Jacquelin Kent (B.A. ’23)
While working toward a degree in journalism at Georgia State, Jacquelin Kent (B.A. ’23) juggled coursework and internship opportunities — including one writing for the Cobb County, Ga., school district — that reinforced her passion for the field. After experiencing the loss of close family members, she became even more motivated to pursue her dreams. Before she graduated, she landed a position as a lifestyle editor for Media Girls Magazine. Now considering graduate school programs, Kent is still honing her storytelling skills as a student in a New York University certificate program in Modern Journalism. Here, she tells us how her journey has led to this moment.
Interview by Paige White
Why did you choose to major in journalism?
I decided to study journalism because I’ve always loved it. Growing up, I always listened to the radio on the way to school and, at the time, I didn’t realize what I was listening to was considered another side of journalism. So, as I got older, I started writing, whether it was poetry, articles or other things of that nature. I was always doing something with a pencil or pen.
Eventually I started writing for my local newspaper and then I became a national youth correspondent for George Mason University, so I represented Georgia and went to Fairfax, Va., and Washington, D.C., during the summer of 2018. That’s when it was confirmed to me that this is what I want to do as a career.
What advice would you give to Georgia State students?
Make your college experience worth it, as cliche as that sounds. You are putting so much time and money into college, and you need to make it worth it. Make sure you are networking and taking advantage of the time that you have because the time is now. During undergrad, I homed in on making sure I was building myself up on the career pathway I wanted to take and being open to new opportunities, because that’s the time to explore. That’s the best advice I could give. You should also be intentional with your time, the classes you take and the professors you choose, and do your research.
What keeps you motivated in your career?
My story is a little different. I lost a lot of people, specifically my grandparents and one of my older brothers. I lost them during undergrad, so they are definitely my “Why,” outside of myself and the little girl I used to be. Life is so short, and I learned that after experiencing their deaths back to back. It is critical we really go after whatever we want in life, because like I always say, tomorrow is not promised. Make sure you’re happy, especially in your career.
As a woman in the workforce, what does Women’s History Month mean to you?
There are no limits to what you can do. Growing up, I shied away from the sports industry because it’s a male-dominated space but, over time, you see how much progress women have made, whether they be athletes or sports journalists that are female. Whatever industry you are in, it is important to know there are no limits. You can do what you want as long as you put in the work and know that a pretty face will only take you so far.
What lessons did you learn during your time at Georgia State?
The biggest lesson I learned during everything I experienced during college is that life is going to always throw curveballs. You have to learn to roll with the punches and pivot when necessary, even when things go wrong. You can always find a way to get back up at the end of the day.
There were so many times I woke up and walked to class and people didn’t even know that my brother was killed or I had just lost both of my grandparents. It wasn’t a known thing for the outside world. So, it was hard having to show up for myself or for other people during that time, but now that I’m 24, about to be 25, it’s helped me. Of course I hate that I experienced those things, but at the end of the day I have a newfound appreciation and perspective on life because I learned that this is nothing compared to the stuff that I will experience going forward. It’s about learning to get back up no matter what happens. You have to keep pushing.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently deciding what graduate school I want to attend. I’ve been considering Clark Atlanta or Georgia State University. I want to get my master’s. I’m trying to choose between a master’s in business or a master’s in communication. That’s the plan right now. I want to finish my program with New York University for my certificate in Modern Journalism. I am an ambitious person. I want to break ground in real estate. I would love to have my own production company one day. There’s a lot that I want to do, but those are just some things.
