by Remani Fogle, Communication Major
Layah Hodges is a graduating senior at Bellarmine University who aspires to make the community better.
Hodges, a double major in Communication and Design, Arts, and Technology (also known as DAT), is beginning her Master of Science in Digital Media.
Her 鈥減assion for storytelling鈥� was one of the reasons she chose this route for graduate school, according to Hodges.
Communication has also always been her passion, as with this degree, she can learn how to reach others, speak in front of large crowds, and make an impact.
According to Hodges, helping people who look like her and who have come from situations like hers is her prime goal.
After moving to Louisville from Cleveland, Hodges enrolled at Jefferson Community & Technical College to earn her associate degree.
Once here, she worked at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, where she served as an instructor in the organization鈥檚 nature-based summer camps. While at JCTC, she was one of two student regents for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents, serving as a voice for students.
After two years, Hodges transferred to Bellarmine, joining multiple organizations, including Bellarmine Society, TEDxBellarmineU, BU Leads general body, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
In those organizations, she gave her advice to those who needed it. She listened to others' concerns and made it her goal to help them.
鈥淚 love mentoring,鈥� said Hodges. 鈥淚 love sharing my experiences with others.鈥�
As a member of the Bellarmine Society, an organization of Bellarmine鈥檚 student leaders who collaborate to improve the student experience, Hodges was able to be the voice of transfer students and has worked to enhance their experience at the university.
According to Hodges, having those communication skills has been helpful in her finding her place in the community, both at Bellarmine and beyond. She has worked with multiple leaders on campus and has made an impact on the campus environment.
鈥淚鈥檓 most excited for exploring career prospects, figuring out how I want to use my degree to my advantage,鈥� said Hodges.
With a voice for those around her, a passion for storytelling, and a love for advocacy, Hodges is ready to start her graduate career and her future beyond. Grateful for those around her who have helped her grow, Hodges hopes to return the favor to those who need it.
鈥淭rust in your path at Bellarmine, even if it isn鈥檛 the most linear,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing able to do what鈥檚 for you is what matters the most.鈥�
Meet more of our Great Grads from the Class of 2026 and get all the details on our 73rd annual Commencement.