Jace Midbon – Communication Portfolio

At the beginning of my college career, I had a limited understanding of what it truly meant to be part of the communication discipline. It wasn’t out of ignorance, but more so uncertainty and not fully knowing what the major really involved. I had a general idea of what I wanted to become as an 18-year-old, but looking back now, I can see how much I have changed and how my mentality has developed throughout my college experience.

As semesters passed, my education became more meaningful and purposeful. I moved away from general studies and into more specific communication courses that focused on theory, research, and real-world application. Throughout these classes, I developed important skills such as analyzing messages, applying communication theories, understanding different audiences, and using research to support ideas. The connections I built with both peers and professors were also undeniably important in my growth.

When I first came to college, I was extremely shy. I was hesitant to sit near the front of the class or even raise my hand when I had a question. Over time, I became much more confident in myself. I began sitting closer to the front, engaging more in discussions, and asking questions when needed. Classes like business and professional speaking played a major role in helping me develop confidence, especially in speaking in front of others. That is a skill that will stay with me long-term. While I learned a lot about communication as a discipline, I also learned a lot about myself, especially when it comes to confidence and personal growth.

One of the most impactful aspects of this major is how often I was able to connect what I learned in class to real-life situations. Many of the concepts we studied resonated with my personal experiences, which made the learning more meaningful. Rather than just memorizing information for exams, I was able to apply communication concepts in real-world settings. In my opinion, this is what makes education truly valuable, being able to take what you learn and use it beyond the classroom.

I concentrated on the communication side of the major and studied a wide range of topics through different courses, including business and professional speaking, introduction to public relations, crisis communication, conflict communication, health communication, social media, communication and mental health, communication inquiry, interpersonal communication, and mass communication. While I may not remember every detail from each class, there are specific concepts and experiences that have stayed with me and will likely continue to influence me moving forward. Throughout these courses, I engaged with a variety of scholarly perspectives, including empirical research, social scientific research, and both qualitative and quantitative methods. These experiences helped me better understand how communication research is conducted and how it can be applied in real-world contexts.

Through my studies, I also discovered how communication connects directly to my career goals in sports performance and personal training. While my degree does not fall directly under performance training, it has taught me the importance of relationships, trust, and effective communication between coaches, athletes, and even parents. I have done research on coach-athlete relationships and have reflected on my own experiences as an athlete to better understand how communication impacts performance. Many people may overlook the importance of communication in this field, but I now see how critical it is in building confidence, creating trust, and helping athletes succeed.

The most impactful experience outside of the classroom has been my internship at ETS Performance in Green Bay. I originally trained there during high school, and it had a major impact on me both physically and mentally. The relationships I built with the coaches and the environment they created helped shape my habits and mindset. Returning as an intern has been an incredibly meaningful experience. The coaches have invested their time into helping me grow, both personally and professionally, which reflects the same level of care I experienced as an athlete.

I have been interning there for over eight months, and the experience continues to be rewarding every day. Seeing athletes improve, build confidence, and enjoy the process makes the work worthwhile. One aspect that stands out to me is that this internship is unpaid. While many people focus on internships for financial reasons or resume building, I chose this opportunity because of my passion for the field and the relationships involved. The environment, the people, and the opportunity to learn have made it one of the most valuable experiences of my college career.

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in sports performance training with the goal of becoming a lead performance coach. I want to continue building meaningful relationships with athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field. My background in communication will allow me to better connect with athletes, understand their needs, and create an environment that supports their development and success.

Overall, my experience in the communication major has shaped both my personal growth and my professional goals. It has given me the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to succeed in my future career, while also helping me better understand the importance of communication in everyday life.