Social network currency propels grad toward future in entertainment journalism
Serenity Reynolds standing next to the Cronkite building sign. Photo courtesy.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
It sounds like something a famous person would say to a reporter on the red carpet, “Your network is your net worth.” But Serenity Reynolds said it was some of the best wisdom she has ever received, and she wants incoming students to hear it too.
“The relationships you build in your time here with classmates, professors and mentors can and will open doors and create opportunities you might not even see coming,” she said. “Invest in them and don’t burn unnecessary bridges because you never know where that bridge could take you.”
Now the New Mexico native is preparing to walk across a bridge she didn’t expect to cross. As an accelerated master’s program student she’s finishing her bachelor’s degree and is now two semesters away from earning a Master of Mass Communication from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
“While finishing my master’s level classes I’ll work on building my entertainment journalism portfolio,” Reynolds said. “I am building a career that will let me combine storytelling with my interest in film and media.”
Reynolds knew early on she wanted to travel out of state and attend school in Arizona. During her campus tour she was inspired by the student leaders and hands-on opportunities the Cronkite School offered.
“What ultimately set Cronkite apart was its close proximity to home and its reputation,” she said. “The school is consistently recognized as one of the best in the nation and that level of excellence was something I couldn’t find anywhere else.”
The Downtown Phoenix campus became her home away from home, and her time living on campus as a first-year student played a key role in her network building.
“It was such a formative moment as I adjusted to college life and built some of my longest lasting friendships and connections,” Reynolds said.
Now preparing to walk across her first ASU graduation stage, Reynolds is taking those network friendships as she looks forward to graduate studies and a future in entertainment media.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: My “aha” moment came in two parts. The first one was during my internship with KOAT Action 7 News back home, where I was first introduced to the world of real-life local news and journalism. Being in that environment, surrounded by professionals in all walks of life, showed me how impactful this career could be.
The second moment was unexpected. During my sophomore year, I was sitting in class during awards season adding some Emmy and Oscar nominated films to watch. It clicked that the people covering the red carpet and interviewing actors were journalists! I had never connected journalism to entertainment media before then, and I never looked back.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: One of the most important things I’ve learned during my time at ASU is the need to take care of myself. Coming out of high school I was very focused on achieving my goals, pushing myself academically and setting myself up for success in my career, and I wasn’t making self-care and mental health a priority. What I thought was “the grind” was actually hindering me so I took a step back, set boundaries and started making time for myself. It was one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned.
Q: What would you tell someone who's coming from your home town who is considering attending ASU?
A: Do it. Leave. Don’t stay comfortable. There’s so much out there, and ASU gives you the space to experience all of it. Put yourself out there because the more you do that, the more you’ll get back.
Q: What inspires you most about the future of media?
A: What inspires me most about the future of media is how much it’s evolving into a more connected and community-driven space, especially on social media platforms. While there’s still much more work to be done, to me, it feels like the industry is becoming more inclusive and reflective of diverse voices and perspectives. There’s also been a shift toward more authentic storytelling and direct engagement with the public, which makes news feel less distant and more personal. That sense of community is something I want to be a part of, being able to contribute to conversations and connect with people in meaningful ways.
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