Profiles of Tenacity: Courtney Craft

Courtney Craft is a third-year Journalism and political science double major with certificates in public affairs communications and news literacy from Dunwoody, Georgia. Craft serves as vice president of the UGA chapter of the National Association of Black journalists (NABJ), a McGill Fellow, Grady Nightshift Reporter and a writer for The Red & Black opinion desk.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

I knew that I wanted to be a storyteller from a young age. There’s so much life on Earth, and I believe that Journalists are the key to making our enormously vast planet feel a little smaller. Everyone has a story, and journalists help bring those stories to light while uplifting people and communities in the process. To me, journalism keeps us connected, and journalists are the storytellers who make that connection possible.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity means standing up for what and who you believe in. Even when outside voices attempt to sway you, you remain strong and determined to fight for what you think is right. A tenacious person isn’t afraid of the wind. They embrace it, breathe it in and continue to move forward.

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

If you want to truly optimize your Grady experience, I encourage you to get to know your professors. I promise they don’t bite. Although it hasn’t come yet, I already mourn the day that I can’t go sit in Dr. Briscoe’s office and talk her ear off or stop by Dr. Walker’s room for a quick laugh. Grady professors are incredibly smart and extremely passionate about the subjects they teach. They have been such an important resource for me these past couple of years, whether that be academic help, career advice or truly just being my therapist. They are the heart of the college, and Grady wouldn’t be Grady without them.

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

My mom has had a huge impact on my life. She is the hardest worker I know, and I aspire to have even a fraction of her grit and resilience. I’m a first-generation college student, and she has sacrificed so much to put me in the position that I am in. She has given me the life she always wanted, and for that, I could never repay her. Honestly, if anyone reading this ever needs a mom to call when things get hard, let me know. I don’t mind sharing, she has more than enough love to go around.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

I’m really proud to have accepted an internship with Face the Nation at CBS News in Washington D.C. This opportunity is absolutely a dream come true, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in the world of journalism that I’ve heard calling my name for as long as I can remember. I share this accomplishment with the people who helped lay my foundation, whether that be family members, past employers, mentors, friends and professors who believed in me. Everyone says the sky is the limit, but I’m ready to see what lies beyond it!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

I really want to be creative here and unveil a super niche spot on campus. But honestly, my favorite place on campus is Grady. It’s where I can find all my favorite people. It feels like home.

What advice would you give to your future self?

I would tell her not to take her life for granted. Waking up each morning is a privilege. Having a healthy body and mind is a privilege. Try a new food. Dance with a stranger. Spend your life doing something that you enjoy, surrounded by people you enjoy. Live every day as if it could be your last and make an impact while you still can.

Editor: Anyi Morfaw, abm40431@uga.edu