Class of 2020: Get to Know Mary Monroe

Name: Mary Monroe
Major: News and Media Studies
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Class: Senior 

What drew you to Texas Christian University?
I grew up going to TCU football games but decided to attend the University of Oklahoma after high school. I was a cheerleader there for my first year and transferred to TCU for my sophomore year. I wanted to attend a school that was smaller in size yet still located in a large city. I absolutely love it here. It was the best choice I could’ve made! 

Why did you choose to be a news and media major?
I changed my major four times before talking to a news and media studies major that I knew through cheerleading. I decided that it was something that interested me and something I wouldn’t mind having a career in. Eventually, I would like to work with a company focusing on their media promotion, specifically in the sports industry because I’ve always had an interest in sports. 

What has been your favorite news and media studies class?
My favorite class I’ve taken within the major has definitely been Issues in Sports Media. I enjoyed it because it helped me learn about the various problems that may arise in the specific industry I would like to work in. I feel that it prepared me for an industry that I had no prior experience in.  

Have you noticed any misconceptions about your major?
I have noticed that students of other majors do not fully understand that the news and media studies major is not broadcast and that I do not want to be a news reporter on television after I graduate.  

If you could choose a class to add to the TCU Core Curriculum, what would it be?
I would suggest adding a class about diversity because I feel like it is a relevant issue in today’s society. It would also help to inform every TCU student on the subject and create a more inclusive environment on campus. 

How do you spend your time outside of class?
I work at a cheer gym and am on a competitive cheer team, so I spend the majority of my time in the cheer gym. I coach a younger team and perform on an older team. Cheerleading has been a passion of mine since I was in middle school. It can sometimes be challenging to balance my assignments and my commitment to cheerleading, but I have become experienced at managing my time wisely.  

Click here to learn more about the news and media studies major at TCU.