By Fatima Salinas 

Whether it was finding lifelong mentors, gaining confidence, or collaborating with classmates in the newsroom, alumni from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication point to one thing that shaped their Iowa experience: the people around them in CLAS.

For Fernando Pizarro, those opportunities came through hands-on experience at The Daily Iowan. 

"The best thing for me was working at the Daily Iowan," Pizarro says. "It was a wonderful experience for somebody coming from abroad and definitely life-changing." 

For Dana Roberson, growth began in conversations with faculty who encouraged her to believe in herself. 

"I don't think I was a good advocate for myself until I went to Iowa," Roberson says. "I had some professors that said, 'You need to advocate for yourself. If you don't know something, if you want to know more, you need to come to me, and I'll help you do it.' And they did." 

Students aren't expected to have every answer when they arrive. Instead, they're encouraged to ask questions, pursue opportunities, and rely on classmates and faculty who are invested in their success. 

For Michael Wolan, some of the most meaningful lessons came outside the classroom while producing content alongside fellow students. 

"The long Friday nights that I spent putting together shows and trying to get them out on the internet before our deadline, those are memories that I have of working with just a handful of people who were just as dedicated as I was," he says. 

Those relationships extend beyond graduation. Alumni describe leaving Iowa with not only professional skills but also friendships and perspectives that continue to shape their careers years later. 

"Some of the most important people in my life I met in Iowa," Brian Ross says. "They taught me some basics, things about humanity, about people that I still carry to this day." 

For Lyric Harris, hands-on experiences encouraged her to think bigger than she imagined possible. 

"I've got determination and drive, and I want to be creative," Harris says. "I don't want to feel held back, and the journalism school lets you do everything you can think of and then encourages you to do more." 

Their experiences reveal a shared culture within the school. 

"If you have any kind of curiosity about the world you live in, and you want to make the place you live in a better place, journalism is a great, great opportunity," Ross says.  

Watch the full video to hear more stories from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumni and learn how their experiences at Iowa continue to shape their work and lives.

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