What class/classes do you teach? In our undergraduate course sequence for the Department of Advertising I primarily
teach Advertising Theory and Advertising Campaigns. In the theory course we apply
classic and contemporary theories of persuasion to create advertisements and the campaigns
course is our senior capstone course where the students apply all that they have learned,
while working for a real client. I also teach two other advertising courses from time
to time, Principles of Advertising and Advertising and Society, and a number of graduate
courses.
What would you like your students to take away from your class/classes? I love learning; it is what motivates me. Thus, as a teacher I continuously strive
with great effort to ensure my students experience similar inspiration and empowerment
while learning. There are three components I believe are necessary before one can
be inspired or empowered. The three components are relevance, application, and enjoyment.
Therefore, the outcome I hope for is that my students: (1) find something in each
course that is relevant to their lives, (2) gain practical skills that prepare them
for their immediate and long-term goals, and (3) enjoy learning something from class.
What is your favorite movie? This is a very hard question. I love movies and can re-watch just about any movie
multiple times. I guess one of my favorites is Moulin Rouge (the one with Ewan McGregor).
What is your favorite local restaurant in Lubbock? Another hard question but I’ll go with Rudy’s BBQ. I will note that I keep pizza
restaurants in a category of their own. So, if we are talking pizza, West Crust and
One Guy are my favorite depending on what type pizza we are evaluating.
Academically, who inspires you? My husband. He is also a professor and researcher (we met in graduate school). The
passion he has for his work is contagious.
If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be? I would remind myself to keep a larger perspective on life. I would tell myself,
“Not everything is as big of a deal as you feel like it is right now. If something
big changes, bad happens or you simply make a mistake, it is not the end of the world
as you know it. There is much more life to live, so many more chapters to experience
and more people in the world besides you and your friends. Enjoy life with less worry
because there is more to come.
What was the defining moment that helped you determine your career path? Taking a summer course on Persuasion as an undergrad. I lived about an hour and a
half away from home during college but usually went home every summer and never considered
staying in town to take classes. However, the summer before my senior year I found
out the professor that I wanted to take Persuasion with was leaving in the fall and
thus, I had to take the course in the summer. In the end, I loved the course, enjoyed
how much quieter campus was and the professor recommended that I get a graduate degree.
What advice do you have for anyone seeking a career in the advertising field? Search for information about the field. Talk to as many people in the field or related
to the field as you can. Gaining more knowledge and experience in this area will only
benefit you. Don’t be shy—just go learn as much as you can by reading, talking, and
observing. There is nothing to lose from learning about something and it will help
you make a decision that is best for you.
What obstacles do you help students overcome? I try to help students become aware and thrive with the rhythm that is in higher
education. I want students to know that amongst the chaos there are outlets and resources
available for them to excel. Most of all, I want students to know that there is more
to their journey than simply just books, pens, and paper. There is a subtle yet overwhelming
sense of accomplishment when self-fulfillment and merit are achieved.
Ezra Chairez Public Relations, minor in Advertising, Junior Hometown: Dumas, Texas
Ezra Chairez
Why did you choose the College of Media & Communication? Choosing to pursue public relations in the College of Media & Communication stemmed
from my passion of social media. I love being online and interacting with people from
across the nation, as well as the world. While I was looking into majors I found PR
and instantly fell in love with it. In its core it is relationship management and
the different tools you can use to create, fix or communicate those relationships.
It’s also transferable to many different career opportunities.
What organizations are you involved in on campus? On campus I'm involved in a lot, but I wouldn’t trade my full schedule or long nights
and early mornings for the world. I’m a College of Media & Communication Dean’s Student
Ambassador, as well as a President Select Ambassador. I’m president of Tech PR, account
associate for RaiderComm, active member of Beta Upsilon Chi, and I’m also the campus
reporter for The Hub@TTU. The cherry on top of all that is being a combat medic in
the Texas Army National Guard.
What is your favorite place to eat in Lubbock? Favorite place to eat? Well that depends on what course of the meal we’re in! For
main meals I love the Caprock Buffalo Burger at Caprock Café and then topping it off
with Blue Oasis Italian Ice Cream off of 82nd. Sheridan’s gummy worm ice cream combo
is up here on the list as well, same goes for The Funky Door if you’re looking for
a classier place to indulge.
What advice do you have for prospective students? Get involved and introduce yourself to others. Texas Tech is full of opportunity;
all you have to do is seek it out. This campus has made me who I am today. Having
friends that push you to success would be my second tip. Surround yourself with good
quality friends that drive you to be better. Lastly, have fun. You will never get
these years back. Laugh with buddies, seek adventure and never look back. Get out
of your comfort zone and explore yourself and your values.
Corina Garcia Electronic Media and Communications, Minor in General Business, Senior Hometown: Katy, Texas
Corina Garcia
How did you become an ambassador for the College of Media & Communication? During most of my college career, I focused a lot on the production side of my major
and pushing myself out of my comfort zone hence my business minor. When I saw a flier
looking for new student ambassadors, I thought it would be another great opportunity
to break out of my shell and challenge myself to do something different. I also didn’t
know anyone that was an ambassador so meeting a new group of students who shared the
same academic goals helped me keep my focus.
What do you like best about the College of Media & Communication? I love how the college has an abundant amount of opportunities for all of its students.
The professors and advisers are always available to help and have become important
mentors to me. The college has a very welcoming and supportive atmosphere which I
think makes it very unique and comforting for students.
What has your experience been like being an ambassador? Being an ambassador has been an amazing experience for me. I love having the opportunity
to guide prospective students and help them find a perfect match to what they are
passionate about. On occasion, as ambassadors we get to meet and network with professionals
in our fields which is pretty rewarding.
In your spare time, where can we catch you hanging out in Lubbock? Currently I am a DJ for KTXT The Raider 88.1FM, where I spend most of my time in
the studio preparing for my shift. I have a huge passion for music so I enjoy attending
electronic/dance concerts around town and traveling to music festivals around the
state.
What are your future career goals? After graduation I want to work as a news producer then hopefully transition over
to serialized television and become an executive producer for a TV show.
What is your favorite place to eat in Lubbock? I don’t usually eat out, but one of my favorite places since my freshman year has
been Pancake House; I always take my parents after a weekend visit.
What is your advice for prospective students? My advice for prospective students is to be open-minded to whatever comes your way.
Take advantage of the amazing resources the college offers and immerse yourself in
at least one organization you’re passionate about.
