Senior theatre, film, and digital production (TFDP) major Mckenna Bridgewater is graduating after only two years at UC Riverside. This was possible only through her perseverance and hard work, allowing her to work through freshman year.

“Before coming to UCR, I had done dual enrollment in high school with my local community college, as well as multiple AP classes,” Bridgewater said. “I already had nearly 60 transferable units. I then maintained a consistent 14-17 units per quarter, and I took 16 units during the summer after my first year. In my second year, I did 12 units my first quarter, and 22 each for my two remaining quarters.”

Because she was graduating early, Bridgewater struggled with feelings of isolation, and a need to push herself. 

“I was so shy my first year that I hardly applied for anything — and I didn’t talk much to my professors — but once I started to break out of my shell, I got so many opportunities within my major and my college,” Bridgewater said. “Especially at TFDP, professors are so accessible and willing to talk to you. Whether it's to take a class you may not have all the prerequisites for or to see if you can help in the next production, I say talk to them! You pay the tuition, you should be utilizing it to its full potential!”

Since starting school, Bridgewater has taken full advantage of the resources available to her. UCR and CHASS both have ways to assist students consistently. Of these, Bridgewater’s favorite has been the R’Pantry.

“They’re this amazing resource that acts as a free food pantry for all students, open weekly,” Bridgewater said. “R’Pantry is super open and welcoming, and they also have healthy food options for students, regardless of income.”

In her two years at UCR, Bridgewater has worked for CHASS Marketing and Communications as a content creator and social media manager. In this position, she creates short-form content for Instagram and TikTok using photos and videos taken by other members of the team. Aside from being a paid position, it has also allowed her to attend events and meet new people..

“The team over at CHASS Marketing are some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” she said. “They’ve been so caring and thoughtful about what we can contribute to the team and how to let our individual skill sets shine. Through CHASS, I got to meet my amazing coworkers and build with my social team (shoutout Michelle and Joyce). I’ve gotten so much marketing experience and opportunities to work with amazing people like our dean, Daryle Williams, and even former Dodger player Joe Kelly. I think it really gave me a sense of purpose and belonging, and though I haven’t been here very long, it's been the best job I’ve ever had.”

According to Bridgewater, the key to balancing work with one’s education is having a good boss. An efficient supervisor is one who can recognize the needs of their employees and work out the best option for the whole team.

“Melanie [Ramiro] has always been so understanding of the fact that we are students first,” Bridgewater said. “She’s been amazing at realizing when our plates are full and dividing the work among others, so work never feels overwhelming. I know that if I ever needed to step back or take a breather, Melanie would understand, and because of that, I feel comfortable in my work-school balance.”

An aspiring filmmaker since seventh grade, Bridgewater’s social media job has allowed her to supplement her videography skills. 

“I remember being in my English class and my teacher, Mr. Hanks, had made us watch ‘The Princess Bride.’ I recall sitting there and thinking, ‘Yeah. This is what I want to do with my life.’”

After graduation, Bridgewater plans to take a gap year to work and save money for graduate school. She intends to work toward a master’s degree, and will be applying for graduate school in the fall. For now, she will also be using her free time to improve her portfolio and grow her experience in the film industry.

FEATURED PHOTO. Mckenna Bridgewater sits on the steps of the Arts building, graduation cap in hand.