Joshua Alston is a sophomore film and media major from Raleigh, North Carolina. He’s found new friendships, leadership roles, and an incredible array of creative opportunities that turned KU into home.

Joshua came to KU ready to explore new experiences and create his own story. During his first year, he immersed himself on campus, joined student organizations, and discovered the power of saying yes to opportunities. 

Now, as a sophomore, Joshua is deeply involved on campus, taking on campus jobs, leadership roles, and making the most of every moment. He’s directing a documentary about a student fashion show and serving as events coordinator for Melanin Media, a student-led production team. 

In this Q&A, Joshua shares what helped him find his footing, his community, and his confidence at KU.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to KU.

A: I’m Joshua Alston. I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’m a film and media major with a minor in music. KU stood out to me because of all the different experiences and opportunities. It was also the first school I got into, and I found out on Thanksgiving. I went to my grandparents’ house wearing a KU sweatshirt and said, “Guess who got into KU?” It was a really special moment.

Q: You lived on campus your first year. What was that experience like?

A: I ended up moving into Stouffer almost on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. I had my own bedroom, my own bathroom, and a shared kitchen and living room. It was still through KU Housing, which I thought was great for freshmen. Having that shared experience brought us all closer, and I made some really good friends. 

It was great because I didn’t have to go far to see people — just down the hall. Just talking to people in passing was one of my favorite things. It makes it so easy to connect with new people. Even saying something as small as “I love your outfit” could turn into, “We should hang out sometime.” It really helped me build relationships and find my people here at KU.

Q: What advice would you give to students considering living on campus?

A: Take advantage of the resources. The RAs [resident assistants] are really helpful and it’s so easy to make connections. And enjoy not having to pay rent while you can — that’s one of the biggest things you start worrying about once you move off campus.

Q: How did you start building your community once you got here?

A: I like to find opportunities by using Corq, the KU app for events and clubs. At first, I’d just scroll through to see what was happening on campus. My freshman year, I joined the Black Student Union, the Fashion and Business Organization, and Melanin Media. Those helped me meet people and feel connected.

Q: Did most of your friendships grow out of those organizations?

A: A lot of them did. You go to club meetings together, and afterward someone says, “What are you doing after this?” and it just turns into a friendship from there. Getting involved makes it so much easier to find people with similar interests.

Q: What would you say to students who might feel nervous about showing up to something alone?

A: Reach out to people on social media. Say, “Hey, you seem cool — want to go to this event with me?” Having someone to go with makes it easier, and most of the time people are excited that you reached out.

Q: How have your classes at KU helped you turn creative ideas into something real?

A lot of my classes at KU have encouraged me to turn ideas into real projects, not just assignments. I’m someone who likes to connect different creative worlds, like film, fashion, academic research and music. KU has given me space to do that in a way that enhances my portfolio and experience.

Q: You’re working on a documentary this year. What’s it about?

A: For my Foundations of Filmmaking class, we were tasked with making a short documentary and I chose to make it on a student fashion show I'm helping plan and also design for. The organization is called Gifted, Empowered and Motivated Sisters (GEMS), a place where black feminine presenting people can go to feel safe and foster community at a predominantly white institution. 

My film was chosen, so I'll be directing it and through this opportunity I've received two research grants to ensure that the film is the best it can be. It's definitely the biggest leadership role I've had in my life so far.

Editor's Note: Watch Joshua Alston's GEMS documentary here. 

Q: What has that experience taught you about leadership and collaboration?

A: My class group picked my film, and I have about six people helping me with it. Assigning roles can feel strange because I don’t like telling people what to do, but when you have a plan and you have a storyboard set it becomes easier. I know my vision and the people that I’m working with know my vision. It’s exciting to see it come together.

Q: Tell us a little about being a Jayhawk Jumpstart student leader.

A: I helped welcome incoming first-year students who are Pell-eligible or first-generation. The program gives them a head start on their Jayhawk journey by introducing campus resources, student organizations, and KU culture before classes begin. I enjoyed meeting new people and being part of their first KU experience, especially since Jumpstart helped me when I was a new student too.

Q: You’re a study abroad peer advisor, too, and you mentioned a trip to Cuba. What can you share about that experience?

A: I went to Cuba last spring break for a class on language, art, and culture. We had Zoom sessions before the trip to learn about the history, so I felt prepared. It was such an eye-opening experience, and I still talk to the students I traveled with to this day. 

I wouldn't trade it for the world because now whenever I see those people, I know we have this incredible bond that I could never have with anybody else. It was my first time going out of the country and it was just an experience like no other. This experience is what led me to wanting to be a Study Abroad Peer Advisor.

Q: What other roles have you taken on around campus?

A: I’m now the events coordinator for Melanin Media, which is a Black student-led TV show on campus. I’m also the photographer for the Black Student Union, so I go to their events and take pictures. Those roles have helped me connect with other creative people and learn new skills.

Q: What stands out to you about KU’s community?

A: There’s something for everyone here. I know a club that’s all about Minecraft, one for Taylor Swift fans, and one for people who make films. There are so many things you can get involved in here, and that’s one of the biggest things I’ve taken away from KU. You can always find your niche.

Q: Do you have a favorite KU tradition or spot on campus?

A: Walking past Wescoe Beach. It feels so “college.” Especially between noon and two on a weekday, it’s the perfect time of day to see so many different faces and organizations sharing their missions. It reminds me that no two people are having the same experience here, and that’s what makes KU so special.