Profiles of Tenacity: Anna Willeford

Anna Willeford is a third year entertainment and media studies major set to graduate in May 2027. Willeford serves as the vice president of the Entertainment and Media Industry Club.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

When I was in 7th grade, I wanted to take photos. So, I asked my parents for a camera. My dad said the only way he would buy me a camera was if I learned how to use the computer. He believed the two went hand in hand. For the rest of middle school and throughout high school I learned computer organization skills and photo/video editing softwares. I fell in love with creating media. So, when I was accepted into UGA, there was no other major for me other than EMST.

What does tenacity mean to you? 

To me, tenacity means being able to assess all the chaos of life and make a plan to navigate it. This plan will change everyday, and you will have to constantly adapt. But having a goal in mind and working towards it everyday keeps you focused, motivated and on-track. 

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

One piece of advice that I would give other Grady students would be to get ahead. This program is super short. If you only utilize the four semesters that they give you, then you miss out on so much. I’ve been in the Grady building pretty much every day for two and a half years now, and I’m so grateful that I still have two more semesters in my program. I have soaked up my time in Grady, even if I had no reason to be there. 

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life? 

I have to say my parents have had the biggest impact on my life. Growing up, there was always an emphasis on what is right and what is wrong. While I do find myself loosening some of the specific ideology of what constitutes right and wrong, the sentiment is the same. I try to do what is right, even down to the tiniest choices in my day. I find this gives me a clear conscious and confidence in my decisions.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year? 

My biggest accomplishment from the past year was participating in the Grady LA Study Away program. I truly did not think I would be accepted when I applied. It turned out to be the best summer of my life! I met so many cool people, made some of my best friends, and I was so inspired about my future career. Grady LA is, hands down, the best thing I have done at Grady so far. 

What is your favorite place on campus and why? 

My favorite place on campus has to be Room 400 of the Fine Arts building. I am a Film Studies minor, and every film studies class I have taken has had once-a-week movie screenings in the Room 400 Theater. The first class I took in college was Intro to Cinema. That class taught me how to watch movies and I absolutely loved it. Since then, I have been exposed to a huge variety of films in that room. 

What advice would you give to your future self? 

Everything will work out! It might not be how you planned it or wanted it to, but you are where you are for a good reason. Be content with who you have become.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia52467@uga.edu