Several Lumination Network staff members will graduate with a degree in journalism and new media. Each of them played a major role in producing content for Lumination, as they have written stories for the website, worked on the TV newscast and been heard on the radio.
Brianna Langley, Journalism and New Media
What has been your favorite Lipscomb memory?
My favorite memory of my time at Lipscomb is probably the entire semester I spent abroad. Living, studying and traveling all over South America with a small group of girls was an experience I’ll never forget. I learned more about life, God and myself in those three months than I have in any classroom. I highly recommend taking advantage of an opportunity like that.
What have you been involved with on campus?
I’ve been involved in a lot of little things here and there, but the one organization I’ve stayed involved in all four years is Lumination Network. The family we’ve created and the growth we’ve experienced together are things I wouldn’t change for the world.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
On May 18, I’m moving to Morant Bay, Jamaica, to help kick-start a ministry and plant a church with my boyfriend. The ministry we’re partnering with is One53 and the church he’s been receiving mission training from is Ethos. We plan on living and ministering on the island for at least a year or two before either of us pursue graduate school.
Would you give any advice to upcoming seniors?
Don’t be afraid to be “non-traditional.” Maybe graduate school isn’t for you. If you get an opportunity that doesn’t have much, if any, immediate income, but you feel it’s the right path for you, jump on it and don’t second-guess yourself. Life paths are not one-size-fits-all; they are meant to be tailored. Just because something worked for someone else, doesn’t mean it’s supposed to be part of your story. Be confident in your life purpose, but be flexible with your life plan.
Charles Bateman, Journalism and New Media
What has been your favorite Lipscomb memory?
My favorite Lipscomb memory was being a part of Singarama my freshman year.
What have you been involved with on campus?
I have been involved with all forms of Lumination Network.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
I hope to become a sports writer or somewhere in the sports field after I graduate. Sports is a passion of mine and I would love to do something I enjoy after I graduate.
Would you give any advice to upcoming seniors?
My advice for upcoming seniors, besides getting internships, try to be involved with every part of Lumination including the online side. I felt that this has given me plenty of experience for the future.
Lyndi Locke, Journalism and New Media
What has been your favorite Lipscomb memory?
There have been too many to count for me! But if I had to pick something, it would have to be just hanging out in the student center and talking to my friends. It sounds so simple but one of my favorite things to do is socialize. I love finding ways to relate to people. Also, I loved making a blog in Dr. Mac’s 21st Century Media class because it is something I still maintain today. If I didn’t take that class, I probably would have never started blogging, and now it’s a huge hobby of mine!
What have you been involved with on campus?
Recently, I was nominated for Miss Lipscomb and I have been a member of the honor roll. I have also spent this school year reporting for Lumination Network, which I have enjoyed.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
First, I want to go home to Chattanooga and rest for a while until I secure a job. Hopefully, I will get to move to Nashville again. Career-wise, I hope I get a job that incorporates writing and being around people because those are my greatest passions.
Would you give any advice to upcoming seniors?
I would tell them to enjoy each day of senior year because it will fly by so quickly! Don’t spend too much time stressing and do the best you can on your work. Most importantly, don’t be scared about the future because something will always work out! God has a plan.
Mignonne Bryant, Journalism and New Media
What has been your favorite Lipscomb memory?
My favorite Lipscomb memory has to be studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. I was given the unique opportunity to live in a different country for three months, connect with fellow “Lipscombians” and travel to multiple places over the weekends, experiencing a wide range of cultures and beliefs. I am forever grateful to have been part of such an amazing, life-changing program that Lipscomb provided.
What have you been involved with on campus?
My sophomore year, I joined Phi Nu, which is a social club here at Lipscomb. I also participated in Lumination News, Lipscomb’s student newscast and covered campus news and events.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
I plan on seeing which doors the Lord opens. Right now, I have an internship with HCA Physician Services Group as a communications associate. I love the work and the company, so I’m looking at opportunities within HCA for the future.
Would you give any advice to upcoming seniors?
My advice would be to plan ahead and prepare for what is next after graduation.
Samantha Jokisch, Journalism and New Media
What has been your favorite Lipscomb memory?
Gosh, picking one favorite memory is difficult… A lot of my favorite memories at Lipscomb are just small stories of how I met friends, silly things we did, etc. But I think some of the best times I’ve ever had were in the broadcast control room. I’ve never felt so alive getting to work with such an amazing and talented team. For us to be able to come together and bring all of our various skills and create something out of what is arguably a very challenging project is just amazing, especially as goofy and rag-tag a gang we are. In the end, I’ve loved meeting such fascinating and kind human beings, and being able to grow and create with them. We’re a crazy bunch, but we also know when it’s time to get to work, and I think that speaks a lot as to where we’ll be going as we leave– hopefully to careers that will be fun, yet professional.
What have you been involved with on campus?
I was the President of Keltae Society for two years before our leader expectantly and tragically passed away. I played the trumpet for the pep band at basketball games for awhile, but my main involvement has been working with the broadcasting team at Lumination. I came in utterly confused and feeling useless, and within a year I was a trained and working third in command as the director of the show. It gave me so much opportunity to actually explore my skills and make use of them, and for that I’ll always be thankful.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
I will be staying here at Lipscomb and working with Steve Taylor and Dave DeBorde to earn my Masters in Film & Creative Media. I’ve just started a production company, so I will be working on building that up and beginning to mold the brand of it.
Would you give any advice to upcoming seniors?
Don’t focus on having every little detail figured out, because no matter what you think you see, no one has it figured out. Just have fun and collect useful skills, contacts and memories. Any of the three, no matter who or what they are. Learning the traits you’ll need may come from the classes, but the doors don’t open easily without those keys.
Stephanie Schiraldi, Journalism and New Media
What has been your favorite Lipscomb memory?
My favorite Lipscomb memory would definitely be participating in a spring break mission trip my junior and senior year. I had the opportunity to serve in Nevis and it was one of the most amazing experiences.
What have you been involved with on campus?
I have been an RA for two years, I was in Pi Kappa Sigma (the girls service club) and Lumination.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
After graduation I plan to have an easy summer and do some traveling. I’m currently pursuing an internship for the summer with a Tiny Home company that is building a community of tiny homes in Nashville. The development of the tiny homes is being filmed for a series on HGTV.
Would you give any advice to upcoming seniors?
My advice to upcoming seniors is to try not to stress too much during your last year! Have fun, hang out with your friends and make sure you complete your college bucket list. Finding a job after graduation can be stressful, but always remember that everything will work out. Just have fun, live life to the fullest, #NoRagrets.
Lumination reached out to all graduating journalism seniors but was unable to get a response from the following: Aaron Schmelzer, Gemikal Prude, Dani Kinnen, Leslie Newman and Brittnay Estes.