Maddy Saunders
Name: Maddy Saunders
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Communication
Concentration: Public Relations
How would traveling 12 hours away from home make you feel? Even for the most independent and adventurous souls, the thought alone would bring a level of anxiety. Maddy Saunders freely admits that she felt “scared” when she moved from her hometown of Pittsburgh to Conway but she won’t hesitate to tell you that it has turned out to be “one of the best decisions” she ever made.
Maddy Saunders describes Coastal Carolina as “the best of both worlds.” Explaining her characterization in terms of big school vs. small school feel, Maddy believes CCU cuts the perfect balance. Entering an intimate classroom with a professor that knows her name almost makes it seem like the University has an enrollment of 1,000, not a growing student population that has soared over 10,000. But while the personalized academic experience might make Coastal seem small, Maddy says she realizes the far reach of #TEALnation when she attends sporting events. A dedicated fan of Chanticleer athletic teams, she says the games themselves combined with the continued national success of CCU student-athletes gives Coastal a big time feel.
Size of the University aside, what Maddy enjoys the most is the chance to be involved in the campus community. Holding a leadership position within the Coastal Activities Board, she can’t help but embrace the opportunity to be around a diverse group of people in a great environment. Sitting on the executive board of her sorority is also a point of pride for Maddy. But if you really want to see her light up, ask Maddy about her involvement as an orientation leader. Coming back for her second year in the role, she says the biggest reward is making an impact on both the new students and parents. We thank Maddy for traveling so far to attend Coastal so she could have this positive influence on the new members of our campus community.