Meet Our Student Ambassadors
Ashley Updike
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I have dreamed of working as a sideline reporter for the NFL since I was 9 years old. KU’s J-School has a great reputation for producing successful journalists in the sports world.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
The campus feels really big, but the J-School makes it feel smaller. By your second semester, you start recognizing the faces of other students and professors. The class sizes also get smaller as you advance in the curriculum making your experience feel very personal inside the J-School.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
I love the community and the tradition that lies on campus and in the town of Lawrence. I really didn’t know anything about KU or Lawrence before I came here, but I have loved learning all the Jayhawk traditions. There is also a community you build around the world when you see someone wearing KU gear and you get to say “Rock Chalk!” I love telling people that I’m a Jayhawk!
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
I would tell incoming freshmen to keep a positive outlook on their college experience and don’t get stressed if it feels like things aren’t going your way right away. Moving away from home and going to college is a huge adjustment, and it can take a lot of time to get used to. Remind yourself that in the end, you will get to where you’re meant to be!
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
aupdike26@ku.edu
Bryna Kelley
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I chose to become a part of the J-School because I loved the sense of community within the J-School and the different ways I could get involved right away.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
I think the J-School is unique because, by the end of four years, you have met every student in your graduating class and spent time with every professor. Students have the ability to make an individual impact on the J-School and KU during their time here.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
Going out of state and having people say "Rock Chalk" to you because you've joined such an amazing network of people who love this school!
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
One piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to always be open to meeting new people and making new connections. You never know where those connections will take you!
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
bryna.kelley@ku.edu
*The Strategic Communication concentration became the Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising and Public Relations concentration in 2022.
Claire Olmsted
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
Becoming a part of the J-School was such an easy decision for me. I’ve been a Jayhawk my whole life and choosing journalism was also easy because it has been in my life for a while now, through my involvement with it in high school. The minute you walk in the doors of Stauffer-Flint you can feel the close-knit community of the school.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
There are so many opportunities to get involved at any point during your time here. No matter what your interest or concentration is, you can be a part of something that builds a community for you within the school. The various broadcast clubs and shows, the Kansan and the Agency are all great real-world examples of working in journalism.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
The best part about being a Jayhawk is the community you become a part of during your time here and beyond. Lawrence is also an amazing town that offers a lot of opportunities for various things to do outside of school.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
I would say to get involved and do so early. Being involved allows students to create a community and begin networking with people that could, later in life, help you in getting a job or simply just being a friend. There are so many opportunities at the J-School no matter what grade level you are at, so getting involved sooner rather than later is beneficial!
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
claire.olmsted@ku.edu
Grace Janega
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I wanted to be a part of the J-School because of the community that surrounds the school. Everyone is here because they truly love what they study and their passions and goals are shown in their work and care for school. There is really no other school like it on campus. Being able to walk into the school and sit down and know that you will be able to talk to anyone around you is such a comforting feeling and really brings everyone together.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
What is so unique about the J-School is that no matter what your concentration is there is a spot open for all students who want to participate in any side clubs. For example, I’m in multi-media journalism and worked on Good Evening KU, where I got to learn about reporting news and sports. You could be any side of journalism and be a part of the UDK or the AD Agency there are spots for all journalism students which is so amazing!
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
The school spirit! I truly didn’t know what being passionate about school was until I came to KU. It is my home and being able to cheer on KU wherever I go and shout that I am a Jayhawk is the best.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
GET INVOLVED! if you have even a small interest in broadcasting or marketing or anything of those sorts. I promise that there will be a group here for you. Meet people, ask questions and start early. The four years might seem long but I promise it goes by fast so start early and your experience will be amazing.
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
G155j504@ku.edu
Hanna Meeks
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I have always had a passion for writing and creating, and KU is highly ranked for our School of Journalism. I had no idea how diverse the J-School was until I started classes. There are so many paths that can take your journalism degree to the next level.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
Something that makes the J-School so unique is the wide variety of clubs and organizations you can join as a student. Just by joining a club, I can try every type of media before I decide what I like best.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
The best part about being a Jayhawk is telling other people "I am a Jayhawk!" KU is well known for so many reasons. Its rich history and strong programs set it apart from any other school in the country. I also love seeing people outside of Lawrence repping their Jayhawk gear. Rock Chalk!!
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
I always advise newcomers to take advantage of the amazing opportunities the J-School has to offer. During my freshman year alone, I experienced so many cool opportunities that I had never dreamed of! Always say yes to the opportunity!
