”
Hutton believes communication is a foundational life skill.
“Communication is something you’re always going to need,” she said. “No matter what career path you choose, you’re going to work with people, talk with people and build relationships.”
Seyoum said her curiosity extends beyond spoken words to the many ways people communicate.
“I’ve always been interested in how people communicate,” she said. “What skills are they using? What gestures accompany their message? How do they say what they say? I want to continue learning from those experiences through this organization. I don’t want to focus only on what I say, but also on how I say it.”
Communicating Through Involvement
For Hutton, communication and connection go hand in hand.
“I usually associate communication with the connections we build with other people,” she said. “Those connections are incredibly important.”
When asked why she is involved in student organizations, Hutton’s answer came quickly.
“That’s where the fun is,” she said.
She encourages students who may be hesitant about joining campus organizations to take the leap.
“I would say go for it,” Hutton said. “Being involved in student organizations has been an amazing experience. College wouldn’t be nearly as fun if all I did was schoolwork.”
Seyoum offers similar advice.
“Take your time, figure out what you’re passionate about and how you can contribute to others,” she said. “Then join the student organization that speaks to your heart.”
Beyond creating friendships and memorable experiences, both students believe involvement prepares students for life after graduation.
“I’m learning how to help people through the student organizations I’m involved in,” Seyoum said. “It gives me real-world experience and helps prepare me for the future.”
What’s Next for CoMeT?
CoMeT plans to host a variety of activities designed to help students develop communication skills while building relationships with fellow students. Upcoming opportunities may include conference attendance, biweekly movie nights, presentation parties and podcast boot camps.
Hutton hopes students from all backgrounds will consider joining.
“Check out CoMeT,” she said. “We’d love to have you. We want all kinds of people to be part of it.”
By Emily Tews, a multimedia journalism major and student writer for UWS.