Grad School.

Took the GRE's back in October. Didn't know exactly what I was getting into, but I was happy to take 'em, just to have a chance to keep moving forward. It's crazy how plans can be made and then changed in a second. My original plan was to take the test and apply to UNCG, hoping to get in. In the meantime, I got a brochure from Elon University talking about a one year program in "Interactive Media". It called for Comm majors and other people of that nature to join an intense program that would teach different media and audio/visual programs in an attempt to fast-track students into the media world. It seemed like the perfect call for me.

Anyway, I checked more into the program and decided I definitely wanted to apply. UNCG would be good but this was more of a sure-fire track into media than the Theory route. I went to an open house there and got even more excited about it, but was slightly discouraged when I found out they only accept 36 students out of 100 and more applicants.

I applied anyway, not sure what the results would be, but wrote what I felt like to be a killer personal statement to try to get into the program. You all know I love to write, and this seemed like the perfect program for ME and for what I want to DO. So, that being said, I got my application in, along with three letters of reccomendation, and the following "personal statement":

My name is Drew Sykes, and I’m a writer. I’m 24, I graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2008, and I’m ready for the next step of my life.
Since I finished school I’ve been a ropes instructor in Colorado, a roadie for John Mayer, a blogger, a guitarist, and a server at a local organic pizza restaurant. Through it all, I’ve been a student, and I’ve been looking for the right place to continue my education.
I know the Interactive Media program would be the right fit for where I am in my life right now. You had me at the brochure, and getting to see the facilities through the open house sealed the deal.
While at NC State, I majored in English Creative Writing with a minor in Journalism. Writing is passion of mine, but I don’t want to be an author “when I grow up” (whenever that may be). Don’t get me wrong, I love what the title “Creative Writing” entails. I mean, I’m a huge Stephen King fan, but I don’t want to be him. I do want to use my writing, however, and I know that the skills I would learn in the Interactive Media program would allow me to take what I can do and share through the frame of the big picture that is mass media today.
As for the Journalism aspect of my education, I’ve always been a fan of the press. I loved Superman as a kid, so I guess I kind of subconsciously followed the footsteps of Clark Kent. My grandfather was also a journalist, most famous for covering the first story of the Sit-in Movement in Greensboro in 1960. While I always looked up to his work, I don’t want to go the route of the newspaper, for it’s now a dying medium. The Interactive Media program would allow me to take my journalist foundation and create material for the audience of the next generation.
I’ve always been a people person, and ultimately, I want to get into broadcasting. If I could walk into a store and choose a job off a shelf, I’d point behind the counter and say “Just give me one of Ryan Seacrest’s jobs. Maybe one of his host jobs. Thanks.” Of course, life doesn’t work that way. I realize that the media field is one of the most competitive arenas out there, but I’m ready to work my way to the top. I’m confident in my writing, and combined with the behind the scenes skills I would learn in Interactive Media, I know I could climb the ladder even faster.
Attending NC State University for my undergrad was always a dream of mine. My dad went to school there, and I grew up loving the Wolfpack with all my heart. While I was excited to be a part of the Pack, I only had a general idea of what I wanted to do as a freshman, so I entered the First Year College program. Unfortunately, joining this program put me into such a broad field that I didn’t know what to do with myself. I took general classes that covered every end of the education spectrum searching for something I could relate to and love. I enjoyed the social aspects of school but I couldn’t find anything to put my heart into on the education side, so I just got by with my grades and kept searching.
All of this changed when I discovered I could use my passion of writing as a way to succeed in school. After declaring my major as Creative Writing, I channeled what I learned about myself in my first years of college and focused it on doing well in class. The education side became fun for me for the first time, and my work showed it. It’s amazing how much easier class became when I could put my heart into my studies. The pressure was off, and I ended my undergraduate career with my best grades and great relationships with my professors.
I have no regrets on my slow start to school, and I couldn’t be happier with how I finished. Ending my time at NC State on a positive note gave me the confidence to take everything I learned and run with it to the next step of my life. I’m now ready to take the momentum from my last year at State and carry it to the Interactive Media Program.
If I’m accepted into iMedia, I’ll bring this confidence I learned in the finale of my undergraduate career. I want to show you my passion for writing and I want to pour my heart into your program. I also want to bring my most valuable asset by sharing my voice. I guarantee I can give iMedia a voice that everyone can relate to, and I want to enter the program ready to grow with those around me.
I know that being a part of Interactive Media would be a great opportunity to take what I’ve learned in life and in school and run with it. I’m ready for the next step in my life, and I want to be heard.
My name is Drew Sykes, and I’m a writer. I hope to see you in July.




BOOM: so that was my letter to Elon. Waited around for a while, and had to explain a few things, but I really put my heart into it and felt good about it...Honestly, I do my best writing when I have something important or meaningful to say.

So have I heard back yet?

Yes, I have...

The result?

I GOT IN! SO: Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be going to Elon University for my MA in Interactive Media in July!

Couldn't be more excited about the future right now!

Seacrest, here I COME!

SYKES, OUT!