Nikai Morales is widely involved across UD. He is a Senior Media Communications major with minors in Journalism, Art, and Advertising. Nikai grew up locally having moved all over Delaware as a child. He currently resides in Wilmington and loves living in the city because there’s always something to do. Whether it’s being involved in the World Scholars program or the President of Reel Productions, Nikai always stays busy.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose my major because I originally wanted to go to school for Film Production but Delaware doesn’t have a film major, I’ve found a lot of good opportunities to learn things in that field through the Communications program as well as some great interpersonal skills.

Why did you choose to come to UD?

In all honesty, it was the fact that I wasn’t going to start out at UD. I spent my first semester in Italy because I was recommended to the World Scholar’s program, which I didn’t get recommended by any other universities with a program quite like it. It got me into unfamiliar territory right away and I felt like that’s what would get me ready for college.

What are you involved in at school?

I am the President of Reel Productions Film Society and a visual designer and video editor for The Review independent newspaper.

Have you ever studied abroad, been a TA, or had an on-campus job?

I’ve actually done two out of the three things listed. I’m a part of the World Scholars program, which gave me the opportunity to study abroad during my freshman year. I was in Italy for the fall semester and it was an experience I’ll never forget. I’ve made friends that I still spend time with to this day. I currently live with two other World Scholars. I also work for The Egg and worked for the Academic Technology service as a control room assistant and working with UDCapture. 

Have you had any internships that you felt prepared you for your future career or really helped you learn what you don’t want to do?

Right now I’m working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware as a marketing intern helping to prepare for the back to school season. Although I don’t really want to work in marketing, I’m learning how I would handle marketing for my own endeavors.

What is something that you are really passionate about? This could involve UD or something separate from it. 

I am extremely passionate about art and culture, and most things I do at UD involve that in some way. Whether I’m designing a new visual or working with motion graphics, I really love to follow the trends that I see in the real world and try to put my own spin on it for our community.

Where do you see yourself in the future? What would be your dream job?

I’m always fluctuating what I want to do. Right now, I think I would love for my dream job to just continue to do freelance. As long as I’m creating content, I don’t really care what I do. I would love to make movies in the future, work my way up from art director to actually directing films. I’ve directed a couple through high school and college and there’s something that just sparks in me every time I start working on a new film project.

What is the biggest takeaway you’ve had from your course studies or extracurricular activities?

My biggest takeaway is that I don’t need to know how to do everything and I don’t need to pretend like I do either. Other people have spent their time trying to hone their crafts as well and would give almost any opportunity to get some practice on it. Talk to your friends, talk to people! Get them to help you and pay them what they’re worth!

How has your UD experience helped you grow? 

My UD experience pushed me from what I was comfortable with and let me meet people who would subvert my expectations. It’s pushed my art, and certainly pushed what I want to do with my own life. I’ve recently had the opportunity to talk with a former alumnus who has connected me with a great group of people in the entertainment field which I ultimately want to go into.

What is a secret talent that people might not know about you?

I love to cook. I cook full meals for myself and roommates almost every day. Food brings people together, and I love to try to get my internal recipe book filled to the brim with things I’ve never made before.

What are you most excited about to be back in school in the fall?

I miss my friends and my routine! I’m most excited to get that back. I feel like at the top of everything I was just getting into the groove of the school year and it all fell apart really quickly. Although I won’t be able to go out like before, I’m more than happy to have a few friends over for dinner with safe social distancing!

Is there anything else, you want to talk about?

I do freelance work and commissions for character art or poster design for non-UD related events if anyone wants to check out my work they can view it at www.nikai.myportfolio.com or on my Instagram @nikai.prt!

This blog post is written by our Division of Student Life student intern Ariana Pelosci.