Profiles of Tenacity: Demi Gilstrap

Demi Gilstrap is a fourth-year journalism major from Grayson, Georgia. Gilstrap serves as senior production manager for Grady Newsource and Grady Nightshift, secretary for the UGA chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and a contributor  for the social media and video team for The Red and Black.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

Growing up, I’d spend the holidays with my grandmother watching different forms of daytime television, such as “The Real,” “The View” and “Good Morning America.” I was fascinated by the conversations, the stories being shared and the way these shows could blend meaningful discussion with unique perspectives to captivate an audience. As I got older, my interest in daytime television stuck with me and grew into something more. I fell in love with the intentionality behind amplifying voices and being able to make someone think, laugh, smile or even feel a little less alone. It was my time at Grady that allowed this love to evolve and put me in a place where I could connect, create, collaborate and bring my passions to life.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity means being hungry for opportunity, discovering what interests you and consistently putting your best foot forward despite the hardship. Every major comes with its own challenges, and journalism is no exception. There will be setbacks that test your confidence, but what matters most is your ability to persevere, learn, grow and remind yourself that you are capable of success.

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

Make sure to slow down, give yourself grace and be intentional about building relationships within Grady, whether that be with your professors, advisers, classmates or alumni. Some of the best opportunities come from the connections you make and the professors who advocate for you throughout your journey. Shoutout to my friends, Dr. Briscoe and Dr. Walker, for showing me what it means to be part of a Grady family!

What motivates you?

My family motivates me, along with the people who believe in me and want to see me succeed. I’ve had so many people invest their time in me, whether it was by teaching me, supporting me or advocating for me. I also have my own goals and aspirations that I aim to make reality. That said, I owe it to myself and my support systems to follow through on my ambitions and make them proud.

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

The person with the biggest impact on my time at UGA is Dr. Andrea Briscoe. She has consistently looked out for me and introduced me to incredible opportunities and people. Through her, I’ve built relationships with some of the best mentors in the industry, became involved with Grady Nightshift, and was even able to fly to New York and tour different networks. One of my proudest moments was when an episode of Grady Nightshift that I technically directed and reported for was nominated for a Student Emmy. That was also through her. Even the time I spend sitting on her floor, drinking her soda and eating her snacks has been a highlight of my experience here. Dr. Briscoe truly is amazing, and if there’s one person at Grady that I recommend students get to know, it would be her.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

My biggest accomplishment over the past year has been receiving the Georgia Association of Broadcasters TV Innovators Award and spending the year with Choice Media and Communications across two different internship positions. Receiving the award was meaningful because it reassured me that my hard work and career growth were paying off and making an impact. Choice Media and Communications was equally eye-opening because it showed me what it was like to have a real work family while discovering a side of media I had previously never considered. This experience broadened my perspective on the industry and has shown me the importance of branding and public relations in building my identity and reputation as a future producer.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

This may be a bit of a generic answer, but my favorite place on campus is Grady. It’s where I met some of my closest friends, and it truly feels like my home away from home. The ambience and vibe you get from Grady the second you walk in are like no other building on campus. 

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I’d tell my freshman self to study abroad. It was the one experience I knew I wanted to have in college, but I let the time slip away. Grady and UGA offer so many resources and opportunities to support their students, including scholarships that make incredible experiences like these more accessible. I’d remind myself to take advantage of these resources and follow through on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the world. College goes by faster than you think, so make the most of what’s in front of you while you can!

Editor: Kaia Kirkpatrick, klk87892@uga.edu