Speaker: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast by the hosts and guests may or may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Miami University.

Speaker: Freshman year I came in undecided.

Speaker: I'm finance, entrepreneurship, anthropology.

Speaker: I'm a senior architecture student.

Speaker: I'm involved in the blockchain club here.

Speaker: I'm very passionate about studying abroad.

Speaker: Classes are going great.

Speaker: And then obviously very involved with my sorority.

Speaker: I'm thriving.

Meredith Aliff 

Hi, I'm Meredith Aliff. And this is major insight. This is the podcast where we talk college life with amazing students about how to find your place and purpose on campus.

Meredith Aliff 

And we're back how the pantsuit workout for you?

Maya Mehlman 

Have you ever been to Washington DC in the middle of summer before?

Meredith Aliff 

No I have not.

Maya Mehlman 

So it's called the swamp and it's called the swamp for a reason. It's like 100% humidity. I think I might be okay never putting on another pantsuit.

Meredith Aliff 

Oh my gosh.

Maya Mehlman 

I know. They did make me feel powerful. But never ...

Meredith Aliff 

Of course independent woman with a pantsuit. Come on. Okay, so do you mind introducing yourself? For everybody, again?

Maya Mehlman 

For sure. My name is Maya Mehlman. And I am a senior Media and Communications major. Last time we spoke I was a junior. Here we are. It's wild.

Meredith Aliff 

I know So besides the pantsuit. How was your inside Washington experience?

Maya Mehlman 

If I had to describe it in one word, I would probably say valuable. I went into the whole experience not really knowing what to expect. I had an internship that I thought was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. And it turned out I wasn't the biggest fan. But that's okay. Because I have been saying that it is as important to figure out what you don't want to do.

Meredith Aliff 

100%

Maya Mehlman 

As it is to figure out what you do want to do. And it just wasn't the right fit. Like, and that's okay, not everything has to be the right fit. But I also did get exposed to hundreds of other industries that I can do with media that I didn't know before. The most important thing I learned to do was network. And I would say I'm pretty good at it now.

Meredith Aliff 

Okay, explain that to me. Like, kind of what that ... what networking. Like I always hear like, oh, like let's network, but I feel like I've never gotten like, how do you network?

Maya Mehlman 

I'll give you an example of something that just happened to me. So my new favorite social media app is LinkedIn. And I like scrolling, seeing what job listings there are. And I saw a bunch of stuff for iHeart Radio. And I was like, that would be something really cool to work on. They have podcasts. They have the satellite radio stuff, and I go, I click on the search. And it said they're like 15 Miami alums that work there. None of them do what I wanted to do. They all did programming, but I like I reached out anyway. One got back to me, his name was Eric Rig, we set up a call, we talked about, you know, my goals where I wanted to go. All of that. And he put me in contact with ... his name was Brian Mack. And he is basically in charge of like the iHeartRadio page program. And we had a interview last week. And he was like, "how did you do it?" Like, everyone tries to get through the front door. And somehow you found out a way to get through the back." And he's like, I want you to email me every single day, so that your name stays fresh in my mind so that when a position pops up, it's yours. So networking is basically just finding a way through the backdoor and making those connections. And probably the best advice that I received in Washington was be pestery. Like, you might think you're being annoying, but these professionals, like, you talk to them for ...you can even talk to them for three hours, and they might forget you as soon as you walk away. So it's really just making those connections and relying on who you know, not what you know.

Maya Mehlman 

Well, it's so interesting, I feel like to have an opportunity where you're going outside of your element a little bit and like, you know, I guess abroad like doing something completely new and different. But at the same time, like bettering your future so much. I feel like some abroad opportunities, it's just like, you go abroad, you take some classes you like become more worldly, but you've actually left with like super valuable connections, knowledge to actually help you in the future. And it's really, really cool that there are certain opportunities that can kind of do both.

Maya Mehlman 

Yeah, and I got like both sides of that. And I mean, you went abroad too, which we'll talk about in a second. But when I studied abroad in Spain, I learned a lot about myself and the type of environment that I want to be in. And then when I went to the professional world doing Washington, I kind of talked about how that internship that I was in wasn't the right fit. And I think part of that was just like the environment. And nothing was wrong with the people. They were all lovely, but it was just like not somewhere that I could see myself. And it's relying a lot on that gut feeling of: if it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't. But I am very thankful for that opportunity.

