My communication studies degree has had a huge influence on my professional life. I am a youth worker, comic artist, and activist. I have relied on my degree to create both new media and resources that aim to encourage young people to critically engage with media.
Sam Orchard
BA(Hons) Communication Studies, 2008
During my time as a student at Otago, I helped set up the Dunedin Comic Collective, and we have released two anthologies of comics and music by local and national artists. I currently author the weekly web-comic Rooster Tails, and am working towards an MA in Creative Writing. My work has been featured in a number of publications, including Gender Outlaws: The next generation, and Bitch Magazine. My comics have been used as resources internationally.
I am heavily involved in queer youth social support networks in New Zealand. I work as an advocate and educator for queer and trans rights. Currently I am working at OUTLine NZ, and am running the national queer youth website, Curious (www.curious.org.nz). I have also helped to organise national queer and trans huis, and presented at international conferences.