How did your education at Flagler College prepare you for your current career and professional journey?
Flagler played an instrumental role in shaping my career path. The small class sizes allowed me to form close relationships with my professors—Tracy Halcomb, Brian Thompson (pictured to the left), and Mark Huelsbeck—who were incredibly supportive and invested in my success. They encouraged me to dream big, push my craft, and take on challenges I didn’t think I was ready for.
The close-knit community also helped me foster great connections with my classmates, including Laura Ospina (Class of 2015), who reached out when she heard I was moving to NYC and offered me the free room in her Flatbush apartment. That sense of support and the confidence Flagler instilled in me made the transition to NYC much easier. Since then, my career has taken me to companies like The Wall Street Journal and NBC News, as well as freelancing with organizations like Google, Paramount, Vox Media, MTV, and more.
What inspired you to move to the New York City metropolitan area (NYC), and how did your journey lead you there?
I moved to New York in 2015 after graduating from Flagler College with a degree in Communication Media Production. My first visit to NYC was in 2014 when I traveled with The Gargoyle to attend The College Media Association Conference.
I immediately fell in love with the city—the energy, the creativity, and the endless opportunities for people in the media industry.
Even though I didn’t have many connections when I first moved, a few of the connections I did have were Flagler alumni. Not long after, some of us even found ourselves working together. That sense of community and shared ambition made the leap to NYC feel worth it.
Looking back, moving here felt like chasing a dream that was bigger than myself—and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What is your current role, and how has working for Hook in NYC contributed to your professional success?
I’m an Associate Motion Director at Hook, a remote creative production agency. I manage a talented team of motion designers, and we work on projects ranging from social campaigns to digital out-of-home advertising.
While I work from home most of the time, I occasionally meet with my NYC colleagues at a WeWork or for social outings like mini golf or shuffleboard. The flexibility of working remotely has allowed me to enjoy more of NYC’s day-to-day life—like grabbing lunch at my favorite neighborhood cafe or strolling through the park—while still thriving in my role.
What advice would you give to Flagler students who are considering starting their careers in NYC?
A few things.
- Save up before you make the move—it helps to have a financial cushion.
- Lean on the Flagler alumni network; it’s full of people who want to help.
- If you’re in a creative field, freelancing can be a great way to break in, build connections, and gain experience. Two of my full-time roles at WSJ and NBC started as freelance gigs.
And most importantly, don’t wait for permission to create. If you’re not yet in a position to do the work you want professionally, find ways to do it on your own. Keep creating things, honing your craft, and building your portfolio. In my experience, the more you create, the more doors open.
Can you describe a turning point in your career that was influenced by living and working in NYC?
A major turning point came when I landed my first big freelance job with The Wall Street Journal. When I moved to NYC, I reached out to Steve Strait, a Flagler alumnus and video editor, to ask for advice. He recommended me for a two-day-a-week freelance video editing position there, and after an interview, I got the job.
At first, the opportunity felt massive and intimidating, but it became a foundational experience. I worked on political coverage during the 2016 election, created explainer videos on global events, and even learned animation while on the job. I had managers who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to push my skills further. That role not only gave me hands-on experience but also the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities in my career.
How has living in NYC impacted your ability to build and leverage professional networks?
NYC is a city where networking is woven into the fabric of daily life. Whether it’s at happy hour, a networking event, or a casual introduction through friends, there’s always a chance to meet someone who could impact your career. The city’s walkability and tight-knit professional circles make it easy to build connections.
Most of my opportunities came from word of mouth—people I’ve worked with recommending me to others or introductions made at industry events. Living here has shown me the value of being present and staying connected. There’s a unique energy in NYC that fosters collaboration and growth.
What are some unexpected challenges you faced when you first moved to NYC, and how did you overcome them?
When I first moved to NYC, I didn’t have a job lined up—just some savings from working as a barista at the Kookaburra in St. Augustine. I took a freelance gig with a startup, but unfortunately, that fizzled out as they ran out of work and money. They weren't the only ones. I remember calling my mom to ask her not to sell my car in Florida... just in case I needed to move back after all. Thankfully, I got the WSJ freelance job a few weeks later, and things started to fall into place. Looking back, that period taught me resilience and the importance of having a financial safety net when taking big risks.
How do you balance work and personal life in a city as dynamic as NYC?
I’ve always been driven in my career, but living in NYC has taught me the importance of balancing hard work with taking time to recharge. I typically embrace a “work hard, play hard” lifestyle, where I can pour energy into my job while also making the most of NYC's unique opportunities.
For me, that looks like daily walks in the park, discovering new restaurants, and taking piano lessons as a creative break from screens. I also love exploring museums and catching Broadway shows!
What are your favorite aspects of living in NYC, both professionally and personally?
I love how walkable and tight-knit the city is, with access to incredible museums, plays, and cultural experiences. Professionally, NYC offers endless opportunities to network, collaborate, and expand your career. Personally, I enjoy the city's vibrant energy and the chance to meet like-minded people who are just as eager to learn and grow as you are.
What role has the Flagler alumni network played in your professional journey in NYC?
The Flagler alumni network played a huge role in my career. Reaching out to alumni when I moved here helped me land my first gig, which kickstarted everything. I’m forever grateful for the connections and support I found through Flagler.
How do you stay connected to Flagler College and its community while living in NYC?
I stay in touch with a few of my professors and let them know when I visit St. Augustine. I also have friends from my graduating class who still live there. Sometimes, professors bring students to NYC for trips, and I’ve had the chance to meet them, share advice, and bond over shared Flagler memories (like climbing the stairs in Kenan!). I’m proud to be a Flagler graduate and love seeing how much the school has grown. Go, Saints!