For Ariyana Muesse ’26, journalism is more than writing—it is a way of connecting people, stories, and communities. A political science and international studies bridge major, Muesse is also pursuing minors in both English and film and media studies; by combining her academic interests with the Journalism Certificate at Rhodes, she is finding a path that blends communication, media, and global awareness.
The Journalism Certificate program allows students to develop practical reporting and communication skills alongside their primary field of study. Muesse says that journalism complements her major in ways that might not be immediately obvious: “Some people see journalism and international studies and political science as different fields. But media plays a huge role in politics and global awareness. Journalism helps educate others about what’s happening in different parts of the world.”
Muesse’s interest in journalism began in her first year at Rhodes, when she enrolled in Introduction to Journalism, a class that stood out from many traditional classroom experiences. One of her early assignments focused on Memphis mural art, a project that combined reporting with a deeper look at her hometown, and Muesse realized that journalism offered an opportunity to connect writing with community engagement. “I loved that it took us outside of the classroom.”
The certificate requires students to complete core journalism coursework, additional English electives, and a professional internship. Muesse chose electives that strengthened her writing and editing skills, including two semesters of Creative Publishing. Through that class, she worked on the production of The Southwestern Review, Rhodes’ student literary magazine.
Muesse says that growing up in Memphis and staying in the city for college has deepened her commitment to community dialogue and storytelling. The connection between storytelling and place also plays a role in the internship she secured this semester with the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission. Muesse scouts locations across Memphis, photographing potential filming sites, and helping expand the commission’s location library for industry professionals. “The work is about helping show what Memphis can look like on screen,” says Muesse.
Through the internship, Muesse has met a wide range of people in the Memphis film community, from local actors to city advocates passionate about showcasing Memphis culture. “You learn a lot about people,” she says. “Everyone values different things about film and storytelling, and getting to see that perspective has been really meaningful.” Another highlight of Muesse’s internship has been attending local premieres and industry events, which has further expanded her understanding of how storytelling, media, and community intersect.
As someone of South Asian heritage, Muesse says she is particularly interested in representation and cultural identity in media. “I want to see more stories about my own community and understand how stories can be told through other cultures,” she says. “Studying international groups and identities helps me understand how people share their histories and experiences.”
After graduation, hoping to work in the intersection of politics, media, and global communication, Muesse plans to attend the Clinton School of Public Service and get a master’s in public service. For her, journalism remains a common thread tying those interests together.
“Journalism truly is about stories,” she says. “It’s about understanding people and how we communicate with each other.” Through her work at Rhodes and in the Memphis community, Muesse is already helping those stories reach a wider audience.
By Jeb Mathis ’27