Student Spotlight
Trey Barrett

by: Greta Allen, PR student intern

Trey Barrett is a senior communication major from Olive Branch, Miss., majoring in communication with a concentration in print & digital journalism and a minor in film studies. Barrett is involved in The Reflector as the life and entertainment editor, C.O.R.E., The Streetcar, and is an intern for the agriculture and natural resource marketing team. Barrett plans to one day be a film critic or review awards for a major publication. 

Barrett was nominated by his professor Josh Foreman, who said, “Trey quietly listened in our editing and design class, then executed the design principles we learned with skill and grace. When an editor position opened at the Reflector, I was thrilled when he agreed to fill it. Trey is a keen observer of popular culture, with a particular interest in film. He writes about movies with a critic’s attention to detail. He is a big horror fan, so I go to him for horror recommendations.”

Why did you choose communication?
When I was a kid, I told myself I wanted to be published in a newspaper one day. Once I looked at job opportunities in journalism, I realized I could combine both my love for writing and my passion to be published in a newspaper.

Best memory in the Department?
A good memory that I have is whenever I first found out McComas has elevators! In my junior year, I had a class in the basement and one of my classmates was talking about how she used the elevator. And I was surprised since I had never seen them before. So later after class, I went and found it!

Advice for incoming communication students?
Be involved! Build your undergraduate through experiences in organizations or communication-related activities. Ever since working at The Reflector, I’ve found a whole new outlook on communication and journalism.

Best advice you’ve received from a professor?
The best advice I’ve received has come from Professor Josh Foreman. He really helped me look for specific details whenever I’m writing for journalism. He also emphasized the need for good vivid details when it comes to narrative stories. From his editing and design class, I’ve found a greater appreciation for details.

Favorite class?
Intro to Film with Dr. Spain. This class not only emphasized why I decided to minor in film studies but increased my love for film.

If you were singing karaoke, what song would you pick to sing?
Brooklyn Baby by Lana Del Ray.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
I love spaghetti or chicken alfredo.

What’s the most interesting thing that you’ve read, watched, or listened to lately?
I’ve been on an animated movie watching binge and I recently watched Constantine City of Demons. It’s about a DC character and it combined everything I love to see in a movie.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with that extra time?
I would probably spend that time watching more movies or playing on my Nintendo Switch.