Hi! I’m Ava Dobson, a recent graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill…

Recently, I earned my bachelor’s degree in media & journalism through UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and am now actively pursuing job opportunities!

While pursuing a degree in journalism was not at the forefront of my mind when I entered the school in 2020, a desire to broaden my creative potential and expand upon my passion for creating compelling content led me to apply to the Hussman school in the fall semester of my sophomore year.

It’s safe to say that I could not be happier with that decision! During my time within the school, I was instructed under some of the country’s most engaging professors, and, as a result, I uncovered a hidden passion for storytelling and the community engagement. Reporting for The Durham Voice and as a student in a feature writing course allowed me the opportunity to not only tell unique stories, but to learn from other people in a way I had been unable to before. I discovered that I not only loved telling stories, but loved the connectivity and relationships that resulted even more. I have since embraced this side of myself in new ways that have allowed me to continue to connect and learn from people and communities!

While academics and related experiences have played an instrumental role in my growth and success as an individual, my participation on the University’s cross country and track team has also been integral to my development:

My devotion to the program forced me to make difficult sacrifices in pursuit of my degree and made for quite the balancing act in attempting to manage both academic and athletic success. However, I am proud to admit that my devotion to maintaining good grades and high athletic achievement paid dividends, as I achieved numerous athletic and academic accomplishments.

These included: 2022-2024 NCAA Division I USTFCCCA All-Academic Honoree

2021-2024 All-ACC Academic Team

3rd Fastest Indoor 5,000 meter performer in UNC’s history (15:56)

2023 Outdoor All-ACC Performer in the 10,000 meters (7th Place)

Whatever the future may hold, I know that, by utilizing the skills I have honed under the Hussman school, along with those accrued during hours-long practices and competition, I will be able to face uncertainty head on and am ready for whatever challenges may present themselves!