A native of Avon, Ohio, Andrew Konya was active in Rough Cut Collective and spent a semester in the OHIO-in-LA program during his time as an integrated media major in the School of Media Arts and Studies. As he prepares to graduate this fall, he shares some of his favorite memories and advice for future Bobcats.
What are your plans for the future?
After spending the semester in Los Angeles meeting such incredible people, learning more about the film industry than ever before, and most importantly solidifying that this industry is what I want to pursue for the rest of my life, I will be moving to LA come the new year and I cannot wait to begin my next journey as a professional filmmaker.
What memory stands out from your time at OHIO?
Besides meeting lifelong friends and those I now consider family, I cannot thank those who were part of RoughCut Collective in my time enough for teaching me the ropes of production and how to create a film from start to finish. Many sleepless nights, countless meetings, and fantastic learning experiences later, I cannot believe how time has flown by.
Why did you choose OHIO?
Graduating high school I had no clue where I would go to college. All I knew is I wanted a place that captured my heart and instantly upon arriving over the hills into campus, the city of Athens stole my heart and the rest is history.
Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
A few of my favorite professors include Laura Harbert, Christopher Thompson, Lenie Holbrook, and Roger Cooper. Each of them taught me not only valuable material in terms of what I plan to do in my life and career, but they also taught me valuable qualities about myself.
How did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
There was no greater challenge than overcoming the drawbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly in trying to stay focused and dedicated to my studies. However over the course this time I grew much closer to friends, learned new passions, and honestly grew fonder of Ohio University and cannot wait to visit to catch up on lost time.
What are your favorite OHIO memories?
The people I have met and all the memories surrounding how I met them leaves me daydreaming all the times back in the "good ol' days."
What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
Being a student at OHIO is more than just another college. It's a community, it's a family, and the people you meet here will be your friends for life. If what you think you want to pursue in terms of a career or passion has some relevance at OHIO you have to trust the process and roll with the punches because I promise it is the place for you.