Next time you’re doomscrolling on TikTok, take a closer look. You might just be liking, sharing or commenting on content created by the person sitting next to you in your Moody classroom. For over a decade, Moody College has been shaping the next generation of social media stars, offering a culture of creativity that inspires students to take a chance on content creation, often leading to career-defining success. Moody Magazine sat down with three Moody influencers, each at different stages of their social media journey. 

Ten minutes until they’re live. Then, the students realized their microphones aren’t working. They scrambled to fix the problem and found one solution: going old school. The competitors on “College Crossfire,” a Texas Student Television production, had to pass around a microphone to at least get the audio through to the control room. 

Effective communication by whatever means necessary. Society’s unnecessary need for a diagnosis. Identity reclamation. Difference versus disorder. Dr. Natalie Czimskey, assistant professor of instruction in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, is dedicated to raising awareness about these important concepts. 

The sounds of chatter, laughter, coffee brewing and the elevator ringing flood Moody when anyone enters through the front doors. There’s constantly something happening. Not only is Moody filled with creativity and innovation, but it’s also brewing with a desire to preserve and represent the rich history of different cultures. The Voces Oral History Center, an archive of stories of Latinos and Latinas who shaped the course of history, marks a prime example.

The sports media, entertainment and events industry has long been a competitive and male-dominated space with women facing gender barriers to career opportunities and advancements. When Isa Almeida, a senior majoring in journalism, received a press assignment for a women’s basketball game at the Moody Center, she was surprised to find that her first thought upon entering the press box was, “Why am I the only woman here?”

“You belong here. Your presence is valuable.” From the moment Associate Dean Kyle Clark set foot on campus, this message has been at the heart of his work at the University of Texas at Austin. As a champion for Black UT, Clark has dedicated his career to creating spaces where Black students feel seen, supported and empowered. Through mentorship, leadership and unwavering advocacy, he continues to leave an indelible mark on the university and its Black community.

In a world where true crime dominates bookshelves, podcasts and streaming platforms, the genre has evolved far beyond sensationalized storytelling. At Moody, faculty and students are at the forefront of this shift, exploring the complexities of crime reporting through courses like True Crime Podcasting. University of Texas at Austin journalism professor, author and podcaster Kate Winkler Dawson has spent years grappling with these questions, both in her own work and in the classroom. Meanwhile, second-year Journalism major Jake Gripp, an audio editor for The Drag’s acclaimed true crime podcast “Darkness,” plays a crucial role in shaping the sound and emotional weight of these stories.

As March rolls around, Austin begins setting up for one of the biggest events of the year. South by Southwest serves as proof of the grounded yet growing art scene here in Austin, but also around the world. Thousands of volunteers, filmmakers, artists, students and spectators arrive to immerse themselves in the incredible work of talented artists of all ages. 

As Texans, we often don't realize how much the decisions made in the state Capitol shape our lives, whether it’s the schools we attend, the roads we drive on or the rights we hold. However, understanding how these laws are created doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, knowing how the Texas Legislature works can help you feel more connected and involved in the decisions that impact you.

Scarlett Johansson! A squeal escapes from my mouth as “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” etched itself to life on my apartment’s TV. Texts with my family flood in as the program ensues. “Saturday Night Live” writers once again continued their legacy to provide something for everyone.