Philena Styles, a graduating journalism major at Georgia State University, said on May 6 that her time at the university has been marked by personal growth and storytelling. As she prepares to participate in commencement exercises and complete her degree, Styles acknowledged that she is entering a new chapter in her life.
Styles, who is originally from the Bahamas, had never visited Atlanta before enrolling at Georgia State. She said she relied on faith, community, and academics to find her place. “Being able to put myself in different communities and figure out where like-minded people were put my college experience at a million out of 10,” Styles said.
During her studies, Styles worked as a student assistant in Georgia State’s Public Relations and Marketing Communications Division. She also became involved with several campus organizations including the National Association of Black Journalists at Georgia State, Delight Ministries—a Christian student group—and the university’s 1913 Society student ambassador program.
Styles credited these experiences with helping her develop communication skills as well as qualities such as acceptance and understanding. “I always say Georgia State is a place where they have a lot of gifts to give, but the gifts won’t just show up at your front door,” she said. “You have to be involved, and be open to receiving them.”
After shifting from an initial focus on sports journalism toward marketing and social media work after graduation, Styles expressed enthusiasm for encouraging others through storytelling. “I believe in the foundations of journalism, specifically the ability to interview and foster meaningful conversation,” she said. “It will take me a long way in this field.”
