Profiles of Tenacity: Woody Lofton

Woody Lofton is a master’s candidate in Journalism and Mass Communications from Albany, Georgia. He is actively involved in Graduate and Professional Scholarships (GAPS) and serves as a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. He is set to graduate in the spring, marking the next step in his career journey. Read on to see his responses.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose my major because media is important to me and I want to document the world around me. I’m always questioning what I see, and why I see it. As a visual storyteller, images are important and the responsibility to create those images is just as important.

What does tenacity mean to you?

When I think of tenacity I think of extreme focus or determination.

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

Use your resources. There are plenty of resources on campus to help you succeed. Get out of your comfort zone, and live outside of it. Challenge yourself, you will thank yourself for it. Use your time wisely! Last but not least, your email is vital to your success, check it more than your social media, seriously.

What motivates you?

As I grow in my faith, I try to apply it even more to my daily life. As part of that, I’m motivated by a variety of things. One of the most important is exploration. I’m curious about the world, the way people think, why people think the way they do, what is happening and why is it happening. I’m motivated by the human experience and I want to document as much of it as I can. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

My biggest accomplishment has been believing in myself and my abilities more. Sometimes, I can be hard on myself and become doubtful of my gifts and skills. I’ve learned to give myself grace and that really goes a long way.

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

During my time at UGA, Professor Mark Johnson has had the biggest impact. From lectures, workshops, office visits, advice, conferences, critiques, etc., he has had a tremendous impact on my growth as a photojournalist. I came to Grady a photographer with a background in Fine Art but I became and will leave Grady a photojournalist. Big difference, and he has been a big part of that.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the Photo Cave at Grady. I truly love being there. The atmosphere, the in-depth discussions regarding photojournalism, the students, and Professor Johnson, truly make that place amazing.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

It’s great that you have made it this far, but you have so much further to go. You got this, let’s get to work.

Editor: Shannon Lorusso, sel67411@uga.edu