By: Marilin Argueta-Osorio

We had the chance to learn more about Senior Jacob Singleton who is excited to graduate in the Spring of 2025! Currently, Jacob is working hard on their capstone project. Alongside their MCS major, Jacob is pursuing Computer Science as a minor. At the moment, they don’t have any solid plans after graduation but they hope to continue working in digital accessibility. Jacob’s passion for the future is to make websites and videos accessible to everyone!

Q: Why did you choose Media and Communication Studies as your major?

At first, I was majoring in Computer Science, but after I took MCS 222 for the GEP credit I found it so fascinating that I had to change majors. One part of the course I really liked was learning about the concept of time-biased and space-biased media, and how the characteristics of the medium can be as important or more important than the message it carries. I liked how different of a lens this was to my Computer Science perspective, and I loved that it could provide an understanding about the world and society that Computer Science just doesn’t.

Q: What is one skill you have gotten to learn and use through one of the MCS elective courses? (Examples: videography, social media management, curating blogs, etc)

In MCS 355 I really liked creating a social media strategic marketing plan for a local environmental group! A local interfaith center where I live has a “Green Team,” that does environmental education and advocacy, waste-reduction, and stormwater management. They are doing so many cool things, but they don't have an active social media account to bring in new volunteers and brag about their accomplishments. My plan had them expand their efforts to use social media to educate about native plants and animals, advertise upcoming events and speakers, and highlight past successes.

Q: What has been your favorite MCS course? At what moment did you realize that you really enjoyed the class? 

My favorite class was MCS 101: Media Literacy! For my final paper, I looked into the history of accessibility technology. This was the first time I made the connection between MCS and accessibility. I’d recently become interested in it when I watched a TV show with really excellent captions right after a different show with mediocre captions. I realized that these captions were something that people had put a lot of effort into and that served to help others. 

Q: Is there any particular project or skill that you learned that made you fond of the class?

Another part of the class I loved was learning to use Photoshop in the Lab section and flexing my design muscles. Prior to MCS 101, I hadn’t done any digital design, and it was super cool to unlock a new skill I enjoyed.

Q: Are you interested in traveling? If not, what is your favorite place to explore in Maryland?

Not really, I like Maryland a lot! One place in particular I like is the Patapsco Valley State Park. I’ve had a lot of fun walking and kayaking there with my family.

Q: What hobbies do you have and how did you get into them? I also remember you like coding, what do you program?

In addition to the walking and kayaking I mentioned, I still have a passion for Computer Science and coding, so I like to do programming projects in my free time. They all tend to be smaller add-ons to larger pieces of software, like web browser extensions to make certain sites easier to use.

Q: Do you have a current MCS-related internship or job, if so what is it like?

This past summer I had an internship with UMBC’s Division of Information Technology in the Office of Instructional Technology! I got to learn more about what goes into making college courses accessible, and I got to help UMBC move toward being a more accessible university. I really had a great time and I hope I can have more experiences like it in the future!

Q: How have your MCS courses helped you with your internship? 

MCS 101 helped me think about accessibility on the level of different digital mediums and their affordances toward accessibility. My knowledge of the history of captioning technology ended up serving me well during my summer internship.

Q: Can you tell us about your capstone research project, what question are you researching? Why was that subject interesting to you?

For my capstone project, I’m going to analyze and compare the community structures of music metadata crowdsourcing communities like Musicbrainz and Discogs. I find projects like these really interesting because I myself have contributed to Musicbrainz and I want to learn more about what makes it “tick” from a media and community perspective.

Q: Is there anything fun you’d like us to know about you?

I also like reading science-fiction and fantasy books! I just read Upgrade by Blake Crouch, which was a real fun read.

Q: If you could give an incoming MCS freshman advice, what would it be?

To incoming MCS students, I would say pay attention in MCS 333! It can seem a little abstract at first but it really is the foundation for the rest of the upper-level classes.

By: Ellen Kim

Photo Credit: Alayna Williams

1. Introduce yourself

My name is Mily Pineda Rivera, and I am currently a first-generation student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I am in my senior year, pursuing a degree in Media and Communication Studies. Throughout my time at UMBC, I have gained a deep passion for understanding the dynamic role that media and communication play in shaping society. As a first-generation college student, this journey has been both challenging and rewarding, motivating me to work hard and embrace opportunities for growth. I am excited to continue exploring the field of media and communication as I approach the final stages of my academic career.

