Journalism & Media Studies

Kai Jon Hayashida '27

Why did you decide to study journalism & media studies?

I'm studying communication because I have aspirations of becoming a sports broadcaster and journalist, and I think being a skilled communicator is a critical attribute to have today.

What class has been your favorite so far?

My favorite class by far was Intro to Communication Research with Alan Mikkelsen. Alan's a natural educator who is very thoughtful and engaging with his lessons, and I found it fascinating how researchers study human communication.

Tell us about a unique experience you've had or project you've worked on for your major.

In that Com Research class, I got the opportunity to do research on how sports fandom affects one's social identity. It was a combination of communication, psychology and sports, three things I'm very intrigued by. I even got to do some studies on my teammates, which was fun.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in journalism & media studies?

My advice would be to be open to opportunities because you never know where they can take you. There's a vast amount of opportunities in this major, and each one is unique in its own way. Plus, you meet a lot of great people.

What's your dream job?

Sports broadcaster, hopefully getting up to the NFL/NBA/MLB/Premier League level.

Who are three people who have made a difference for you at Whitworth?

Three people is tough. I'd say all of my swim teammates and coaches have had a huge impact on me and are probably the main reason I still enjoy school and swimming.

Why did you choose to attend Whitworth?

I chose to attend Whitworth because of its great history of putting students into the broadcasting field. I also was given the opportunity to swim, so that's cool.

How would you describe Whitworth?

I'd describe Whitworth as a really nice place to get a quality education while being able to enjoy the beauty of Washington and connect with new people from different places.