Meet Our HU Students: Alyssa Duspiva

Name: Alyssa Duspiva

Hometown: Holbrook, NY

Major(s): Journalism, BA

When you were young, what did you think you wanted to be "when you grow up?"

When I was young, I knew I wanted to be a storyteller, some sort of writer. I gave up on that dream and tried a lot of different studies in science, but it's always been there. 

What career do you hope your first job after graduate will be?

When I graduate, I want to be a reporter in a small town, or even a desk associate at a major network in New York City. Any way I can break into the industry. 

What experience have you had so far that you think is best preparing you to reach that goal?

My experiences at Hofstra have helped build me into the professional I am today! Working at the campus radio station, WRHU, helped me build my passion for journalism and led me to become News Director. That experience gave me the experience and confidence to apply for a lot of major network internships- and now I intern at CBS Radio News. Having this internship has shown me what the industry is really like, and what I can expect for myself in the future. 

What advice would you have for others who are pursuing this same career?

I would advise anyone who wants to go into the world of broadcast journalism to join Hofstra's many broadcast organizations- Hofstra TV or Hofstra Radio. Broadcast journalism is a high pressure world, but there is nothing better than producing your own story and seeing/hearing it come to fruition. 

Who at Hofstra has had the biggest positive impact on you?

Professor Joseph Peyronnin has had the biggest positive impact on me. Professor Peyronnin has a lifetime of experience in the world of broadcast journalism, and teaches real-world lessons and tricks of the trade. He has always showed respect and support towards me, and always offers his help in any way possible. He's a great man and professor, who has given me the support to follow my dream of being a producer.