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah, absolutely. Well, I'm super excited that you came back with all this valuable information. And I'm sure you have a better grasp on everything as well, kind of feel more confident going into this year.

Maya Mehlman 

Yes and no, I went into the summer thinking production is what I want to do. And I got an internship in a freelance production company. And then when I walked away from the summer, I was like, oh, no, that wasn't everything I thought it would be. So it kind of sent me on this spiral a little bit as like, now I really don't know what I want to do. But I'm also not quite ready to give up on production yet. What I was doing was working with live events, and it was freelance, and I don't think I want to work with freelance. And I also think it's a very different vibe than working for let's say like a Late Late Show. So I'm actually also going to LA on another study abroad trip over J term.

Maya Mehlman 

Look at you. Just so worldly.

Maya Mehlman 

So Worldly.

Meredith Aliff 

No, I'm super excited for you, though.

Maya Mehlman 

I'm excited for you. Or I want to hear about Luxembourg.

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah. So it was such a fantastic experience. I think, obviously, you don't ever have the opportunity to experience something like that, up to this point until you do something abroad as a college student, I feel like, you know, like, I can't think of another time in my whole life that I would be able to live in Europe for six weeks, you know, and I think it taught me how capable I am. I didn't think that I would be the one out of everybody that's scheduling the Airbnb, scheduling excursions, scheduling train tickets, like getting everybody where they need to be, going on Google Maps and figuring out how to navigate Zurich, Switzerland, on foot. Like, it's all these things that I was so so afraid of going into it, especially like the week before. I'm packing and all this stuff, I just was absolutely freaking out about not being able to do it. And so, I'm very happy that I have that confidence now, and I know that I can do it. So that hopefully next time I'm in Europe, I'll feel even more comfortable. But I just loved everywhere I got to travel as well. I, obviously, Luxembourg was the home base. But I went to Zurich, Switzerland. And then I went to Brussels, Belgium. Amsterdam. It was absolutely fantastic. It was beautiful. And I didn't realize how surrounded by water it is. It's like a step up from Venice.

Maya Mehlman 

What about the bicycles?

Meredith Aliff 

Oh, everybody bikes.

Maya Mehlman 

Everyone bikes

Meredith Aliff 

There's like bike parking garages. Literally, it's it's crazy.

Maya Mehlman  

And everyone just is so happy there.

Meredith Aliff 

They're just so joyful. And we went to this tulip museum while we were there. And it was just so cute. Like, this whole museum just dedicated to these flowers that they plant every year. And like, I got a little tulip necklace. It was like the best thing ever. So then Amsterdam and Brussels were that weekend. And then we went on a trip to Rome with our whole class. We went on like a little study tour. So I spent a week in Rome, which was awesome. I mean, to think that like, we were walking around Rome, knowing where we were going. Like, we were like, "oh, no, it's like up here to the right." I like couldn't believe that I was familiar enough with Rome to like, just walk around. But by the end of the week, we definitely were. And after Rome my family came to visit me that next weekend so we went to Nice. And then after that... Oh, last weekend, the last weekend I went to London. It was so fun. And I felt definitely the most comfortable there, obviously because everybody speaks English. But I absolutely loved every single second of it. And then my dad's family came and picked me up at the end of the six weeks, and we went to Paris and then went home. Absolutely phenomenal. I wouldn't change the experience for the world. And it's so interesting when you meet people abroad and in an abroad setting because I feel like you learned so much about them so much faster.

Maya Mehlman 

Did you know anyone going in?

Meredith Aliff 

No, I didn't. I went alone. I knew like of certain people. And just getting those connections so quickly, and traveling with people. And it's just really interesting to have that like deeper connection so quickly with people. But it was phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal.

Maya Mehlman 

Amazing. I'm so happy. So did you take any classes?

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah. I had a history class and a film class. So history ... we learned about the empires of Europe. So a lot about the Roman Empire. Did a big ol' resentation at the end, which was fun too, because you talk to people in the class that you might not have otherwise. So we got split into groups. We're doing these projects, they were super fun. And then in my film class, we did European film, obviously. And it was a Italian film, French film and Spanish film. And I got to watch movies the whole time I was there. Movies in a different language. And, yeah, those classes were great. And the professors were fantastic. I had Professor Matthew Gordon. And then Kerry Hegarty was my second teacher. And she was absolutely phenomenal as well. I cannot thank the two of them enough for all that they did for us on the study tour. And just in classes in general, they're just fantastic.

