Her Campus: Why did you decide to come to UK?
Riley Miller: I was a Governor’s Scholar (Centre College, 2011) where I was placed into the Journalism and Mass Communication focus area. At first, I was a little disappointed because I didn’t get my first choice, which was Political Science. However, that disappointment disappeared quickly as I fell in love with journalism. I watched stories that made me laugh and stories that made me cry; I was very inspired, all thanks to my professor, Mel Coffee. Mel encouraged me to come visit UK’s Journalism and Telecommunication program my senior year of high school. I decided after my visit that UK was the school for me. I haven’t regretted my decision once since beginning classes in the fall of 2012, and I am so lucky to still have Mel Coffee in my life as my professor and advisor.
HC: What has been the most influential thing about being at UK?
RM: Again, I am so lucky to have my professor Mel Coffee in my life. He has been the most influential thing about being at UK. He encouraged me to apply for the College of Communication and Information ambassador program that I have been a part of this school year, and he has allowed me to participate in other exciting events, such as hosting UK’s Spring 2014 Graduation “Blue Carpet” event and working with ESPNU Campus Connection. He has taught me so much about journalism and life. He genuinely cares about his students. I value his feedback, both his compliments and criticism, which has helped me grow throughout my time at UK.
HC: What is your major?
RM: My major is Journalism with an emphasis on broadcasting and my minor is Communications.
HC: What are your plans for after graduation?
RM: I am not sure where I will end up exactly after college, but ideally, I would like to start working for a news station in Nashville, Tenn., and then see where life takes me from there. My dream job is to be an anchor on Good Morning America. I have also considered law school post-graduation, but time will tell.
HC: What advice do you have for women at UK, particularly those who are considering your major?
RM: For UK women considering my major, my advice would be to work hard. The major isn’t an easy one and there is a lot of outside work involved, but the key is not giving up. Don’t be afraid of failure, because the majority of the things I’ve learned have come from my mistakes. Nothing worth having comes easy.
HC: What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew as a freshman?
RM: The library is a big social spot. I am a very bubbly person and learned quickly that the library can turn into a social gathering fast. Take advantage of the quiet study. You’ll get a lot more done much more quickly and will have more time for social events or leisure time outside of Willy T.
HC: What are you involved with on and off campus?
RM: Throughout my time at UK, I have been a Keeneland College Ambassador, a member and officer of the Chi Omega Sorority, a College of Communication and Information Ambassador, an intern for a U.S. Congressman, and a group fitness instructor at the Johnson Center. I have contributed to UK Student News Network broadcasts, produced WRFL radio broadcasts, and worked with ESPNU through the Campus Connection program. I also babysit and work at a church nursery on Sundays.
HC: Biggest success (in life)?
RM: The ability to turn lemons into lemonade. Long story short, I had two younger brothers that passed away from rare forms of pediatric cancer. Their loss caused a lot of hurt and grief for my family. However, I was able to turn my grief and anger into something positive and started volunteering through the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization that raises money for pediatric cancer research to help find cures and treatments. My brother Reid was actually in the same hospital as Alex Scott, the founder of the organization. While I don’t completely understand why this happened to my family, twice, I do believe that everything happens for a reason. The time my brothers had on earth was short, but influential. I would not be who I am or where I am today without them.
HC: Hardest challenge (in college)?
RM: I think the hardest challenge in college is time management. Everything is so new and exciting when you first come to UK. I wanted to get involved with everything I heard about my freshman year.
HC: How did you overcome it?
RM: I decided to get involved with what would help me out the most in my future endeavors, and not to over-commit and overwhelm myself. Most of the extracurricular activities I chose to get involved in are related to my major, but I’ve also been in some just for fun, as well. It’s tough balancing classes, homework, friends, extracurricular activities, living a healthy lifestyle, and getting enough sleep, but time management is key.
HC: Suggestions to college women?
RM: Always have faith in yourself. Confidence is the most important thing you can have. If you truly believe in yourself, and you work hard, no one can stop you from achieving your dreams. I also think it’s extremely important to have fun along the way and enjoy every minute of college life.
HC: Best UK memory?
RM: I have so many wonderful UK memories, so it’s extremely difficult to pick just one. However, one that really sticks out to me happened my freshman year when I got to cover a UK basketball game for the SportsZone program. I have been a huge UK basketball fan my whole life, and the first game I ever attended in Rupp Arena, I got to sit courtside and cover the game. I thought it was so cool to be so close to the action and my favorite basketball players. After the game, I attended the press conference where I got listen to Coach Calipari talk to the press, and I got to interview two star players. I felt like Erin Andrews.
HC: Favorite quote?
RM: My favorite quote comes from my favorite movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s: “It’s useful being top banana in the shock department.” To me, this quote shows the confidence of Audrey Hepburn’s character. She doesn’t care what people think about her. She has complete confidence in herself and disregards what others think or say. It inspires me to do the unexpected and make people notice.