Hands-On Learning with Joel

Segment #1 from Our Lady of the Lake University

Transcript

Joel is a senior majoring in mass communication with a focus in digital film production from right here in San Antonio, Texas. He says the faculty at OLLU has been a huge supporter of his academic career. Joel, tell us all about your time at OLLU and what you’ve been up to lately. Take it away.

– I’m a transfer student and a proud Mexican American. I wanted to attend a school where I could learn about acting in film and studying mass communication in media. I also wanted a school that valued my Mexican American culture. Our Lady of the Lake University is that school. It’s not only a Hispanic-serving institution, it’s a school that has helped me grow and pursue my aspirations. As soon as I enrolled, all kinds of opportunities opened. Without hesitation, I took advantage. at OLLU, I’ve learned how to write screenplays and teleplays. I’ve anchored multiple newscast for Lakefront Media. I’ve also written stories for the university magazine. One story won an award for journalism excellence from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. Our faculty has played a huge role in my success. One of my professors is a former television news reporter, another an award-winning playwright who wrote a role for me in the play about the university’s founders, and that is an honor I will always be grateful for. Since I arrived, I’ve been able to work as a marketing coordinator for NBCUniversal slash Telemundo 60. I’ve also landed an internship with the city of San Antonio as a video promotional director. As an actor, writer, and director, my goal is to create films that promote cultural diversity. Only 24% of Latino adults in the US obtain a college degree, and I will be a contributing factor to get that number to increase, and my hope is that I encourage others to do the same through my work. I hope to become a role model for other Latinos who aspire to make a difference. Together we are stronger. Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Joel, you’ve certainly been busy both on and off campus. The faculty at Our Lady of the Lake University sounds like a dedicated group of professionals committed to providing a high quality education that really cares about its students. And it sounds like your internships are giving you a fantastic head start in your career. That’s amazing. Good luck and thanks again.

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