By: Mily Pineda-Rivera

Jimeto Nwafor, a senior at UMBC, is set to graduate in spring 2025 with a major in Media and

Communication Studies (MCS) and a minor in Sociology. From a young age, Jimeto knew he wanted to pursue a career in voice acting, especially within the realm of animated films. His passion for storytelling and performance began in third grade when he first stepped onto the stage. Over the years, his interest in voice work has only grown, and he’s found that MCS provides the perfect foundation to develop these skills further. For Jimeto, the journey to MCS has been clear-cut—he’s always felt that his voice was his greatest asset. This conviction has kept him focused and driven throughout his time at UMBC. Last semester, he began applying his passion by working on animation projects for his peers, which further solidified his decision to stay in this field. “I’m exactly where I’ve always wanted to be,” he says, confident that MCS is the right choice for him. 

Beyond his academic pursuits, Jimeto has taken on a leadership role in the UMBC community, co-founding the Disney Club with a close friend. He’s proud of how the club has grown and is excited to see it thrive, especially with its first events set for February 2025. This experience has allowed Jimeto to contribute to something meaningful on campus before he graduates, adding a personal touch to his college journey. One of the standout moments in Jimeto’s academic career was working on a storytelling project for his MCS 495 Video Ethnography course. The project involved interviewing residents of Baltimore City and creating a digital story using his camera and WeVideo for editing. This

hands-on project opened his eyes to the power of storytelling through media, which he sees as a key skill for his future career. Jimeto hopes to use these skills in the media production industry, particularly in documentary editing.Among the many courses Jimeto has taken, some of his favorites include Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Professional Communications, Video Ethnography, and Television Production Techniques. Outside of the classroom, Jimeto has gained real-world experience, such as participating in on-location interviews with Dr. Nicole King, an associate professor in the American Studies Department. He also credits his Television Production Techniques class for helping him land an

internship at Maryland Public Television. The internship has been invaluable, allowing Jimeto to further develop his skills and gain insight into the media industry.His internship experience has also helped him build confidence. Working as a Production Intern at Maryland Public Television pushed him out of his comfort zone, as he learned to work in a team, engage with professionals, and take on new challenges. His confidence grew as he was invited to join a team working on a new PBS Kids show, providing him with an exciting opportunity for professional growth.

Looking ahead, Jimeto is focused on his career goals. He recently received an offer for a Production Specialist position at Maryland Public Television, which he is thrilled about. Additionally, Jimeto plans to apply for a voice-over workshop at the New York Film Academy to refine his skills and work towards his dream of becoming a professional voice actor at Disney Hollywood Studios.

Jimeto’s advice for incoming MCS majors is to make use of the resources available on campus. He highly recommends taking Professional Communications to learn how to navigate the job search process. He also encourages students to visit the Career Center for resume feedback and attend internship conferences to prepare for interviews. “These resources will make a big difference in preparing you for success,” he says. With his passion, work ethic, and dedication, Jimeto is

certainly on the path to a bright future in the media industry.