Profiles of Tenacity: Felix Scheyer

Felix Scheyer is a third year journalism student with a minor in anthropology from Augusta, Georgia. With a passion for journalism, Felix is an active student within the UGA Visual Journalism Department. His work as a photographer earned him a role as former assistant photo editor at The Red & Black and also gave him the chance to cover the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

Read his Q/A below:

Why did you choose your major?

From as early as I can remember, there has always been this obsessive craving within me to know everything that I possibly can about the things I care about. But, as I’ve grown older, I find what I care about most is people, and the lives that are lived around mine. I truly believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and as soon as I began to tell those stories, I knew that finding a way to do it as a job would be the most fulfilling and rewarding experience of my life. When I first came to the University of Georgia, there was no other option for me other than journalism. I knew that this major would give me everything I needed to spend my life telling stories while forging my own. During my time in undergrad, I have traveled the world in pursuit of these stories. From Paris, Prague, Minneapolis, Kentucky and the Classic City herself, my journalism major has taken me to places I never knew I wanted to be. Through this major, I have learned so much about myself, not only as a journalist and storyteller, but as a person.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity is not simply the ability to accomplish any goal despite any issue. It is a keen understanding of the specific issues, struggles and hardships associated with a goal, followed by the determination to effortlessly overcome anything that stands in the way. Tenacity is the ability to look impossibility in the eye and know that no matter how distant a goal may seem, you can find the path you need to take in order to get one step closer to that goal. 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

I’ll give you three, because truly, my experience at Grady can be broken down into three lessons that I’ve learned over the years:

Say yes. Each day is a new chance to challenge yourself, and every time you say yes, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to grow. Even if you’re unsure of your success, or scared that you’ll fail, say yes and watch how quickly yes turns into results .

Make connections. Everyone knows someone and you’d be surprised how far that goes. I love finding the degrees of separation between my peers and the wider world around me. The people who are doing this work beside you are resources. Lean on your peers and professors, and make yourself known. 

Stop thinking of yourself as purely a student, or purely a young professional. Take pride in your work. Don’t just write it off as an assignment or scrape by because you don’t think it matters since you’re still in school. You are already what you want to be. You’re there. Now, just focus on the next step. 

What motivates you?

The belief that what I’m doing matters. I believe in journalism, I believe in the importance and integrity of my peers and I believe in my own work. I am motivated to continue to strive for journalistic excellence in order to earn the right to tell the stories of those around me. I want to be seen as a figure that people can trust to tell their story correctly with the respect and dignity all stories deserve.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

Professor Mark Johnson introduced me to the concept of photojournalism. Not just as a subject, or a topic, but as a way of life. As a means of creative and journalistic existence. Photojournalism seems like it was always the obvious answer in hindsight, but as he spoke of the ways that stories are told through a photojournalist’s camera, the pieces finally fell into place. He and I spent hours talking about photojournalism, and by the time I left his office, I’d made up my mind. I was going to be a photojournalist.

As I prepare to graduate with a degree in journalism, Professor Johnson has been an invaluable teacher, mentor and friend throughout my burgeoning journalism and photography career. I have learned so much from him, and the resources he has provided me and the rest of the Visual Journalism department are truly beyond words. Under his tutelage, I’ve traveled the globe, made countless connections and found my purpose. I do not believe I would be where I am today without the guidance of Professor Johnson, and I am so incredibly grateful that he opened his office door to me all those years ago.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

Definitely working alongside the Associated Press to cover the Paralympic Games. I truly can’t believe it happened, and that I was selected in order to work alongside such a reputable news agency on the biggest stage in sports, in Paris of all places. I learned so much in such a short time, and made some incredible connections to news organizations across the globe. However, the greatest gift that Paris gave me was the clarity to see that the Paralympics were a milestone, not the finish line. I, like the Paralympians, cannot rest on these laurels. There will be bigger and better things to come, each one preparing me more fully for the next. But in all honesty… it’s going to take a big milestone to top this one.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

It’s a bit out of left field, but I really like the road between Sanford Stadium and the chemistry building. It feels so out of the way and liminal. It’s a nice place to go and think. I love taking long walks to nowhere in particular, but I feel like I always end up on that little street. The architecture is also really cool, the whole area has some incredible leading lines. Plus, the sunsets are always beautiful from the overlook above East Campus Road.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

You can do it. There are going to be days where you look around and feel like you’re so far behind everyone else. But everyone you’re straining your neck to look up to is looking you in the eye. You’re going to find your family soon. And they’re going to show you that you deserve to be here as much as anyone else. Say yes to everything. Call your family more. And always keep a camera on hand. You never know what’s gonna cross your path.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia52467@uga.edu