Recent Alumna Spotlight - Taylor Rohrig, BSC '18

School:Media Arts & Studies

Major:Games and Animation

Current job title and location:360º specialist for the IMI at the GRID Lab

What made you come to Ohio University?

Honestly, I didn’t want to. I was planning on going to SCAD the entirely of my high school career. But because tuition was so high, I ended up having to go to Ohio University because it was the only university I could afford that taught film. In the beginning of college, I wanted to primarily focus with film. I still focus on film quite a bit, but it’s not my major. 

I was bitter towards OHIO at first. I didn’t want to like it because I didn’t think I would get out everything I needed to, in terms of learning. And that’s true. OHIO isn’t a specialized school. But I'm really glad I’m here because I learned how to really learn on my own, how to teach myself with online help. And the network I have here is why I’m going to work at Warner Bros. I made amazing friends and connections. 

Were there other places you considered? Any metros? What made this rural location more attractive?

The environment in Athens is wonderful. The nature scene is incredibly relaxing and encourages me to keep on exploring because it’s impossible to see everything Athens has to offer in just four years. The social environment as well is amazing. It’s the feeling that Bobcats are really just a family. You have your butts and jerks, but Athens has a place for everyone, and everyone’s accepted as long as they don’t spread hate or discrimination. 

How did the Scripps College of Communication equip you with the skills you needed to succeed?

Scripps provided me the resources I needed to succeed. I was given the programs needed to create and enough guides to know what to do with them. Some of the professors at Scripps, as well, have helped me tremendously. Specifically, Eric Williams, who connected me to Warner Bros as well as pushed me to become a more professional and successful version of myself. Roger Cooper, who oversaw the LA program this summer, was also a huge help in getting professional connections and making me feel like I was actually making progress in my life. 

What about your experiences here was so memorable?

The people I’ve made them with has made experiences memorable. My big motivator is being able to help others and just be needed in some way. The adventures we’ve gone on, such as saving our friend from the Hocking River when he tried to ride across it on an inflatable boat; or staying up until 2 a.m., fully planning on pulling an all-nighter for a game project, and all having really deep conversations about life; or playing on the playground by the Ridges at 3 a.m. Athens is a really easy place to make memories.