By: Rithik Kavanakudy

Photo Credit: Kendall Blunt

Everyone say hi to Josh Gillis, a junior here at UMBC!

For many students, deciding on what major to pursue can be a long trial and error process, but for Josh Gillis, his eyes were set towards Media and Communication Studies. “I decided to focus my strengths in writing,” he elaborates, “and thought it could lead to a solid, stable, and enjoyable career”. With his appreciation for effective communication, MCS appeared not as a generic field of study but as a stepping stone to creating impactful work in our ever-evolving digital world. He hopes to take the skills and knowledge he has acquired through the program in hopes of one day achieving his career goal of starting his own consulting company and being able to run a business – a means of connecting his skills in communication with entrepreneurship.  

Now that Josh is wrapping up his third year here at UMBC, he has leaned his area of study to help further his writing skills and toward the field of technical writing and communication. He says, “Hopefully, I can focus my internship opportunities here” when describing his plans for the future once he graduates. 

When asked about the experience he’s had with MCS, he notes two classes in particular: MCS 355: Social Media: Networking and Mobility and MCS 333: History and Theory of Mass Communication and Media Studies, with which he had with two of his favorite professors, Dr. Snyder and Dr. Loviglio, respectively. “Both of them are super engaging and awesome to work with,” he says. “I love the content presented in both.” He notes that MCS 355 has direct relevance with real-world communications careers and helps develop skills necessary for certain career paths. 

Social media marketing strategy is among his favorite skills and pieces of information that he has picked up over his MCS journey. “And also just general writing skills,” he adds. With his plans to go into the field of technical communication, he has been focusing on improving his skills. “If I want to go into technical writing now, my skills have to be more developed, so working on that has been super great.”

When talking about the MCS program and its importance, he believes that it is an important field for study and that “In a practical sense, everyone needs to know how to communicate effectively, and in an increasingly digital business landscape, studying this field allows some of us to get a headstart.” In an age where content and information are shared through so many mediums, communication is key. 

In addition to pursing MCS, he is pursing a minor in Psychology, a field that compliments MCS well by looking at how people think, interact, and respond to one another and to other stimuli. 

Outside of his academic life, Josh likes to keep himself busy gaining experience with producing media. He casually edits YouTube videos, enhancing the content for his friends who run small channels. Meanwhile, on campus, he currently manages the Instagram page for the UMBC Billiards Club (@umbcbilliards) and will be planning to take over leadership of the club in due time. 

Aside from media, he also works as a manager at Chik-fil-A in Eldersburg. Creating a balance between his academic life and work isn’t the easiest, but he makes it work. “They worked with me so I can fit in around 20 hours a week on weekends,” he says, “and I work full-time on breaks.”

Josh has a variety of ways that he spends his free time, from working on cars to playing video games and working out at the gym. On top of this, he is a pool enthusiast, spending hours of time practicing and playing with his friends, oftentimes in the UMBC Gameroom. 

And for a fun fact? Josh is a big fan of metalcore, a genre of music that combines aspects of heavy metal and hardcore punk. One of his favorite artists to listen to is Breaking Benjamin. “I was top 0.5% of Breaking Benjamin listeners last year,” he exclaims, “0.001% incoming!” 

All in all, Josh Gillis has worked hard to set himself up for success in his future by building up his portfolio of experience and having a clear vision of where he wants to take his career after his expected graduation in May 2026. 

By: Erin Cusick

Photo Credit: Rithik Kavanakudy

From backyard videos in middle school to managing content for organizations, Rithik's creative journey has been anything but ordinary. His passion for making content began early, playing around with video editing just for fun. That curiosity evolved into a deeper appreciation for media, especially during his time as a Media and Communication Studies (MCS) major at UMBC.

Though he once imagined himself pursuing a career in science, Rithik quickly realized that his true interests lay elsewhere. "It was just a high school science phase," he says. What stuck with him, however, was the joy of storytelling and the freedom to create something meaningful and fun, far from the traditional office life he hoped to avoid.

Through courses like MCS 334: Globalization of Media with Professor Yang, Rithik gained a new perspective on media beyond the U.S. He says that the class really opened his eyes to how media shapes and is shaped by global culture. Professors Yang and Anchor became major influences, not just for their teaching styles but for how they made learning engaging and inspiring. 

One of Rithik’s favorite projects was producing TikTok-style videos for MCS 360: Internet Video Production, a class that blended creativity with practical skills. He thrives on drawing inspiration from both old and new forms of media, watching movies, playing games, and connecting the dots between different storytelling techniques.

