When Stella Koch arrived at American University, she knew she wanted more than a traditional classroom experience. She was drawn to the School of Communication for its interdisciplinary structure and the chance to build a holistic academic and leadership journey.

"As an SOC major, you have a double major or minor in another school," she explained. "I thought it would really take hold of my experience, my academics… I thought it would just make me more well rounded."

That early motivation to blend academic rigor with experiential learning has defined Stella’s trajectory at AU. Through programs like SOC3, leadership roles across campus, and her recent Gilman Scholarship–funded study abroad experience in Greece, Stella has used each opportunity as a stepping stone toward becoming a confident communicator, mentor, and changemaker.

A major step into the junior's applied communication work came through SOC3, the School of Communication’s student-run creative agency. Motivated by a desire to gain real-world experience, she applied after hearing about the program from peers.

"You can only learn so much in the classroom," she said. "I wanted to be doing more actual work with comms."

In SOC3, Stella worked on campaigns for real clients, including IHG Architects and Tudor Place, collaborating with a team to create professional communication strategies. The experience sharpened her project management and teamwork skills.

As Stella gained confidence in her academic and professional abilities, she sought opportunities to guide others; first as an AU Ambassador and later as a Resident Assistant (RA).

As an Ambassador, she has led campus tours for prospective students and their families, shaping their impressions of AU "You have to lead and guide them, because you’re formulating their opinion about AU," she explained.

One of her most memorable moments came when a student recognized her later on campus.

"He said, 'You’re my tour guide.' That was really cool... my tour convinced you to come here." she said.

Her role as an RA further deepened her leadership experience. Supporting first-year students and collaborating with residence life staff taught her mentorship, empathy, and crisis management.

"RA is probably the thing that has made me a leader the most," she reflected.

Stella's leadership expanded beyond campus through her selection as a Newman Civic Fellow, a national fellowship recognizing students committed to community change. At the national conference, she connected with students across the country and explored issues such as sustainability and democracy through discussion groups.

"It really reminded me that… we all are fighting for the same issues, and we just all do it in our own different ways," she said.

This exposure broadened her understanding of leadership as collaborative, intersectional, and community-driven– an insight that shaped how she approached campus involvement and communication work.

In parallel with her academic and civic work, Stella deepened her involvement in AU in Motion, the university’s dance organization. A dancer since childhood, she initially planned to step away from dance in college but quickly rediscovered her passion among student-led showcases and choreography; choreographing her own heels piece in the fall semester. As Co-Director of Communications and Outreach, Stella merged her creative passions with professional skills, using graphic design and strategic communication to promote the organization.

"I got to really channel my personal interest in graphic design and communications within something I love," she reflected.

Stella’s trajectory culminated in her recent Gilman Scholarship–funded study abroad experience in Greece, where she is currently studying at Anatolia American University. She applied after attending an Office of Merit Awards session and was motivated by the opportunity to connect global learning with her communications background.

"I thought I would make a video about my experience abroad and cater it towards people who are interested in applying," she explained, describing her planned follow-on project.

Reflecting on her time at AU, Stella described her junior year as a turning point.

"Last semester was my semester of gaining confidence… I had to be more confident in my work."

She credits SOC and AU faculty for supporting that growth, recognizing her academic advisor Julio Reyes and professor Scott Talan.

"I feel really connected to all of them… I know I can email any of them for any help or question," she said.

Together, her academic, creative, and leadership experiences reflect the ways students can build layered pathways through AU and SOC.