#ProfilesOfTenacity: Alex English

What does the word tenacity mean to you?

Never ceasing, adjusting and adapting until the job is done.

Favorite UGA memory?

One of my favorite memories was some of the late-night Snelling runs I would go on with my best friends. Living in Creswell Hall during freshman year and East Campus in my sophomore year, I met people that would shape my college journey and life.

Why did you choose to study journalism?

Since high school, I always knew that I wanted to come to UGA with the specific intent of studying journalism. Upon my arrival in 2017, I wanted to cover politics and after two months of covering Athens-Clarke County government, I followed a different path.

Who is your professional hero?

There are several people that come to mind, but the one that inspired me to start a career in journalism was former Daily Show host, Jon Stewart. The way he challenged ideas and conventional thinking inspired me to get into the industry. Specifically, in sports media, Ernie Johnson has always been an inspiration and role model of mine.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a family member, instructor or mentor?

“I would rather fail at something being myself than succeed as someone else.”

That was the mentality I adopted after speaking with my father as to what my next steps are in regards to covering the NBA, and I now apply it to almost every facet of my lifestyle. I always felt that I had to be a certain mold. Although I would never try to adhere to others’ expectations and notions of me, I always felt the need to make everyone else proud.

Favorite Athens restaurant?

Definitely Dawg Gone Good BBQ and Mama’s Boy.

What is your proudest moment in the last year?

It would have to be writing our NAACP chapter’s Arch Accountability campaign alongside my vice president, Cori Robinson. This was the culmination of everything I have experienced and learned at this very institution, and I came here seeking to make a positive lasting difference for not only myself but those around me.

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

Professor Carlo Finlay has consistently been there for me whether it be as a professor or mentor. I came into his office in fall 2019 to discuss the sports media certificate, not knowing if I would be able to make it fit in my schedule. I’ve never looked back because of him.

What is the last show you binge-watched?

I recently watched “The Boys” and for fall break I plan on going back and binge-watching every episode of “The Shop” with Lebron James.

What are you planning to do after graduating?

I want to cover the NBA in some capacity, whether it be reporting, play-by-play commentating or as a beat reporter. That in mind, I’m also applying to grad school here for a master’s degree in emerging media.

Editor’s Note: Some of the above answers have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

The #ProfilesOfTenacity series–formerly the #GradyGrit–is a set of student features highlighting the strength, determination and leadership of students in Grady College. Stay tuned to see how #ProfilesofTenacity evolve in the future.