From the bustling streets of New York City to back home to South Dakota, seeking a new challenge led one Gonzaga student to a life-changing journey. Driven by a passion for human connection and a desire to step outside her comfort zone, Emily Magera enrolled in Gonzaga’s M.A. in Communication & Leadership (COML) program. What followed was an unforgettable experience ranging from an impactful study abroad immersion in Cali, Colombia, to taking the TEDx Sioux Falls stage for her capstone project.

In this Q&A, Magera shares how Gonzaga helped her grow as a servant leader, connect with inspiring faculty, and embrace a lifelong commitment to learning.

Why did you decide to return to school for a master’s degree? 

I decided to return to school for a master’s degree because I needed to challenge myself. After undergrad, I moved to New York City to try out city life and see what working in the entertainment business was all about. In the hustle and bustle of the city, I felt challenged every day. When my intuition told me I had work to do back home, I moved back to South Dakota and quickly felt too comfortable. That’s when I started looking into master’s programs.

Read more at: https://www.gonzaga.edu/news-events/stories/leadership-takes-the-stage