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| Photo of me in Bricktown 2016. Photo: Kaitlin Mani |
My name is Mia Chism. I'm a senior print journalism major with a minor in psychology. I will be graduating this May. I enjoy my major, and the best part about it is working with people every day and getting to experience something new and sometimes unexpected.
Last semester, I was chosen to represent Gaylord College as its overall outstanding senior for 2016-2017. I was honored at a ceremony with OU President David Boren, and I was recognized at the OU-Baylor game during pre-game on the field. It is such an honor to be able to represent Gaylord College and our staff, faculty and students. In addition, I will be giving the convocation speech at the Gaylord Convocation.
Over the break, I read Amy Schumer's biography, The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, and it is one of the best books I have read in a while.
My career goals have recently changed. This past summer I spent two months in New York interning with CUNY's Graduate School of Journalism and O, The Oprah Magazine. It was an experience of a lifetime. But after I came back to Oklahoma, I realized that I didn't want to pursue a career in journalism after graduation. So, I'm back to square one again, and I am interested in pursuing a career in non-profit, event planning or education. I'm not sure where my path will lead me, but I'm excited for the journey.
My favorite hobbies include watching Friends. I have watched all 10 seasons at least three times. I just enjoy the humor and the friendships. I enjoy reading in my free time, which in the last couple of semester I haven't had much time for. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music, but my favorites are jazz and R&B. I don't have any favorite artists in those categories, because I think it's all pretty grand.
Lastly, I love to be involved with people wherever I am at any given point in time, and so at OU I am a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (even though, I am not Hispanic, I enjoy representing and learning about hispanics in the journalism industry), the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Phi Omega- Delta Beta, Gaylord Ambassadors, and Diversity Enrichment Programs. I also recently left my job as copy manager at the OU Daily since I am no longer interested in pursuing journalism. I am a teacher's assistant for JMC 1013 Intro to Mass Communication, where I lead two separate discussion sections each week. As you might be able to tell, I enjoy being around people and helping others.
If I had an extra day for fun, I would spend it with my closest friends and my family members. Nothing beats spending time with people you love and who love you back.
I think it is great that you used your internship opportunity re-define your career plans, Mia... and of course I am glad to hear that education is on your list of possibilities. In these Gen. Ed. classes, I get to meet students from all the different colleges and majors (which is really cool! there are so many majors at OU), and I rarely meet people who want to go into education as a field, but I cannot imagine any other kind of career for myself; I just always wanted to be a teacher. And of course there are so many kinds of education, and it is so important for the future of every society. One of the great things right now about education is the Internet and how it allows teachers and students all over the world to connect and learn from each other. Did you see today's announcements? There's an infographic about Connected Learning in there which is the kind of education that really inspires me, and later this week you'll learn about Carol Dweck's work (growth mindset) which is also really inspiring to me. I will be curious to hear what you think about that, especially if you are thinking about education as a possible future. :-)
ReplyDeleteHello again!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you know my roommate, Gloria Noble, as she was nominated as the outstanding senior as well and obviously a student of Gaylord! What a small world! Congrats on your win though I know how much work Gaylord student put in and you guys deserve every amount of recognition! I had a "mid-college crisis" as well when I changed my major and really had no idea what I wanted to do as well. I think I have it figured out now, but I know how stressful it can be!
Wow Mia...your introduction blew me away. I am not so surprised that you're a journalism major though as your first story was well-written. You are a bright, intelligent and amazing person, I could not imagine the amount of work that you put into everything, but I know the outcome has been phenomenal! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI can definitely understand changing career paths though too, I am still trying to figure out what it is that I would love to do. You remind me a lot of my best friend (who is also like a sister to me). She exudes so much positivity and loves being around people as well! I'm the total opposite though, not that I don't like being around people, they just drain the life out of me lol. I can't agree more that our closest friends and family are the most important people in our lives! I also think it's interesting that you listen to Jazz, not a lot of people would say that as one of their favorite genres. Because you do, you should watch La La Land if you haven't already! I wouldn't mind you introducing me to some Jazz bands/musicians to listen to as well! :D
It is so good to get to know you! You seem to have had such an eventful college career. I am super jealous that you were able to intern in New York; that is such an amazing opportunity. I have no idea what I want to do when I graduate, either, but it seems like you have some amazing ideas. I can tell you're going to do great things wherever you go. I also love spending time with people. It really is one of the best joys in life. I look forward to reading your stories, as you seem to be a great writer.
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ReplyDeleteYour summer internship sounds like a dream! I have never been to New York before, but it is certainly on my list! I hope that you are able to figure out what kind of career you will want after college. It is crazy how one summer can change all the plans you originally had for your life. I love reading as well, but with school getting back into full swing I am finding less and less time to actually sit down and read a book for fun.
ReplyDeleteWow, your internships sound amazing! What made you decide to not be a journalist anymore if you don't mind me asking? You seemed like you liked it a lot in your introduction! Also congrats on winning outstanding senior! That's awesome!! I've never read Amy Schumer's biography but it sounds really interesting. Good luck on finding your new passion and hope you're just as successful!
