Moody is filled with students from all walks of life. Whether it is the diversity in hometowns, languages, religions, or heritages, every student’s path has led to the same place: the Moody College of Communication. Here, culture is more than something we inherit. It shapes the way we communicate entirely. 

Culture dictates the way we tell stories, the emotions behind our words, and even the silences we leave in between. It’s woven into every message we craft, reminding us that communication isn’t just about speaking; it’s about seeing and listening through the lens of where we come from. 

As someone who’s constantly inspired by the diversity within Moody, I wanted to highlight a few of the students who make this community so special — the ones whose stories often go untold. Together, these voices remind us that communication is a reflection of all the minuscule details that form our characters. 

Alexa Ramirez, a sophomore studying advertising, carries her culture with pride in everything she does. Born in Texas with parents from Mexico and El Salvador, Ramirez’s heritage brings three countries together in one strong sense of identity. It’s a mix that gives her what she called “the best foods from each place,” but also a deep appreciation for who she is. 

“My first language was Spanish, which has raised me to become two people at once,” Ramirez said. “Not in a bad way, but in a way I’m proud of.” 

Ramirez said embracing her culture wasn’t always easy. She said although she looked Hispanic, she didn’t always feel enough to claim it. Now, she knows you don’t have to be one background only to embrace it. 

Her favorite phrase, “Gracias a Dios,” which translates to “Thank God” in English, echoes throughout her life as a reminder from her mom to always be thankful. What once felt like a daily routine now feels like an act of gratitude. 

“Gracias a Dios puedo estar aquí” (Thank God I can be here), Ramirez said, “and make my parents proud.” 

Ramirez thinks that diversity helps everyone find their own, small home at college. 

“It made me feel like everything would be OK, and it was,” Ramirez said. 

Amira Htoutou, a freshman majoring in corporate communication, sees culture as a connection. Since childhood, her worldview has been shaped by the cultural intersection of her American mother and Moroccan father. 

“I grew up in a household that used both English and Arabic,” Htoutou said. “I attended both church and the mosque, and I learned both religions firsthand.” 

This dual upbringing gave her the ability to bridge worlds, and that perspective now shapes how she sees the Moody of Communication, because at its core, communication isn’t just about speaking louder. It’s about listening more deeply and building a world where every story, every culture, and every voice belongs. This is more than apparent at Moody. 

With each broadcast, each article, and each word, Moody students amplify the quietest voices, becoming voices for their people, their communities, and most importantly, for one another. 

“Diverse perspectives strengthen the community because they allow more than one voice to be heard and understood,” Ramirez said. “When people from different backgrounds come together, their experiences and values combine to create something bigger than any one person could on their own.”