Reflecting on My First Semester as an Adjunct Professor and Looking Ahead to My Second

As I get ready to dive into my second semester of teaching at Loyola University New Orleans, I can’t help but reflect on the rewarding experience I had last semester. Teaching Intro to Mass Communication to a group of eager and bright students was both humbling and inspiring. It’s not every day that you get to help shape the minds of future communicators, and I truly cherished the opportunity to share my knowledge, experiences, and passion for the media industry with them.

Last semester, my students learned about the evolution of storytelling, the impact of traditional media (books, radio, and television), the rise of digital media (social media, podcasting, and gaming), and the role of strategic communication (public relations and advertising). They explored how media influences our daily lives, created journalistic stories from press releases and conferences, and debated topics like ethics in mass communication and the effects of fake news. Watching them grow in their understanding and application of these concepts was incredibly rewarding.

To celebrate and highlight the work we accomplished last semester, I created a short video recap. It captures some of the key moments and insights from our time together and showcases the energy, enthusiasm, and effort my students brought to class every day.

Check it out below:

This semester, I’m excited to switch gears as I take on teaching Communications Writing. I’ve always been a strong advocate for the power of words and the importance of clear, concise, and compelling communication. Guiding students through the intricacies of writing for media—whether it’s crafting a strong news story or developing persuasive messaging—is something I’m truly passionate about. I can’t wait to help my students build the skills they need to thrive in the world of communications.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible individuals who supported my students last semester. Their guidance and insights made a huge difference in the success of my class, and I want to take a moment to recognize them:

• Tod Smith, WWL-TV General Manager

• Mary L. H. Laurie, Education Giant

• Nicole Waivers, WWL-TV News Director

• Kendal Francis, WDSU-TV Assignment Editor

• Aimee Alleman, Loyola Mass Communications Chair & Professor of Advertising

• Maliq Johnson, Celebrity Actor

• Traylon Williams, FBI Special Agent

• Mel Cordier, St. Aug’s Marketing and Communications Director

Your contributions were invaluable, and I’m so grateful for the time and expertise you shared with my students. From industry insights to real-world advice, you played a pivotal role in their learning journey.

As I prepare for the semester ahead, I’m reminded of the joy and fulfillment that teaching brings. I’m looking forward to another great semester of growth, learning, and collaboration. Here’s to another opportunity to inspire, guide, and help shape the future of communications.