#GradyGrit Archives - Grady College

#GradyGrit: Meet Mason Cantrell

Posted on April 29, 2020April 29, 2020 by Sarah Freeman

What is the hardest part about being a Grady student?

The deadlines. It’s not like other courses where things roll and have a gradual flow. You can go a couple weeks without having anything due and then one week you’ll have three projects worth 85 percent of your grade due within two hours of each other. That rush is both exhilarating and exhausting.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

Professor Michaelis in the Grady Sports program. She has covered coaches for years, so it isn’t a surprise that she knows how to be a great one. Someone like that who knows when to push you versus when to comfort you and how to train you to work on a team is invaluable to growing as a journalist.

What skills/knowledge will you take away from Grady?

Technical skills are one. I came into Grady only having ever used an iPhone camera, and I’m leaving with a camera worth more than my (used) car. But most importantly the people skills. How to flow in an open room and find the best interview, quote, or story. How to network, and, most importantly, how to best be the type of journalist that serves my community.

What is your most memorable Grady experience?

When I covered the Super Bowl in Atlanta. I was so afraid going in and seeing all the national journalists who were seasoned veterans at the event while I felt so clueless. Then a random camera guy in a scrum said, “Hey. These guys you’re interviewing? They don’t know anything about you. Be you.” After that my confidence totally changed, and I flourished.

Cantrell covers a game from the sidelines with other journalists. (Photo: submitted)

What has Grady done to make the transition to online learning easier?

Be understanding of the situation. Journalism is a field where doing field work is a huge part of the learning and professional process. Things being canceled puts a huge damper on that, but each and every professor has done a great job of understanding the situation and letting students work through these tumultuous times as we go.

What will you miss most about being at Grady every day?

It’s so cheesy, but the people. Seeing the random classmates who I barely knew but still have great times chatting with about stories we had to work on together. The professors who shaped my career and still remember when I barely knew a thing about AP Style, the rule of thirds, or how to write a lede. And most importantly, the lifelong friends who I will always hark back to and be so proud of as peers in the industry.

What is your favorite hobby?

I road trip to sporting events all the time and scalp tickets at the games to get in. I’m a broke college student so I’m looking for any possible way to save money but still see the sports I love. I’ve done it everywhere from Georgia to California, and I’m hoping this college football season is saved so that the tradition can continue.

What place on campus you will miss most?

Tate. The epicenter and heartbeat of this whole thing. It’s a world of limitless opportunity where you can do everything from meet a potential source to run into an old friend. The Panda Express there has accounted for at least 80 percent of my lunches on campus. Plus, I keep the creative juices flowing by coming up with different ways to reject fliers from on-campus organizations.

What is your favorite Athens restaurant?

Cali n Titos, hands down. Get the steak Cubano, splurge a little bit to get the egg on there. Along with the mayo, cheese, and other toppings it is unbeatable. Combine that with a side of fries that you dip in their special sauce with a Coke in a glass bottle? Unmatched.

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

For other installments in the #GradyGrit series, visit the #GradyGrit page.

#GradyGrit: Meet Hayden Schwartz

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Sarah Freeman

What motivates you?

I am extremely motivated when I see a tangible change has been made that positively affects a mass quantity of people, especially at the university level. When I see students take chances that implement this positive change, it in turn motivates me to do the same. I believe indecisiveness is extremely inefficient and can be a major brick wall to innovation. The excuse of being a student is temporary, go make mistakes, go make your project, follow your curiosity and act on it while you have the chance.

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

There are several people who I continuously speak with not only to better myself but to better the UGA community. It starts with those in the EMST department, I am in constant communication with Dr. Hamilton & Dr. Fortmueller, both of whom take the time to hear out students rather than make the academic environment a one-way street. Also, a former Grady Grit, Trey Leonard, started to show me the ropes of the entertainment industry as a freshman and I don’t think I would be as involved if it weren’t for him. As a recently inaugurated Senator for Grady, I am very much looking forward to making new connections within SGA and hopefully opening up new opportunities for aspiring Grady creatives.

What is your best advice for a student taking their first class at Grady College?

