Men have a certain dominance when writing and traveling to get a story.

Rickey Dennis is young, vibrant and passionate about his career choice.

Shakora Bamberg: Tell me a little bit about yourself

Rickey Dennis: My full name is Rickey Ciapha Dennis Jr. I graduated from Winthrop University with my B.A. in Mass Communications and a minor in Business Administration December 2015.

I grew up in Summerville, SC. I have one younger brother older sister neice and nephew.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends watching sports and attending church-related activities.

I work for Summerville Communications and serve as a licentiate (licensed preacher) at Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church.

SB: Tell me about your role at Winthrop including any leadership roles, recognition and positions you held while a student at WU.

RD: Attending Winthrop was one of the best decisions of my life. I served as a staff writer for the Roddey McMillan Record, past treasurer and president of Winthrop University's Association of Black Journalists, director of ministry development and spiritual affairs for the Winthrop University Vision of Prayze Gospel Choir, active member of the Gentlemen's League and American Marketing Association.

I received the Terry Plumb Award for Feature Writing awarded by Rock Hill Herald Newspaper and Winthrop University Department of Mass Communication.

SB: Of all the roles, what would you say is the most important that has shaped you into a better young man?

RD: Being apart of WUABJ shaped me as young professional and young man. Before becoming president, I witnessed exceptional young journalists passionately building connections to pursue their dreams. It inspired me to do the same. I also saw how journalism was about serving others rather than simply raising your own platform.

Serving as president of WUABJ developed me as a leader. I became a better writer, organizer, public speaker and administrator by putting them to use to lead such a prestigious organization. Those are skills that I use each day in my career.

SB: Why Winthrop, when did you realize you wanted to become a journalist?

RD: I actually did not want to attend WU initially, but a friend of mine encouraged me to go and I wound up there. I started as a business major, but Chelsea Brown convinced me to write for the RMR. After writing, I realized how much I enjoyed it and switched my major to Mass Comm.

I always enjoyed writing but I never saw it as a career route. After being convinced to write for the newspaper, I developed a deeper love for it and saw it as a career option. Although I changed my major freshman year, I didn't realize I could do it professionally until about my sophomore year.

SB: Briefly tell me about your role in the working environment?

RD: I work for Summerville Communications which is composed of three newspapers, The Summerville Journal Scene, The Berkeley Independent, and the Goose Creek Gazette. I write mainly for the last two covering the cities of Moncks Corner, SC, Goose Creek, SC and Berkeley High School Sports.

SB: Tell me briefly about your blog Stories for His Glory?

RD: SFHG is a platform for young people to share instances in which their faith inspired them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. I wanted an innovative and web based way for young people to talk about God's goodness in their lives, with the purpose of inspiring others to see God at work in their own lives. I started it in May 2015. To see some previous stories check out the Facebook page and website.

www.ourstoriesforhisglory.com

SB: How did classes at Winthrop and past internships help you prepare to be an effective educator?

RD: Classes in the mass communications department prepared me as much as possible for my field. The professors gave me practical advice about jobs to pursue. They connected me to folks who awarded me internships. Media Law was probably my favorite because I learned about a side of media that I didn't know much about---lawsuits.

I was a staff writer at Moutlrie News in Charleston, SC where I covered feature stories for the Mount Pleasant Area.

Staff writer for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where I covered local businesses, some politics and other hard topics for a business publication. I covered a Hillary Clinton event at a local technical college, as well as the Confederate Flag controversy that summer.

SB: Who is your role model?

RD: My parents are my role models. They are the example of how to be loving people, God-fearing people how to care for your family and friends and how to be the best in your field.

Within my field, Reel, Schulte, and Frederick are all my guys.

No college or university's mass communication department can compare to Winthrop's. The small class sizes enable the professors to give students the hands on attention and direction they need. They give students real practical advice as it relates to their college and professional careers.

SB: What is a fun interesting fact about you?

RD: I enjoy watching National Geographic and seeing lions rule the savannah.

SB: What advice would you give to the freshman class especially the young men entering the same career path as you?

RD: Get involved the only way to discover whether or not journalism is what you want to do is to get involved. Join WUABJ, join the RMR, join the AMA, join SPJ, join the Johnsonian get as involved as possible. It will open up so many doors for you.

SB: How would you tell these young men how to best prepare for college?

RD: Listen to your parents/guardians and those who are guiding you. Study early, its a lot harder to play catch up when it's nearly too late. Savor the moment it flies by.

SB: What are your long-term career goals?

RD: Possibly do some form of media management (editing, publishing etc).

I'm also a licensed preacher pursuing itinerate ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, so that will factor in what I do professionally. Eventually, I would like to pastor a church as well.