Student Spotlight: Elizabeth Jones

Elizabeth Jones, from Albany, Georgia, is a junior mass communication major at Albany State University (ASU). This summer, she is completing an internship with Disney, as part of the Disney on the Yard HBCU cohort. She has also interned with RAPCO Media.

She has performed in numerous productions with the ASU theatrical ensemble, including “For  Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow is Enuf” and “Paradise Blue,” and is a social media representative. With the theatre ensemble, she volunteered with First United Methodist Church for “Sunday Evening with Our Neighbors.” They collected toiletries, personal hygiene items, and clothing for those in need.

Elizabeth also contributed to the Spring 2023 Volume 2 of Milestones, a magazine highlighting research and practice at ASU. Her article “Portrait of an ASU Alumnus,” shares the educational journey of Dr. O’Neil Smith, a senior processing engineer at Intel.

She comes to ASU from Westover Comprehensive Highschool and Commodore Conyers College and Career (4C) Academy.

 

What is your major at Albany State University and what motivated you to learn more about that field?

I am a mass communication major with a concentration in media arts. I was a student at the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy throughout high school, where I thrived in the Audio Video Technology and Film pathway. Here I learned all about filming and editing and fell in love. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in media. I felt that being a mass communication major would lead me to that path.

 

Why did you choose ASU?

I am a local of Albany, Georgia. Growing up in a city that is home to a Historical Black College is an experience like no other. When choosing an institute to further my education, I had to look no further than home. I always hear of scholars traveling from all over the country and even internationally to attend Albany State University. I am honored to have such a historic University right in my hometown.

How did ASU prepare you for your internship?

I am currently participating in the Disney on the Yard HBCU Cohort. This opportunity is only available to students enrolled at HBCUs. I would not be able to be in the position I am in today without Albany State University. Albany State was also my introduction to HBCU culture, so being here in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by HBCU students from around the country, has put my knowledge to the test.

What did you learn during your internship?

The Disney College Program is so beneficial, and I highly recommend it. While in the program, you get to work on Disney property, such as the parks, resorts, and other sites. Participants learn about the Disney Company and how it operates. There is a job position for every career you can think of. Throughout my internship, I learned that Disney is the company I want to work for in the future. Specifically, I plan to work in the communications field. The program’s team hosts events where you can network with executives in many fields. I have been able to speak with the Vice President of Global Communication for Disney as well as his team. I also participated in a weekly workshop called “Leadership 101,” where I learned what qualities the workforce seeks in leaders. These are experiences made possible through the Disney College Program.

Who made the biggest impact on you at ASU?

I have been most impacted by the mass communication and theatre programs. Being active in both departments has introduced me to my best friends and opened doors for me in the future. I have been able to learn more about myself and display my talents, whilst being encouraged by the amazing faculty and staff.

 

What advice would you give to high school students interested in ASU?

If you are anything like me, the transition from high school to college can feel very scary and abrupt. The advice I would give to high school students entering ASU specifically is to come out of your shell. College is what you make of it. Put yourself out there and make the best of every day. Before you know it, it will be time to walk the stage, and you would rather look back on the past four years fondly than wish you had opened up more. Join the clubs, stay in touch with your professors, and keep your head up. You will want to take advantage of every single second.