Grad Spotlight: Maria Maddocks and Elise Nguyen

OK, this one is for you both. What experiences have you had that shaped where you're going or who you've become? 

Elise, you're up. 

One of the first things I did when I started at CU Denver was apply for a work-study job. I got a front desk position at the Career Center in Spring 2018, and worked in the office until Fall 2019, when it combined with the ELC, Undergraduate Research, and Study Abroad to become LynxConnect! Then, I worked as a LynxConnect front desk staff until the end of Fall 2021. My experience working for those offices really shaped me because they gave me insight into what was offered to students for their professional development and simultaneously helped me to grow professionally. I picked up on interview skills, what a good resume looks like, how to interact with colleagues and employers, how to network, and more. Without that experience, I wouldn’t have gotten the job I have now with Enrollment Communication & Strategies!

And how about you, Maria?

Honestly, it's the same for me. Applying for the Career Center student graphic designer job, and with that then becoming LynxConnect I was acquainted with study abroad - and I realize now that was a waterfall moment for me. If all of that never happened I may have never studied abroad. Studying abroad in Florence, Italy for my fall 2021 semester was definitely an experience that impacted my personal and academic growth. Living abroad for three months really helped me step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a completely new culture that forever shifted my global perspectives.

From a career standpoint, multiple student graphic design positions at CU Denver have immensely helped improve my professional presence and design technique.

Let's talk wins. What's been one of your proudest moments while being a student here?

Maria - you first. 

I recently had a proud moment during the installation day at Redline Gallery for the BFA senior thesis show. For my thesis, I designed a magazine called “Wander,” where students can share photos and stories from their study abroad experiences. This was a passion project of mine after my semester abroad in Florence, Italy. Being able to hold the physical magazine in my hands and seeing the completed gallery installation was a very rewarding moment for me. Not only did this project combine both my passions for travel and design, but it was also a representation of what I’ve learned and experienced during my time at CU Denver.

Elise, how about you?

I think it has to be when I received the Robley Rhine Student Leadership Award in 2021. The award is given out by the Department of Communication to an undergraduate student, and nominated by a faculty member. The year before, I also received the Asian-American Outstanding Student Leader Award. It was so reassuring to know that my hard work and effort was being recognized by my mentors and peers.  I have never considered myself to be much of a leader, but it boosted my confidence a lot.

Elise, What’s something that’s changed for you as you got closer to graduation?

As I’ve gotten closer to graduation, I’ve been a lot kinder to myself. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to my work, and often times I struggle with completing something if it’s not perfect. Sometimes, you just gotta do your best, even if it’s not always the best, if that makes sense. There have been semesters where I’ve worked three jobs because I wanted to bolster my resume, taken 18 credits because I wanted to graduate sooner, and taken classes that were simply too heavy for me mentally. Everyone has different limits and work ethics, but I think it’s just important to know yourself and to remember that anything can happen during a semester that could overwhelm you or throw you off track. Challenge yourself, but also plan for the what-ifs.

I know as you get close to the end of anything, even the hard times seem easier looking back on them. What’s a philosophy or motto that has kept you moving forward when things got tough?

Maria, what comes to mind for you? 

When depression gets bad, go to Italy. Hah! But seriously, that's real for me. Studying abroad when I did totally shifted my perspective and let me experience a wider world outside of my own. As cliché as it sounds, the philosophy that has kept me moving forward when things got tough, was to take it a day at a time. I had to remember that some seasons are going to feel long, but with patience and the right support, I know I’ll find myself in a better season in no time. In the meantime, it’s so important to find the value in the little joys.

That's amazing, and so relatable! Elise, what about you?

Whenever things got tough, I always told myself that the sooner I got done with school, the sooner I could enter my romcom era. Not necessarily for the love aspect, but just being able to live my life and not worry about homework or Canvas ever again. Obviously movies are not realistic models to follow, but I’m just saying the best romcoms are post-grad.

Maria, What advice would you give to a younger you just entering into CU Denver?

The advice I would give to my freshman self, is that now is the time to say “yes” to the opportunities that arise. One opportunity can very quickly lead to the next, opening a whole world of new connections and experiences. Whether it be in your career, friendships, travel, or even your living situation, it can be scary going into something blindly. But taking that first step will lead you to a chain of opportunities that your future self will greatly appreciate.

To all the students not graduating quite yet and can learn from your wisdom, if you could change one thing about your time at CU Denver, what would it be? 

Elise, what do you think?

I think I would have taken more classes I enjoyed instead of trying to give myself constant academic gratification by taking whichever classes would give me the most degrees and certificates. Of course there is merit in obtaining certificates, double-majoring, etc., and I am proud of myself for completing the work that I did, but sometimes you do get burnt out and your passion wavers. Everyone is multi-faceted and can have thousands of interests, so why not indulge yourself while you’re here? I love Communication and Ethnic Studies, but I also found that some of my favorite courses were unrelated, like Gender, Race, & Sexuality in American Pop Culture, Fundamentals of Film and TV, and Poetry Workshop. So many times i've been able to take things from smaller classes outside my major and spin it to make my work more holistic.

Maria? 

Looking back on my time at CU Denver, I realized how much time was taken away during the pandemic. I feel like my junior year could’ve been more fulfilling if I had chosen classes that were in person, rather than remote. Ever since COVID-19 hit, my instinct was to choose remote work and classes (even while there were in-person options). While this was convenient, I missed out on the human interaction that is so essential to the college experience. There is something so meaningful about being in the same room with your teachers and collaborators when pursuing your degree.

So true, I think that's such a universal experience for everyone.

Graduation is so soon! What are you most excited about for Commencement, and your plans afterwards?

Maria?

I can’t believe how fast these four years flew by! I’m so excited to celebrate at Commencement with my friends and family. While it is a little daunting, post-graduation is the first time in my life that I don’t have a solidified plan. I am really excited to see what’s next with my priorities to travel with my friends and find a full-time design position in a new city. I am currently looking for a design job in the branding, publishing, or packaging design realm.

Elise, I know a bit more about next steps, but fill us in!

I’m just really excited to be done and to apply what I’ve learned to my professional career! I can’t technically say goodbye to CU Denver just yet since I landed a great full-time position with CU Denver’s Enrollment Communications & Strategies team as a Digital Strategies Specialist. In this role I now run social media and content strategy and have a large hand in web development initiatives which ties so well with my Communications and Digital Studies work.