James Loy 

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

Student 

I'm a senior, I'm about to graduate, and I've done a lot of cool things in college.

Student 

I never thought that I was going to be an intramural curler. I never thought that I was going to be the student body president.

Student 

These four years have been the biggest amount of growth I've seen in my entire life.

Student 

It's not just about the academics, but like, what kind of person you turn into, which is super cool.

Gianna 

I don't know. I was really just nervous about everything coming into college, like I think about the few weeks before, you know, my freshman year, and just being like, oh my god, am I going to be able to make friends? Am I picking the right school? Am I picking the right major? You know, just all of it. And it's hard to say, like, how that got solved. Or, like, how those nerves went away, because it just happened, like, everything sort of started to just fall into place. I don't know. It's just kind of like you get here and all of a sudden you make friends with the people in your dorm. Or, like, you start to get involved, and you start to take classes, and it's like everything starts to be okay, and you're not super worried about it anymore, so.

Michaela 

I know I feel like it becomes more of a subconscious thing, right? You realize, like you're not always consciously trying to make friends or trying to get involved, but it kind of just happens, right? So you're willing to put yourself out there. Well, I just think it's so cool that everyone finds their place, and that's kind of what we talk about on this podcast is really finding your place, finding your purpose, finding your people, and really, like, knowing like, it's okay not to know everything freshman year. So this is Major Insight. My name is Michaela Buck and who are you?

Gianna 

I am Gianna Colarich. I am a senior Media and Communications major.

Michaela 

So for those of you who don't know me and Gianna probably crossed planes coming to and from Luxembourg last year. So I went the fall semester, and Gianna went the spring semester. So I kind of this your first semester back on campus for senior year. I would just love to hear all about it.

Gianna 

Yes, oh my gosh, it's crazy. I look back on study abroad every single day like, I don't know if you're the same, but every single night, before I go to sleep, I'm scrolling through my camera roll, what was I doing at this time last semester, it was crazy. I went to six- I can't even keep count, 16 different countries, 20 some different cities. Like, wow, yeah, it was crazy.

Michaela 

And it feels surreal, yeah, because my Snapchat memories right now are from a year ago, since I was there in the fall, and me and two of my roommates now all went together, and we're like, oh my like, we were just in Amsterdam, right? Like, and now I'm here, and I'm all these things to look back on, and the pictures seem like fake. It feels like a dream a little bit.

Gianna 

Yes, yeah. I have, like, this picture, like the Snapchat memory. I literally hate myself for posting it. It's like, me on this plane going to Vienna, and it's like, I'm on a plane on Thursday, on a Thursday, like, after class, and I have no idea, like, how I'm going to go back to normal school after this. I'm like, shut up. Like, shut up. You have to go back. You have to go back. And your current self hates you, right.

Michaela 

I was just about to say something so similar. It's funny you say that. I made a video in some I don't even know where we were. Maybe it was like a museum. And I was like, look at what I'm looking at now, like, in a year, Michaela, you're probably going to be stuck in your house. And I'm like, why?

Michaela 

So what do you think you learned from that experience? Because I feel like it took away so much like about myself, about traveling, about what I want to do with my future, and I feel like there's just a lot of things that I got answers to, if that makes sense. So yeah, I'm just curious what you think, yeah, is the most transformative part of that?

Gianna 

Oh, my God. It's like crazy to try and put it into a bite size answer, because it's like studying abroad was the best thing I did my entire college career. Like, it changed who I am. It changed how I see the world. It changed, like, absolutely everything I am as a person. And it's like, it's so hard to describe it, just like, I never thought I was going to be pushed the way that I was. I would say the biggest thing is it gave like, I've always had a passion for traveling. I've always known, like, I love to travel, but it gave me, like, this feeling that I could do it, like, I'm going to Japan next year. And I don't think that that's something I would have necessarily put out, yeah, into the universe before that. Or, like, had the confidence to do before. And like, I solo, traveled a couple times when I'm over there too, or when I was over there, and it was just like, Yeah, I don't know if I would have been able to do that before, because it's like, something about being independent was just kind of scary.

Michaela 

Yeah, all by your lonesome and yeah, figure it out. So how has your, like, acclimation back to campus? But I know we were talking about how it's a little bit difficult, and there's lots of reminiscing being done. But, yeah, I guess just like, how is this semester going for you?