Maya Mehlman 

Amazing. Have you seen your study abroad peeps around campus

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah. And it's interesting. When you don't know them before hand ...

Maya Mehlman 

Yeah. It's worlds collide.

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah. You don't know them before, and then you see them and you're kind of like, what are you doing here? Like, you're not supposed to be here right now. But it's been amazing to see them and kind of see everybody back in their element. Yeah, it was just such a phenomenal experience. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Maya Mehlman 

I'm glad you had a good time.

Meredith Aliff 

Thank you. Okay, so let's talk about what we learned. Because abroad is all about learning, after all. Did you gain any insight about college while you were away?

Maya Mehlman 

Yes, I did. College is a lot more than just the academics. College is about the social aspect too, and you learn a lot about living by yourself how to, you know, manage a social life and school, which is important throuhgout your entire life. And I got a little taste of that in Washington, which I would call a little bit of the real world. But yeah, I for sure did. And then when it comes to, did I learn anything about the real world? Oh, yeah, for sure. Like, I was talking about before: networking. I mean, I gotta get a job at some point, so ...

Meredith Aliff 

I know. And I feel like too, one of the cool things about college is those connections to then the real world, like, you were able to go on LinkedIn and find all of the Miami alum that work in this place, like, having that connection and being able to start a conversation based on "Hey, like, we went to the same college. Do you want to be friends and like helped me kind of figured this out a little bit? Give me a leg up?"

Maya Mehlman 

Yeah. So on my program, on Mondays, we met with like D.C. influencers. And then Tuesdays through Fridays were our internship days. And one of the influencers that we met with his name was Brian Lamb, he is the chairman of C-Span, which is a news network out there. And he ... his talk will always stick with me. He talked about this serendipitous bunny, where you can think that you're going one way and end up going the complete opposite. And it's all serendipity. And it's honestly a domino effect. It's just one thing happens, another happens after another, after another, and you will end up where you are supposed to end up. And you might take a few wrong turns here and there. But you just gotta trust the little serendipity bunny. That will always stick with me.

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah, I love that. So is there anything else that you want to talk about? Kind of like learning about yourself? Any unexpected things that happened while you were away?

Maya Mehlman 

Always put yourself out there. Always ask questions. Because the worst thing that could happen to someone says "no." And there's always someone that does something dumber and more embarrassing than you. But what do you think? What did you learn from being abroad?

Meredith Aliff 

I mean, once again, just that confidence aspect more than anything. And I think as somebody that's about to go out into a graduate level world and then the professional world, I think it's really important to leave with confidence, knowing that you are where you want to be with yourself, like in your mind, leaving college you feel confident in your abilities to kind of navigate your life on your own.

Maya Mehlman 

For sure, it does definitely give you that confidence.

Meredith Aliff 

Right. And College does that without study abroad, but I think study abroad kind of gives you that extra push, that extra excitement to like really dive in deeper into yourself, and learn about what you can do. I'm trying to think of like surprising unexpected things ...

Maya Mehlman 

Do you want to run away to Europe now?

Meredith Aliff 

Oh my gosh, if I had the opportunity to go live in Amsterdam for a year, I would in a heartbeat. In a heartbeat. But I do feel like the six weeks was the perfect amount of time for me. I have friends ... and, you know, you went first semester. I have friends that have gone away for a semester. Absolutely loved their experience. I feel like, for me, having the six weeks of just constant motion, constant movement was kind of perfect for me. I felt like I'd done it, I was good.

Maya Mehlman 

And that's important to learn too, your limits.

Meredith Aliff 

Right. And now, obviously, looking back, there's obviously more that I want to do, clearly. I want to go back. But I think that was the perfect amount of time for me. But, yeah, I mean, I think if it's in the cards for anybody in college, I highly, highly recommend it in any capacity, whether that's study away somewhere in another state, across the country, or whether that's in another country, it's just ...

Maya Mehlman 

You learn things that you wouldn't be able to learn anywhere else.

