Hi!

 I’m Grace McNally. I am a 5th-year student at Drexel University pursuing my degree in communications with a minor in marketing. What possessed me to create a blog? As a requirement to graduate from the communications program at Drexel University, we must showcase our excellence in communication skills through a long-term project. 

I have selected a blog where it will explore the various elements that were not learned through a classroom setting for the duration of my college experience. However, this is not just another thing to check off my list on my way out the door. My blog will bring much advice to those who are seeking it. The purpose of writing about this unique topic lies deeply in my moving personal story.

 Let me tell you a little bit more about myself…I started Drexel University as a bright-eyed Freshman almost five years ago; however, I had no idea that my college experience would be filled with out-of-the-ordinary obstacles and challenges.

 At the start of my second year in 2019, I was ecstatic to begin. I finally had the balance of my academic and social life mastered. Until March of 2020, my academic and social life was thriving. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was forced to move home and complete online school like everyone else in America. 

As we all began adjusting to the new norms of “zoom class,” online or canceled co-ops, and all-around uncertain times, I had an unbearable tragedy occur. I unexpectedly lost my father to a heart attack at the beginning of my pre-junior year (mid-pandemic). With one week before starting my pre-junior year, I did not know how life would ever go on again, let alone go back to Drexel. I will note it was 10 times harder for me because, at the time of my father’s death, he was a full-time faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences at Drexel University and had been for the past 20 years. 

I remember at the time being so filled with emotion, doubt, and weakness. Everyone around me told me to “take a semester off” or “be a part-time student.” I could not bear to accept either of those choices, and I knew my father would not approve of them either. With the last bit of strength I had left in me, I returned to Drexel University to start my third year. 

My motivation and passion for my blog stems from the necessity of developing the extreme grit and perseverance required to adapt to unforeseen circumstances in the world and my life. While following along with my blog, I hope to relay the same energy to my readers when moments of doubt occur. We all know that life is not easy, and there are times when we need help figuring out where to turn next. 

This blog will allow you to find advice on topics contributing to a successful individual beyond graduation. While I am incredibly fortunate to earn a degree from Drexel University, most of my valuable lessons were not learned from the times I listened to the professor’s lectures. Keep reading along to see where the keys to success lie.

PS: I still do not have everything figured out.