Profiles of Tenacity: Chase Whalen

Chase Whalen is a fourth year entertainment and media studies major from Athens, Georgia. He is set to graduate in May 2026. Chase is an active member of the Industries Club, Athens Ciné Club and participated in the UGA at Oxford study abroad program this past summer. 

Read his Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

I actually entered Grady as a journalism major pursuing a career in film and music reporting. After studying abroad at the Cannes Film Festival and making friends in EMST, I fell in love with the film industry and decided that I wanted to work in entertainment, not just watch and report on it from the outside. This led me to transfer majors to EMST because of the opportunities and the hands-on experience that the major offers.

What does tenacity mean to you?

To me, tenacity means being able to accept change and adapt to it. It is hard when things don’t go your way, but it’s important to be flexible and able to change course. Transferring majors was one of the toughest decisions that I’ve made, but adapting to that change in my life has made me much happier. Tenacity is staying determined in the face of life’s obstacles.

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

I would tell other Grady students to take advantage of the crazy opportunities that are offered during your short time here. It is insane that Grady has programs that take you to the Cannes festivals or Los Angeles or other places throughout the world. I would tell other students not to be afraid to get out there and apply for study abroad programs or join the organizations that you have your eye on. Forcing yourself out of your shell will make your experience in Grady so much more worthwhile.

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

The friends that I have made while at UGA have absolutely had the biggest impact on my life. My friends inspire me so much with their creativity and determination. There’s nothing I love more than watching them succeed, and their accomplishments push me toward my own. I love them to death and I look up to them more than they could ever know.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

One of my biggest accomplishments in the past year was attending the UGA at Oxford program this past summer. It was surreal spending six weeks at Oxford University and being surrounded by so much art and history. I had a wonderful time exploring England and even got to take a weekend trip to Scotland. The work was pretty rigorous, so it was a nice accomplishment to get it all done and complete the program.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is probably the lawn outside of Grady. It’s a perfect spot to be outside and get stuff done. The main reason I like it is because I usually see friends and people I know walking to or from class, so it is always nice to see friendly faces and have conversation breaks in between things that I am working on.

What advice would you give to your future self?

It is okay if you put yourself out there and talk to people. Networking is tough, but those connections end up going way farther than you expect.

Editor: Lily Alarcon, lia52467@uga.edu