
Mandy Holliday ’25
College of Arts and Science
Major: Professional Writing, Media and Communications
Mandy Holliday ’25
Finding My Path at Miami
When I toured Miami as a high school senior, it instantly felt like home. I knew this was where I wanted to explore my passion for writing, study abroad, and spend the next four years of my life. The Luxembourg program was a huge draw, and experiencing it firsthand last year—traveling across Europe and immersing myself in new cultures—shaped my perspective in ways that continue to influence my work. From journalism to content creation, the hands-on experiences I’ve had here have made every project exciting and different. Beyond academics, Miami has given me a strong sense of community—whether it’s late-night study sessions at King, avoiding the Seal like it’s the plague, or writing about the inspiring work of students and faculty. This place has shaped me in ways I’ll always be grateful for.
A Love for Storytelling
I’ve always been obsessed with stories—reading them, writing them, and figuring out what makes them stick. I came to Miami as a Professional Writing major, knowing I wanted a career that revolved around storytelling. Then, in my freshman year, I took an intro to media class on a whim, and it completely hooked me. I added Media and Communication as a second major, and by sophomore year, I was back in that same class—this time as an Undergraduate Assistant. Since then, I’ve explored storytelling in so many ways, from journalism and technical writing to multimedia content creation. As a Student Communications Associate for the College of Engineering and Computing, I get to interview incredible people, write features, and create digital content that highlights student and faculty achievements.
Favorite Miami Moments
Some of my favorite Miami moments have taken me outside the classroom and into some unforgettable experiences. While studying abroad in Luxembourg, I interned with Ukrainian Action, an NGO where I got to help with content creation and social media strategy. It was incredible to use my skills for something that really mattered, and it gave me a whole new perspective on storytelling. Then, this past January, I traveled to Los Angeles with the Inside Hollywood program, where I got to learn from industry professionals, explore the entertainment world, and—maybe the biggest highlight—see my favorite drag queen, Katya, at a live game show taping. When I’m on campus, one of my favorite traditions is the Upham Arch. I think it’s so sweet how so many Miami Mergers have shared a kiss under Upham Arch while they were students—such an adorable piece of Miami history!