1. What inspired you to choose MCS as your major? Would you switch it for a different major?

I was originally a biology student, but everything changed when I took my first communication course.  I was fascinated by the broadness of the field, from the theories behind media to how communication shapes society and individual lives.. If I had the chance to go back, I wouldn't change my decision to pursue Media and Communication Studies, but I would definitely consider adding speech as part of my major to further enhance my communication skills and broaden my knowledge in the field, especially considering my interest now in Speech Language Pathology.

1. Did you ever have moments of doubt or thoughts that MCS might not be the right path for you? How did you overcome this?

I never really had moments of doubt about choosing Media and Communication Studies because, from the start, I felt it was the right path for me. When I considered the various directions I could take within the field, I realized how broad and versatile it is, and that made me feel confident in my choice. The potential to work in different industries and explore topics I’m passionate about reassured me that I was heading in the right direction. Instead of feeling uncertain, I embraced the excitement of all the opportunities MCS offers and stayed focused on growing my knowledge and skills.

1. Outside of your major, what are some things that make up your identity or that you are 

proud of?

 Outside of my major, there are a few things that really shape who I am. One of them is my love for traveling, exploring new places and cultures is something that brings me a lot of joy. I also enjoy capturing those experiences through a lens, whether it’s a picture or a video, as it allows me to share the world from my perspective. Additionally, I find fulfillment in helping others, and I hope that in the future, I can find a way to incorporate all of these passions into my career. Whether through media, communication, or community work, I’m excited to see how these interests come together.

1. What is one MCS project that you worked on that still sticks with you today and how could that manifest into something you can use in your career? 

One MCS project that sticks with me is my senior capstone, which focuses on the representation of Latina women in media and how it impacts the perception of Latina women. This topic is especially meaningful to me because I see myself as a representation of Latina women, and working on this research feels deeply personal. It allows me to explore how media portrayal influences cultural perceptions and offers a chance to challenge stereotypes. This research could manifest into something impactful in my career by helping me contribute to more accurate and empowering representations of Latina women in media, whether through content creation, advocacy, or future projects aimed at social change.

1. Looking back, what were some of your favorite MCS classes? Favorite moments?

Looking back, my favorite MCS classes were MCS 222 and MCS 101. MCS 101 introduced me to media literacy, which I think is crucial in today’s world, especially with the rise of fake news. It really helped me develop the skills to critically analyze media messages. MCS 222 was equally impactful; it taught me everything I didn’t know about communication, from its theories to its practical applications. Both classes were foundational in shaping my understanding of the field and have had a lasting influence on my studies and perspective on media. They are definitely my top classes.

1. Do you think being an MCS major has helped you leave your comfort zone at times? When were those times and how did it affect you?

Yes, being an MCS major has definitely helped me step out of my comfort zone. I struggle with anxiety sometimes, and many of my classes required me to interact with others, which was challenging at first. However, these experiences have been incredibly beneficial in helping me improve my public speaking and interpersonal communication skills. It wasn’t always easy, but I’m grateful for the push because it has made me more confident in expressing myself and connecting with others. It’s one of the ways the MCS program has had a lasting positive impact on me.

1. What internship or career are you thinking about currently?

Right now, I’m considering teaching English abroad for a gap year. It would give me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and gain valuable teaching experience. After that, I plan to return and pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I’m excited about this career path because it combines my interest in communication with my desire to help others, especially those who face challenges in their ability to communicate. It feels like a perfect next step after my time in the MCS program.

1. What would you say to incoming MCS majors? 

To incoming MCS majors, I’d say embrace the journey ahead because this field is full of endless possibilities. Media and communication shape the world around us in profound ways, and as an MCS major, you have the power to influence how stories are told, how information is shared, and how society is shaped. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s through public speaking, writing, or creating media because every challenge you face will help you grow. Stay curious, stay open-minded, and remember that the skills you’re learning aren’t just for a career, they're for making a real impact in the world. Trust the process, and you’ll find your voice in ways you never imagined.