Final advice from our OCC senior consultants
May 14, 2026
By Madeline Seck
As graduation approaches our graduating seniors shared their favorite memories from working at the OCC, the communication skills they plan to carry into their careers and their biggest advice for students looking to improve their public speaking.
Elise Chang
26’, from Towson Md.
Communications major and Asian American Studies minor
Post grad Chang will be a business management analyst for Northrop Grumman in late July. Chang has been with the OCC since her sophomore year in 2023, serving as a tutor, mentor and team lead.
What public speaking skill that you applied from the OCC that you are going to take with you?
“Being a part of the OCC improved my confidence and how I carry myself. There are lots of opportunities for leadership. I always tell the newer members there is a lot of room to make mistakes. It feels like I had so much exposure to public speaking opportunities, whether that was with class visits or workshopping. Lots of different interdisciplinary topics covered to the point where you just get really comfortable, standing in front of people presenting or just taking on a guiding role for others.”
What was your favorite part of working with the OCC?
“The sense of community. We always had that connection and would work together in other classes, something to ground us all.”
What is your biggest public speaking advice that you can give to people who want to improve their skills?“Active and empathetic listening. In communication we always emphasize our strength in speaking, but listening to others to get to the root of what they need help with is a game changer. It makes it easier to help people in terms of guiding or being a good leader. Take every opportunity that comes your way that can help with personal growth, academic or professionally. Don’t shy away from it, if the door opens, absolutely go through it, take that opportunity, take that chance and immerse yourself in it.”
Lindsey Miller
26’, Communications major and business minor
What was your favorite part of working with the OCC and what is one thing you're going to miss?
“I loved doing workshop events, they were very effective for students and to work with different departments or organizations that are working toward different causes. For example, I got to work with the American Marketing Association and help them develop their skills in sales pitching… Terp Thon, I was able to help them with their [canned food drive], going around to different people and asking for donations. Asking for money can be hard. We were able to help them break the ice.”
What is your biggest public speaking advice that you can give to people who want to improve their skills?
“Be confident with your work. Sometimes people have all the information they need in their speech, telling them that they are the expert and allowing them to know that their to one’s teaching their class. Confidence is something that carries on past the OCC.”
Faizan Chan
26’, Communications major
What was your favorite part of working with the OCC and what is one thing you're going to miss?
“Being able to help others and give back. During my time as a student at Montgomery College, I’ve grown to love public speaking and presentations. That was thanks to professors and even friends who tutored me as well. It was really rewarding. I will miss all of our hard work, our dedication, communion (no pun intended) and tutoring as well.”
What is your best public speaking advice?
“Embrace the pause. When students pause, they think it's awkward and try to replace the pause with a filler word. View it as a transition.”
Jayne Samborn
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Post grad, Samborn is starting a business helping college students develop their professional skills and build a network they need to succeed in their careers.
What was your favorite part of working with the OCC and what is one thing you're going to miss?
“I really liked meeting with people and getting to help them in all sorts of different topics. I am going to miss all the people. It's such a great community, environment and atmosphere. I always look forward to coming everyday this semester.”
What is your best public speaking advice?
“Take a breath whenever you need. People think a pause is going to make a big difference, but it gives the audience time to take in what you're saying and give you time to catch your breath and collect yourself before you keep moving.”
Congratulations to our Oral Communication Spring 2026 graduates! Thank you for the time that you served being a part as a mentor, tutor and working on the OCC.