UA Little Rock Student Grace Wilson Balances Motherhood, Broadcast Journalism on Path to Graduation

This spring, University of Arkansas at Little Rock student, Grace Wilson, will cross the stage not only as a graduate, but as a mother and emerging broadcast journalist with real newsroom experience already under her belt. For Wilson, the journey to a career in broadcast journalism has been a story of family inspiration, perseverance and self-discovery. 

Storytelling has always been close to home for her. Inspired by her father, a passionate writer who spent years balancing creativity with a demanding career, she found her voice early through poems, songs and short stories.

“That’s really what pushed me,” Wilson said. “He loved storytelling, but didn’t always have the time to pursue it. That made me want to see if I could take it somewhere.”

Her passion for storytelling blossomed in high school journalism classes, but it was at UA Little Rock that Wilson found her niche. Media courses, along with opportunities in radio and TV journalism, ignited her interest in broadcast journalism.

Through an internship at KATV, Wilson turned classroom experience into hands-on work in producing and reporting within a fast-paced newsroom, gaining valuable insight into the world of news production.

“It definitely broadened my knowledge in so many different things,” she said. “In school, you learn a little bit of everything,” she said. “But at the station, you see how it all comes together in real time. At KATV…you really get the nitty gritty of their job and what goes into it. So it’s definitely broadened my personal skills, because now I have more real-world experience.”

Her work at KATV has already begun to open new doors. Following her internship experience, she has been invited back, this time as a paid intern, giving her the opportunity to continue building on the skills she developed in the newsroom.

Balancing the roles of student, intern and mother is no simple task. Wilson has faced her share of challenges, but she approaches them with resilience. She acknowledges that some days are more difficult than others, yet her motivation remains constant—her daughter.

“Over anything else, this little person is looking up to me and seeing what I’m doing, and I want her to look back and be able to say, ‘my mom did that.’” 

Her perspective on higher education is deeply tied to her journey. While she recognizes that many in her generation and younger question the value of a college degree, Wilson sees her experience as proof of its impact.

“There’s a growing skepticism around college, but for me, it’s made all the difference. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

That perspective has become a message Wilson hopes to share with others, particularly those who may feel discouraged by the demands of pursuing a degree later in life or alongside other commitments.

“You have to do it, and you have to do it tired,” she said. “There’s nobody else that’s going to do it for you—you have to do it for yourself and for the life you want.”

As Wilson prepares to walk across the stage, she is looking ahead to what comes next, carrying with her the experience she’s gained both in the newsroom and in her everyday life. From balancing classes and an internship to raising her daughter and building a future for her family, her journey reflects the determination it takes to keep going. Now, as she steps into the next chapter of her career, she hopes her story shows others that even with competing responsibilities, reaching your goals is possible.