Outside the classroom, Rithik keeps busy. At the UMBC Gameroom, he works both behind the desk and behind the scenes, co-running its social media accounts. He’s also interning with UMBC’s Division of Information Technology (DoIT), where he's helping the Southwest Visions Foundation build its social media presence. These opportunities have shown him what it’s like to create content that’s actually seen and used by real people.

A dreamer with a practical edge, Rithik hopes to one day work in film, perhaps as a video editor or in music production for movies or games. In five years? “Hopefully with a job, in an apartment, with a cat,” he says.

For Rithik, media is more than entertainment, it’s an evolving language, one he’s learning to speak fluently and creatively. A piece of advice he holds close came from a professor: "Work on every project as if it's going into your portfolio, not just for a grade." And that’s exactly what he’s doing, building a body of work with passion, purpose, and play.

By: Isy Davy

Photo Credit: UMBC Women's Soccer

For Ava Schreiber, a Junior and a Division 1 soccer player at UMBC, media isn't just something consumed passively, it's an influential force she's interacted with since childhood. Initially drawn to the Media and Communication Studies (MCS) program by her experiences as an athlete, Ava was intrigued by how athletes are portrayed across various media platforms and how those narratives shape public perception.

"Growing up as an athlete, I've always been exposed to different types of media," Ava shared. "I've seen firsthand how media shapes the environments athletes navigate, and that's what initially sparked my interest in MCS."

Choosing MCS at UMBC was not a difficult decision for Ava. She was searching for a degree that catered to her creative instincts and allowed space for innovative thinking and application.

"I was drawn to a more creative way of thinking, and the MCS degree allows for exactly that," Ava explained. "It gives me room to express my ideas creatively while understanding and engaging with media critically."

Throughout her academic journey, Ava pinpointed specific MCS courses that have significantly shaped her professional trajectory. Currently enrolled in MCS 144, Ava highlighted the practical benefits she's gained from the course. This class has actively equipped her with essential professional skills, from mastering LinkedIn profiles to perfecting her elevator pitch—skills critical for life beyond graduation.

"MCS 144 has truly been invaluable. It has helped me envision clear career pathways, showing me how to build a strong professional presence online and communicate effectively in professional settings," Ava remarked.

One pivotal moment for Ava came during her MCS 399 capstone project, where she focused on the discrimination faced by women's sports in media. This project was deeply personal, given Ava’s lived experiences as a female D1 soccer player. It provided a profound realization about how media portrayal influences real-world attitudes and treatment.

"Doing my capstone on the discrimination against women's sports allowed me to directly explore issues that impact my daily life as an athlete," Ava said. "It deepened my understanding of media's power and relevance in everyday life."

Ava also noted MCS 377, a visual communication course, as instrumental in her skillset development. Aspiring to pursue a career in marketing, Ava recognized the practical value of design and photography skills she acquired in the class.

"377 opened up an entirely new avenue of professional skills for me," Ava mentioned. "It's given me confidence and capability in visual communication, which directly helped me secure my upcoming summer internship."

This summer, Ava will put her MCS education into practice during a marketing internship with Headstrong Lacrosse, a prominent sports organization. She expressed enthusiasm about applying the theories, design principles, and professional communication strategies she's learned at UMBC.

"I'm really excited about my internship with Headstrong Lacrosse," Ava noted. "It'll be the perfect opportunity to apply everything I've learned in MCS, from design skills to effective marketing strategies."

Reflecting on her journey so far, Ava Schriber's experience illustrates how the UMBC MCS program empowers students by intertwining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Her blend of creativity, athletic insight, and professional readiness shows the powerful potential of an MCS education, preparing students not just for graduation but for impactful careers and lives beyond the classroom.

By: Baylee Seabolt-Wilbanks

Q: What is your name and year?

My name is Morgan Seabolt-Wilbanks and I’m wrapping up my second year here at UMBC.

Q: Why did you decide to pursue a degree in media and communications?

I chose media and communications as my major because I didn’t feel particularly passionate about what I wanted to do/what industry I wanted to go into. So media and communications being a versatile and easy (compared to other majors) major appealed to me. And I’ve always had an interest in communication and psychology so I knew I wasn’t going to be completely uninterested in what I was learning.

Q: What has been your favorite MCS course so far?

I think my favorite MCS course so far is MCS333 (History and Theory of Mass Communication). I love theory, so it being a very theory involved class really had me in my element. I also had a really great professor who made the content extra interesting.

Q: What has been your favorite MCS assignment/project?

I think my favorite MCS project was producing a social media strategic plan for a company/brand of choice. I enjoyed this project because I felt like I was really putting my MCS skills to work and it was for something I was passionate about.

Q: Do you feel properly prepared by the coursework/classes?