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
hanna.meeks@ku.edu
Katie Reynolds
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I chose to become a part of the J-School because of the homey feeling it has on such a large campus. Students are always collaborating on projects, working closely with their professors and making connections here.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
The J-School is unique because it offers hands-on learning experiences that you can apply to your future career in mass communications. From Media Crossroads to the University Daily Kansan to the Agency there is something for everyone.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
The connections you make. I haven’t even graduated yet and I have met Jayhawk communications professionals from all over the country.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
Get involved right away. The J-School offers so many valuable experiences and it is important to take advantage of them throughout your time here.
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
kereynolds@ku.edu
Phoebe Babst
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I fell in love with the J-School when I got the opportunity to tour it! I was so impressed with the building itself and got even more excited when I heard about all the opportunities to get involved.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
The J-School is the perfect size to form connections with your peers and professors, and it has amazing resources to further your learning. The J-School provides the unique opportunity for its students to try their hand at a variety of skills, and take classes that interest them even if they aren’t directly tied to their major.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
I love the school spirit here, and how enthusiastic Jayhawks are to try new things! KU has an environment that feels energized and fresh, and it makes student life so much fun!
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
Soak up every opportunity that excites you, and don’t be afraid to sign up for classes that you are passionate about! KU offers so many courses that cover all sorts of niche topics, so take advantage of that while you’re here.
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
phoebebabst@ku.edu
Rashada Smith
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
My love for journalism started in high school and since then I knew it would be a part of my life. I have dreamed of going to KU since I was a little girl and the stars just aligned for me!
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
The professors and faculty are phenomenal and always doing their best to create new ways for students to get involved. In addition, the J-School is home to some of the kindest, most ambitious, and creative students on campus and I am always happy to be there and soak it all in. It genuinely feels like a home for people with similar and differing interests alike!
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
The best part of being a Jayhawk is the immediate connection you have with other Jayhawks, alumni, and even members of the greater Lawrence community. I feel like Jayhawks have a lot of pride in our university, academics, and what we stand for, so it's really neat to be able to feel a special connection with strangers so quickly. A quick “Rock Chalk!” coming from a passerby on the street that sees you wearing your KU merchandise will genuinely never get old.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
One piece of advice I would give to incoming freshmen is to jump right into clubs, activities, or even people that seem cool or anything you might be into. One of my biggest regrets is not getting as involved with clubs and events when I was an underclassman as I wanted to be. Everyone is or has been in the same boat as you so there's no need to feel scared to dip your toes into everything!
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?rashadasmith@ku.edu
Ryn Drummond
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
I chose to become a part of the J-School because of the community. Every staff member, professor and student welcomes you into the school and supports you fully. It’s comforting to know that there’s a place on campus that is filled with people who want to help and will consistently push me to be the best version of myself.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
What makes the J-School unique is all of the opportunities it provides. I love that any student can join any student media group at any time. The J-School fosters a community that sets its students up for success by giving them real experience.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
The best part about being a Jayhawk is the culture! There is something so beautiful about how valued the traditions are at KU and how much they mean to current and former students. From the Rock Chalk chant to the basketball games to the day where you can FINALLY walk under the Campanile — KU provides unforgettable experiences for every student and I am so happy that I get to be a Jayhawk.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
I would advise freshmen to get involved. It may be scary and nerve-wracking, but it will be such a great decision in the long run! By stepping out of my comfort zone as a freshman, I met some of my best friends and learned some super valuable life lessons.
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
drummondryn@ku.edu
Sydney Clark
Why did you choose to become a part of the J-School?
From day one, the J-School felt like home, a place to grow and develop my journalism skills. I loved the environment and the potential opportunities I could have to get involved as soon as I stepped on campus. The J-School is one of a kind and the experiences, lessons and opportunities I have received, continue to make this place the place for me.
What’s something that you feel makes the J-School unique?
One thing that makes the J-School so unique is the friendly environment. The friends I have made are like family here; there is always laughter and smiles filling the building. It’s nice to be in a place where everyone wants you to succeed, and that's exactly what the KU J-School is.
What’s the best part of being a Jayhawk?
There's only one Jayhawk. The traditions run deep through the crimson and blue, there’s no place like Kansas. I love the passion and pride that everyone has for KU, it feels like a family, all connected by our school spirit.
What’s one piece of advice you would give incoming freshmen?
Being determined will get you far. No matter what class, assignment, or obstacle comes your way, if you stay determined you will grow in so many ways. You are about to step into a new journey, but it’s the best one. Stay focused and passionate; it will take you far.
If students or prospective students have questions, how can they contact you?
sydnyeyclark@ku.edu