For many Emerson students, summer isn’t a break from learning—it’s an opportunity to put their education into practice.
Whether they’re studying Shakespeare in London, working at a global public relations agency, helping launch a professional women’s soccer club, filming a documentary across India, or earning national recognition for their journalism, these students are building skills, expanding their networks, and gaining experiences that will shape their future careers.
No two Emerson students spend their summers the same way, but all are finding new ways to apply what they’ve learned, explore their interests, and prepare for what’s next. Below are just five examples of ways students are learning, creating, and building toward their futures.
Viveka Frisk ’29
Musical Theatre major
Summer experience: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London
What are you doing this summer?
Frisk: I’m spending the summer studying Shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. I earned a spot in the audition-only program after submitting supplemental essays and self-taped Shakespeare monologues from Julius Caesar and As You Like It. Starting in June, my days were filled with classes in voice, physical performance, Shakespeare, period dance, singing, and more.
What’s been the biggest takeaway from the experience?
Frisk: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of truly understanding Shakespeare’s language. If you don’t understand exactly what you’re saying, the audience won’t understand it either. That emphasis on research and finding the meaning behind every line has changed how I approach Shakespeare and made me a stronger performer.
How has Emerson prepared you for this opportunity?
Frisk: My Voice and Text class with [Performing Arts Assistant Professor] Indira Salinas gave me a strong foundation through the Linklater Voice technique. I don’t think I could have participated in this program without what I learned at Emerson.
What’s something that surprised you about studying at RADA?
Frisk: I was surprised by how much the faculty encourages us to trust Shakespeare’s writing. They often say that Shakespeare tells actors almost exactly how to deliver a line—the real challenge is discovering why the character is saying it. Finding that “why” has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Victoria Kalala ’27
Public Relations major
Summer experience: Integrated Brand Intern at Edelman in New York City
What are you doing this summer?
Kalala: I’m spending the summer as an Integrated Brand Intern at Edelman in New York City. I support the brand team by conducting media research and monitoring, building media lists, drafting pitches, tracking coverage, and contributing to client deliverables. I’ve also had the opportunity to support campaign planning, assist with brand activations and photo shoots, and collaborate with colleagues on global campaigns.
What has been your favorite part of the internship?
Kalala: No two days are the same. I’ve worked on beauty and personal care campaigns from start to finish—everything from researching trends and media outreach to preparing PR packages, staffing events, and supporting photo shoots. One of the biggest surprises has been discovering how much I enjoy beauty communications. Before this summer, I thought I’d pursue tech PR, but this experience has opened my eyes to a completely new side of the industry.
What has surprised you most about working at a global PR agency?
Kalala: The people. PR is often portrayed as highly competitive, but everyone at Edelman has been incredibly supportive and generous with their time. It’s also been surreal to learn from professionals who led campaigns I admired, like Dove’s Real Beauty campaign. Being able to work alongside them has been one of the most rewarding parts of the internship.
How has Emerson prepared you for this opportunity?
Kalala: Emerson gave me a strong foundation in strategic communications, media relations, writing, research, and campaign planning. Leading Emerson’s [Public Relations Student Society of America] chapter also helped me build the leadership, networking, and communication skills I use every day. Whether I’m introducing myself to new people, collaborating with a team, or juggling multiple priorities, I can see how my Emerson classes and leadership experiences prepared me for agency life.
Prakash Chand ’29
School of Film, Television, and Media Arts major
Summer experience: Documentary production and AI innovation internship
What are you doing this summer?
Chand: The main project I’m currently working on is a documentary exploring the relevance of Morari Bapu, one of the most renowned reciters of the Ramcharitmanas, and the continuing significance of his teachings in today’s world.
I supported camera operations, shot composition, interviews, and cinematography, while also operating the camera when needed. The production took us across five cities in India, where we interviewed scholars, spiritual leaders, and intellectuals, and filmed at significant Hindu pilgrimage sites, including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakut, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad. The travel has been demanding—with long road trips and frequent flights—but it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.
What has been the biggest takeaway from working on the documentary?
Chand: Every interview and location has reinforced the importance of telling real stories with care and authenticity. Working with people from different backgrounds has taught me how important it is to listen, collaborate, and ensure that the voices of those being documented remain at the center of the story.
How has Emerson prepared you for this opportunity?