I would say I have the necessary qualities to go into the media and communications industry but not necessarily the experience—I have the framework to succeed in a MCS related position but not the skills. However, I have yet to take the required internship so my answer would likely change after completing that.

Q: How have you applied MCS outside of the classroom?

Aside from using some of the production skills I learned for personal projects, I wouldn’t say that I really use MCS outside the classroom. But that’s mainly because I don’t have anything to apply it to (my current job isn’t really MCS related). Although, I 100% carry with me an “MCS mindset” all throughout my daily life—just thinking about the things I encounter through an MCS lens.

Q: Would you recommend this degree to others?

I would definitely recommend this degree to others. As I said before, it’s a versatile and interesting degree which makes it a great option for those who are unsure what they want to do and those who are actually interested in media and communications.

Q: Describe your MCS capstone project.

By: Nate Walton

Photo Credit: Jonathan Han

The ability to navigate a dynamic landscape is more important than ever in a world that is being shaped more and more by digital media and diverse communication strategies. Johnathan Han, a  student in UMBC's Media and Communication Studies (MCS) program, is a prime example of how a solid academic background coupled with real-world experience can mold a student into a self-assured future media professional. In a recent interview, Jonathan talked about his experience in the MCS program, including the importance of the Capstone Seminar, the interdisciplinary nature of the program, and his goals for a career in marketing.

Johnathan acknowledges that his knowledge of the MCS major was limited prior to enrolling in the program. He recalled, "I only knew that the major offered a wide range of opportunities." When selecting a communications-based degree, many students feel this way: hopeful but unsure of the precise directions it could take them. But for him, the experience was far more than he had anticipated. According to Jonathan, the program confirmed and strengthened his interest in media and communications, which heightened his desire to pursue the career paths that MCS had to offer.

For Johnathan, the MCS curriculum's integration of theory and practical application is one of its distinguishing features. This is especially clear in MCS 499: Capstone Seminar, which is the culmination of academic research and study and calls for students to integrate their knowledge from various program areas. For him, this was a turning point rather than merely an academic obstacle. He saw the Capstone Seminar project as a chance to demonstrate a variety of skills and information he had learned in previous classes, including globalization and MCS theories, in order to organize a paper that advanced media education. It was an opportunity to make sure that the curriculum was accurately understood. This extensive and demanding final project not only tested him but also made a substantial contribution to his academic growth by forcing him to apply intricate theoretical frameworks in a logical, practical setting.

He also highlighted the importance of the program's elective courses, especially those that let students push the envelope. He gained a wider range of media tools by taking classes like MCS 366: Podcasting and MCS 370: Special Topics in MCS, which pushed him to experiment with different formats and topics. He says these classes give the program a surprising depth. “I think it does really well with expanding or adding upon what you thought you already knew,” he said, underlining how these offerings opened up avenues that may be directly applicable to future employers.

Johnathan's development has also been significantly influenced by real-world experience. He has gained practical experience with technical skills that are becoming more and more sought after in the media industry thanks to programs like UMBC's Television Production Crew. Although MCS has been known to help aspiring writers and journalists with their academic readings, he points out that this is only one of the numerous opportunities that make the major so alluring. He has taken advantage of the technical opportunities offered by the major, which expand into filmmaking, editing, and television techniques. In a media setting where adaptability is essential, these technical skills distinguish students such as Johnathan.

He also discussed how the program influenced his use of public and digital platforms. He recognized the value of deliberate and considerate communication as a member of a generation that is closely connected via social media. As new talents like him continue to blossom in the professional landscape, Jonathan has grown more aware of his self-efficacy. His digital footprints are displayed on his platforms, which he uses as a means of upholding his moral principles and raising awareness of issues that he feels are significant. This awareness reflects the critical lens that the MCS program encourages students to apply to the media they create and consume, and it goes beyond branding.

In the future, Johnathan sees himself employed in marketing, a field that combines strategic thinking, media production, and storytelling. "I would adore an internship or full-time position that would enable me to work with cameras, edit, or manage projects," he stated. His goals highlight a more general reality: media professionals today need to be adept at managing the numerous moving components that influence communications plans and media campaigns in addition to creating content.

Jonathan Han's story serves as an example of how studying media can equip students to not only comprehend media but also influence it. His journey through UMBC’s MCS program highlights the value of interdisciplinary education, the necessity of hands-on experience, and the power of reflection in forging a successful path forward. His story is inspiring as well as educational for students just starting out in the media industry.

