Name: Mia Brabham
Year: Junior
Major: SMAD- DVC
Minor: Creative writing
Which organizations are you involved with on campus and what is your role in each?
I am part of Student Government Association, where I’m on the Communication Team. I’m the Video Director and I do some graphic design and photography for the organization.
I’m also part of University Program Board. I was on the Film Committee but now I’m on Special Events Committee. We bring big comedians and motivational speakers, like Girl Code’s Nicole Byer, Natasha Leggero, organize bus trips to go zip-lining, to go to Busch Gardens, and Skyzone. We also organize fun on-campus events like Throwback Thursday, Pinterest Craft Night, and themed events like the 007 Casino Royale which is coming up!
I am in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and I am the Vice President Of Public Relations and Recruitment. It’s national, but I am involved with our chapter on campus. We focus on scholarship, service, and connecting. I am in charge of keeping the current members engaged in the organization and helping integrate new members into the group. Right now we’re planning GO GEEK! Rush for the new invitees!
Do you have a favorite? If so, why?
I honestly don’t have just one favorite. Each one offers something so different! I love SGA because we get to help and support so many organizations on campus and represent the student body. I love UPB because I really, really enjoy planning events and bringing so many interesting experiences and people to campus. I like NSCS because I have grown SO much from being in a position of leadership. I’ve gotten to see a group of people come closer together by initiating bonding and getting to know them personally.
What made you want to become involved in so many organizations and how do you balance your time?
I wanted to be involved because I wanted to create culture. I think that’s so important– not just going with the flow, but creating the world you want to live in. By being involved, I have a part in shaping what the JMU experience means. I have a say in what I want my four years to be like. Most importantly, I get to inspire and inform people and encourage others to live this time in our lives to the fullest. I love the fact that I have the ability to make the experience exciting and fun and worthwhile for so many people. How do I balance my time? Hahaha, I don’t. But shout out to Google calendars for helping a little bit.
What do you do for fun outside of school?
I make videos. I’ve been doing YouTube since 7th grade, and it has been one of the most fulfilling and just fun parts of my life. I make music videos, skits, movie scene re-makes, vlogs, short films, and more. I get to do what I love, and it’s super cool that I have 17,000 fans for it. Like, it’s still unbelievable to me to this day.
I also love writing. I started a blog last summer called A Year Of Lessons, and I write a life lesson every day for an entire year. Right now I’m on day 191! I also have people submit guest lessons, and that’s my favorite part. I love how all of our experiences as human beings overlap. It’s absolutely beautiful. Writing can bring all walks of life together, just like film. I wanted to start seriously working towards my dream of inspiring others through entertainment, so this summer I will be interning in LA through the JMU in LA program.
What is your biggest piece of advice? Tell us whatever you would want readers to know right this second.
I just want people to know that absolutely nothing is impossible. I had really bad anxiety in high school, and I never thought I would be able to go away to college, but I did. It was the best decision I’ve made in my life to this day. You just have to be willing to take a leap of faith. Do it afraid. If you want to do something, you have to go after it. You have to create opportunities for yourself. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Create them. It’s going to take work, but when you persist, there’s no way you won’t win in the end. And lastly, always be kind. Be passionate, be genuine, work hard, and be kind.