BA in Communication

Viviana Smith, 2025

What was the most impactful class you took in your major?  

COMM 358: Multi-camera Studio Production with Professor David Miller was one of the most immersive learning experiences that taught me everything that I could expect from entering the world of TV in my professional career. Instead of focusing on textbook-based learning, we practiced every position available in a studio production, which gave us a lot of practical experience. And the professor had so much faith in me that I ended up producing my own show as our final project! It made me think, "I AM cut out for this." I learned how to work as a crew member, how to run my own crew, and how to fully articulate my creative thoughts into a well-organized and entertaining program! It was an amazing experience I will never forget.    

Also, COMM 370: Feature Writing with Professor Mallory Saleson, was impactful because I have a soft spot for all of the classes that aren't lecture-based, but instead encourage producing. Since this semester started, we wrote a lot of articles, learned how to interview properly, and learned how to form an amazing feature-style article. Professor Saleson's feedback is straightforward and very helpful, and the entire experience mimics a real newsroom. I find that so refreshing because we are treated the way we will soon be treated—like a professional. This class allowed me to perfect my journalistic abilities and find my voice. 

What activities were you involved in during your time at George Mason that impacted you?  

Since I transferred in the fall of 2022, I have been involved in Student Media's Fourth Estate newspaper. I started as a staff writer and worked my way up to Editor-in-chief (fall of 2024). The experience was hectic, and sometimes scary, but overall, 100% worth the ride. I've written so many articles about the George Mason experience and all-things higher education, helped many writers perfect their voice and get their work published, and interviewed many interesting characters and shared their unique stories. It's been extremely rewarding and I'm proud to have done so much for the paper. 

What is your most memorable moment at George Mason inside or outside of the classroom?  

Receiving The NATAS-NCCB Chapter Betty Endicott Scholarship in 2024. Professor David Miller recommended I apply, and I won! It was amazing to be recognized in front of so many professionals in the industry, and I truly hope to be back for the work I want to do in the future. https://www.capitalemmys.tv/post/congratulations-to-the-2024-betty-endicott-student-scholarship-recipients 

As you are reflecting on your time at George Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their George Mason journey?  

Don't be afraid to try the things you want to do. Some people might not understand, some people might not like what you do, some people might judge, but the only person who knows what's best for your journey is you. Don't let fear hold you back, especially fear based on judgement from others. 

What is your next step after graduation? What are your future plans? 

Besides taking some well-deserved rest, I hope to freelance (maybe start a business!) and go where the flow of news goes and jump on open opportunities. I ultimately hope to one day work in documentary films, educating people about pressing issues in our world.