Transfer Student Thrives at Sacred Heart

Junior Mia Coppola discovers opportunities to grow socially, academically and professionally

Sacred Heart University junior Mia Coppola is proof that transferring to SHU can make all the pieces of a promising future begin to fall into place.

The strategic communication, public relations & advertising major transferred to SHU this fall to be close to her Milford home and, within the first few weeks, has already been adapting to campus life. As a transfer and commuter student, she appreciates the convenience of living near home while engaging with the University community.

“The transition has been smooth, and SHU has such a welcoming environment that makes it easy for me to get involved and meet new people,” Coppola said.

First month at SHU

Coppola did not hesitate to start participating on campus. One of the highlights of her experience so far has been her work-study position with Sacred Heart’s athletic communications department, where she serves as a photographer for various athletic events. The role allows her to pursue her passion for visual storytelling while gaining valuable professional experience and building a strong portfolio for her future.

Additionally, Coppola is currently taking news writing and reporting, a class that enables her to write articles and contribute photos for SHU’s newspaper, The Spectrum.

“I really enjoy this class so far because I am able to learn new things, such as news writing, while also strengthening my photography skills,” said Coppola. “It’s exciting to see my work published and know that it’s reaching the campus community.”

Pursuing passions

Coppola’s interest in photography started in high school when she took part in the Yale Center for British Art’s “The View from Here” program during her senior year. The semester-long introductory photography course sparked her creative ambitions. Recalling that positive experience, Coppola reached out to the program in the fall of 2024 to inquire about internship opportunities. The inquiry led to a position with the Yale Center for British Art as an imaging and education department intern this past summer. The internship improved her technical skills and exposed her to new perspectives in the visual arts.

In the future 

Looking ahead, Coppola envisions a career in photography, possibly in wedding or fashion photography, but she remains open to exploring new paths as she continues to discover what excites her most.

In addition to her academic work and professional experiences, Coppola is making the most of campus activities, balancing social involvement with career development. Her coursework, combined with real-world opportunities, is helping her prepare for a competitive and quickly changing communication industry.

Coppola plans to graduate in 2027, prepared to build a career that combines her creativity with strategic communication skills, wherever that path may lead.