Name: Mason Ponder
Degree: Multimedia Journalism
Expected Graduation Date: May 2018
Mason Ponder knew what he wanted, and he knew OSU had the multimedia journalism program that fit him.
“I chose OSU for its communications school,” Ponder said. “It has specific degrees and focuses for its students. I enjoy learning to do what I love.”
As a senior in the program from Carrollton, Texas, Ponder has learned many things during his academic career. SMSC has helped Ponder grow in skills that he was not strong in before.
“I knew what I wanted to do before I arrived as a freshman, but the classes helped me focus on exactly what I wanted to do,” Ponder said. “I am appreciative of the skills I learned outside of just using a camera.”
The classes in SMSC helped Ponder grow in his writing and journalism skills. His expertise in graphic design and video has only improved as an SMSC student. When Ponder looks back on his college experience, he is fond of the community he has found at the Paul Miller Building.
“Every time I go to Paul Miller, I run into a friend,” Ponder said. “It’s a place I know I can have fun while getting work done with others doing the same.”
Outside of the classroom, Ponder is an active member in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at OSU. Throughout his academic career, Ponder has worked as a free-lance videographer for weddings and other projects. He enjoys using what he has learned in SMSC outside of the classroom.
In the summer of 2017, Ponder was the Communications intern for Garland Power and Light. He wrote and completed videography projects for the company throughout the summer.
“I enjoyed the internship because I got to complete video projects that were specific to the company’s goals and vision,” Ponder said. “I got to do work that was important for the company, even though I was only an intern.”
Ponder anticipates graduating in May 2018. He plans to go back to Texas to begin his career. He wants to continue working as a freelance videographer by working on different projects to expand his portfolio and connections.