Amshi Stephenson ’11 graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2015, with a B.A. in Mass Communications and a minor in Spanish.

What are you currently doing professionally?

I am a typical millennial with quite a few jobs. I’m currently working in the social media industry, I’m a freelance reporter for Irving Community Television Network, coach club volleyball and I’m also a blogger.

You can’t live without your….?

Insulin, lol… no, but really I can’t live without it. I was diagnosed with type one diabetes freshman year in college. I also can’t live without my phone or food! #foodie

Biggest accomplishment so far in your career or in college?

My biggest accomplishment so far would be starting my blog. After one year of launching my blog, I have impacted the lives of many living with diabetes already and it is very rewarding. https://livingdiabetter.com/

Favorite Memory at Parish?

That’s a hard one! I have a lot of great memories at Parish, but the one that stands out vividly is beating Dallas Christian to become volleyball State Champs in 2008.

Other stand out memories of Parish?

Stand out memories are walking through the “new” Midway campus with our Bigs (Big Friend, Little Friend program), 7th grade trip to Catalina Island, D.C. was fun too! Dressing up as Sandra Day O’Connor for Tex-pert Trail in the 5th grade, Invention Convention! Mrs. Roberts pulling my two front teeth and of course, being the first class to have graduation at the Symphony.

What do you miss most about Parish?

I miss seeing my close friends every day. Being an adult, it’s hard enough balancing work and a social life. I rarely have time or energy to see my friends and it's even harder when one of them lives in Kansas City.

Would you like to give a shout out to a former Parish faculty/staff member?

Heyyyy Ms. Petie!!! WESSSSTTTTTTTTTT!!!! (if you were in my advisory, you know)

Any advice to Parish Seniors or students?

My advice would be to soak up this special time in your life because you’ll never get it back. Parish holds an important place in my heart and I credit most of my life skills to the habits I formed at Parish. Also, cherish your friendships because when you look back 5 to 10+ years after graduation, you’ll realize some of your best friends were made at Parish. I’m a Lifer and 3 of my best friends are in my upcoming wedding in October 2018. (She is engaged to Parish alumnus Eric Humphrey ‘10)

What has brought you back to Parish as an alumna?

I have returned to Parish on numerous occasions. I was a part of the Upper School Diversity Conference discussing how blogging can help find your voice. I coached middle school volleyball. I’m currently a mentor for the ParishLEADS program and I’ve attended a few homecoming football games.

Biggest lesson learned to date in your career or in college?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to enjoy what you do. Adulting is hard and if you go to work every day not motivated, it’s time to find something else.