This minor has fundamentally changed how I look at the world, shifting me from a passive viewer to a strategic creator. By studying everything from the "recession pop" of the 2000s to the hidden power dynamics in Italian children's books, I’ve learned that every media message—whether a song, an ad, or a website—is created through a series of calculated decisions designed to influence its audience. My hands-on projects, like creating a marketing plan for the Friends of Ithaca Farmers Market and building a digital hub for flute ensembles, taught me the responsibility of using "gatekeepers" and "codes" ethically. As I move into my future career, I’ll carry this point of view with me, ensuring that I don’t just analyze the media I consume, but that I am intentional, honest, and purposeful in the media I create