I believe that truly knowing what you like and acting on that is one of the hardest yet most rewarding things you can do in college. It starts by connecting with your peers and looking for opportunities. You should get involved with the community around you and exercise those resources. It’s okay to stop doing something if the passion isn’t there anymore, even if you feel like you’ve invested a lot of time into it. The biggest takeaway you should have when coming out of your first class in Grady should be the ability to say “I know what I want to do next.” Progression is key, stay busy.

What is the hardest part about being a Grady student?

The hardest part about being a Grady student is living up to its legacy. There have been so many notable Alumni who have come out of Grady. At first, it can be overwhelming to think about but when truly considered, it turns into inspiration. You can’t pass through the lounges without finding somebody who’s working on a project. You don’t walk in Grady, you run.

What will you miss most about being at Grady every day?

I will seriously miss the five flights of stairs I take to my 1:25. That was a joke, but in actuality, I will miss seeing the camaraderie within cohorts. A Grady cohort is a special thing because you share sweat and blood with these people. Regardless of the task at hand, you all go through it together, forming a bond unlike most others at UGA.

Schwartz (left) was producer for *Murphy’s Law*, which won third place in narrative films at the 2020 GCA Student Film Festival. (Photo: submitted)

How have you adapted to the online learning environment?

To be completely honest, I can’t say I love the structure, but that’s partly due my desire to socialize with my classmates. If you want to work in the entertainment industry you typically have a knack for stories. I really enjoy listening to my peer’s opinions on industry related topics or any personal stories they tell to give insight about who they are and what they’re thinking or feeling.

How are you keeping up with work and communicating with your Grady classmates and professors?

Every Monday I try to write out an agenda for the week, then get as much done that Monday to ease the load. Come Thursday/Friday most of my work is done and I move to my COVID-19 passion projects. I’m excited to see what people come out with during this extended period of isolation. In regard to communication, I Skype my writing partner about once every other day and have been using Zoom or a quick email to ask my professor(s) questions. I will say, the class GroupMe’s have been a little desolate, I’m sure people are keeping busy as these days are seeming to blend together.

What is the last show you’ve binge-watched?

The last show I binged was Peaky Blinders. It’s actually unbelievably cinematic, and Cillian Murphy kills his role, give it a watch.

What is your favorite book?

I have two books that have greatly impacted my life, the first being The Mailroom by David Rensin. If you have any interest in the entertainment industry, more specifically the business side, this book is worth a read. The second book which is a little more philosophical is Robert Iger’s The Ride of a Lifetime. For those that don’t know, Robert Iger was the most recent CEO of the Walt Disney Company prior to Bob Chapek. Iger explains his background on becoming the CEO of Disney and gives great advice on how to become a better leader through his stories.

Where do you get your news?

There are a couple places where you can stay up to date on the entertainment industry such as Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and The Wrap. I personally use the Deadline app, and I try to check the headlines once every 1-2 days.

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

For other installments in the #GradyGrit series, visit the #GradyGrit page.

#GradyGrit: Meet Soha Imam

Posted on April 15, 2020February 3, 2021 by Sarah Freeman

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself before you began taking Grady classes?

When I got into Grady I was so excited. I forgot the feeling of my own fear and insecurities that I previously let get in the way of my professional development and personal growth. If I could go back, I’d tell myself that I am more than enough to be a part of Grady and to be a part of the incredible student body it has. Most importantly, I would tell myself to jump in fearlessly because there will be people there to catch you. I am so grateful to be a part of Grady and to be surrounded by professors and students who are so supportive and have taught me so much about the PR industry. I wouldn’t want to be anything other than a Grady student.

What is your dream job?

My dream job(s) would either be working at Marvel as a PR/Communications Director, or at Vogue as a PR/Communications Director. I would also love to run my own PR/AD agency once I have built up enough experience in the working world post-graduation. My friends always joke that I’d be the one to be a CEO one day and they helped me see a dream I didn’t even know could exist for me. Who knows what the future holds and what dreams will become reality, but I’m excited to find out.

How do you think Grady students are unique compared to other majors on campus?

