College of Communication and Fine Arts

Jalen Gray
Department of Journalism and Strategic Media
Integrated Social Media, Junior

What inspired you to become a CCFA Student Ambassador, and what do you enjoy most about the role?
I became a CCFA Student Ambassador because I wanted to be part of something larger than a job. I wanted to join a community. On my first day, I expected a typical workplace where everyone stays in their own space, but instead I was welcomed with real hospitality. That moment showed me what a supportive and creative environment can look like. What I enjoy most is helping prospective and incoming students discover what makes CCFA feel like home.

How has being a Student Ambassador helped you grow as a leader or professional?
Being an ambassador has helped me develop confidence as both a leader and a communicator. Whether I am talking with families at NSO or working with new students during Tiger Takeover, I have learned how to speak clearly, carry myself professionally, and connect with many different kinds of people. This role has taught me responsibility and how to represent CCFA with pride and authenticity.

What is the most unexpected skill you have learned while being an ambassador that you never saw coming?
The most unexpected skill I have learned is the ability to adapt quickly. Every event, tour, and conversation is different. I never know exactly what questions will come my way, so I have learned how to think on my feet and adjust in the moment while staying welcoming and informative.

If your role as an ambassador came with a superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to help CCFA?
If I had a superpower, it would be instant connection. I would want the ability to immediately understand students and what they need. I would use it to guide them toward the program, mentor, or opportunity that fits them best. CCFA is built on meaningful relationships, and that superpower would help strengthen the community even more.

Where are you from, and how has your hometown influenced your academic journey at CCFA?
I am from a community where creativity and hard work go hand in hand. Growing up in that environment shaped the way I approach my studies. It taught me to value relationships, stay grounded, and support the people around me. CCFA has the same type of energy, and it has allowed me to bring those values into both my classes and my role as an ambassador.

What was the defining moment or event that led you to pursue a degree at CCFA?
The defining moment was when I realized I wanted an education that connected passion with purpose. CCFA offered a space where creativity is taken seriously, where community matters, and where the faculty truly care about students far beyond the classroom. That combination made CCFA the right choice for me.

If you could host your own CCFA-themed game show, what would it be called and what would the grand prize be?
My game show would focus on the community feeling that makes CCFA special. I would call it Inside CCFA, and the grand prize would be something that helps a student feel supported, like a bundle of CCFA gear or resources that make their first semester a little easier.

How has your time as an ambassador shaped your connection to the CCFA community and your future goals?
Serving as an ambassador has made my connection to CCFA stronger than I ever expected. I have seen how much faculty and staff care about student success and how powerful a close and creative community can be. The relationships I have built and the experiences I have gained have influenced my future goals by inspiring me to keep serving and supporting others in whatever path I choose next.