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WAGs are small, voluntary groups of graduate students (3-8 participants) who commit to writing regularly by setting goals and holding each other accountable. Join us today for lunch to kickoff your accountability groups, or join virtually here!
Meet Marilin, a Media and Communication Studies (MCS) major with a Psychology minor and a Chinese Certificate, set to graduate in May 2025. Her journey to the MCS major began undecided with a focus on psychology, but she later shifted to better fit her interests of event planning and marketing. Dissatisfied with the technological emphasis of other paths, Marilin found her niche in MCS through UMBC’s "What Can I Do With My Major" resource. She loves learning about how communication has evolved over the years, with classes like Social Media Networking and Media Globalization being formative experiences. These classes helped Marilin understand the practical aspects of market analysis, fueling her love for the major.
Outside of the classroom, Marilin loves to spend her time being creative! Her hobbies include drawing on Procreate, crocheting, event planning, and listening to true crime podcasts. Marilin is also very social, spending her free time hosting game nights and going out for food with friends in Old Ellicott City. On the weekends, she balances shifts at the Campus Information Center desk in the Commons with spending quality time with her family (and her beloved cat Yuki!) Marilin is also a Resident Assistant on campus and enjoys planning events for her residents as well as getting to know them. Finally, she is a marketing intern with UMBC’s Division of Professional Studies, working hard to post deadlines, events, and other important information.
Looking forward, Marilin hopes to have a career in Marketing or Event Planning. Her internship and other roles at UMBC have equipped her with the skills she needs to succeed in these fields, such as search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, branding, and customer service. Another goal of hers is to create messaging stickers that feature her original bunny character! Reflecting on her time here, Marilin says she will miss the strong knit community of UMBC, and being able to wave to familiar faces while walking around campus. While she is still uncertain about what company she wants to work for, Marilin is confident her experiences at UMBC have prepared her to thrive in any professional environment that values collaboration and creativity.
Join SDS’s Assistive Technologist and Accessibility Specialist, Tori Jakpa, for Tea Time with Tori on March 26 at 12:00 PM in Math/Psychology 222!
Enjoy tea, light snacks, and engaging conversations about disability, accessibility, and assistive technology. This welcoming space is open to students, faculty, and staff looking to connect and explore how assistive technology can enhance learning and the classroom experience.
Curious to learn more? Let’s chat! Open to all UMBC community members.
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all. The film has open captioning, ASL and audio description are available upon request. A range of accessible seating options are available. For additional inquiries about access or accommodation, please email tjakpa@umbc.edu with "Tea Time with Tori" in the subject line.
Join SDS’s Assistive Technologist and Accessibility Specialist, Tori Jakpa, for Tea Time with Tori on March 26 at 12:00 PM in Math/Psychology 222!
Enjoy tea, light snacks, and engaging conversations about disability, accessibility, and assistive technology. This welcoming space is open to students, faculty, and staff looking to connect and explore how assistive technology can enhance learning and the classroom experience.
Curious to learn more? Let’s chat! Open to all UMBC community members.
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all. The film has open captioning, ASL and audio description are available upon request. A range of accessible seating options are available. For additional inquiries about access or accommodation, please email tjakpa@umbc.edu with "Tea Time with Tori" in the subject line.
By: Marilin Argueta-Osorio
We had the chance to learn more about Senior Jacob Singleton who is excited to graduate in the Spring of 2025! Currently, Jacob is working hard on their capstone project. Alongside their MCS major, Jacob is pursuing Computer Science as a minor. At the moment, they don’t have any solid plans after graduation but they hope to continue working in digital accessibility. Jacob’s passion for the future is to make websites and videos accessible to everyone!
Q: Why did you choose Media and Communication Studies as your major?
At first, I was majoring in Computer Science, but after I took MCS 222 for the GEP credit I found it so fascinating that I had to change majors. One part of the course I really liked was learning about the concept of time-biased and space-biased media, and how the characteristics of the medium can be as important or more important than the message it carries. I liked how different of a lens this was to my Computer Science perspective, and I loved that it could provide an understanding about the world and society that Computer Science just doesn’t.
Q: What is one skill you have gotten to learn and use through one of the MCS elective courses? (Examples: videography, social media management, curating blogs, etc)
In MCS 355 I really liked creating a social media strategic marketing plan for a local environmental group! A local interfaith center where I live has a “Green Team,” that does environmental education and advocacy, waste-reduction, and stormwater management. They are doing so many cool things, but they don't have an active social media account to bring in new volunteers and brag about their accomplishments. My plan had them expand their efforts to use social media to educate about native plants and animals, advertise upcoming events and speakers, and highlight past successes.
Q: What has been your favorite MCS course? At what moment did you realize that you really enjoyed the class?
