Payton Wilkins
Weaving Stories Through my Art
I’m Payton, a sophomore at The University of North Carolina majoring in media and journalism with a minor in environmental science and studies. I have a wide variety of skills, but above all I want to create joy and tell stories with every piece of work I create. I am interested in graphic design, writing, video and animation, photography, and social media.
I am a communications student employee with Student affairs at UNC-CH, and I previously worked as a communications assistant intern with The Graduate School at UNC-CH. I am also a part-time employee with the Children’s Museum of Alamance County.
My Story
Attending UNC-CH has been my dream since I was five years old. I was ecstatic when I found out I had been accepted into the University as an assured admit to the Hussman School of Media and Journalism. I couldn’t wait to continue learning about the journalism and design I had become passionate about in high school. Since coming to the University, I have grown in ways I never thought possible. I am no longer the shy, quiet girl I once was; I am becoming a strong, independent, and driven young woman. I put everything I have into the work I do, no matter what avenue that is in.
Outside of school, I do a variety of things. I hold a part-time job as a communication assistant student employee to the Executive Director of Communications and Special Projects within Student Affairs at UNC. I am the community engagement manager for Student-Made UNC, an organization that gives student artists the opportunity to sell their products at pop-ups around campus and an online shop. I run my own small business, Crocheted by Payton, where I sell handmade crocheted plushies through this same group and on my own at local craft and vendor fairs. When I’m not doing that, I test crochet patterns for The Woobles, a company that makes kits designed to equip people with the materials and knowledge necessary to learn how to crochet. During breaks from school, I work at the Children’s Musuem of Alamance County as a communications intern and play facilitator. Each of these things enriches my life in a different way and teaches me skills that will be invaluable to my future endeavors.
Although I am not yet sure what I want to do as a career, I know that I am interested in the fields of design and communication. I am creative, passionate, and confident, and I have a high sense of self-efficacy. I hope to use my skills to do meaningful work that brings people together in a world that is ever more divided.