Emerging Media Narrative

5 years ago when I started as an undergraduate student at the University of Georgia, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to pursue. I had so many different interests — entertainment media, design, development, digital marketing, business, etc, but no clear path or direction I wanted to go in. I was so unsure of what career to pursue that I decided to go visit the Career Center one day. This is where I was first introduced to the New Media Institute and the vast range of classes they offered. Here was a program in Grady College that covered brought together all of my interests while equipping me with practical, standout skills for the job market. Not to be dramatic, but choosing to pursue the New Media Certificate ended up changing the entire trajectory of my career (and my life).

After a few semesters of taking NMI courses, I decided during my sophomore year to apply for the Double Dawgs program and officially begin my journey in the Emerging Media Master’s program. I’ll be honest, I was kind of terrified to take this next step because the classes seemed a bit more challenging (Native App Development & Advanced Web Dev, I’m looking at you) and I really wasn’t sure if I would be capable enough to conquer them. However, I’m so so glad I made the decision to pursue the Masters because it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.

When I started the program, my professional goals were to learn new key skills such as web & app development, UX/UI design, brand strategy, etc, but also grow into a capable industry professional. At the time, I knew close to nothing about building a strong resume, networking effectively, creating a portfolio, or navigating interviews. I just really wanted to become a well rounded industry professional. Looking back now, I can confidently say that the Emerging Media program delivered on all of that and more. Through my classes and the hands-on projects in each one, I’ve developed a wide range of skills that have pushed me closer to both my professional and personal goals.

If I’m reflecting on my EM journey, it wouldn’t be complete without recognizing my Advanced Web Development and Native App Development professor, Emuel. I had the privilege of being his student during his final year teaching at the NMI, and it’s something I’ll always value. As I mentioned before, I was the most intimidated to take these 2 class in my EM journey and I’m not sure I would’ve done as well I did in them without Emuel teaching. On the last day of App Development (also Emuel’s last day teaching) I had asked him a question about my final project that stumped the both of us. Neither of us could figure out the solution, but Emuel spent the entire class period trying to figure out the issue. When class time ran out, he even stayed back an extra 15 minutes determined to find a solution, saying, “I can’t end my last day on this note.” It was such a small moment, but I’ll always remember his resilience and kindness. Through his actions, he showed me what it means to give your full effort, to pursue work you genuinely care about, and to lead with patience and kindness.

Lastly, beyond the coursework itself, one of the most meaningful things I’ve taken away from this program is the realization that I’m far more capable than I once believed. Balancing my last year with EM and the start of a full-time job wasn’t easy, and there were definitely some moments where I genuinely questioned whether I could handle it all. But, looking back now, from a shy and uncertain freshman to where I stand today, I can’t help but feel proud of how far I’ve come! Every time things got challenging, I pushed through, proving to myself that I’m more resilient and adaptable than I gave myself credit for. This program has challenged and pushed me in so many ways, and for that I will always be grateful. The New Media Institute and the professors have truly changed my life and without the certificate or Master’s program, I really don’t know what career I would be pursuing right now. So thank you to the NMI for giving me skills I never knew I could develop, introducing me to a career I didn’t even know existed, a group of great friends and classmates, and teaching me lessons that go far beyond the classroom. But most importantly, thank you for helping me build a stronger sense of who I am and what I’m capable of :)