I think what makes us unique is that we truly are a community. We are all interconnected with each other whether it’s on social media, group chats, or in class. I have seen and experienced how we all support each other when it comes to creating projects, helping each other work on resumes and cover letters, finding internships, and succeeding together as professionals. Yes, deep down we all know at the end of the day we are all each other’s competition but that doesn’t get in the way of our compassion for each other and willingness to help each other out.

What is your favorite part of working for Talking Dog Agency?

I am an Account Executive for Talking Dog Agency. I am essentially the main point of contact for my client, and I serve as my team’s leader. My team and I got to work with Nebo Agency on an in-house campaign called Rescue Pledge this year. It’s been amazing to watch each of my team members flourish in their roles and constantly put their best foot forward as professionals. It’s hard to pinpoint one favorite thing for my job because my entire experience has been phenomenal. I have the honor of working with a team of such talented and kind girls. Having a basis of friendship is what really makes us strong. My favorite thing about the agency itself is the community it brings. We are all a giant family, and I love that I got the chance to be a part of this community within the overall community at Grady.

How have you prepared for the shift to online classes?

I have tried to incorporate my schedule I had on campus to my work from home life. On a day-to-day basis, after I have my morning coffee, I check my emails and then dive into my assignments for the day. I take breaks every 2-3 hours to walk around my house, eat some food, or just take a breather and get my eyes off the computer screen. I try to wrap up my schoolwork by 4:30p.m. because I like to workout at 5:30p.m. every day. Although, the zoom office hours for my classes are optional, I still check in so I can touch basis with my professors on our assignments, as well as to see how they’re doing through this crazy time.

I am a huge planner and someone who needs structure in their life. I had to make sure to structure my life with these changes, so I don’t get lazy and miss assignments. Creating a schedule I know I can maintain without losing sleep or adding stress into my life has been the major key in preparing for online classes. I personally don’t do well with online instruction. I would much rather be in a classroom with my professors, but my schedule has allowed me to prepare myself for success and push through the end of this semester.

Imam (right) works with her Talking Dog Agency team. (Photo: Submitted)

What has Grady done to make the transition easier?

The reassuring messages from faculty members saying that we will all get through this together have been very uplifting. My teachers have constantly checked in via email and have made sure I’m on the same page as them in regards to shifting to online classes. Having professors who care and want you to succeed no matter the circumstance has made the transition a lot easier and less stressful than I thought it would be.

What will you miss most about being at Grady every day?

Definitely the people and just seeing everyone on the daily. I miss walking into Grady and feeling the positivity radiating the building. I already miss my classmates, my agency family, my team, my professors and campus. I know this time apart is difficult, but I know we’ll all come out of it stronger and the reunion will be one for the books.

Favorite quote?

“What makes you different or weird, that’s your strength” -Meryl Streep

Proudest moment in the past year?

My proudest moment was getting into Talking Dog as an Account Executive. I put a lot of effort into my application and interview prep, and I felt confident after my interview. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be given my top choice for positions because it is such a heavy role and I had little experience for it. However, when I got the news that I made it as an Account Executive it made my entire year.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

I love watching The Bachelor franchise. I always used to make fun of it and then my senior year of high school I got sucked in. I sometimes hate that I love it so much and how invested in it I can get.

Morning person or night owl?

Is there a way to be both because I am for sure both. Since I live such a structured life I like to take advantage of the day and start early. I schedule my classes and meetings to be as early as possible, right after a morning workout. However, I tend to stay up late doing work or binging shows on Netflix. I’m not sure how I manage to get up early the next morning, but that’s just how I function at this point.

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

For other installments in the #GradyGrit series, visit the #GradyGrit page.

#GradyGrit: Meet Joybeth Sullivan

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Sarah Freeman

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about the beauty of togetherness and vulnerability that comes from pursuing creativity. I am passionate about creative collaboration. I am passionate about the ability we have to bring a story into the life and imagination of cinema, poetry, writing, and the way that brings comfort, newness, and understanding. The world is full of smaller worlds waiting to be shared. I hope that my work will always foster communities and collaboration.

How did you choose your Grady major?

