Jesse Hamilton
“I’m Jesse and I was making the same decision as you back in 1995. I graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1996 and at the time, I thought for sure dentistry would be my future career. Little did I know that I’d switch majors to journalism and end up working as an executive producer at Disney, ABC News, and The Weather Channel (just to name a few).”
Hi,
You’re about to make a decision that will impact the rest of your life and OU should be that choice for the start of that long journey!
I’m Jesse and I was making the same decision as you back in 1995. I graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1996 and at the time, I thought for sure dentistry would be my future career. Little did I know that I’d switch majors to journalism and end up working as an executive producer at Disney, ABC News, and The Weather Channel (just to name a few).
Not only did OU prepare me for my ever-changing journey, it also connected me with fellow students who eventually landed me that first job in a newsroom at the ABC station in Oklahoma City.
I now work for ABC 7 in Chicago and here are seven reasons I think joining the OU family is a perfect decision to make.
At OU,
I realized I was much more passionate about journalism once I enrolled in a class that wasn’t required. The university allowed me to explore more of that field.
Advisors guided me in the right direction when deciding to switch majors. That decision isn’t always easy, but the advisors helped ask the right questions to get me onto the successful path.
I connected with people in my journalism classes which helped get me an interview (and eventually) a job as a writer/producer at the ABC station.
I learned more about leadership and managing a winning team (that Oklahoma friendliness goes a long way!). My courses gave me the tools needed to keep advancing my career.
I saw how much the university invested in technology at the College of Journalism and Mass Communication. That played a big role in staying on the cutting edge in the real world.
Professors took time to teach and listen. In many of my journalism classes, it was more of a conversation than a lecture. Many of the professors also posed real situations instead of textbook situations.
I appreciated the people and beauty of the campus while living there, but even more now. I’m thrilled with how the university has maintained a high level of excellence while making you feel at home at the same time. I don’t miss those long hours of studying, but I do miss that feeling of being on campus!
Basically, I couldn’t imagine being where I am today without OU. I hope you look back 15 years after graduating with as much pride as I do! You should definitely join the OU family.
Boomer Sooner,
Jesse Hamilton
Executive Producer, ABC 7 Chicago