Chand: My first year at Emerson gave me both practical filmmaking experience and a strong foundation in documentary storytelling. In particular, Approaches in Media Studies helped me think critically about how media shapes culture and public understanding. It also introduced me to the ethics of documentary filmmaking and the collaborative workflow of a professional film production, which made it much easier to contribute on set.
What else have you been exploring this summer?
Chand: Alongside the documentary, I’m participating in the Equitech Future internship, where I’m learning about artificial intelligence and its creative applications. As someone interested in filmmaking and storytelling, I’ve enjoyed exploring how AI can support innovation, build practical digital tools, and expand creative possibilities while emphasizing ethical and responsible development.
Carmen Talavera ’29
Journalism major
Summer experience: Inaugural recipient of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Dunia Elvir Scholarship
What did it mean to be named the inaugural recipient of the NAHJ Dunia Elvir Scholarship?
Talavera: It honestly felt like a miracle. When I got the call, I couldn’t believe it and immediately broke down into happy tears. Even after the call, I kept getting emotional because I was so grateful. It felt especially meaningful because Dunia Elvir and I come from similar backgrounds and were raised in the same area. Knowing that someone believed in me and wanted to invest in my future has been incredibly motivating.
What do you think made your application stand out?
Talavera: I allowed myself to be vulnerable. I wrote about my upbringing, financially supporting myself through college, going to therapy, and other personal challenges I’ve overcome. Instead of letting those experiences define me, I focused on how they’ve shaped the person I am today. Sharing my story wasn’t easy, but it ultimately made all the difference.
What else are you doing this summer?
Talavera: Along with receiving the scholarship, I’m working as a Social Media Manager for Shift Sports, participating in the WomenX Sports Fellowship, serving on Boston Legacy FC’s street team, working at the Red Sox team store, and coaching youth soccer with Soccer Unity Project. I’ll also attend the NAHJ National Conference & Expo, where I hope to build meaningful relationships and find a mentor who can help guide my career.
How has Emerson prepared you for these opportunities?
Talavera: Emerson has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. As a transfer student from Los Angeles, stepping outside my comfort zone wasn’t always easy, but my professors and sports-focused classes helped me discover my passion for working in professional sports. Faculty members like [Communication Studies Senior Affiliated Faculty] Dr. Charles Steinberg and [Communication Studies Senior Affiliated Faculty] David Richard [MA ’01], along with my soccer coach, David Suvak, have played a major role in helping me build the confidence and skills to pursue my goals.
Ana Hernandez Paez-Puma MA ’27
Strategic Marketing Communication graduate student
Summer experience: Lead Street Team Member and Brand Ambassador, Boston Legacy FC
What are you doing this summer?
Paez-Puma: I’m working as a Lead Street Team Member and Brand Ambassador for Boston Legacy FC, representing the club at community events across Massachusetts and on match days at Centreville Bank Stadium and Gillette Stadium. My role includes engaging with fans, promoting ticket packages, supporting game-day operations, and helping grow the club’s presence in the community. I was also recently promoted to a lead position, giving me the opportunity to take on more responsibility in event management and partnerships.
What has been the most rewarding part of the experience?
Paez-Puma: Being part of a brand-new professional sports organization has been incredibly rewarding. Since joining the Street Team last fall, I’ve watched the club grow while helping introduce it to communities across Massachusetts. I’ve worked at youth soccer clinics, World Cup watch parties, parades, and tournaments, and it’s been exciting to see how authentic community engagement can help build a fan base from the ground up.
Why was this opportunity especially meaningful to you?
Paez-Puma: I grew up playing soccer in Venezuela and have been passionate about women’s soccer ever since watching the U.S. Women’s National Team win the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. When I learned Boston Legacy FC was building its Street Team, I knew I wanted to help grow women’s professional sports in one of the country’s best sports cities. Being part of the club from the beginning has been a unique experience.
How has Emerson prepared you for this role?
Paez-Puma: One of my favorite parts of being at Emerson is seeing what I learn in class translate directly to my work. I’ve had moments where an exercise we completed in class became something I used at a community event the very same week. Emerson has reinforced the importance of authentic communication, creative collaboration, and meeting people where they are—lessons that have been invaluable as we’ve worked to build meaningful connections throughout Greater Boston.