About the Author

Hello Reader,

My name is MJ. I am currently a college student attending the University of Maryland pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communications with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in International Development and Conflict Management. I have a profound drive to form my own individual understanding about current events and political affairs occuring around the world. I frequently watch the news to further my awareness of global perspectives and issues. I specifically have passionate ideas about how we can better acknowledge diverse issues faced by individuals on a global scale. I believe that using creative ways to communicate political, social or cultural differences to diverse audiences is extremely important. This is where my interest in strategic communications, politics, and love for creative pursuits converge.

I grew up always interested in finding new ways to express myself creatively. Whether it was through interior design, fashion, or digital art — I’ve consistently found immense joy through creative expression. As I got older, I became inspired by people who were passionate about political issues and those who were able to create significant change within communities using unorthodox methods. The way that people interact, the way societal issues are perpetuated, and the way many people face hardships that others could never understand – these sentiments have stuck with me. Using my background in Communications and passion for artistic expression, I often contemplate how to use unique tools to bring people from opposite sides of the ideological spectrum together. This includes using resources such as web design, digital art, marketing, social media, and much more.

When it comes to my interest and curiosity in media, I have always reflected on how immensely influential media can be on public perception and opinion. I am eager to learn more about the intersection between media and politics this semester. Through my journalism class, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the way that media can create, control, and shift culture at large. I would like to learn more about how I can contribute to media production that positively impacts and influences society.

Besides my deep interest in politics and communications, I have many other hobbies. I enjoy being outside in nature, photography, and horseback riding. I have loved horseback riding since my grandmother introduced me when I was 5 years old. I also love being with my friends. We could be doing anything, just having a strong support system is something that is important to me. One thing we love to do together is watch movies, at home or in-theater. We all have an app where we rate and compare the movies we watch together. It’s a special way for us to connect with each other.

Overall, I am excited for this journey to learn more about mass communication and journalism. I would love to use this page as an opportunity to hone my writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of how media is produced. My own development in understanding how artistic expression can bring people together, and the growing need for strong voices in our political arenas, has inspired a strong determination in me to incorporate creative methods in communication. I hope that The MJ Post can create dialogue about today's most important issues in addition to inspiring continued creativity and unique expression.