Despite not being comfortable speaking in front of or with large groups of people, Daysha Robinson-Boyd loves it. So much so she plans to pursue a career in communications.

“I love to write, so I thought I’d be an English major,” she said. After disclosing her passion for social media, public relations, advertising, and promotions and so on, her academic advisor suggested communications.

“I researched it and thought, yes! I love everything about this major.”

Daysha had a chance to work through her jitters while speaking at an event hosted by the Black Student Association in celebration of Black History Month. She portrayed Gwen Ifill, a highly respected award-winning journalist who was the first woman of African descent to host a nationally televised U.S. public affairs program and to moderate a vice presidential debate. She admits she was nervous but says as she speaks in front of more groups, the less anxious she is about it.

“I also had to speak in front of my class in speech. Wasn’t comfortable doing that either, but I loved it.”

Where is Daysha most comfortable? Curled up with a good book.

“In my free time, I like to read. I just love all the books about dystopian societies,” she said. She’s also quite comfortable at Moraine Valley. “The people at Eisenhower were always talking about Moraine Valley and how it’s a good place to start before going off to a university. They were right. Everyone is so helpful—the teachers, the other students—everyone. It doesn’t matter what you need help with, you can get it,” she said.

“I didn’t want to go away to school right away. But being at Moraine Valley, I do feel like I’m at a university.”