I distinctly remember how this whole journey started. I was at orientation the summer before my freshman year and Robert Quigley walked into the room to speak to us. He said that if we became one of his students he would be on our side for the long haul. I decided then that was exactly what I was going to do.
I took his class spring semester freshman year and he asked for volunteers for an event he was working on, a hackathon. I have always loved doing graphic design but I never truly believed in myself. I went out on a limb and volunteered for the design committee. Turns out I was the only one who volunteered for that committee, so I took it as an opportunity to show what I could do.
I credit that moment to the success that I have had as a designer. I put my foot in the door and things took off. As the graphic designer for The Drag for the past two years, I have grown so much and accomplished more than I thought I ever could. Every logo and social media graphic has just been me, my computer and my imagination, and I couldn’t be more proud.
My journey at UT was different than I imagined it would be, but I am grateful for how I turned out. I graduated with a degree in journalism and a degree in communication studies with a focus on political communications as well as several internships in graphic design. I’m not sure where I’ll end up right now, but I know that my experience both at UT and The Drag has prepared me for whatever is next.
I couldn’t be more appreciative for my time at The Drag and my coworkers who have become my friends. I would not have made it through these past four years without them, my family, my friends and my eternally patient and loving boyfriend, Ryan. I can’t believe my time on the Forty Acres is over, but all good things must come to an end. All I have left to say is hook ’em and thank you!