Meredith Aliff 

 It's so true. Okay, I have a few ending questions for you. I always on the podcast with. But I just think it'd be a nice way to close out. So what advice do you have for your first-year self coming into college?

Maya Mehlman 

Well, the first piece of advice is going to be that these four years really do fly by. So take advantage of everything that you possibly can. And I would say that I've done a pretty good job of doing that. My second piece of advice would be, it's okay. I am a person that puts a lot of stress on myself. I like to have everything figured out all the time. Well, that is not how life works, baby.

Meredith Aliff 

Absolutely.

Maya Mehlman 

So it is okay.

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah, I have a cousin here this year. She's a freshman this year. And I've been so excited for her to get here. And I've realized how valuable that question is for me to ask people on this podcast, because I find myself repeating these people's answers to her. And she's a freshman in college, and I cannot believe it. But you're so right. One of the main things that I say to her is "don't take it for granted. It's going to fly." It's going to fly by. Like, you're going to be in my shoes in 0.5 seconds. Okay, my last question is what is the single most important decision you have ever made in college?

Maya Mehlman 

Well, going abroad, honestly. It just changed a lot about me. I feel like it honestly grounded me a lot as a human being. And I also feel like in this past year, especially I've just realized a lot about myself, learned a lot more about my personality and my identity, and just realizing like who I want to be and like what kind of impact I want to have on the world. And I do think abroad had a lot to do with that. And I just think there was a lot of growing up that I did.

Meredith Aliff 

I feel like sometimes you need to step out of your everyday routine, and almost kind of .... not lose yourself. But you don't have that opportunity to ... I mean, these are very formative years of our lives.

Maya Mehlman 

They really are, they really are.

Meredith Aliff 

And if you don't stop, and you're like, "Whoa, I am not the same person that I was two years ago." I had a little bit of a moment like that over the summer. I can confidently say I am nowhere close to the same person that I was going into freshman year. At all. And that's totally okay. But it's, it's kind of nice to step outside and do an experience like that, and see how you travel, how you live with other people, you know, having to book hotels and, like, learning that about yourself and kind of getting to see how much you've grown. It's so cool.

Maya Mehlman 

Yeah, yeah, you really do change and develop and just like the way you look at the world, really. It's kind of scary to be like, Oh my God, if I changed that much in a year, like what's it going to be like after college when I'm like in the real world? I'm kind of excited to like learn.

Meredith Aliff 

Yeah, take it head on. Yeah, that's awesome. Do you have any more advice for anybody that's either thinking about going into your major or thinking about going abroad? Thinking about internships?

Maya Mehlman 

Yeah. So I mean, with all of them, it's just throw yourself into it. It's also okay to have feelings, like it's okay to not be happy 100% of the time, it's okay to be upset. It's okay to reach out to people and ask for help. I think that was also my biggest thing that I learned through it all. It's okay to say, "I don't know what I'm doing, and I would really like some help." Because we've all been there. We've all been in situations where ... I mean, I always just think about when like, when we were touring colleges, right, I would like look at people walking around on the college campus and be like, those are the coolest people ever. And now like there's people touring around Miami, and I wonder, like, if they look at me, and they think, "oh my god, she's the coolest person ever." I don't have it figured out. Everyone's just faking it.

Meredith Aliff 

And I'm like, I'm actually a loser.

Maya Mehlman 

Yeah, like, actually, I kind of just failed my chemistry exam like an hour ago. So I don't really know if you want this life, but no, like, we're all just doing the best we can. And that's, like, just my biggest advice, and kind of like just for life in general. Just like ask for help. Like it's okay to say you don't know what you're doing.

Meredith Aliff 

Oh, 100% and eventually you can be the person that gives the help. But right now, I need help. Like, I'm gonna ask for some help

Maya Mehlman 

And it's okay to not know. It's okay to fail.

Meredith Aliff 

Totally. 100%. I could not I agree with you more. Well, I am so excited that I got to talk to you again, a couple months later.

Maya Mehlman 

I know. It's been amazing.

Meredith Aliff 

But, yeah, we're back like we never left. It's been great talking

Maya Mehlman 

It's been great talking to you too. Senior year, baby!!!

Meredith Aliff 

Maya Mehlman is a senior studying media and communications at Miami University. After graduation she plans to pursue a career in the industry, while continuing to figure out life as it comes.