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SENIOR PROFILE: A journey of pivoting and persistence

Phillip Campbell

Growing up in Greenville, Phillip Campbell had a clear vision for his future.

A dual-sport athlete with a passion for both football and basketball, his early aspirations centered on becoming a mechanical engineer. Throughout high school, Campbell was focused on his studies and honing his skills as an athlete.

But in 2020, everything changed.

Like many others, he found his world turned upside down when COVID-19 brought sports and life as he knew it to a halt. In the midst of this uncertainty, Phillip’s grandmother posed a question that would alter the course of his life.

She asked, “You love fixing things and building stuff for engineering, but you also love sports and talking about them. Would you rather do something you love, or something you just like?”

Phillip, after reflecting on the question, realized his true passion lay not in engineering but in communicating about the sport he loved. By the time he was a senior in high school, Campbell made the bold decision to pursue a career in communications instead of mechanical engineering.

The shift required a major adjustment, not only in his academic path but also in his college choices. His initial list included top-tier institutions like Georgia Tech and South Carolina State, where he hoped to study engineering.

But with his newfound focus on communications, Phillip needed to rethink his options. He soon discovered that Coastal Carolina had recently launched a program in sports communications, an ideal fit for his interests.

However, his father had a different perspective: “Whatever school is cheapest, that’s the school you’re going to.”

His mother, too, had a suggestion: “Why don’t you apply to »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓ?”

Phillip had never heard of »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓand his first thought was, “Where is that?” His mother explained that it is in Orangeburg and he decided to apply.

After touring both »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓand Morris College, Phillip felt more at home at Claflin. The university’s Mass Communications Department, in particular, stood out to him. Despite the positive start, Phillip’s journey at »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓwas not without its challenges.

Early in his college years, he faced a significant personal setback when his grandfather passed away. The loss hit Phillip hard, and for a time, it caused him to lose focus on his studies, spiraling into a period of depression. But with time and support, he was able to regain his sense of purpose and determination.

Phillip’s academic journey was delayed, and he realized that his original plan to graduate in the spring of 2025 would have to be pushed back to December 2025. Although the setback was difficult, Phillip now sees it as a blessing in disguise.

“Everything happens for a reason,” he said.

His experience at »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓhas led him to invaluable opportunities, such as his internship at WSSB, Orangeburg’s radio station. During his internship, he developed skills that are crucial for his future career.

Thanks to his hard work at the station, the ESPN branch in Orangeburg reached out with an exciting opportunity. They asked him to cover high school football games, interviewing coaches and capturing B-roll footage, all to be featured on ESPN’s Orangeburg website.

Phillip acknowledges that without the struggles he faced, he may never have been presented with such an opportunity. Looking ahead, he is excited about the future and grateful for the support he’s received from »¨¶¼Ó°ÊÓ and the community in Orangeburg.

Though his path has had its ups and downs, Phillip remains optimistic and ready for whatever comes next.