Kaitlyn Yaffe

My Top 5 Coffee spots in Dallas!

Looking back at my journey so far, it feels like a whirlwind of remarkable experiences, random opportunities, and lessons learned. Growing up in Atherton, California, I always had a curious mind, diving into anything that sparked my interest. But it wasn’t until I got to Southern Methodist University that things clicked for me. I’m majoring in Journalism and Political Science, and along the way, I snagged a minor in Digital Marketing. It’s been a crazy ride balancing all that, but I love how it connects—telling stories, digging into politics, and figuring out the best way to communicate it all.
One of the highlights of my time at SMU has been working as a producer for SMU-TV. I’m in charge of productions for the weekly news updates Real Talk and Al Punto, which means I’ve become a master at managing the chaos of live shows, editing, and leading a team. Honestly, it’s super rewarding to see everything come together, and it’s taught me a lot about leadership and working under pressure.
This summer, I had an incredible opportunity to intern at Candle Media in New York, working under James Goldston, the former president of ABC. I was thrown into the deep end, helping with everything from editing to fact-checking on a project called Fame & Fentanyl for A&E. The coolest part? Seeing my name in the credits! I also got to pitch ideas for documentaries, which was both nerve-wracking and exciting. It showed me that I love the creative side of production as much as the technical aspects.
Aside from media, politics is another huge passion of mine. I’ve always been fascinated by how different political systems work (or don’t). As the Vice President of the SMU Historical Society, I’ve been diving deep into political theory, especially regarding authoritarianism. I love exploring that intersection in my studies.
Whether I’m producing a news show or analyzing dictatorships for class, I’m constantly seeing how the little details in a story can have a considerable impact. Looking ahead, I’m pumped to blend my love for media and politics into something that feels like me.