Hoping to follow in the footsteps of former UTC student Johnny Webster, who with the help of MTV show MADE fulfilled his dream of becoming a UTC Sugar Moc several years ago, students lined up to audition for producers of the show during an on-campus casting call.
MADE, MTV’s three-time Emmy award winning reality show, gives young people the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Previous episodes have seen people “made” into prom queens, class presidents, and football players.
Before their interviews with producers, students completed a long questionnaire. They explained like how they’ve been working toward their goal and how achieving this goal would change their life.
Shayna Higgenbottom hopes appearing on MADE will change her life for the better by showcasing her musical talents.
“I have always interested in music and playing instruments, and if I actually get on MADE, it will give me some exposure and help me become a music producer,” she said.
Morgan Scruggs has her eyes on superstardom as she wishes to become a country singer. Citing Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, and Martina McBride as influences, Scruggs sings in the campus women’s chorus and does karaoke on the weekends at area restaurants.
“I like country music because it’s different from everything else out there. Every song tells a different story,” she said.
Not all students are shooting for international fame. Iesha Vann’s dream is much more local as she wants to become UTC’s next homecoming queen.
“Homecoming queens embody beauty, grace, and class, but most of all, they’re accepted. I’ve had a hard time being accepted my whole life. I’ve never fit in with any one group,” she said.
Vann, who choose to major in theatre so she could act and become “someone else” while on stage, is determined to use the show to become more comfortable with herself.
“I’ve spent so many years being unhappy with myself. I hope that winning homecoming queen would help me believe in myself more,” she said.