My favorite class was MCS 101: Media Literacy! For my final paper, I looked into the history of accessibility technology. This was the first time I made the connection between MCS and accessibility. I’d recently become interested in it when I watched a TV show with really excellent captions right after a different show with mediocre captions. I realized that these captions were something that people had put a lot of effort into and that served to help others.
Q: Is there any particular project or skill that you learned that made you fond of the class?
Another part of the class I loved was learning to use Photoshop in the Lab section and flexing my design muscles. Prior to MCS 101, I hadn’t done any digital design, and it was super cool to unlock a new skill I enjoyed.
Q: Are you interested in traveling? If not, what is your favorite place to explore in Maryland?
Not really, I like Maryland a lot! One place in particular I like is the Patapsco Valley State Park. I’ve had a lot of fun walking and kayaking there with my family.
Q: What hobbies do you have and how did you get into them? I also remember you like coding, what do you program?
In addition to the walking and kayaking I mentioned, I still have a passion for Computer Science and coding, so I like to do programming projects in my free time. They all tend to be smaller add-ons to larger pieces of software, like web browser extensions to make certain sites easier to use.
Q: Do you have a current MCS-related internship or job, if so what is it like?
This past summer I had an internship with UMBC’s Division of Information Technology in the Office of Instructional Technology! I got to learn more about what goes into making college courses accessible, and I got to help UMBC move toward being a more accessible university. I really had a great time and I hope I can have more experiences like it in the future!
Q: How have your MCS courses helped you with your internship?
MCS 101 helped me think about accessibility on the level of different digital mediums and their affordances toward accessibility. My knowledge of the history of captioning technology ended up serving me well during my summer internship.
Q: Can you tell us about your capstone research project, what question are you researching? Why was that subject interesting to you?
For my capstone project, I’m going to analyze and compare the community structures of music metadata crowdsourcing communities like Musicbrainz and Discogs. I find projects like these really interesting because I myself have contributed to Musicbrainz and I want to learn more about what makes it “tick” from a media and community perspective.
Q: Is there anything fun you’d like us to know about you?
I also like reading science-fiction and fantasy books! I just read Upgrade by Blake Crouch, which was a real fun read.
Q: If you could give an incoming MCS freshman advice, what would it be?
To incoming MCS students, I would say pay attention in MCS 333! It can seem a little abstract at first but it really is the foundation for the rest of the upper-level classes.
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.
]]>The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) at UMBC is committed to providing access to cutting-edge technologies that enhance productivity, teaching, learning, research, and work. We are excited to announce the expanded availability of powerful Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for the UMBC community.
Google Gemini: All UMBC accounts now have access to the free version of Google Gemini. Gemini offers a wide range of AI-powered features that can assist with writing, brainstorming, and information-gathering tasks. There are paid licenses for Gemini Advanced that grant further integration within the Google Workspace suite (Gmail, Docs, Slides, etc); please send us a ticket if you’d like to inquire further about Gemini Advanced. Additionally, Google has made three new AI services free for ALL licensed users.
NotebookLM - notebooklm.google.com. This tool is great for building simple AI RAG documents and answering questions.
Deep Research - a tool for doing a deep dive on a topic and generating a customized research plan very quickly.
Google Gems are now available for all accounts.
Microsoft Copilot: Similarly, all UMBC accounts now have default access to the free version of Microsoft Copilot. Copilot provides a model for brainstorming, email generation, and more. There are paid licenses for Copilot Pro that grant integration with the Microsoft 365 suite (Word, Excel, Teams, etc); please send us a ticket if you’d like to inquire further about Copilot Pro.
UMBC's Instance of Amplify: In addition to these widely used platforms, UMBC provides access to Amplify, an innovative AI tool developed by Vanderbilt University. Amplify provides access to commercial AI models hosted within UMBC's secure cloud environment, including from OpenAI, such as GPT-4o or o1 series, Meta Llama, or Anthropic Claude models. Access to UMBC's instance of Amplify is available to employees (faculty and staff) upon submission of an access request.
UMBC has access to several GenAI tools that have been verified as safe to use on UMBC Level 1 and FERPA data, which is intended to keep the information internal to UMBC. Details about what information can be shared on AI tools can be found at GenAI Tools at UMBC. We recommend using the UMBC-approved services first. Services that have not been verified should only be used with public information. Public material is something you would publish on a website for the Internet to see.
DoIT is committed to supporting the UMBC community in effectively using these AI tools. We encourage you to explore the resources available on the DoIT AI website.
Guides and tutorials on how to use Gemini, Copilot, and Amplify
Information on best practices for using AI ethically and responsibly
FAQs and troubleshooting tips
Contact information for support assistance
DoIT will continue to evaluate and expand our AI tools offerings to meet the evolving needs of the UMBC community. We are excited about the potential of AI to transform our campus and look forward to seeing how you utilize these powerful resources.
