Alumni Profile: Amanda Winters

By: Anna Mishonova

Photo Credit: Amanda Winters

What do you miss the most about MCS and UMBC?

The major itself! This was the turning point of the media going from print and television to digital, and we experienced the shift in real time. Dr. Snyder and Dr. Loviglio were truly the most supportive advisors to have in school and they provided all the encouragement I needed throughout my time at UMBC. Also, having a great group of friends going through the same MCS classes together from the beginning through graduation. You always had someone to lean on.

What was your path like at MCS? Was it straightforward or complicated? Did you transfer or have all semesters at UMBC?

I started freshman year as undecided. I had no idea what to major in, if I’m honest, and I went in hoping I would figure it out. I thought about doing the INDS program with a focus on music marketing. Working for a record label always seemed exciting—being behind the scenes fascinated me. Now that I think about it, I think that is how I was introduced to the MCS program. I had met with a counselor about creating an INDS track, and they suggested I look at a couple of the introductory MCS courses. From there, my interest in journalism grew, and I added that as a minor. By sophomore year I had less of the required/generic courses to complete and was able to focus on my newly decided programs.

What were your favorite experiences on campus? What were your favorite and least favorite classes?

My least favorites were easily the required/generic courses you need to complete when starting college. The math and history filler courses especially. God, I could fall asleep just thinking about them. My grades the first year and half weren’t great because I was so bored by the required classes and could not pay attention. 

My favorite classes, ironically, ended up being some of my best ones. My grades did a complete 180 once I was able to choose classes I was interested in. Television production with Professor Shrewbridge; Baltimore in film with Dr. Moffitt; News writing with Professor Corbett; all the MCS classes with Drs. Snyder and Loviglio; Rock & Roll music history; and tennis! Our tennis teacher was hilarious. I can’t remember his name, but he made an early morning winter semester class very enjoyable.

Did you have to write your own Capstone project? If yes, do you remember the topic? Did you enjoy the process?

I won’t lie to you – I don't remember. I’m sure I did, and it may have been over 20 pages long. I specifically remember one project being that long. I’d say 90% of my classes at that time revolved around writing papers and I was cranking them out by the dozens. Ten years later and I have NO recollection of what papers I did!! 

What are your favorite places on campus?

Back in my day, we got (maybe) the best place on campus… the combo Chick-fil-A Starbucks! It was such an exciting day and was really the best option to kick back and grab a snack. So that has to be one of my favorite places. I also love the pond around the library. When I would get out of class early and walk down the path, heading back to my dorm, it was always so scenic and quiet around there. 

What skills did you learn from MCS? Are they useful now?

Examining the media; video editing software; communication and writing skills, to name a few. I use all of these on a regular basis. MCS set the foundation for what I do now. While I’m in the Communications field, my job bounces around from public relations to event planning to researching to interviewing to…. You name it. I really appreciate Dr. Snyder and Dr. Loviglio for providing the variety of classes they did, when the major was still significantly new!

What did you wish the campus had more of when you were a student?

Events! We had Quadmania and the amusement rides; the bonfire; and the occasional performer, and these were all great. But some smaller campus-wide events would have been great. Most of the “small” events were geared towards specific majors or interests, and not something to attract the campus as a whole.

Were you employed on campus? If yes, then where? Did you like it?

I wasn’t employed on campus, but I was President of the Media and Communications Council of Majors. We held meetings for students looking to get involved and also planned a campus-wide event with some industry experts from the print media world. I had three internships during college (off campus) and also worked summers at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Do you keep connections with any people from your class? Is it easy or hard to keep them?

I made a few good friends from my Media & Communications classes! I stayed in touch with most of them for about a decade. Social media has made it equally easy to keep/lose friends, I think. You can always see what people are up to, but is that really considered friendship? 

Are there any personal/work projects you are currently working on or excited about?

My husband and I live in my grandparents’ house. When we moved in in 2015, we renovated the kitchen and bathrooms. During COVID, we finished the basement into a bar and additional living space. Now we are working on an addition that was added in the 70s. It is a complete gut job—everything has been ripped out. This should take a few months! We did 90% of the previous renovations by ourselves. This time we are bringing in some professionals to help.

What do you like to do in your free time?

You mean besides sleep? Mid 30’s are hitting hard and I need all the sleep I can get! Besides that, my love of concerts has been going strong since my teenage years. I should be seeing The Killers, The Struts, and hopefully Glass Animals this summer. My husband and I also love traveling—domestically and internationally!

Do you have any fun plans for this summer? 

We’re going to Vegas in August to see The Killers! Hot Fuss reunion show! We may head to Banff, Canada, after that. I’m also planning plenty of beach time for some rest and relaxation.