[Editor's note: This is part 7 of 11 in a series of Aquinas College student profiles being published on the Aquinas website throughout the spring 2012 semester.]

“A little bit of humor goes a long way,” said sophomore Molly Huth. The former member of the AQ Improv group, In Case of Emergency, related how humor and jokes within her group of friends can always turn bad days into really good ones, no matter the circumstances.

Huth, who found Aquinas online, said that she was attracted to the strong sense of community. For her it was important to not just be a face in a classroom to professors, and not just a number on a piece of paper to admissions staff. Not having to fall into a category or being forced to fit a certain mold, like in high school, has allowed Huth to grow in the direction she wanted, instead of the direction mechanically planned for her.

Contemplating a future in broadcasting or public speaking, the communication major wants to be able to lead by example. She believes that subtlety and small impacts can result in stronger, more welcomed, changes. Huth would like to somehow incorporate youth ministry and her beliefs into her future. She wants to share her story and experiences with others while being a positive role model.

"With AQ, it’s definitely allowed me to expand on my horizons and to get away from that box, and step outside my comfort zone in having to take the initiative to introduce myself, “ she said, “because I am a shy person.”

Getting involved with people, whether through Improv or other student groups and organizations, has helped Huth break outside of her shell. “I love the group of people that are involved with it and it’s just so much fun," she said discussing her involvement with AQ L.I.G.H.T., a group of students who plan and present retreats for high school and middle school students.

Having done a year of Improv, and having had to put herself “out there” on Improv nights at the Moose Café, Huth believes that staying engaged with the community is very important, “…it motivates you to step outside that comfort zone. And outside that comfort zone it’s actually pretty safe and comfortable.” She knows how nerves can cause students to shy away from being outgoing, and remembers all too well her nervousness during freshmen orientation. She says that she took comfort in knowing that everyone else was in the same boat, and that they were all pushed to interact with each other.

Admitting that finding her niche right away was a bit of a struggle, Huth, who is from Fostoria, Ohio, found friends in other out-of-state students who stayed on campus on the weekends. Having now found her place, Huth said that she is more able to enjoy the location of Aquinas. Coming from a predominately rural and small community, the close proximity to the Grand Rapids downtown area is a welcome convenience that isn’t too overwhelming when she steps off campus.

Coupling communication with her theology minor has been quite an adventure. Coming from a small Catholic high school (her graduating class was made up of 35 students), Huth has found that she loves the inter-faith dialogue and debate that she has found at Aquinas. “Everyone is so open-minded and I like that,” Huth said.

"She has an attentive presence that is welcomed, and gets all A's in her assignments and exams,” said AQ theology professor, Dr. Robert Marko. “I believe that she will be able to make a contribution in the future to both society and the church as she combines both her communication and theology interests."