My name is John Carter Simmons. I am from Shreveport, Louisiana and Strategic Communications student at Ouachita Baptist University, pursuing minors in Graphic Design and Business Administration. I am actively involved on campus as a member of the men of Eta Alpha Omega and serve on the practice squad for the OBU women’s soccer team. I also manage the official Ouachita Baptist University TikTok page.
Although I enjoy school, I sometimes find it challenging to balance work and having fun. I stay involved around campus through work-study and by playing on the women’s practice squad. I try to make the most of my time while still finding ways to be present and engaged. Being in a club has helped me meet new people and build relationships, which has opened doors to more opportunities to get involved in their lives.
I chose Ouachita Baptist University because it is a Christian university with a strong communications department. I wanted to grow in my faith while also developing my creative skills in an environment that supports both.
Creativity has always been part of my life. Growing up, I filmed YouTube videos with my friends and made funny edits just for fun. What started as a hobby became something I wanted to pursue more seriously. During my senior year of high school, I decided to follow that creative path. I tested for professional certification in Adobe programs and became an Adobe Certified Professional in Photoshop and Illustrator.
I also applied for a media internship at my church, where I worked throughout the summer creating sermon bumpers, designing social media posts, and helping with digital content. That experience confirmed that I enjoy using creativity to support something bigger than myself.
In addition to media work, I have worked several other jobs that have shaped my discipline and leadership. This past summer, I worked three jobs at the same time. Balancing those responsibilities while still making time for friends and family pushed me to manage my time well and step up when needed. Those experiences have helped develop me into someone who can handle pressure, take initiative, and stay committed to the task in front of me.
Being involved in Eta Alpha Omega and helping manage the school’s TikTok page keeps my schedule full. Between frequent events and producing short-form content three to five times a week, along with staying on top of schoolwork, balance can be challenging. At times, it makes it difficult to slow down and fully soak in the college experience with friends. But when I do make that time, it is always meaningful and worth it.
Outside of my responsibilities, I enjoy being outdoors with my friends. Whether it’s spending a day at the lake or just throwing a football around, those moments are always fun. They remind me to step away from the schedule for a bit and enjoy the people around me.
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