Fig & Vine Senior Profile: Shoshana Medved

Fig & Vine would like to highlight and congratulate one of our recent graduates, Shoshana Medved! Earning a degree in Communications complemented by an English minor, and a Business Communications minor, and a certification in Technology Management, Shoshana is leaving UCSB with likely the best communication skills possible for a twenty-something who went to high school during COVID!

I had the pleasure of getting to know Shoshana this past year through the Jewish social grapevine, and was part of Shoshana’s Hillel book club last quarter, discussing all things supernatural and Jewish. After talking to Shoshana post-graduation, she shares that “the cliché is true – four years really does fly by!” 

Coming from a Modern Orthodox background, Shoshana says that Judaism “has always been something that's been important in my life and always something that's been meaningful to me.” Senior year was Shoshana’s most involved year in UCSB’s Jewish community, reflecting that it was “a phenomenal way to deepen the connections I really love.” Some of her favorite Jewish memories in college are celebrating the holidays at Hillel and Chabad. Of her favorite holidays, she says, “the P’s really have me, Purim and Passover, but I also love Shabbat.” Her Purim costume this year was the Disney princess Belle, who was her favorite as a child. I’d expect nothing less from an avid reader!

Outside of classes and Jewish events, Shoshana has made meaningful contributions to UCSB campus life. She served as a Residential Assistant for two years in San Rafael dorms,  becoming very involved in the Residential Housing Association. She was also involved in the National Residence Hall Honorary all four years, focused on community service. And don’t try to mess with Shoshana – she has been a kickboxing coach at the Recreation Center for two years.

Shoshana’s path in communications started early on: “I once created this 8-page book about horses. That was a spark for my love for reading and writing.” Her love of reading and writing lays a solid foundation for pursuing a career in another passion: entertainment marketing. As she prepares for a move to Los Angeles, she feels that “the world is just opening up.” She looks forward to seizing every opportunity and seeing where it takes her. Shoshana is well on her way to flourishing in the entertainment marketing industry, with experiences interning for Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios during her time in college. You may have even seen some of her promotions of the new “How to Train Your Dragon” movie, or attended one of her movie screenings as part of her Campus Marketing internship with Universal. 

“Marketing is a great way to bridge writing and a love for community building,” Shoshana says. “Your job is to tell stories for a company, which I love.” I asked her about some of her own favorite movies and television shows, and recommendations, and she took the opportunity to plug “How to Train Your Dragon.” She also loves a good sitcom! 

During her time at Fig & Vine, Shoshana’s favorite book review was her first, “When the Angels Left the Old Country.” “I wish I had this book growing up, seeing teenagers saving the world, and they are Jewish and celebrating Shabbat.” This is the book that Shoshana turned into a book club during spring quarter at Hillel. We chatted about Jewish mystical beings over rainbow Challah baking, Hillel lounging, and enjoying sunshine in the park. I highly recommend checking out the book for some mystical fun and lots of Yiddish, and looking back at all of Shoshana’s thoughtful reviews. 

While Shoshana is eager to take advantage of all that post-graduation life has to offer, she will really miss UCSB, particularly living so close to the beach and, even more so, the people. “I feel like UCSB is just a special place where everyone just wants to support each other, and I’m so grateful for everyone.” As she reflects on college life, she says, “for those who are part of the Jewish community at UCSB, soak up every opportunity, this is a very special place.” And for those who are taking the time to slow down this summer and rot in bed, Shoshana advises to “go rot in bed with a Jewish book! There are lots of great recommendations in Fig & Vine.”

Shoshana, we look forward to hearing all of the stories you have to share, and wish you the best in career and in life. The Fig & Vine community will miss you dearly, but we are so grateful to be a part of your story!