Designing My Future: How I Discovered UX and Why It’s My Passion
As a senior student-athlete at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, my journey has been full of learning opportunities, both in and out of the gym. But one area of study has captured my interest in ways I didn’t expect; in fact, I had never even heard of it before the start of my junior year.
What I discovered was the ever-intriguing world of user experience (UX) design.
My interest in UX design was sparked during a class at UNC called MEJO 187: Foundations to Interactive Media taught by Scott Geier. This course introduced me to the fundamentals of interactive media, user-centered design, and coding for the web using HTML, CSS, and a hint of JavaScript. It showed me how creativity and problem-solving could come together to create meaningful experiences for users. This is where I first realized how much impact design could have on how people interact with businesses and the world around them.
Driven by my newfound passion, I took things a step further by enrolling in the The Global Career Accelerator's “Coding for Web Track”. This experience allowed me to hone my skills in coding and web design which deepened my understanding of how to bring ideas to life on a digital platform.
The combination of creativity and logic in UX design resonated with me, and I knew this was the direction I wanted to pursue for my career.
Right now, my focus is on building my portfolio—something every designer needs to showcase their skills. Like many in this field, I’ve encountered challenges, especially when it comes to developing case studies for my work. But I see these challenges as part of the process. Each project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine my approach to design. I'm excited to continue developing my portfolio as I prepare to take my first steps into the professional world.
Looking ahead, I’m eager to keep learning, exploring, and applying my skills in real-world settings.
The field of UX design is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to evolve with it. Whether it’s designing more intuitive user interfaces, solving complex problems, or collaborating with others in the industry, I’m ready for the journey ahead.
🌟 Taylor
