Ava Schreiber’s Journey Through Media & Communication Studies at UMBC

By: Isy Davy

Photo Credit: UMBC Women's Soccer

For Ava Schreiber, a Junior and a Division 1 soccer player at UMBC, media isn't just something consumed passively, it's an influential force she's interacted with since childhood. Initially drawn to the Media and Communication Studies (MCS) program by her experiences as an athlete, Ava was intrigued by how athletes are portrayed across various media platforms and how those narratives shape public perception.

"Growing up as an athlete, I've always been exposed to different types of media," Ava shared. "I've seen firsthand how media shapes the environments athletes navigate, and that's what initially sparked my interest in MCS."

Choosing MCS at UMBC was not a difficult decision for Ava. She was searching for a degree that catered to her creative instincts and allowed space for innovative thinking and application.

"I was drawn to a more creative way of thinking, and the MCS degree allows for exactly that," Ava explained. "It gives me room to express my ideas creatively while understanding and engaging with media critically."

Throughout her academic journey, Ava pinpointed specific MCS courses that have significantly shaped her professional trajectory. Currently enrolled in MCS 144, Ava highlighted the practical benefits she's gained from the course. This class has actively equipped her with essential professional skills, from mastering LinkedIn profiles to perfecting her elevator pitch—skills critical for life beyond graduation.

"MCS 144 has truly been invaluable. It has helped me envision clear career pathways, showing me how to build a strong professional presence online and communicate effectively in professional settings," Ava remarked.

One pivotal moment for Ava came during her MCS 399 capstone project, where she focused on the discrimination faced by women's sports in media. This project was deeply personal, given Ava’s lived experiences as a female D1 soccer player. It provided a profound realization about how media portrayal influences real-world attitudes and treatment.

"Doing my capstone on the discrimination against women's sports allowed me to directly explore issues that impact my daily life as an athlete," Ava said. "It deepened my understanding of media's power and relevance in everyday life."

Ava also noted MCS 377, a visual communication course, as instrumental in her skillset development. Aspiring to pursue a career in marketing, Ava recognized the practical value of design and photography skills she acquired in the class.

"377 opened up an entirely new avenue of professional skills for me," Ava mentioned. "It's given me confidence and capability in visual communication, which directly helped me secure my upcoming summer internship."

This summer, Ava will put her MCS education into practice during a marketing internship with Headstrong Lacrosse, a prominent sports organization. She expressed enthusiasm about applying the theories, design principles, and professional communication strategies she's learned at UMBC.

"I'm really excited about my internship with Headstrong Lacrosse," Ava noted. "It'll be the perfect opportunity to apply everything I've learned in MCS, from design skills to effective marketing strategies."

Reflecting on her journey so far, Ava Schriber's experience illustrates how the UMBC MCS program empowers students by intertwining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Her blend of creativity, athletic insight, and professional readiness shows the powerful potential of an MCS education, preparing students not just for graduation but for impactful careers and lives beyond the classroom.