Speak Out
Jessica Boulware
Outstanding Visual Communications Senior

Visual Communications is the newest major in the School of Journalism, and Jessica is one of the first students to graduate with this degree.

Professor Van Kornegay on what makes Jessica a good visual communicator...

Jessica is literally one-of-a-kind. She's the first ever recipient of the Outstanding Visual Communications Senior award, and she's more than worthy of that honor.

Her portfolio of work, both in our program and as a graphic design minor, reflects someone with a talent for using typography, art and color to craft creative design solutions across a variety of media.

Jessica Speaks Out:

Why did you choose USC?

I decided my senior year of high school that I wanted to major in journalism and USC's journalism program came highly recommended. (And I was raised a Gamecock!)

Why visual communications?

I found out about the Vis Com major a couple of years ago, and it was exactly what I wanted to do — the creative end of journalism. I love designing, and I love people. So Vis Com takes the best of both worlds and blends them together. Who wouldn't want to do that? Plus, it's cool to be the first to graduate with a Vis Com degree.

Favorite/most beneficial class?

I would say any of my design classes (JOUR 364, 515, 564) with Farrand, Kenney and Kornegay, because each class and professor has contributed to my love and knowledge of design and photography. They have been wonderful professors and encouragers to me and have made my college experience extremely beneficial and memorable.

Look at some of Jessica's graphic designs>>

What will you miss most about college?

I will miss the classes, my professors and the Canon Digital Camera that I've been able to use all semester in my 515 class. Also, the Strom Thurmond Center and all the people I've worked with at the Carolina Alumni Association.  

And you won't miss?

Parking tickets and being late to class because of the lack of parking.

What are you really passionate about?

I really love and appreciate most art and design. I love the time and effort that you personally put into a project, and I especially love the feeling of achievement and success when the project is completed. Other than design,  I am passionate about my relationships...with my family, friends and Jesus Christ.

Has there been a "defining moment" or significant event  in your college experience?

I think it would be when I switched to the new Vis Com major. I was very anxious about my future plans. I just didn't know where I would fit in the "real world." I didn't want to just do "a" job, I wanted to do something that I was passionate about...that I could do to leave my fingerprint on the world. I took a huge step of faith that switching my major during my senior year and pursuing the visual communications field was where God wanted me to be, and I have been affirmed in that decision in so many ways since then.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to be working in Charlotte, N.C. as a graphic designer for a design firm or in an in-house design team for a larger company.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for other students in your major?

Do not sell yourself short by just "getting by" in your classes. The design and photography classes are very beneficial if you work hard. Remember to listen to your professor's comments and critiques, and always look for ways to improve.

Any parting words or something you'd like to say to your SJMC family, or anyone else, before you head out the door?

Don't settle for mediocrity, and do not let someone else decide your future. Take ownership of your work and do something that you are passionate about, not just something that will make money. Remember that life is a race, so pick up the pace and finish strong.

Read the other Outstanding Senior comments: