A public relations major from New York Mills, Gianna LaBella transferred to Oswego from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica with an associate’s degree in digital media and marketing.
Why did you choose Oswego?
I chose Oswego because of their PR program and the location. I had visited with my dad and on our tour, we got to see the balcony on top of Shineman. When we walked out it was freezing but windy. The view of the lake was incredible and the feeling hit me that this was where I wanted to be.
What is your major, and why did you choose it?
My major is Public Relations and I chose it because it appealed to my own skills, which were all types of media, communicating skills, and planning and advertising.
Tell us about your Oswego experience.
Since I have been at Oswego, I joined the Ice Skating Club and WTOP-10. I operate cameras in and out of the studio during sports and productions, and I am learning other positions in the studio, and I am the current PR Manager on the club’s Communications board and I run a couple of our social media postings we have weekly. Last spring, I was chosen to be a part of the TEDx SUNY Oswego experience. I operated the handheld camera for the event and was able to use my skills for this big opportunity and network with new people as well as people inside my club.
In what ways did you feel supported in the transition to become a Laker?
Some things that helped me with my transfer to SUNY Oswego was the culture and the transfer guide I had within the advising office and during orientation. My advisor at the time entering the school was Andrew Buchmann, and he was always happy to answer my endless questions and concerns as a transfer and a new student to campus. I think joining a club that helped my interests was another big help in finding my place at Oswego. It helped me to make friends, memories and new connections.