Well, I was touring UGA for maybe the fourth time my senior year of high school. My friend and I were walking around the building when a Grady faculty member noticed us. She invited us to come to her office and explained each major to us. I remember when she explained Entertainment & Media Studies, I was like, “Woah, you can major in that?” From then on, I knew I wanted that to be my major. I found that EMST encapsulated everything I wanted to learn. I eventually changed my English minor to an English major, and I have absolutely loved pursuing both of those majors together.

What are you planning to do after graduating with a Grady degree?

Oh, the dreaded, but exciting question. I applied to a few Summer 2020 video production internships, as well as a music editorial internship that I am waiting to hear back from — but currently, they are delaying acceptances and evaluating if they need to cancel the programs entirely. As a college graduate, there is already a lot of fear and uncertainty surrounding the job search. And now, that fear and uncertainty is even more of a reality. I have applied to numerous jobs, and I am remaining hopeful. Right now, I really am open to moving just about anywhere, but I am specifically interested in LA, New York, or Denver.

What will you miss most about being at Grady every day?

I was in Grady for the last time before Spring Break without even knowing it. Well, without a doubt, the thing I will miss most is the first floor lobby of Grady, or, what we call the basement. The first floor is where I have had the majority of my EMST classes beginning in Spring of 2019. Whenever I walked in, I knew there would be a friend to sit with, laugh with, share a meal with, and, maybe get some work done. I think I will even miss the weird humming that the vending machines made. But mostly, I will miss the wonderful friends I made through being in Grady that I shared that space with.

Sullivan (middle) was director of photography for *The Dreams of a Flightless Bird*, which won first place in narrative films at the 2020 GCA Student Film Festival. *(Photo: submitted)*

What is the best or most rewarding part about being a Grady student?

It’s always funny for me to explain the work and projects within Entertainment & Media Studies. I will be going to work on a friend’s project, and my roommates will be like, “What class is this for?” And, I’ll try to explain that maybe it isn’t for any of my classes, but a friend of mine is doing a short film that’s really amazing, so, of course, I want to be a part of it. That is without a doubt my favorite part about Grady.

Within EMST, I have felt supported, challenged, and encouraged through the projects I have gotten to work on and the projects I have seen take place from afar. Specifically, this past semester, I was Director of Photography for the short film, The Dreams of a Flightless Bird. My friends Ben Janes, the Producer, and Eric Najhawan, the Director, were incredible to work with throughout the whole process. Getting to be a part of that story, a story I really believe in, and create the vision from beginning to end through collaboration with a wonderful crew, was without a doubt the most rewarding experience I have had through Grady.

How have you adapted to the online learning environment?

It has definitely been really difficult, I am not going to lie. This whole experience has showed me that community stays when you’re from a place as strong and cultivating as Athens. In terms of Grady, I think the toughest loss is the permanent suspension of my friend in my cohort, Jacob Porter’s independent film project that I was on the crew for – we were going to begin filming right after Spring Break. For now, I am trying to stay very organized, be gentle with myself, and take it day by day.

What has Grady done to make the transition to online learning easier?

The vulnerability from my friends and classmates, to my professors in both Grady and in the English Department, to Dean Davis, has helped me with this transition more than words could even express. I love knowing that I go to a school that really cares about their students individually. This semester, I am in an editing class with Professor Biddle. He has been so understanding and willing to work with students individually to best figure out how to manage a class that requires a lot of technology most of us do not have access to at home. As Dean Davis said in his message to all Grady students, “It’s remarkable how tightly bound this community is, how people’s first instinct is to help others.”

Who is your professional hero?

The first few that come to mind are screenwriter and director, Greta Gerwig, the poet, Mary Oliver, and the writer, Yrsa Daley-Ward. These three women are relentless in their pursuit of telling stories and sharing with the world what they see, and how they see it. I want to make films, and I want to be a poet, and I look to these incredible artists for inspiration and motivation.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I get told that I am a calming presence often, which I am really thankful for. But, I think maybe some people would be surprised to know I really struggle with anxiety. I don’t think it is talked about enough how anxiety can make a creative person feel deeply inadequate and not capable. I feel immensely blessed to have friends and family who are constantly there for me and able to lift me up in times of need.