Callie Hardy | BA New Media Studies
Why did you choose to study New Media Studies at IADT?
Further education should be all about exploring what you really want to do! New Media Studies gave me the chance to explore many different sides of a world I was curious about. It seemed just safe enough to throw myself in, but just new enough to be exciting.
What was your journey to IADT?
I moved to Ireland two weeks before starting college, and this whole journey was honestly a big gamble for me. My family was supportive, but it still was a pretty huge jump into the unknown. My whole life restarted the day I set foot on campus. It’s been a really weird journey and probably not the most relatable one for Irish students, but I don’t regret it at all.
What aspects of the course have you found most interesting?
I’m a very quiet person and really struggle with doing things that need me to get out of my shell, so I was pretty taken aback with the most practical parts of the course. But somewhere along the road, I went from panicking about a five minute presentation to being able to write, direct and produce my own material with a team without feeling out of place. It feels nice to know that there are people just like you out there! The course really helped me be more comfortable with myself and my creativity.
What has surprised you most about the course?
I was really surprised by how encouraging and approachable every single lecturer has been. It allowed me to genuinely enjoy learning probably for the first time in my life. The same thing is true of the staff and of classmates: we’re always encouraging each other, which makes the learning environment a really positive one. I feel much more confident in my academic abilities now than I ever did before.
What’s the most fun you’ve had?
Each year was very special in its own way. A lot of us have a soft spot for our music industry lectures. I did find this year online very special though. I found a real sense of community among us. Even when some were rushing to finish assignments or others struggled to keep their head up, we always tried to cheer each other up. I am very grateful that my IADT friends and the staff made it as painless of an experience as it could have been.
Why would you recommend this course to prospective students?
The course will let you explore both practical and theoretical aspects of media and have a chance to figure out what is better for your style. You might be really surprised, and will probably come out of the four years with a completely different outlook on your future that you had in the beginning.
What do you enjoy about studying at IADT?
I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had while studying here and something tells me that they’re going to be part of my life for a long time. People really want you to feel comfortable and will often go out of their way to make sure you’re feeling okay and getting the most of your experience. It’s been a very special few years.