UF Online Advertising Student Finds Passions After Hometown Chemical Fire

Son Inspires Mother to Follow Her Passions to Earn Online Advertising Degree

An Illinois native, Karry began her college journey studying journalism at Santa Fe College, where she earned her associate degree in 2022. Eager to continue her education, she transferred to the University of Florida via UF Online to pursue a bachelor’s degree in advertising. With a passion for writing and storytelling, Karry chose the flexible online path to balance her goals with life’s demands and ultimately become a published author.

Karry’s connection to her hometown of LaSalle County, Illinois—about 90 miles southwest of Chicago—sparked her initial interest in communication and information sharing. Inspired by her son, a fellow Gator who returned to school, Karry made the leap to UF Online. “He went back to school, and I thought, why not me too?” she said. “It seemed like an attainable goal, so I just kept going.”

The University of Florida’s online bachelor’s in advertising program is one of only a few fully-online offerings of its kind in the nation. Consistently ranked among the top programs in the country, UF’s Department of Advertising is known for preparing students to succeed in media, public relations, government, education, and a variety of communication fields.

A Skillset for the Digital Age 

While earning her degrees, Karry launched a personal blog as a platform to practice writing and engage with others. Through her coursework, she discovered new research methods and tools—like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)—which she now uses to support her writing with factual depth and public records. “I didn’t even know how to use FOIA before,” Karry said. “Now, it’s something I rely on when I need access to important background information.” 

Her learning experience has sharpened her investigative skills, introduced her to the importance of open records, and taught her how to present information clearly and effectively to a broader audience. Karry applies these skills in her writing and is proud of the progress she’s made throughout her academic journey. 

A Future in Storytelling 

Karry’s degrees in journalism and advertising have served as powerful stepping stones toward her goal of becoming a published writer. “After several years of trying to get a journalist to tell a story I cared about, I finally realized I could be the one to write it,” she said. “My goal is to publish a book about the events and people connected to my hometown.” 

Looking ahead, Karry plans to enroll in a graduate program in narrative nonfiction writing. She hopes to share stories that highlight community experiences and personal histories—bringing voices and places to life on the page. “I think by the time I’m done with school, I’ll have a few books to write,” Karry said. 

The University of Florida celebrates students like Karry who use their education to grow personally, professionally, and creatively. Her journey from journalism to advertising through UF Online is a testament to what’s possible with dedication, curiosity, and a love for storytelling.