Name: Brittany “Cece” Spencer
Degree Earned: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from FIU and a Master of Arts in Media, Marketing, and Advertising from the University of Essex in England
Where do you work? FIU Department of Communication Adjunct Lecturer
How has FIU helped you get to where you are today in your career?
I owe it to the staff and the environment cultivated by the FIU students and administration that has allowed me to broaden my perspective. FIU is diverse culturally which allows students to gain multiple perspectives and approaches when it comes to solving problems. The mentors I met at FIU allowed me to sharpen my skills in many areas, gain confidence in my abilities and venture out and try new things.
What path did you take to attain your current career?
I made sure to get involved in FIU Athletics, the Communication Department, and other university activities. Being a student-athlete was great but I knew I wanted so much more from life, being able to learn new things is what has motivated me my whole life. I knew it was important to build professional relationships with the administration to help guide me to my career. I ventured out and played volleyball overseas which fortunately helped me get my master’s degree as well. The path I took was scary at times but I knew trying new things leads to success.
What’s been the coolest thing about your job so far?
The impact I make in my students’ lives means everything to me. The messages I receive after the semester thanking me for the class warms my spirit. It motivates me to do so much more, like finding creative ways to teach course material. The impact I have has inspired me so much, I started Beautiful and Bold Coach, a foundation focused on motivating, inspiring and mentoring young women in sports. I hope to branch out and impact the lives of young children looking to become college students as well.
What does a typical day for you look like?
I wake up and like to meditate, set little goals for me to accomplish whether it be in my lesson plans or coaching and mentoring youth. I work part-time so my days are interesting, I may teach then coach or coach, mentor young girls and then teach, so every day is different. That is how I like it.
How does your job connect back to your coursework?
When I teach, I believe it is not only important to lecture using the course textbook but to also motivate students to hone in on their unique skills and work on being better people. ‘Finding your purpose’ is the theme in all my classes. It is my job to enhance students’ abilities in Public Speaking, Intercultural Communication, Business Communication or Leadership, and all communication courses, but my life’s purpose to connect others to find their purpose, back into everything I do.
Were there any classes or professors that influenced where you are today?
Instructors Maria Marino, Charlene Eberly and Maria Elena Villar all have had a huge impact in my life. Whether it was trying new things or believing in myself, they all took a large part in the woman I am today. I loved my past FIU classes where analyzing culture was a huge part of the lesson. Intercultural Communication is largely a part of my interest and what I hope to focus on in future studies.
What advice do you have for students interested in the same field?
Branch out, go to forums that pique your interest, educate yourself and most importantly do not give up on your dreams. Allow your passion to be the driving force in your life.