ReplyDeleteHi Mia! I think it's so cool that you have had so many internships! I'm sure you have learned a lot from them! I have been wanting to read Amy Schumer's biography, but haven't had the chance to yet. After your input, however, I plan on picking it up as soon as I can! I adore that you are so passionate it's a rare find. Good luck for the semester Mia! It was great meeting you!
ReplyDeleteAn internship in New York?! That sounds like an amazing experience! I think it's great that you learned from your time there, which lead to you changing your career path. Your outlook on the future is refreshing! Most people become so stressed when thinking about what they want to do with their lives (myself included), but it seems as though you are looking forward to whatever comes your way. Your involvement across many organizations at OU is impressive. Enjoy your last semester and good luck!
ReplyDeleteHey Mia!
ReplyDeleteWow, what amazing opportunities that you have received while attending OU. The internship sounds incredible, and it being in New York sounds that much more amazing. I can see how that was an experience of a lifetime. I think its awesome that you represent Gaylord College, what an honor. Good luck in the future, from the sounds of it you will definitely find an amazing job in your chosen career field.
Hey Mia! It sounds like you have a lot going on in your life! I thought I was busy with work, school, and the military, but I might have it a little lighter on the workload than you do, which is crazy! Congratulations on graduating in May! I think that's really awesome that you've achieved so much academically and that you'll be speaking at your Convocation. I'll be glad just to be graduating! Haha. Also, I think it's pretty keen that you enjoy reading for pleasure. I, myself, enjoy reading for pleasure, plus it sparks your creativity! I hope you have a wonderful rest of the semester!
ReplyDeleteHey Mia, it's nice to meet you. Congratulations on being nominated to represent Gaylord College as its overall outstanding senior. That sounds like a pretty big deal to me! Your internship in New York sounds like an amazing opportunity for you to do what you love. Even though you ultimately decided not to pursue journalism, I'm sure it still taught you some valuable things that will help you throughout your career.
ReplyDeleteHi Mia,
ReplyDeleteIt is absolutely amazing that you were chosen to represent Gaylord. I worked with you at the OU Daily last year haha. Not to be creepy but I remember seeing your posts about Oprah; I’m really surprised to see you changing your career path. You’re gonna be great in non-profit, event planning, education, and anything really. Good luck on your future endeavors. I believe in you!
Mia,
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting that you will be graduating in May. You also seemed to be very involved, which is amazing too! That is so cool that you were able to represent Gaylord at the football game. I am a huge fan of the TV series Friends as well. In regards to what you want to do after college, I think a lot of people are in the same boat. It is hard to know what you want to do and if you're going to be happy doing it for the rest of your life. It looks like you have a variety of interests though, so you should explore every opportunity you get!
Hi, Mia! I am absolutely amazed at how involved you are on campus! I don't think I could handle being apart of so many organizations so, props to you. Congratulations on being chosen to represent Gaylord College as their outstanding senior. I will also be graduating in May and I can't wait! I love Friends and have seen all 10 seasons multiple times as well. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Mia! I can't imagine going so long as a journalism major, only to decide you do not want to do it after graduation. I really hope you find something that lets you utilize your passions! But I think it is really awesome to get to intern at O Magazine! Having done some event planning myself through UPB, I can't imagine doing it as a job! It's so stressful!
ReplyDeleteMia! Journalism is definitely not my forte, but it sounds like it's a great fit for you and that you've got great plans for it! Congratulations on being honored by David Boren-that's so exciting! I'm sure New York is super exciting and a fun experience, I'm pretty jealous. I, too, recently read The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo and I loved it! I think Amy Schumer is hilarious and totally relatable.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you for making such a big career change! That would scary me so much and I would feel so frustrated with having to start over. Those internship sound amazing though! I wish you the best of luck though it sounds as though you don't need it... and may you never have to work a day in your life (since you enjoy what you are doing)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being picked to represent Gaylord College! Sounds like you've accomplished a lot during your time here. Also, interning for O sounds like a really interesting experience. I like Friends and jazz too, but I can't say I've watched all 10 seasons 3 times haha. Well actually, I do watch a bunch of reruns.. Anyways, good luck with your future career plans! Hopefully you find your calling soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see someone willing to take opportunities by the horns, and it's really paid off with your honors as a Gaylord Outstanding Senior. Major props! I'm not sure where I'm willing to go, so maybe I could ask you for advice? Hope your future is bright no matter what you do, though.
ReplyDeleteListening to music is a hobby of mine as well. It's mostly music from video games that I listen to, with Grant Kirkhope and Yoko Shimomura as some of my favorite composers. I also enjoy classic rock, rock opera, jazz, and recently I've added lofi hip-hop there, too!
Hello! I think it is so cool that you had the courage to choose to change your career goals when you discovered it wasn’t for you. I hope you find something that you absolutely love. I admire that each of your interests involve helping others. I also love watching Friends! So hilarious. I hope you have a great rest of the semester!
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