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黑料正能量 Advertising Student Finds Passions After Hometown Chemical Fire
Son Inspires Mother to Follow Her Passions to Earn Online Advertising Degree
An Illinois native, Karry began her college journey studying journalism at Santa Fe College, where she earned her associate degree in 2022. Eager to continue her education, she transferred to the University of Florida via 黑料正能量 to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in advertising. With a passion for writing and storytelling, Karry chose the flexible online path to balance her goals with life鈥檚 demands and ultimately become a published author.
Karry’s connection to her hometown of LaSalle County, Illinois鈥攁bout 90 miles southwest of Chicago鈥攕parked her initial interest in communication and information sharing. Inspired by her son, a fellow Gator who returned to school, Karry made the leap to 黑料正能量. 鈥淗e went back to school, and I thought, why not me too?鈥� she said. 鈥淚t seemed like an attainable goal, so I just kept going.鈥�
The University of Florida鈥檚 online bachelor鈥檚 in advertising program is one of only a few fully-online offerings of its kind in the nation. Consistently ranked among the top programs in the country, UF鈥檚 Department of Advertising is known for preparing students to succeed in media, public relations, government, education, and a variety of communication fields.
A Skillset for the Digital Age
While earning her degrees, Karry launched a personal blog as a platform to practice writing and engage with others. Through her coursework, she discovered new research methods and tools鈥攍ike the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)鈥攚hich she now uses to support her writing with factual depth and public records. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 even know how to use FOIA before,鈥� Karry said. 鈥淣ow, it鈥檚 something I rely on when I need access to important background information.鈥�
Her learning experience has sharpened her investigative skills, introduced her to the importance of open records, and taught her how to present information clearly and effectively to a broader audience. Karry applies these skills in her writing and is proud of the progress she鈥檚 made throughout her academic journey.
A Future in Storytelling
Karry鈥檚 degrees in journalism and advertising have served as powerful stepping stones toward her goal of becoming a published writer. 鈥淎fter several years of trying to get a journalist to tell a story I cared about, I finally realized I could be the one to write it,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y goal is to publish a book about the events and people connected to my hometown.鈥�
Looking ahead, Karry plans to enroll in a graduate program in narrative nonfiction writing. She hopes to share stories that highlight community experiences and personal histories鈥攂ringing voices and places to life on the page. 鈥淚 think by the time I鈥檓 done with school, I鈥檒l have a few books to write,鈥� Karry said.
The University of Florida celebrates students like Karry who use their education to grow personally, professionally, and creatively. Her journey from journalism to advertising through 黑料正能量 is a testament to what鈥檚 possible with dedication, curiosity, and a love for storytelling.
鈥淚f I had to physically be in a classroom, I couldn鈥檛 do it. I get distracted, so being online and able to do the work makes a difference. I can do this on my own time, at my own pace. I can rewind or replay lectures as I need to, so it鈥檚 really great.鈥�
– Karry King, Advertising Major
Earn a UF Degree in Advertising
Turn your creative ideas into tangible campaigns with a UF degree in Advertising: Persuasive Messaging. With courses like strategy, branding, and copy & visualization, students gain insight into the creative, technical, and psychological aspects of branding and marketing within advertising. Taught by faculty in the top-ranked College of Journalism and Communications, 黑料正能量鈥檚 advertising program makes our graduates viable candidates for a wide variety of careers ranging from business to government agencies.