By Karen Heinze, Gaylord College Class of 2025
Kate Furney, a senior at Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, has been named this year's outstanding senior in Creative Media Production. Originally from Frisco, Texas, Katherine transferred to OU from Sam Houston State University after her freshman year.
"I loved Gaylord when I toured it in high school," said Furney. "And it just kind of didn't fall in the cards for me to go here my freshman year. But transferring was a great decision, and I absolutely love it.”
The decision to transfer was influenced by her friends' enthusiasm and their college experiences.
"I knew I wanted to transfer because of my friends. After the first Thanksgiving, after we'd all gone to college, everyone was talking about how they couldn't wait to go back to OU. And then I remember, the next year after I transferred, I was like, OK when do I get to go back? I want to be back on campus. And it was just like that nice switch of, oh, I'm excited to go back because I do love it so much,” Furney said.
While getting adjusted to Gaylord was initially challenging, Furney found her place in the university.
"I was like, I'm just gonna have to step out of my comfort zone and start introducing myself to people if I want to make friends. But it was so easy. I felt like I fit in right away. I knew that these are my people,” said Furney.
Furney was a member of OU eSports and Stream Team, and this year she served as the Influencer Development Coordinator. Furney has also helped run the Creative Media Marketplace and joined Gaylord Hall Productions during her sophomore year and has been heavily involved since.
"So that's also my job now, probably where I'm the most involved in Gaylord itself. It's a practicum class, but it's also kind of our in-house client production unit,” she said.
Furney is grateful for the guidance and support she has received from staff and faculty members such as Mike Aguilar, Dino Lalli, Ralph Beliveau and Scott Hodgson.
“Scott is chaotic, and he is definitely very energetic sometimes. But also, he's the reason that I am where I am today. And I would not have changed a single thing because I kind of love his energy.”
Furney said she has felt herself grow in so many ways throughout her time at Gaylord.
"I definitely feel way more confident in myself and what I can do. I have a lot more faith in myself and my abilities, and because I've seen the things I can do.”
When asked for advice to other Gaylord students, Furney stresses the importance of being curious and open to new experiences.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions. I think a lot of times when people are like, 'Oh, I don't know how to do something,' they just give up. But you have to keep trying and asking questions until you understand it.”
Furney encourages students to get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible and take advantage of every opportunity presented to them.
"Go to all of the random clubs and events on campus. And take advantage of every day because before you know it, your college experience will be over.”
As she prepares to graduate, Furney looks back on her college years with fondness.
“It's so bittersweet. But also, it reaffirms my decision that I made three years ago."
Although she will miss seeing her friends and faculty every day, Furney said she is excited for what the future holds.