Meet Marilin, a Media and Communication Studies (MCS) major with a Psychology minor and a Chinese Certificate, set to graduate in May 2025. Her journey to the MCS major began undecided with a focus on psychology, but she later shifted to better fit her interests of event planning and marketing. Dissatisfied with the technological emphasis of other paths, Marilin found her niche in MCS through UMBC’s "What Can I Do With My Major" resource. She loves learning about how communication has evolved over the years, with classes like Social Media Networking and Media Globalization being formative experiences. These classes helped Marilin understand the practical aspects of market analysis, fueling her love for the major.

Outside of the classroom, Marilin loves to spend her time being creative! Her hobbies include drawing on Procreate, crocheting, event planning, and listening to true crime podcasts. Marilin is also very social, spending her free time hosting game nights and going out for food with friends in Old Ellicott City. On the weekends, she balances shifts at the Campus Information Center desk in the Commons with spending quality time with her family (and her beloved cat Yuki!) Marilin is also a Resident Assistant on campus and enjoys planning events for her residents as well as getting to know them. Finally, she is a marketing intern with UMBC’s Division of Professional Studies, working hard to post deadlines, events, and other important information.

Looking forward, Marilin hopes to have a career in Marketing or Event Planning. Her internship and other roles at UMBC have equipped her with the skills she needs to succeed in these fields, such as search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, branding, and customer service. Another goal of hers is to create messaging stickers that feature her original bunny character! Reflecting on her time here, Marilin says she will miss the strong knit community of UMBC, and being able to wave to familiar faces while walking around campus. While she is still uncertain about what company she wants to work for, Marilin is confident her experiences at UMBC have prepared her to thrive in any professional environment that values collaboration and creativity.

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.

By: Gwen Pacis

Photo Credit: Kendall Blunt

Let’s give Kendall Blunt a warm hello!

Kendall Blunt is a senior in the Media and Communication Studies (MCS) major also working on her certificate for the French language. Outside of all their work and academics, they crochet, produce art, relax with games like Stardew Valley, and binge TV. 

However, pursuing MCS was not previously part of their path. Upon entering University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), Kendall originally pursued a Global Studies major with a French minor. However, she felt that she could not connect with the major for a long time and swiftly realized that it was not for her. Amidst her need for change, Kendall was drawn to MCS because she was an avid media consumer. From her constant interaction with movies, shows, music, and social media, the major gave her a chance to broaden her view on many of these things. After much deliberation, she decided to change her major to MCS where it finally clicked with her love for media and allowed her to combine her creativity and logical thinking into one mode of communication.

Kendall’s pursuit within MCS so far has been fruitful. Currently for her MCS 499: Capstone Senior Seminar course, her capstone research paper focuses on YouTube facilitating digital grooming by its influencers while diving deep into the case study of Colleen Ballinger (Miranda Sings). When further reflecting on her time, Kendall noted that various parts of the major have aided her in her current endeavors as well. 

For coursework, MCS 355: Social Media: Networking and Mobility and MCS 370: Internet Video Production were two classes fueled with enjoyment in their eyes. Both courses enabled Kendall to apply their skills to projects that directly relate to what they want to do in the future. Additionally, Kendall elaborates that MCS 355 has aided them in their current management in the UMBC Gameroom as a desk attendant and social media manager. More specifically, the class supplied them with skills and a deep understanding of how to appeal to certain demographics, do a social media audit, and make a successful social media campaign. This led to them effectively creating, curating, and organizing content and data for the UMBC Gameroom’s Instagram and webpage. 

However, by far, Kendall’s favorite part of MCS is the professors. Two professors she notes that she holds in high regard are Dr. Loviglio and Professor Anchor. For Dr. Loviglio, she appreciates how he brings immense joy to the subjects he teaches and how much he deeply cares for his students. For Professor Anchor, Kendall voices how she is a huge reason why her current product and content creation skills have grown throughout her time at UMBC. Similarly, each professor had extended helping hands in substantial ways. A moment Kendall recalls from Dr. Loviglio was when he reached out to ask how she was doing while she was bearing through tough personal problems. Likewise with Professor Anchor – Kendall notes how quick she is to give a helping hand with encouragement or tips when struggling with a certain concept or tool.

For those who pursue MCS in the future, Kendall advises future students to choose electives that cater to what they want to do with their careers! 

“The time I have spent in Public Relations class, Social Media class, and Internet Video Production are invaluable compared to the time I spent in other classes.”

After a long journey, Kendall plans to graduate in Spring 2025. Right now, their definite path after obtaining their MCS degree and French language certificate is uncertain. However, their sights are focused on the general field of marketing – whether it be social media management, brand management, or public relations (PR). As the time draws closer to departing from UMBC, Kendall conveys that what they will miss the most about the university is the sense of community and enthusiasm around all things media with the MCS department. This goes further to their peers – Kendall will miss the diversity and intelligence those within the major shared, especially their aid and friendship within shared courses.