Student Member Spotlight: Rachel Platis

AWC: Tell me about your background, where did you grow up and how did you land at UT?

RP: I was born and raised in Austin, so the University of Texas was not a far trip for me. I grew up around the university hoping that I would one day have the honor and privilege of being a student here. I am happy to report that the dream has come true!

AWC: What are you studying and why?

RP: I am studying multimedia journalism and Plan II (a liberal arts program) at UT. I was very involved in newspaper in high school and have a strong passion for the written word. I appreciate the chance to mix the delivery of news and information with the latest and greatest developments in technology and new media.

AWC: When did you join AWC and what has it meant to you so far?

RP: I joined AWC in the spring of 2010 looking for a close-knit group of girls at UT to share some of my general interests and hobbies with. There is a lot of potential for growth and involvement in this organization and I am excited to open such opportunities to even more students next year.

AWC: Is there anything special you take away from AWC, over other organizations you may or may not belong to?

RP: What makes the UT chapter so special is the close involvement with the local AWC professional chapter in Austin. I have met some outstanding women through this organization that include people like my mentor Emily Babb and our student chapter liaison Christy Agness. They are terrific leaders and I have already learned so much from them. Every guest speaker we have had thus far has extensive knowledge and experience which teaches our members what to look for as we enter the working and professional world.

AWC: Where do you see yourself in three years?

 RP: In three years I will be out of college. It’s hard to say where I will be geographically! Part of me wants to buy a shack on the beach and live out the rest of my life walking the shores in the morning and writing for the small town paper by day. Realistically, I am open to any and all opportunities that come my way. By the time I finish college, I’ll have had internships in the fields of news, marketing and museum studies. I would like to say that in three years time I will be a young professional working in any one of these fields, ultimately going back to grad school for studies in public affairs.

AWC: Tell me your favorite part about living in Austin.

RP: My favorite part about living in Austin is that it’s my home. I am so spoiled to have grown up in this town. I never appreciated it fully until I left. After studying abroad for two months in Europe this summer, I came back to my lovely, funny, tie-dyed, ‘Keep Austin Weird’ family. What really makes Austin special is its multi-faceted character. From the natural features, such as the Greenbelt, to the tasty Mexican food to the music scene, there is always something to do and someone to do it with!

AWC: Do you have any advice or tips for new student members?

RP: Find your niche in this organization and work hard to develop it! Get to know your e-mentor, they have a vast and expansive amount of knowledge about their industry. It’s worth the time to develop a connection with them. I have learned that you truly get out of something what you put into it, and that is true also for organizations such as AWC.