Maddy Saunders
Name: Maddy Saunders
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Communication
Concentration: Public Relations
How would traveling 12 hours away from home make you feel? Even for the most independent and adventurous souls, the thought alone would bring a level of anxiety. Maddy Saunders freely admits that she felt “scared” when she moved from her hometown of Pittsburgh to Conway but she won’t hesitate to tell you that it has turned out to be “one of the best decisions” she ever made.
Maddy Saunders describes Coastal Carolina as “the best of both worlds.” Explaining her characterization in terms of big school vs. small school feel, Maddy believes CCU cuts the perfect balance. Entering an intimate classroom with a professor that knows her name almost makes it seem like the University has an enrollment of 1,000, not a growing student population that has soared over 10,000. But while the personalized academic experience might make Coastal seem small, Maddy says she realizes the far reach of #TEALnation when she attends sporting events. A dedicated fan of Chanticleer athletic teams, she says the games themselves combined with the continued national success of CCU student-athletes gives Coastal a big time feel.
Size of the University aside, what Maddy enjoys the most is the chance to be involved in the campus community. Holding a leadership position within the Coastal Activities Board, she can’t help but embrace the opportunity to be around a diverse group of people in a great environment. Sitting on the executive board of her sorority is also a point of pride for Maddy. But if you really want to see her light up, ask Maddy about her involvement as an orientation leader. Coming back for her second year in the role, she says the biggest reward is making an impact on both the new students and parents. We thank Maddy for traveling so far to attend Coastal so she could have this positive influence on the new members of our campus community.
Q&A with Maddy
How did you hear about Coastal?: My family and I have been vacationing in Myrtle Beach for as long as I can remember. When I began looking at colleges, it was an easy choice because it already felt like a second home.
Why did you come to Coastal?: Coastal is in the perfect location.
Favorite professor: Sharon Tutrone!
Favorite class: Comm140- Public Speaking!
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: The environment and the people.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: The Grand Strand area is the perfect balance of commercialized and localized. The beach is close enough that I can squeeze in a beach trip whenever I want to get away! Broadway at the Beach, Murrels Inlet and Barefoot Landing are only a short 20-minute drive making shopping and eating out easy and accessible! I am truly never bored because there is so much to do!
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: I am on the executive board for my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. I am a second year orientation leader, titled Team Leader, in charge of welcoming new students and family members into the Coastal Carolina collegiate lifestyle! I am also the Street Team Chair for Coastal Activities Board where I am in charge of marketing and advertising for our organization. Lastly, I am a mentor at South Conway Elementary School.
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: Yes, I work three on-campus jobs, including teaching Zumba in the HTC center to students, faculty and staff.
Plans after graduation?: I plan on going to graduate school and furthering my education.
What are your hobbies?: I love to hangout with my friends, go to the beach and go out to eat.
Bonus Info: I was so nervous to move 12 hours away from home, but I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If I had any advice it would be to step outside of your comfort zone, get involved and do something that you are scared of. It will pay off in the end, it always does!