Gianna 

I honestly feel like I'm not struggling with it as bad as I thought I was going to when I was in Luxembourg. I was like, I don't know how I'm ever going to go back to normal life, but I feel like I feel like I needed it. I feel like I-- that's one thing I did learn. I feel like I'm not meant to live abroad, because at first, like, before I went, I was like, oh, I definitely want to live in the UK, or, like, some- and I don't know, I feel like it's just been nice to be home. It's nice to be with my friends, because I went with my partner and I had one other friend that went with me. But it's just nice to have, like, my full support system back. You know, like, I really missed it. It's nice I also do well with like, structure and routine and having like, clubs and things to do, and I just kind of missed out on that.

Michaela 

Yeah, and while it was so fun being go, go, go like it did, it gets draining, right? You know, every weekend, upping and leaving and packing and unpacking like there's so much that goes into traveling so consistently. So, yeah, I agree. I think there's just like, a sense of comfort and stability when, yes, you do get back, yeah, it's a lot.

Gianna 

And I remember it being hard too, because there's like, this pressure that you have in yourself, because it's like, oh, I want to see absolutely everything I can while I'm here. But it's also like, I don't, it's hard. You don't. You have to take care of yourself too. So it's like, yeah, I know.

Michaela 

And hopefully I do get the opportunity to go back, because, yes, lots of unfinished business over there, in Europe.

Michaela 

What kind of was the transition into your major because I know you've been saying that you started off wanting to go into musical theater. I'm just kind of curious how that process was like. And process was like, and how you decided in college that you're gonna abandon that part.

Gianna 

Yes, so I, like, I said, I was a theater major my freshman year, and my mom was like, you have to have another major pick something. And I went through, like, teaching. I went through fashion, I went through like- I was just throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what stuck. And I just, I don't know, I remember browsing the website, like the Miami website, because I was like, nothing is really working. I just don't like this, like, it's not- whatever. And then I found Media and Communications, and I was like, you know, like, this is what I want to do. Like, I love like-- at the time, I was like, oh, I could be a social media manager on the side while I work on my acting, like, because that's what I-- I don't know. It's just like, like, a lot of people do that, actors do that on the side. And I was just like, oh, I could do that, whatever. But I was thinking about it and I was like, wow, I've always kind of wanted to work in communications even if I didn't know it, like, I don't know, it's hard to describe. I've always wanted a communications career, but I didn't know what communications was. You know, if that makes sense.

Michaela 

Well cause it's also like, there's such a wide breadth, Media and Communications. Like, what does that mean? I can go so many different routes. And I think that's kind of daunting as a freshman too, because you're like, what? What is communication?

Gianna 

Yes, exactly. So I actually picked up that major my sophomore year, and then I ended up dropping theater just because it was a lot of time, and it's still like something I struggle with. I actually posted something about this on my close friend story yesterday, because it's like, I'm starting to go back into acting now, but it was something that I really struggled with, because I was angry at it. I was like, this thing is taking up all of my time. And I just-- because I got very like, like, anytime I would do a project, I would get very self conscious and very like, sorry, this is getting like, very deep. Yeah, but like, anytime I would do a project, I would just get very, like, critical of myself, very self conscious. And I remember that year I had just joined Chi O, and I was missing out on a lot of, like, big events, and I remember just thinking to myself, like, I'm so upset I'm missing out on all of the time that I could be spending with these new friends, with these people, that I like to be in this black box theater, feeling self conscious, and I'm so upset, like, that's how it felt. And it's like, weird, because it's like I'm starting to get these projects again, and it's like it doesn't feel as bad.

Gianna 

Yeah yeah, because like, while I was thinking about that too, like, even in high school, I was spending all of my time, all of my money on dance lessons, voice lessons, like, everything under the sun. I had no time to spend with friends, like I what-- I didn't get any of the senior year activities because I was in a studio, I was in an audition, I was in something, and it was just like, I got to a point, yeah, I ended up dropping it my sophomore year. That was really, really hard. But it was also, like, one of those turning points where it was like, Okay, now I have a new major. What am I gonna do? Here we go.

Michaela 

Well I'm proud of you for, like, relinquishing that, because I know I feel like art becomes such, like, a part of an identity. Like, yeah, dance was my thing. Theater is your thing. Like, in the that's kind of just what you identify as. Like, this is what I'm doing, so that's who I am, right thing. And so I feel like letting that go, you kind of have to redefine what that means for you and what your passions are and your goals are, especially if that's what you pictured for so long. Like, this is going to be my future. I'm going to be acting. And then it kind of doesn't work out that way. But I feel like in such a beautiful way, then you got so many different opportunities, like you probably wouldn't have been able to go abroad or experience like your new major, so I think that's really cool. And what's kind of your niche and communications now?

