Profiles of Tenacity: Riley McLaughlin

Riley McLaughlin is a senior EMST and Interdisciplinary Art major from Marietta, GA. She is actively engaged on campus as a Student Assistant for the Peabody Awards, serves as the Alumni/Marketing/PR Coordinator for Camp Kesem, and is a member of The Industry Club, Printmaking Student Association, and Graphic Design Club.

Read more about her below.

Why did you choose your major?

I’ve had a passion for film and television that dates back to my childhood. Growing up in the world of performing arts and other fine arts, I knew from an early age that I wanted to have a career that related to these interests. When I got to UGA, I joined the Industry club to explore different options for majors and instantly fell in love with the environment in Grady. Everyone is a hard worker, and there’s such a strong sense of community in the EMST program. I’ve loved every second of it. 

What does tenacity mean to you?

I see tenacity as the strength to accomplish difficult, sometimes monotonous tasks for the sake of achieving something greater. Whether I’m making my own art or helping create a platform for someone else to share their work, this sense of purpose drives everything I do. I am willing to sacrifice comfort and ease for the sake of sharing important media with others.

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

TRY EVERYTHING! And embrace the unknown. As someone who still hasn’t been able to pin down exactly what it is she wants to do with her life, I can attest to the fact that being present is the best thing you can do for yourself and your career. I have put myself in a lot of new situations to get a feel for what I do and don’t enjoy in this field, and it’s helped me better define my goals for the future. And with that, I will be open to any opportunity that might come my way in the future. 

What motivates you?

As both an EMST major and an art major, I have a greater sense of purpose in my work knowing that I’m sharing stories that matter. Whether it be through an interview I published about a friend using music as a tool to grieve, or being the animator for a short film about an immigrant university student, I know somebody watching or listening is benefitting from the new perspectives being shared. That potential impact fuels everything I create. Keeping that in mind makes even the tiniest of details feel very important. 

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

There are so many people who I want to thank here, but for the sake of keeping it short I want to give a shout out to Professor Kim Landrum. I was a student in her podcasting class in the fall of 2023, and it was one of the greatest classes I’ve taken at UGA. She helped me create a project that I’m proud of, and she also encouraged me to be a better version of myself both in and out of the classroom. I still turn to her for advice and care greatly about her opinion. One of the most valuable lessons she taught me is that being authentic is so much cooler than being perfect. I’ll carry that with me in everything I do. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

At the beginning of October, I started my job as the Student Assistant for the Peabody Awards. I worked the award show over the summer as a student of the Grady L.A. Field Study Program, and I was inspired by all of the filmmakers and journalists I met that are actively making a difference in the world of media. Since starting this role, I’ve learned so much about the trailblazers of our current media landscape and the importance of telling stories of underrepresented groups. It really is the greatest job I’ve ever had.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

I’m tied between a few… The PAF is always abuzz with students, faculty, and exciting guests. I associate that place with opportunity. I also love the Peabody Suite on the third floor because it’s where I do most of my work as a Student Assistant. It’s another place on campus that I find myself the most excited to visit. I want to give a shout out to the Lamar Dodd School of Art as well- a lot of my ideas have come to life in that building and I love spending late nights there working on art projects. 

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

Take advantage of more opportunities on campus! If there’s free time, go to a club meeting that might be of interest to you. It’s an easy way to meet new people and better determine what you’re looking for in a career. Not to mention it’s a great networking opportunity with professors! Some of my most valuable relationships in college were made this way. And be kind! Being a nice person that other people like working with is going to take you far! That note goes to being kind to yourself as well- mistakes happen, but that’s where important lessons are learned and we see the most growth. It’s all going to work out how it’s supposed to!

Editor: Madden Callahan, emc50486@uga.edu