Grad Profile: Emily Guajardo (M.A)

Emily Guajardo

Meet Emily Guajardo (M.A student)

Please tell us about your journey toward applying to Baylor's JPR&NM graduate program.

Being the first in my family to attend college in the United States and the first female of my extended family to begin a graduate degree, the journey was not easy to say the least.

Before thinking about applying to the Baylor JPR&NM graduate program, I had my eyes set on a much bigger plan, which included moving out of Texas, establishing myself in a new city and attending a different graduate program. With all the preparation and constant support I had from my previous mentors, peers and other faculty members at Abilene Christian University, I truly thought God had opened an unimaginable door. Finally, it was my time to “shine.”

Ready to commit to a different program on the eve of my undergraduate commencement, some unfortunate circumstances occurred, which led me to set aside my ‘wants’ for the needs of my family. Heartbroken and unsure about what was in store, I denied the acceptance and began looking for a full-time position in the San Antonio area; definitely not the easiest endeavor. By the end of October 2018, I was working three jobs, which included serving in fast food, social media marketing and as an office assistant for a small business association company.

Fast forward to mid-January, I was stuck in a hostile work environment. I saw a Facebook post from my mentor to Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez on her newly appointed chairmanship at Baylor University. Needless to say, it felt like I had found a life line. That same day, I emailed Dr. Moody-Ramirez and asked her questions about the program and frankly, the rest is history.

Two months later, I received news about my acceptance and the generous offer Baylor and the department was able to give.

While I have always heard that when God opens a door, don’t hesitate to walk through it, I have learned that God sometimes can open doors just to show you how worthy you are of having that particular door open. Being accepted to equally prestigious graduate programs like Baylor showed me that God has prepared the right people to surround and encourage me to reach the unreachable. It is only through God’s goodness, grace and constant affirmation of those around me that I am able to walk among other intelligent men and women of this department.

This was – and is – where I’m supposed to be.

What has particularly attracted you to Baylor’s JPR&NM graduate program?

Anyone has lived in the state of Texas knows that Baylor University is one of the top schools in the country. While it took me some time before realizing Baylor had a JPR&NM graduate program, I was immediately drawn to the program because of its emphasizes on allowing its graduate students to be embedded into the department quickly, the opportunity to mentor undergraduates and work alongside faculty that is interested on reforming the social norm.

On top of that, coming from the Christian faith, the department’s focus on modeling students to pursue the truth and represent Christ in every aspect of their life is of extreme value to me.

What are your long-term goals?

Over the last year, my initial long-term goal has shifted. However, my hunger for social justice reform has not. As of now, I would like to continue my studies with perhaps my doctorate degree with an emphasis in minority studies in order to either write for a publication interested in such topics, teach at the higher education level on such topics or work for an organization that is currently mobilizing in these type of social reforms.

Your favorite part about being a grad student in this program:

While I have just started, my favorite part of being a grad student in this program will probably be working alongside Dr. Mia Moody-Ramirez on a research project and teaching a couple of undergraduate courses. Needless to say, I’m both excited and nervous at the same time.

Advice to students interested in joining the JPRNM program:

Stop contemplating and just do it. Whether your interests are in traditional journalism or some abstract study, the program is meant to be tailored to your interest. Journalists, public relations gurus and advertising experts are not born, but molded over time. The world needs fresh ideas and people, so don’t keep it waiting.