Samantha Scruggs

Samantha Scruggs

Samantha Scruggs

What is your involvement on campus?
I have been a Mason Ambassador (tour guide) since my first year of college.  I am a member of the women’s lacrosse team.  The team gets involved in a great deal of community service.  One of my favorite service projects was “Read Across America Day.”   I am also a member of the American Institute of Graphic Artists  (AIGA), which is an organization for graphic artists.  It is a great professional networking organization in the DC metro area.   

What is your favorite class?
My favorite class was Communication 375, Mass Communication Advertising and Promotions.  It influenced my career aspirations and lead to undergraduate research opportunities.    

What is the most exciting aspect of this current academic year?
My senior year of lacrosse and our first year competing in the Atlantic 10 conference is an exhilarating experience.  

What are your career goals after graduating from Mason?
I was recently accepted to Kings College in London for a master’s in International Marketing.   I think it will be a great way to tie everything together I have learned from both of my majors here at Mason.  I would like to get involved in an international marketing company.  

Can you tell me about your research, internship, and study abroad experiences?
Currently I am taking the yearlong Communication honors research track.  My research is focused on the consumer response to fear appeal advertising.  I completed two internships during my time at Mason.  I worked for Abel Communications and What’s Up? Annapolis Magazine.  I feel both of these organizations allowed me to explore many of my passions and further develop my marketing interest.  I spent the summer of 2012 studying abroad at the University of Oxford.  That was one of the greatest experiences of my life.  It was a unique experience and I was thrilled that Mason provided me with the opportunity.  I also spent the summer of 2013 in Milan, Italy with a group of Mason students and faculty.  We learned about Italian media, culture, and society. I feel that the Center for Global Education here at Mason is a fantastic resource to assist students interested in study abroad experiences.  

What advice do you have for new Mason students?
Enjoy your time here in college.  Get involved with as much as possible.  You can develop life-long friendships as a member of campus organizations.  

What would you do with an hour of free time away from academic work? 
I would take advantage of relaxation time.  I would go out to lunch with friends or read some of my favorite magazines.  

If you could have dinner with one real or fictional figure who would you choose and why?
I would love to dine with Edward Bernays.  He is considered the founding father of public relations.  I would want to pick his brain about advertising concepts and his experience with propaganda.  

If you could travel to any destination in the world, where would you visit?
I would revisit Switzerland.  The Swiss Alps are absolutely beautiful.