#commtogether | Moody College of Communication Week 2019

April 5

#COMMTOGETHER Moody College of Communication Week

MOODY SENIORS :

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Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but I like to think that it provides us with an opportunity to look forward and be excited for what’s coming next. Regardless of where you’re headed after graduation, I hope you will take a moment to congratulate yourself for the incredible amount of growth you’ve shown these past few years. Your hard work, resilience, and ambition paved the path for your accomplishments at this great institution, and you’re about to earn a degree that’ll pave the way for achieving your dreams. Be proud of that.

In this special issue, Moody Magazine spotlights a few of Moody’s graduating seniors who wanted to share their thoughts and reflections on their time in Moody and UT as a whole. I hope you’ll find value in what they have to say.

Sincerely,

Alexa Chung Editor-in-Chief

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MOODY SENIORS

JESSICA MENDEZ ADVERTISING AUSTIN, TX What UT tradition will you miss most?

I definitely will miss the football games from the student section.

Which Moody class was your favorite?

I would have to say either Art Director’s Seminar with Sean Lebounty or Intro to Creative with Chad Rea. Of your time on the Forty Acres, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

One of my biggest accomplishments was getting into Texas Creative and seeing the growth in my work just in the last year.

What piece of advice would you give to an incoming Moody student?

Be a sponge and absorb everything around you, especially the different things you’re learning in all of your different classes, go to local shows, art exhibits, get to know the city. You never know when that knowledge will come back and help you. I also would highly advice to not take yourself too seriously, everyone is equally struggling one way or another, so enjoy your time on campus, make friends, study abroad, join different orgs (definitely join TAG), eat lots of of Dirty Martin’s, and really just make the most of your time here.

What are you looking forward to post-grad?

I am really looking forward to my move to Los Angeles this summer! I think my favorite part of advertising is the fact that there are agencies in all of the big cities, so I look forward to the fun places I will be able to be in because of this field.

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MOODY SENIORS

BAILEY SWARD ADVERTISING DALLAS, TX What UT tradition will you miss most?

I will miss home football games and staying eyes to eyes.

Which Moody class was your favorite?

Psychology of Advertising with Kahlor Of your time on the Forty Acres, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

As Communication Council President, I have advocated on behalf of Moody students at every chance I have gotten. I wouldn’t change that for the world.

What piece of advice would you give to an incoming Moody student?

Join an organization! It makes the University feel a lot smaller.

What are you looking forward to post-grad?

I’m looking forward to moving and exploring a whole new city.

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MOODY SENIORS

DANA HAVLIN ADVERTISING AUSTIN, TX What UT tradition will you miss most?

I love singing Texas Fight at every sporting event. It plays probably at least 10 times every game and once you know the words, it’s impossible not to sing along. My friends and I even worked on translating the song into American Sign Language.

Which Moody class was your favorite?

My very first semester at UT as a first-year, I took Dean Bernstein’s course called Intro to Deaf Culture. It opened my eyes to a world of language and community that I wasn’t previously aware of. He inspired me to take American Sign Language classes and now I’m deeply involved in the Austin Deaf community.

Of your time on the Forty Acres, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

The summer after my first year, I decided that my current major wasn’t the right choice for me. It was so difficult because I didn’t know where I was supposed to be, I only knew that my current major was not right. Looking back, I’m so proud of myself for seeking out all of the resources available to me. I met with Deans, career counselors in Moody and elsewhere on campus, I sought out mentors, and eventually landed in the advertising program. It was one of the first times in my life where I took control of my future myself, and didn’t let other people dictate what they thought was best for me.

What piece of advice would you give to an incoming Moody student?

Any incoming Moody student needs to go to Career Services ASAP! They will give you so much insight and wisdom, you’ll be ten steps ahead of your peers.

I would also recommend that you start getting internships now. I didn’t get my first internship until my second year and I wish I had used all of that time my first year to get valuable industry knowledge.

What are you looking forward to post-grad?

I can’t wait to start my career at Facebook in a brand new city. I’ve never lived anywhere besides Austin, and I’m so excited to explore Chicago and make it the launch site for my career! I hope to someday start a company of my own and grow it from an idea to a thriving business.

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MOODY SENIORS

LYDIA MEDHANIE CORPORATE COMMUNICATION PLANO, TX What UT tradition will you miss most?

Definitely Taco Tuesdays/Thursdays at Tiffany’s Tacos.

Which Moody class was your favorite?

Psychology of Advertising or Language, Communication, and Culture of Hip-Hop. Of your time on the Forty Acres, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

Raising ~$10,000 for the #MoodyAbroad Scholarship….of course with the help of Communication Council.

What piece of advice would you give to an incoming Moody student?

Apply yourself and apply for jobs/internships/assistantships even if you think you are not qualified or don’t meet all the requirements. You are MORE than qualified and you should not let a few qualifications deter you from a new opportunity.

What are you looking forward to post-grad?

Being freed from the shackles of academia…until I possibly go to grad school.

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MOODY SENIORS

EMILY ROGERS COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP HOUSTON, TX What UT tradition will you miss most?

Attending the UT football games! I went to the majority of them throughout college and it was one of my favorite experiences. I loved the energy, the crowds, and the spirit. Plus, it was always fun when the horns won!

Which Moody class was your favorite?

Which Moody class was your favorite?

Seminar for Communication and Leadership. This class was the more advanced version of the intro to my major and we learned a lot of practical skills and information. We got to read a lot of case studies and hear real life leaders’ experiences in their careers. I also met some of my best friends in that class and it was taught by one of my favorite professors, Dr. Drumwright.

Of your time on the Forty Acres, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

Getting the be a part of the development of the Communication and Leadership degree and club. I founded the club with two other amazing people (Jillian Moore and Katie Cox), and it’s been amazing to see how significant this major is becoming. We’re getting new members in our club constantly and the impact is growing. More and more people are learning about this awesome major and it’s creating some ethical and empowered leaders out there.

What piece of advice would you give to an incoming Moody student?

Get to know your professors! All the Moody professors I’ve talked to and gotten to know are wonderful people who want you to succeed. They have lots of advice and wisdom! A general piece of advice for any incoming students is to remember to take care of yourself. College can be very stressful, and it’s important to not get wrapped up in the “college culture” of no sleep or not taking care of your needs. One last piece of advice is to get involved! Join some kind of organization to meet new people and pursue something you’re passionate about.

What are you looking forward to post-grad?

Definitely not having exams and the constant stress of school on your mind. I’m looking forward to working full time and getting to apply all that I’ve learned into the real world!

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