Nia Murray
Nia Murray has long aspired to become an actress. Throughout her time at Georgia State, the junior, majoring in media entrepreneurship and minoring in film, has unlocked life-changing opportunities— sprinkled with some Disney magic — and gotten even closer to realizing her dream.
Interview by Paige White
Who is Nia Murray?
I am a junior here at Georgia State studying media entrepreneurship. I started my journey at GSU as a film major, but now it’s media and entrepreneurship because my dream is acting. However, I wanted to learn how to manage myself as a business, and I think being a business owner is smart.
During my second semester of my first year, I did an apprenticeship at Walt Disney World Resort called the Disney College Program. I lived in Orlando, Fla., for four months and had the best time ever.
I would say the most unique thing about me is that I am a “party princess.” I’ve worked for the Southern Belle Character Company for the past three or four years, and I play fairytale characters at kids’ birthday parties, corporate events, church events and things like that. It’s so much fun.
How did the Disney College Program shape you?
I was taking my classes online, taking 12 credits and working full time while separated from my family for four months. I was a food and beverage intern at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. It was a crazy, fun experience — roller coasters, fireworks every night — like a mini vacation people spend thousands on.
What else have you been involved in while at GSU?
I joined the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority during my sophomore year, in the fall semester. I’ve been director of social events, where I organized fun events for us, which made me the main point of contact for vendors around Atlanta, and now I’m judicial chair, which means I make sure all our members are being responsible and promote sisterhood within the chapter.
I am an intern at the Atlanta Workshop Players, a nonprofit performing arts company and film school. I am also the Disney programs representative at GSU, where I share all about the Disney College Program. We are recruiting students for the fall semester, so I’m encouraging people to apply.
I love being involved on campus. I used to be really involved with Christian organizations here, like Baptist Collegiate Ministries. Sometimes I would go to “The Living Room,” which is a Monday night church service. There’s also Atlanta Christian Students. I’m not really involved with them anymore just because sorority life takes up so much of my time.
Why did you choose Georgia State?
I chose GSU because I’m so passionate about the film and media industry, and I knew how booming it was in Atlanta. I figured I didn’t need to go too far to get a grasp of that. I also liked that the school has such a great reputation academically. I wanted to go to a bigger school for a sense of community. I was also big on theater in high school and I wanted to go to a school that has an active student life. I also didn’t want to be far from home. I’m from Conyers, Ga., which is about 30 minutes outside of Atlanta.
What drives or inspires you?
As a Christian, I have my faith in God and in Jesus that there will be light at the end of the tunnel, regardless of dark times. I know how good it feels when people go out of their way for you.
I also love working with kids. I love seeing them happy because you’re giving them attention, and how joyful they are. What drives me is seeing how kindness positively affects me or others, so I want to push that forward. I also want to be successful, have a family one day and be somebody people are proud to know. I want to be a good influence and be a good big sister.
It’s Women’s History Month. Are there any special women in your life you look up to?
My mom. She taught me to value my education and to respect others. She went back for her master’s in computer science while I was in preschool, and I remember her working so hard so she could support my sister and me. She taught me to be grateful and treat everyone with kindness.
What are your postgrad plans?
I would love to pursue acting. It’s hard to be on set and be in class, so once I graduate, I’d like to act full time. I would also like to continue working for Disney, maybe in social media or entertainment.
