Congratulations Torrie Hardcastle: Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship Winner

By Lauren Holbrook

On Saturday, April 28, the Austin chapter of the Association for Women in Communications will award Torrie Hardcastle with the Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship at the annual Banner Brunch.

Traditionally, this scholarship is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in academics and extracurricular activities as they strive to launch a career in the communications field.

Hardcastle, a student at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), discovered her passion for journalism and has since been involved in UT’s Orange Magazine, where she serves as editor-in-chief. Beyond her many university-related activities and classwork, Hardcastle has also interned with organizations such as ESPN Radio and Austin Monthly magazine.

Recently, she shared more about her academic background and professional goals, as well as what this scholarship will mean for her future.

AWC: Tell me about your background: Where did you grow up and why did you choose to attend the University of Texas at Austin?
TH: I grew up in Alabama, but I’ve also lived in Seattle, Houston, and Cocoa Beach, Florida. I chose The University of Texas because it seemed like the perfect fit. It was close to home (but not too close!), had a large and diverse student population, a beautiful campus, awesome football and one of the best journalism programs in the country.

AWC: What are you studying and how did you choose this field?
TH: I am pursuing a double major in magazine journalism and radio-television-film. I’ve always loved film, so that was an obvious choice for me. I wanted to become a film critic, so I added journalism as a second major. Then I fell in love with the magazine industry, so that’s where I’m heading!

AWC: What types of activities have helped you to strengthen your experience in in this field?
TH: I have been fortunate enough to serve as the editor-in-chief of UT’s Orange Magazine, and I founded the new Orange Weekly newsletter and launched the Orange Online website. I also serve as president of the Magazine Club and have worked with campus radio KVRX in addition to all of my professional internships with KUT News, ESPN Radio, Hollywood West Production, ABC and Austin Monthly magazine.

AWC: Where do you see yourself in three years?
TH: I’m moving to New York in June, so I’m excited to pursue my professional career in the magazine industry in the Big Apple!

AWC: How will this scholarship help you to reach your professional goals?
TH: This scholarship will play a vital role in financing my last semester on campus at UT, as well as my relocation to New York City as I take on a summer internship and strengthen my skill set in the print industry. It’s so wonderful to be the recipient of a scholarship from such a great organization, and I truly appreciate the recognition and generosity I’ve been shown.

AWC: Do you have any advice for other students interested in pursuing journalism?
TH: I would say most importantly, intern, intern, intern! There’s no better way to gain experience and figure out what you love (and don’t love) about specific industries or positions. It helps you hone in on what you truly enjoy doing, which is an amazing thing to discover!

Please join us in congratulating Torrie and other 2012 recipients of the Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship at Banner Brunch on Saturday, April 28, from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This year, $9,000 in scholarships will be awarded to local area college students. For more information and to register, visit www.BannerBrunch.com.