When Brian Farrell joined the campus radio station, WQAQ, he never imagined they'd put him on the air just two weeks into his freshman year.

A broadcast journalism major from York Beach, Maine, Farrell is grateful for the opportunity to have hands-on experience in his career field right away. "I was shocked when I got here," he says. "That was a big bonus, to get so much experience so quickly."

His radio show, "The Grateful Dead Radio Hour," runs from 11-12 p.m. on Saturday nights. Farrell loves having the chance to play music on-air from his favorite band. He also covers Quinnipiac women's volleyball and ice hockey games for the station, providing color commentary. "I love every second of it. It's been great," he says.

It's not his first time behind a microphone. During his senior year of high school, Farrell participated in a job-shadowing program with a radio announcer for the Portland Pirates, a minor league hockey team in Maine. The announcer was Greg Glynn '04, a graduate of Quinnipiac's mass communications program.

Farrell also considered Syracuse University and Boston University, but Quinnipiac was the best fit. He likes the size of the campus along with its proximity to New Haven, where he's already gone to see live music. He also took the train to New York to take in a Yankees game on his birthday.

In the classroom, Farrell says he's particularly enjoying his Introduction to Media Studies course with Professor Vanc, who is originally from Romania. He likes the different cultural perspective that she brings to class. "I love it. It's something new," he says.

Farrell says adjusting to a different class schedule has been challenging. In high school, his school day was over by 2 p.m. Now, there are days when he's in class until late in the afternoon. But his academic strategy hasn't changed: hard work pays off.

It's the same philosophy he lived by as a high school cross country and track runner. When Farrell first started racing as a high school freshman, he says his times weren't great. But by senior year, he was regularly placing in the top three in his events--the 200m, 400m, 800m and relay races--thanks to a dedicated training schedule and guidance from his coach.

When he's not on the air or in class, Farrell enjoys playing intramural volleyball and cheering on the Bobcats at ice hockey games.

"I'm glad I ended up here," he says.