Profiles of Tenacity: Shad McMillan

Shad McMillan is a second-year Journalism and Communication Studies double-major from Carrollton, Georgia. McMillan is a Griffith’s Innovator through the Cox Institute and serves as co-creator and social media manager for Grady Nightshift.

Read his Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose journalism because it was the career path that most encapsulates who I am and what I stand for. I didn’t realize it at first, but when I stepped into Grady and I met all the professors and took my first journalism class, I knew exactly where I was supposed to be. It was almost like a bunch of pieces to a puzzle finally coming together.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity, to me, means strength. It is the ability to progress despite persistent challenges and opposition. As college students, we engage in conflicts every day, whether that’s with our work, ourselves or someone else. I think having the ability to envision success and push past that is what makes someone tenacious.

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

Do and try everything. Everyone at Grady is here to help you. The goal at this college is to mess up, to fail, to learn and then to succeed. Imposter syndrome does not exist at Grady and once you realize that, you start to grow.

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

Professor Dodie Cantrell, may she rest in retirement, is most definitely the reason for everything I’ve done so far in my collegiate career. Her mentorship and guidance are unmatched and I will never forget the day she pulled me aside and inspired me to be a professional journalist. Without her inspiration, I would not be where I am today.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

I would have to say the sixth floor of the main library sitting at the table that overlooks campus and the stadium. The best view of campus in my opinion. I regularly sit there before class in the mornings with my coffee and a bagel. Top 10 experiences.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

My biggest accomplishment has probably been the Emmy nomination that Grady Nightshift received earlier this year for our Halloween episode. We have worked so hard to receive recognition and I am so proud of everyone who has helped make that happen.

What advice would you give to your future self?

I would tell him to thank God for where he’s at because to even be able to attend the University of Georgia is a blessing. I would tell him to never forget where he came from and to continue to walk in peace and love. Chill out, king, you got this.

Editor: Anyi Morfaw, abm40431@uga.edu