Michaela 

No, but I feel like that's so true, and like distance makes the heart grow fonder in that regard, like sometimes you're just truly burnt out. That's like, I grew up dancing, and so, like, that was, my parents were always like, you're not gonna do anything with dance in college. Like, whatever. But by the end of my senior year, I was like, I loved it, I lived it, I breathed it. But like, I think I'm ready to let it go for right now. Like, I kind of want to spread my wings and, like, go to experience college and not have to be at dance rehearsals all the time, or, like, right, worried about that aspect of my life. So I feel like I totally relate. And now, yeah, like, you've taken a little bit of a break, I feel like this gap was probably good, and maybe you can do less projects, or whatever it is.

Gianna 

Um, so the last few years I've worked in PR, okay, I opened my own photo studio this year. I do a lot of different things.

Michaela 

What are you thinking post grad? Are you guys that that's the worst question I've ever asked? I'm really sorry for asking that, but I'm just kind of curious.

Gianna 

Yeah, I actually was thinking about this in the car because I figured you were gonna ask me.

Michaela 

You can literally say you don't know, because I've said that too.

Gianna 

Well, it's funny, because it's like, I've thought about it so much, but it's also like, first of all, I don't know, so there's a short answer for James. But I kind of want to do everything. Like, if I had-  in my dream world, I would be an actor. I want to go into film, really, really bad. And I think that's what I'm going to start looking at into this next year, like taking my acting seriously, getting auditions, things like that. Right now, I'm looking to see how far I can get with my photo studio, because if I can work freelance, that would be awesome.

Michaela 

I know I've seen some of your pictures, yes. Like, I'm don't you have a picture account?

Gianna 

I do.

Michaela 

Yeah, I stalked it, not in a creepy way, but I feel like someone reposted it, or maybe you reposted it. I don't know.

Gianna 

I probably did.

Michaela 

Yeah, and then I was like, Oh my God, these are incredible.

Gianna 

Thank you.

Michaela 

You're welcome.

Gianna 

Yeah, I'm trying to see how far I can get with that. But I also kind of, I've struggled with this a lot, especially this last semester, where it's like, and I've told my partner this a lot, where it's like, I feel like I am good at a lot of things, but I'm not like, great at one thing, and that's been something I've really been angry with myself at. But I feel like I'm going to start embracing it, and I'm just like, you're going to see my Instagram in five years and it's going to be like, Oh, I shot that wedding and, oh, I'm in this project. Oh, like, is she working in corporate now? And also, why is she in Japan? And also, like, what are you doing? You know, like, that's kind of what I just want to do.

Michaela 

I love that jack of all trades. Yeah, exactly. We just had a conversation one of my classes, and it got, like, kind of deep and existential, and we were saying that, like, life is so short to not take advantage of all those opportunities, like, even I just accepted a job offer, which is, like, really exciting, but it's scary that you're like, then confined to that goal and like, that's not who I am. I feel like a lot of people who've probably grown up in the arts or whatever it is, kind of have, like, yearn for a little bit more. And that's kind of like a crossroads that I'm at too, where it's like, I want to do everything, but you also have to do something.

Gianna 

Yeah, I had like, this talk with my partner a couple weeks ago because I was like, I think because she has this very nice bank job lined up. And I was like, I think I'm gonna go to India for a month and get my yoga teacher certification. She's like, What are you gonna do? Like, she was like, you realize you're gonna, like, not be working for a full month? And I was like, oh, yeah, I guess you're right. But after that, I kind of wrote out everything. And I was like, I want to be an interior designer. I want to be an artist, like, I want to do like, I just wrote out everything, and I didn't even think about it. I was just like, here's everything that I want to accomplish in my life. And I was like, these next few years, they don't have to be perfect, but they just have to be a foundation so that I can build a beautiful life for myself, you know.

Michaela 

Yeah, and I feel like college and those young 20s are like, messy, you don't know anything. And the best people I feel like, like people who've given TED talks or commencement speeches are like my path was not linear whatsoever, like I did this and then I did this, or Miami just had, I had to go to a this chef talked. Her name is Antonio la Faso, and she's, like, all over Food Network. She was super cool. And I went to listen, and she was, like, I started at, like, the bottom, I was doing this work, and then I moved here, and I moved here, and, like, the only reason she actually is where she is now is because she made friends with a barback that was at one of her restaurants. Like, it really is kind of, you just have to figure it out. And like, I feel like that's very interesting going into this new post grad era too, because you kind of college at least has some structure, right? Whereas, like, you're kind of, you graduate and then you're like, Okay, where are we going from here? Maybe it's India. Maybe, yeah. But like, I'm excited for you, and I thank you. Yeah, don't lose that whimsy.

