Meet the Honors Student Staff Communications Team!
By Samuel Cavalheiro
Content
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in 2025. Many of the student staff featured have since graduated and moved on to exciting new opportunities. Learn more about our current communications team online, or stop by the CHC office!
Commonwealth Honors College has a diverse team of student staff members dedicated to helping students make the most out of their time at UMass. This article highlights our wonderful student communications team, which consists of communications assistants and photographers, working together to showcase the Honors College. Their work includes writing articles, making videos, designing social media posts, and producing other creative content!
Nina's Experience
Nina Prenosil `25, a psychology and journalism major, is a communications assistant at CHC. She started in Spring 2023 and applied for this position to improve her abilities and boost her confidence as she prepares to enter the job market after graduation.
“This position seemed like a good fit and a great opportunity to practice new skills. I wasn't super confident coming in, but now – because we have the opportunity to do so much, like interviews, videos, and graphics – I've even taken up photography!”
One of Prenosil’s favorite job duties is interviewing new people for her articles. The chance to connect with others, learn more about CHC and UMass, and explore research has become one of the best parts of the job. Initially, Nina was nervous coming into this position because she had not yet developed strong interview skills, but she has since gained valuable experience and developed her communications capabilities.
“I would say that this is the greatest decision I have made in my four years at UMass. I think my college experience would have been much different if I didn't have this job. I'm very glad my mom sent me the ad on Instagram when the application opened!”
Kimberly's Career Evolution
Kimberly Manyanga `25, a public health sciences and economics major, is also a communications assistant at CHC. Initially hired as a photographer, Manyanga credits the job with broadening the scope of her abilities.
“Once I learned more about the position, I realized that it was more than just taking photos. I could make videos, interview people around campus, and cover events… I was able to pick up different projects and direct myself to do the things I loved.”
In this role, Manyanga has significantly improved her skills as a communicator. This includes the technical aspects of the job like interviewing, editing, and taking pictures, but also the career and social benefits of working in communications. She has learned to present herself confidently, put others at ease, and market herself. Thanks to these newfound skills, Kim will be starting a new job at National Grid as an analyst after graduating!
Theo's Photography Journey
Theo Nims `26, a history and political science major, is in his second year as a CHC photographer. Before applying, Theo pursued photography as a hobby but could not find the time while adjusting to college life. This position provided the perfect opportunity — the extra push he needed and a necessary creative outlet for his burgeoning passion.
Nims also credits this role for improving his technical and professional skills, from managing thousands of photos, improving his editing expertise, and collaborating with other student communications staff.
“Working with the other team members has given me a new perspective on my photos. I’ve worked with writers who have exposed me to the written storytelling behind the images, which has helped me examine and transform the narratives behind the photographs.”
Nims also loves covering the many events happening at CHC. From MassURC to the Celebration of Excellence, he thrives in high-energy environments.
“Everybody at these events is having a great time – ultimately, you’re capturing moments of joy, which is a great feeling.”
Austin's Perspective
Austin Lee `26, a communication major, is also a CHC photographer. Lee took up photography as a hobby and creative outlet. After his sophomore year roommate had a chance encounter with a CHC photographer job posting Lee jumped at the chance to apply.
Since joining, Lee has improved his time management skills and loves working with the communications team to enhance his abilities as a photographer. However, what Austin values most about working at CHC is the flexibility.
“I love that we are free to choose what and who we want to photograph, when we want to take pictures, and how we manage our time.”
Working for the communications team has been transformative for every member — building not just professional skills, but lasting connections and creative confidence. Their work captures the heart of the Honors College community, and their growth shows what happens when students are given the space to explore, create, and shine.