How an Accelerated Communication Pathway Led to Two Degrees Before the Age of 21
A self-described “townie,” Hope Trampski grew up surrounded by the Purdue community. Her father works for Purdue’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP), where Hope works part time as an intern in the CyberTAP space, and both her parents are alumni. Born near Washington, D.C., she and her family eventually moved to West Lafayette, where she attended Harrison High School and took advantage of the school's extensive dual-credit courses, earning around 30 college credits before graduating from high school in 2023. This December she will graduate from the College of Liberal Arts with a degree in communication.
Her high school credits, along with extra classes during the summer and winter sessions, set Hope up to fast-track her degree with Purdue’s Degree in 3 program. And by next May, Hope will not only have her B.A. in Communication, but also her M.S. through Purdue’s BA + MS in Communication program, which allows communication students to take up to 12 graduate credits before completing their bachelor’s degree. When asked how she stays motivated, her answer was simple: “I’d be disappointed in myself if I didn’t try. And the trying has paid off!” she laughed.
With a lifelong ambition of earning a Ph.D. and entering higher education, Hope plans to spend the spring semester finishing her master’s degree online, which she could immediately apply if she chooses to enter the public relations field—ideally within the publishing industry. She also plans to pursue an additional master’s degree in English or Literature starting next fall to help her achieve her long-term academic goals.
Outside the classroom, Hope has been involved in clubs like PRSSA, where she served on the Social Media Committee for a year, the Association for Women in Communications, and the Liberal Arts Student Council. In addition to her work for CyberTAP where she helps manage their social media accounts and writes blog content, she works as a barista at Ghost Coffee. Balancing an accelerated academic workload with extracurricular commitments hasn’t been easy, but she says the support she’s found within the College of Liberal Arts has made all the difference. “Everyone is so kind and willing to help,” she said. “It’s a big college, but it still feels small.”
Hope’s time with the College of Liberal Arts has led her to places she’d only ever dreamed of. Last summer, she spent several weeks studying abroad in Stockholm, Sweden with Dr. Evan Perrault from the Brian Lamb School of Communication. “It was by far my favorite thing I’ve done while at Purdue,” she said. “I think every single student should study abroad if they can.” With three-day weekends built into the program, she spent her free time traveling across Europe and visiting bucket-list destinations, like Paris.
As she prepares for graduation and looks toward the future, Hope is grateful for the opportunities she’s had. Her advice to future CLA Boilermakers? “There’s nothing to be scared of. College is what you make it. Dive in headfirst, and you’ll be fine.”