Meet Kayla Lane Freeman: AWC Austin 2012 Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship Winner

by Lauren Holbrook

The Austin chapter of the Association for Women in Communications will award Kayla Lane Freeman the Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship at the annual Banner Brunch on April 28.
This scholarship is traditionally given to students who demonstrate excellence in their academics and extracurricular activities as they strive to launch a career in the communications field.
Freeman, a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, truly exemplifies the spirit of this scholarship through her studies of Radio, Television and Film and Journalism, as well as her involvement in the Theatre Action Project, Texas Freedom Network and Austin Improv community.
Recently, Freeman took the time to share more about her academic background and professional goals.

AWC: Why did you choose to attend the University of Texas at Austin and what are you studying?
KLF: I chose to study at the University of Texas at Austin because I really couldn’t afford to pass up in-state tuition, and UT had the best academics and greatest variety of disciplines to explore. I already loved the city of Austin, and after attending UT’s Honors Colloquium as a junior in high school, I fell in love with the school.

Primarily, I’m studying Radio, Television and Film and American Studies, and I have also been accepted into the Journalism program. I love what I am studying because I believe that art and media reflect the cultural values of humanity at any given era. Art is essential to a healthy society, and it’s worth studying and practicing.

AWC: What types of activities do you feel strengthen your experiences in radio, television and film?
KLF: I feel like I am the queen of dabbling. I’ve always aimed for my education to be an interdisciplinary experience, and I intend to work in the arts and non-profit community in Austin after graduation. Because of this, I’ve pursued employment at a local arts non-profit, Theatre Action Project, where I teach elementary school children to make films. I also work as an intern for the Texas Freedom Network, which has been excellent practice for more administrative uses of media (video editing, presentation building, etc.) in the non-profit sector.

As a member of the Austin Improv community, I have been connected to many creative professionals in this city. I’ve learned so much and gained inspiration just by spending time with them. I also recently started blogging for Students of the World, a non-profit that uses digital media to advocate for global issues.

AWC: Where do you see yourself in three years?
KLF: I see myself living in Austin and working as a freelance communications consultant for non-profits and small businesses. I’d love to write blog posts, take photographs, make promotional and narrative videos, create presentations, and lead communications workshops. I also see myself continuing to perform improv and explore new artistic disciplines, too. I will never stop learning.

AWC: How will this scholarship help you reach your professional goals?
KLF: I am currently working on a multimedia portfolio project that documents the experiences of immigrants in Austin, so this scholarship will grant me more time to work on this project instead of picking up extra shifts at work.

Also, I hope to embrace any networking opportunities available as a Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship recipient as I build my freelance career in media and communications.

AWC: When did you join AWC and what has it meant to you so far?
KLF: I am only recently a member of the AWC, but I am impressed by the variety of networking and outreach events the organization provides. The group truly values and capitalizes on the camaraderie that I love so much about Austin.

Please join us in congratulating Kayla 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.