If you had told me I would be the Editor-in-Chief at The Reflector someday as a second-semester freshman staff writer in the spring of 2023, I would have told you, “No chance.”
I began my college career as a business major with a minor in religion, with the aspiration to become a pastor, before switching to a communication major after two weeks of an accounting class. After taking all the religion courses I wanted and realizing religious ministry was not my calling, I switched my minor to creative writing, which allowed me to develop as a storyteller and enhanced my communication skills.
In the fall of 2023, I had the opportunity to study abroad for the semester at the University of Stirling in Scotland, where I took courses in media studies and industries, philosophy and Scottish history. When I heard that the UIndy Study Abroad office had a partnership with Stirling, about 40 minutes outside my mom’s family in Glasgow, I jumped at the opportunity without hesitation.
As a first-generation American, I very much take pride in my Scottish heritage because it is a large part of my identity. My mom and grandparents moved to America from Glasgow in 1986, and almost all of my mom’s family still lives across the pond. My time studying abroad allowed me to not only continue my education, but to spend more time with my Scottish family, to live on my own for the first time during the week at Stirling in my flat, to live with my family members on the weekends, and to meet and spend time with family I have never met before. All of my family members were amazing and treated me as one of their own, allowing me to indulge in Scottish culture. They took me all around my mom’s home country to explore famous Scottish monuments and landmarks, restaurants and pubs, “football” games at Celtic Park and to my mom’s stomping grounds where she grew up, teaching me what it means to be a “true Scot.”
Throughout my time at UIndy, I have made it a mission to gain experience in every area possible to grow as a well-rounded individual. As I learned from Associate Professor of Communication Darryl Clark, “It is good to know a little bit about a lot of things and to know a lot about one thing.”
I have taken a wide range of courses, including business, communication, religion, creative writing, screenwriting, the foundations of applied radio and television, journalism and TV. Additionally, I assisted with “Good Morning Greyhounds” productions, went on-air for UIndy Radio, operated hero and game cameras for UINDY-TV football, basketball and volleyball games, and directed a UIndy men’s basketball game.
Over the past year, I have served as the Feature Editor, Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Reflector, having spent one semester in each role, climbing up the ladder. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me, as I have gotten to cover some heartwarming features and important news stories to inform the campus community. I want to especially thank my classmates and co-workers who have challenged me and made me a stronger person, through both the ups and downs of being a college student. Also, if it were not for the previous Editors-in-Chief, Mia Lehmkuhl and Luke Cooper, I would not be where I am today.
During my time working at The Reflector, I have also graduated from news channel WISH-TV 8’s Multicultural Media Producing Program, become a Nu Xi Chapter Member of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, and I have been a script reader and award nominator for national and international short scripts and TV pilots for the film festival co-directors at Days of the Dead, an international horror film festival and convention.
I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have been given during my time as a Greyhound, and I would not be where I am if it were not for my family, friends, classmates and wonderful professors who have challenged me academically, always pushing me to strive for excellence. I am beyond ecstatic to walk across the stage in just a few weeks, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for UIndy.
My next adventure is on the horizon, as I have been accepted into Emerson College’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Film and Television program beginning this fall. I cannot wait to meet my new cohort of 34-36 students in the Boston Theater District and in Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, learn from professional screenwriters and producers in the film and TV industry to grow as a writer alongside my classmates, and push toward my dream of becoming a professional screenwriter.
My advice to every Greyhound is never let the words of others diminish your confidence and character, and always believe in yourself. Never let a “no” define you, and work toward the best individual you can be, never settling for less than you deserve. You have whatever it takes to succeed in anything that lies ahead of you, and you just need to take advantage of all the resources available at UIndy to get you there. I believe in you! Now is your time to believe in yourself and reach for the stars.
