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As School of Communication graduate Amy Yang gives her valedictory address and crosses the stage at October convocation, she will represent many of the accolades that a student can achieve in university. She excelled both academically with her research and through her contributions to the School of Communication Student Union (CMNSU).

While she is now graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, Honours Communication, she didn’t begin her studies in the School of Communication. She started her time at SFU studying psychology but took two online Communication courses one summer because she was interested in the course content.

“Honestly, this was one of my best decisions I’ve ever made. CMNS 130 was the class that inspired me to change my major,� says Yang.

It is fair to say that she made the most of that decision.

Over the next few years, she completed her studies while playing a pivotal role in the CMNSU. Yang began as an event coordinator in the student union, before becoming an Undergraduate Faculty Representative. She found this role eye-opening, building connections with both faculty and students and participating in School Meetings with School faculty, staff and students.

“I don't think my time as an undergrad would be the same if I wasn’t in CMNSU. Being a part of CMNSU introduced me to so many amazing CMNS undergrads, both within the union and through the events we hosted,� says Yang.

She also conducted research for her Honours Degree, a program built for exceptional students who want to conduct independent research towards a thesis project. Yang’s research examined how parasocial relationships between fans and K-pop idols are intensified through the monetary, message-driven interface facilitated by the communication app Bubble.

This research began with a paper she wrote in CMNS 201W (Empirical Communication Research Methods), where Yang examined the dynamics between social media influencers and their audiences. She plans to continue this research in the next step of her academic career, as she pursues graduate studies.

“I feel very fortunate to have had Dr. Sarah Ganzon as my supervisor—she was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process, and it was such a pleasure working with her over the past eight months. Doing the Honours Thesis really solidified my desire to pursue a master’s degree and continue this line of research,� says Yang.

When asked about what advice she would give to other students, Yang said the following:

“My advice for the new students is that even if you’re unsure if something isn’t for you, give it your all and try your best. University is a time for exploration—you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Every course, project and conversation will teach you something valuable, even if it isn’t what you expected. I would also say to lean on the community around you. The School of Communication has such a supportive network—professors, TA’s, academic advisors and peers who genuinely want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions and connect with the people in your classes or through CMNSU, whether that’d be attending the events or joining.