James Harris

UTSA communication arts graduate student

Age: 23

Hometown: Dallas

Something about grad school you wish you had known before starting: I wish I would have set out my personal life goals and really mapped out where I want to be five years down the road. Graduate school is truly a trying task, and it would behoove anyone interested in grad school to really commit to school and not become distracted by work and friends or MySpace.

On campus ..... I am actively involved in my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma. I have competed in several step shows (like the “Stomp the Yard” movie), and we do a lot of community service with step exhibitions. I am a fourth-generation Sigma.

Off campus ..... I am a local comedian and former radio personality for a Dallas radio station (KNON 89.3 FM). Comedy is not exactly something I do but something I live. Many of my friends will introduce to me to their friends by saying, ‘This is James. He's a comedian.' I have performed comedy shows at UTSA, UIW, St. Mary's, Trinity, St. Phillip's, University of North Texas, UT, Texas College and Northwest Vista. I hosted comedy nights in Dallas at Ben's Half Yard House and local restaurant in DeSoto (a suburb in Dallas).

Favorite comedy gig: My first performance at UIW, which was called “No Laughing Matter.” It was so raw and young. I was new to performing such a big show by myself, but it went well. The jokes were on point, and the crowd really received it well. This show was difficult because I handed out all the flyers, wrote the press release, all the skits, cast the show, directed and so on. It made me smile to see my mom laughing right alongside my friends and strangers from around the community.

In 20 years ..... I see myself in 20 years as the owner and CEO of a large entertainment company that has its hands in publishing novels, producing movies and managing music artists.

CLASS ACTS

Music: I love Sade because it depresses me and reminds me of getting my heart broken by Lisa Johnson of McKinney Street in Dallas. Just kidding. But not really.

Movie: Either “Hero” with Jet Li or “Kill Bill Vol. 1”

Food: I'm so unhealthy. But I love banana pudding.

Summer getaway: Guam

Stand-up comedian: Jamie Foxx
 
Rosa E. Rodriguez | 210SA contributor