John Cannizzo, sophomore communication major, does not have an exact answer for what he intends to do with a communication degree. However, he explained that he is finding inspiration at Trinity University. Cannizzo said that coming to Trinity offered him an opportunity to better himself. He said that he wants to understand himself and others better.
“You get to change overnight,” Cannizzo said. “I came in, and it was rough making friends. Bearing upon the responsibility of all these classes, and the overall college life was really constructive for me to gradually transition to that place where I could be that person.”
He said that sometimes he feels it’s hard to trust people. However, he explained that the first step is establishing a connection with people to discover the value of the relationship.
“As I’ve gotten more social I’ve done less of the talking when I’m around people — I’ve done more listening. I’ve seen more than ever that if you are really willing to listen to people, then you will get to hear the truth about them,” Cannizzo said.
He explained that when people get ignored, the feeling leads to depression and anxiety. Cannizzo said that communication prevents such feelings.
“But you can be that change,” Cannizzo said. “You can be the person who really keeps your ear out and listens to people and tends to them when they need it.”
To better himself, Cannizzo said that he practices building habits. He maintains a schedule of reading 30 minutes before bed every night, and he values quality over quantity with regards to the books he reads. Cannizzo recommends Rick Rubin’s book “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” to others.
“You can also communicate in this sort of visual medium of a book, or a movie or a song — it transcends talking; it transcends conversations and it goes beyond that into art,” Cannizzo said. “[The book] does a great job of touching on the spiritual aspect of creativity in a way that not many people do.”
Cannizzo said that he values creativity with regard to self-development. He expresses his creativity through playing guitar for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) or producing packages for TigerTV’s Newswave. He explained that his creativity led him to become a communication major.
“I’ve wanted to find some way to say what I knew I felt but did not know how to articulate. I think there is power in that,” Cannizzo said. “I think there is nothing more valuable to me, as a Trinity student, than face-to-face human connection. That is what I want to hone in on while I’m here.”
Cannizzo said that he believes a building block of life is communication. He said that conversation between conflicting perspectives can help the world become a better place.
“I don’t want to tell the truth in a way that is complacent or self-satisfying. I want to say the stuff that I know should be said for the betterment of the people around me,” Cannizzo said. “The truth is the only force that can wake you up into the arms of a better future.”
