Letter from the Editor:
I am a rising junior from Richmond, Virginia, studying public relations with a minor in criminal justice. Throughout my time at the University of South Carolina, I have come to emphasize community in each of my leadership roles on campus. The Capstone Scholars Program fosters this community-oriented mindset, the cornerstone of all my actions. I had the opportunity to collaborate with Capstone faculty through my ambassador position in my sophomore year, where I represented the program to prospective and current students. By attending program-wide events, such as Hot Cookie Fridays, tubing down the Congaree and various off-campus service opportunities, I advised first-year scholars in their adjustment to campus. By facilitating open conversations and soliciting feedback, I learned what resources and support I could provide students to help them find their place at USC in the same manner Capstone had done for me.
To go along with, as the former copy desk chief in spring 2024 at USC’s student-run newspaper, The Daily Gamecock, I focused on fine-tuning daily content and facilitated communication between management and writers. This experience stands as an integral piece in shaping my effective communication strategies, which I am bringing into my major-specific classes as well as my other leadership positions. I also worked as a concessions stand greeter at the 2023 and 2024 Masters Tournament, where I provided personalized assistance to diverse patrons. In this front-facing position, I showcased my commitment to Augusta National Golf Club’s traditions and core values. The meaningful relationships I built here have influenced my goal of working year-round for the club’s communications department. Furthermore, working on the public relations staff for USC’s largest student organization on campus, Dance Marathon, I initiated fundraising efforts for the Children’s Miracle Network at Prisma Children’s Hospital in the Midlands. Here, I gained valuable experience curating service-oriented content. I will return to the organization as the Director of Public Relations for the 2024-25 academic year. In connecting these roles, I understand how to adapt to audience interests and promote engagement. Serving as a Capstone ambassador allowed me to put these two skills into practice.
As a Virginia native, I stand at the crossroads between a Northerner and a Southerner. Though I refuse to say “y’all” or call a shopping cart a “buggy,” I found a home in the South at USC greatly due to the welcoming and supportive nature of the Capstone community. As an emerging leader on campus, I strive to make an impact, no matter how big or small. Through its ambassador team, Capstone enabled me to work in a position to grow the program and enhance its presence on campus and beyond.
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Connect with me at bridgetmtracy@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.
What's to come:
When I first stepped foot on campus as a freshman, I longed for a sense of community. As an out-of-state student, I began college without established connections at USC and was unsure of my pathway. I knew that I wanted to be as involved on campus as I could, but I was unsure of where to start. Capstone, however, represented this missing piece, thus easing my transition to college. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals, whether in my University 101 and CSLP classes or at service outings, I felt an unwavering sense of belonging. In forming close-knit bonds with Capstone faculty and fellow scholars while attending events and office hours, I leaned on those around me for guidance. While acting as an ambassador in my sophomore year, I was put in a position to offer guidance to others. In doing so, I found a family that pushed me to become not only a better leader but a better professional, student and all-around person.
The idea of reflection is a central theme of Capstone. Not only are all scholars asked to complete a personal challenge each school year, which entails writing a reflection in the spring, but each Capstone ambassador meeting revolved around reflection. Consistently being put in a position to reflect while an ambassador, whether that be during group meetings or one-on-ones with our advisor, I developed a nuanced understanding of how to put more meaning and intention behind my actions not only at events but when collaborating with my fellow ambassadors. Through reflection, I was able to implement the leadership practices I learned both as a student and co-instructor in the Capstone Scholars Leadership Program. Reflecting on my actions and sharing my findings with the group was the catalyst for my growth.
Having developed a passion for leadership and service while working with the Capstone community, I intend to deepen my connections within the program as head ambassador starting fall 2024. Moving forward, as someone who views themselves as a lifelong learner, I plan to attend graduate school. To do so, there are several goals along the way I want to achieve first. To start, I seek to explore careers related to in-house communications at the university. Obtaining an internship at this level will allow me to work alongside and learn from those who promote USC across a variety of platforms, which aligns with my career objective to create community-driven multimedia content. Here, I will further develop my leadership skills and enhance my understanding of keeping community interests at the forefront, a mindset shaped by my Capstone experiences.