Hugh Downs School Online Student Finds Power in the Universal Language of Communication
For Bay Area, California, resident Sara Vazquez, communication is more than a degree — it’s a gateway to opportunity.
She is on track to complete her Interdisciplinary Studies degree this summer, with concentrations in English and communication, and plans to participate in ASU’s fall graduation ceremonies. After transferring to ASU in Fall 2023, she embraced the flexibility of online learning while continuing to live and work in her hometown.
“From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about education,” she said. “I recognized early on not only its importance, but also the endless opportunities it provides.”
Vazquez earned her Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Communication Studies from Chabot Community College in Hayward in 2023, then made the leap to ASU Online to continue her education. She chose to focus on communication because of its universal relevance and impact across all industries and communities.
“Communication is the heartbeat of every organization,” she said. “It’s a foundational skill and such a versatile field that aligns perfectly with my strengths and interests.”
Even before completing her degree, Vazquez won’t be slowing down. She was recently accepted into the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication’s summer study abroad program in London, Dublin, and Edinburgh — an experience she describes as “a childhood dream come true.”
To help support her international experience, Vazquez was awarded the Belle A. Edson Study Abroad Scholarship, named in honor of longtime faculty member Belle Edson, who led the program from 2000 to 2025. The scholarship supports students pursuing global learning opportunities through the Hugh Downs School.
“I’m so excited to take part in the study abroad program,” Vazquez said. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
She credits ASU and the Hugh Downs School with helping her turn those dreams into reality — particularly through scholarship support and the flexibility of online learning.
Looking ahead, Vazquez plans to pursue a career as a communication specialist in higher education, where she hopes to help others access the same life-changing opportunities that shaped her own academic journey.
“I’m extremely grateful for the scholarships I’ve received and for everything ASU has made possible,” she said. “Now I want to pay it forward.”