If you have any questions or support inquiries about AI tools at UMBC, please visit the DoIT AI support page or contact the Technology Support Center (TSC).
The first draft of the above announcement was generated using AI and edited by the Division of Information Technology Communications and IT teams.
By: Ellen Kim
Photo Credit: Alayna Williams
Introduce yourself
My name is Mily Pineda Rivera, and I am currently a first-generation student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I am in my senior year, pursuing a degree in Media and Communication Studies. Throughout my time at UMBC, I have gained a deep passion for understanding the dynamic role that media and communication play in shaping society. As a first-generation college student, this journey has been both challenging and rewarding, motivating me to work hard and embrace opportunities for growth. I am excited to continue exploring the field of media and communication as I approach the final stages of my academic career.
What inspired you to choose MCS as your major? Would you switch it for a different major?
I was originally a biology student, but everything changed when I took my first communication course. I was fascinated by the broadness of the field, from the theories behind media to how communication shapes society and individual lives.. If I had the chance to go back, I wouldn't change my decision to pursue Media and Communication Studies, but I would definitely consider adding speech as part of my major to further enhance my communication skills and broaden my knowledge in the field, especially considering my interest now in Speech Language Pathology.
Did you ever have moments of doubt or thoughts that MCS might not be the right path for you? How did you overcome this?
I never really had moments of doubt about choosing Media and Communication Studies because, from the start, I felt it was the right path for me. When I considered the various directions I could take within the field, I realized how broad and versatile it is, and that made me feel confident in my choice. The potential to work in different industries and explore topics I’m passionate about reassured me that I was heading in the right direction. Instead of feeling uncertain, I embraced the excitement of all the opportunities MCS offers and stayed focused on growing my knowledge and skills.
Outside of your major, what are some things that make up your identity or that you are
proud of?
Outside of my major, there are a few things that really shape who I am. One of them is my love for traveling, exploring new places and cultures is something that brings me a lot of joy. I also enjoy capturing those experiences through a lens, whether it’s a picture or a video, as it allows me to share the world from my perspective. Additionally, I find fulfillment in helping others, and I hope that in the future, I can find a way to incorporate all of these passions into my career. Whether through media, communication, or community work, I’m excited to see how these interests come together.
What is one MCS project that you worked on that still sticks with you today and how could that manifest into something you can use in your career?
One MCS project that sticks with me is my senior capstone, which focuses on the representation of Latina women in media and how it impacts the perception of Latina women. This topic is especially meaningful to me because I see myself as a representation of Latina women, and working on this research feels deeply personal. It allows me to explore how media portrayal influences cultural perceptions and offers a chance to challenge stereotypes. This research could manifest into something impactful in my career by helping me contribute to more accurate and empowering representations of Latina women in media, whether through content creation, advocacy, or future projects aimed at social change.
Looking back, what were some of your favorite MCS classes? Favorite moments?
Looking back, my favorite MCS classes were MCS 222 and MCS 101. MCS 101 introduced me to media literacy, which I think is crucial in today’s world, especially with the rise of fake news. It really helped me develop the skills to critically analyze media messages. MCS 222 was equally impactful; it taught me everything I didn’t know about communication, from its theories to its practical applications. Both classes were foundational in shaping my understanding of the field and have had a lasting influence on my studies and perspective on media. They are definitely my top classes.
Do you think being an MCS major has helped you leave your comfort zone at times? When were those times and how did it affect you?
Yes, being an MCS major has definitely helped me step out of my comfort zone. I struggle with anxiety sometimes, and many of my classes required me to interact with others, which was challenging at first. However, these experiences have been incredibly beneficial in helping me improve my public speaking and interpersonal communication skills. It wasn’t always easy, but I’m grateful for the push because it has made me more confident in expressing myself and connecting with others. It’s one of the ways the MCS program has had a lasting positive impact on me.
What internship or career are you thinking about currently?
Right now, I’m considering teaching English abroad for a gap year. It would give me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and gain valuable teaching experience. After that, I plan to return and pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. I’m excited about this career path because it combines my interest in communication with my desire to help others, especially those who face challenges in their ability to communicate. It feels like a perfect next step after my time in the MCS program.
What would you say to incoming MCS majors?
To incoming MCS majors, I’d say embrace the journey ahead because this field is full of endless possibilities. Media and communication shape the world around us in profound ways, and as an MCS major, you have the power to influence how stories are told, how information is shared, and how society is shaped. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s through public speaking, writing, or creating media because every challenge you face will help you grow. Stay curious, stay open-minded, and remember that the skills you’re learning aren’t just for a career, they're for making a real impact in the world. Trust the process, and you’ll find your voice in ways you never imagined.