By: Amy Ryu
October 13, 2026
For Mikayla, college is not only about studying, but also about finding a place where she can feel like herself. A junior majoring in communications media, Mikayla chose Thiel College because it is close enough to home that she can visit whenever she wants, but far enough away to feel like her own person.
Mikayla chose communications media because she hopes to become a concert photographer after graduation. She believes that studying communications media will help her enter the photography field. After graduating, she hopes to move somewhere warm with a large enough city where concerts are held frequently so she can pursue her goal of becoming a concert photographer.
Outside of academics, Mikayla has found a sense of belonging at Thiel. She describes her favorite part of being a Thiel student as her “found family.” She is also a member of Alpha Xi Delta, a sorority on campus, and said that receiving her bid was the most memorable moment of her college life so far. On weekends, she enjoys hanging out with her roommates, watching movies, and playing games.
Mikayla is also a member of The Thielensian. She joined because she loves writing and is interested in pursuing newspaper writing after graduation. Since joining the newspaper, she said that her writing has improved. When she is not studying or writing, she enjoys reading and listening to music.
Mikayla describes herself as “witty, passionate, and cunning.” One detail that might surprise people is that she has a Taylor Swift tattoo sleeve. With her passion for writing and photography, Mikayla is working toward a future that combines the things she enjoys most.