Gianna 

Thanks. You're looking at me like --

Michaela 

I'm not at all. I think it's so cool. And even the writing down exercise like that, yeah, very profound. And like, you're able to just kind of nail down what you want. Like, you don't really know how you're gonna get there, but you're gonna, I believe that you're figure it out.

Gianna 

We'll figure it out.

Michaela 

Oh my gosh, very cool. So Gianna is also part of this podcast, so I feel like you should just talk a little bit about that and like what your involvement has been like, because you're a huge part in a very seasoned part of our team, as we discussed, a pro, a star, everything. So yeah, what do you kind of do, or what was your journey on Major Insight?

Gianna 

Yeah, I started my sophomore year and I auditioned to be the host. That's how I found Major Insight, because it was like, through an email on the ListServ, I think. Yeah, yeah. I was crazy, but then I ended up just staying on, because I remember talking to James in the first few interviews. I was like, I don't even need to be the host, but like, what you're doing sounds really cool. And like I can do, like, I remember, like, James kept being like, we could. I have so many of these big ideas for this podcast. And I was like, that sounds so cool. And like, I want to be a part of it. And so I ended up just staying on. And I don't know, I kind of do whatever is needed of me, I do, like, a lot of transcript stuff. I've done, photos, I've helped out with, right now we're trying to make screen prints, so my roommate is helping with that, and I coordinated it I guess. I don't know. I just do whatever, whatever needs help. I don't know if I'm like we I don't even have a title. Art Director? PR Director?

Michaela 

We were just talking about title, yeah, exactly anything you need is what you are, again, jack of all trades, applicable everywhere, right? Yeah, you've been amazing. And I feel like it's just crazy that you've been here through so many eras of the podcast, too, because obviously you and I just met this semester, but like, you've known what Major Insight has been for a couple of years now.

Gianna 

Yes, you're the third host that I've seen, which is so crazy.

Michaela 

So crazy, crazy. Oh my gosh. That means we're so chopped.

Gianna 

I know, so unc.

Michaela 

We're leaving. It's fine, yeah, I can't think about it. My roommates were like, okay, this is our last Dancing with the Stars we'll ever watch together. Why would you say that? All right, I'm just saying, like, Yeah, this is this only airs in the fall, and we're fall seniors. I know it's like, actually sickening. Wait, so you're in Chi O, sorry. I'm just staring at your sweatshirt. I love Olivia Gallo, your president.

Gianna 

I love Olivia! She's the best.

Michaela 

She's like, my first class friend I ever made.

Gianna 

She's my girl I love her.

Michaela 

Yeah, and then we're both presidents, and I'm like, this is, like, it's crazy. Love you. She's amazing.

Gianna 

She's amazing.

Michaela 

So did you go through recruitment freshman year?

Gianna 

I went through informal sophomore year, which is wild.

Michaela 

And you love it?

Gianna 

I absolutely love it. I'm our videography chair, and that's how I started doing, like, video, photo stuff, because that was the year that I had dropped theater and got into communications. And what's your major?

Michaela 

I'm political science and journalism.

Gianna 

That's right.Well, in communications, like, the first few classes that you have to take are all in film production, basically. And for some reason, like they posted for all these recruitment positions that were open, and for some reason, I was like, you know what, I've taken a film production class. Let me do it. Let's just do it. I and then my dad ended up lending me his camera when I got it, and I just loved it. I loved editing stuff. And I remember when I got it, I was like, I don't know if I can do this, but we'll try it. And I loved it. I fell in love with it.

Michaela 

Good for you. And another creative outlet.

Gianna 

Exactly, and I have two assistants who are amazing.

Michaela 

So, oh my God, that's so cool. More involvement. I love it. Oh my gosh. Well it was so awesome talking to you, Gianna. And yeah, thanks for all of your help on Major Insight. And yeah, I hope you have a great day.

Gianna 

Thank you.

Michaela 

Gianna Colarich is studying Media and Communications and Theater at Miami University. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the media field while continuing to stay involved in a variety of creative projects involving photography, videography and theater. And thank you for listening to Major Insight. Many more stories, advice and inspiration are always available wherever podcasts are found.