Profiles of Tenacity: Lola Murti

Lola Murti is a third-year journalism and economics double major interested in broadcast news. She serves as the treasurer for Women in Media and writes for the Cox Institute Writing Lab through the College Connect Program.

Why did you choose your major?

I’ve always been interested in current events and felt that journalists have a unique responsibility to share otherwise untold stories with the public. In high school I loved working with the student body through yearbook and our news broadcast team, and knew I wanted to continue sharing people’s stories on a larger scale. During my freshman year as an intended journalism major, I started to notice how many financial elements were involved with the headlines I was reading. To better understand the business components of current events, I added a second major in economics. I hope to intertwine these to pursue business journalism after graduation!

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity means being driven in everything you do, especially when there’s resistance. The news industry faces a lot of criticism and doubt from the public, which can be undeniably discouraging at times. This public perception makes authentic, detailed reporting even more essential, and tasks journalists with persevering through any setbacks that may come their way.

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

Get to know the people in your classes! Professors are obviously an awesome resource, but don’t overlook the value that your peers can provide. Serving on the E-board for Women in Media this year has let me meet so many driven women in Grady. They’ve introduced me to new campus organizations, internship opportunities, and entire career paths I didn’t know about before.

What are you passionate about?

Travel and new experiences. I’ll try pretty much anything at least once since I only really regret the opportunities I’ve turned down. In the past year, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Israel, France, Italy and Monaco, putting my current list at 19 countries. The diversity of culture, people and geography have made me so excited to travel even more.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Post-grad I’d love to work as a producer for a news broadcast! I hope to use my second major in economics to better understand business journalism and produce a show related to finance. I grew up in New York City and am undoubtedly a big-city person at heart. I’m always looking for a new experience, so while I love New York, I could definitely see myself living in Boston, Philadelphia or D.C.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

Definitely landing my summer internship. After many rejections, I was selected as a fellow for the Emma Bowen Foundation, which supports students of color across the media industry. They match students with internships at their partner companies, which allowed me to intern with Fox 5 on Good Day New York. The experience was so valuable and I can’t wait to return next summer and learn even more about broadcasting.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

I’m always at the Tate outdoor lounge. I hate sitting in silence and love to be outside when the weather permits. The tables with umbrellas are perfect to sit and do work, or just catch up with friends on FaceTime. Its proximity to Starbucks is an added bonus. What advice would you give to your freshman self? The transition to college is hard, especially when you’re so far from everything you’ve known. Don’t feel like you’re behind if it takes a bit to find your place– with time you’ll discover the people and organizations that make UGA so amazing. I joined Women in Media my sophomore year and learned so much about Grady and myself since then.