“About the Author”

I'm Jessie Mendoza, known as JMENDXZA in the music world, and my journey has been anything but typical. Over the past two decades, I’ve been at the forefront of DJing since 1999 and music production since 2014, starting with iconic LA radio stations and now creating electrifying mixes for Las Vegas stations like Q100 and Fiesta 98.1.

While California is my home, my path has taken me around the world and through various careers music, film, photography, and law enforcement each of which has deeply influenced my creative outlook.

Currently, I’m in my senior year at UNLV, pursuing a multidisciplinary degree that combines art, journalism, and psychology. This unique blend fuels my passion for storytelling and my desire to create meaningful connections through sound and visuals. My future plans include pursuing a teaching degree and potentially a master’s, as I aim to continue pushing myself both intellectually and creatively.

Having served in the US Coast Guard for seven years and now working as a security clerk for VA Police Services, I’ve developed a strong sense of resilience and adaptability.

Whether it’s crafting a DJ set, capturing moments through photography, or inspiring future students, my dedication to blending purpose with creativity is at the heart of everything I do, always seeking new ways to make a lasting impact.

My media-related interests revolve around comparing traditional and newer media platforms, particularly how they influence societal perceptions and address the needs of veterans. I'm also intrigued by the role of AI in the future of media, especially in shaping representation and storytelling.

Questions I have:

1. How do traditional and digital media differ in their ability to foster a deeper connection with veteran communities, and which format provides more impactful storytelling?

2. How does the consumption of veteran-focused content on streaming services and social media compare to traditional news and documentary formats in terms of audience engagement and impact?

3. How does the rapid dissemination of news on social media affect the quality and depth of reporting on veteran-related issues compared to traditional outlets?

4. What strategies can be used by newer media platforms to more effectively address the needs of veterans compared to traditional media?

   
   
   
   

Reflection on Semester and Media-Related Questions

At the beginning of this semester, I introduced myself as someone deeply invested in exploring how media connects with veteran communities, a topic that is close to my heart as a veteran myself. My questions stemmed from personal experiences and curiosity about the ways traditional and newer media platforms could amplify the voices of veterans and foster meaningful connections. Now, as I look back on what we’ve covered, I realize how much my understanding has grown and how these lessons resonate not just academically but personally.

1. How do traditional and digital media differ in fostering connections with veteran communities, and which format provides more impactful storytelling?

   
   

   Through our readings, particularly Converging Media by Pavlik and McIntosh, I realized that traditional media, like documentaries, provides a sense of permanence and depth that’s essential for preserving veteran stories. However, digital media offers something equally powerful: the ability to create immediate, interactive connections. I’ve seen this firsthand in social media campaigns that encourage veterans to share their own experiences. For me, the most impactful storytelling lies in combining these two approaches, using the depth of traditional media to tell the story and the immediacy of digital media to amplify it.

   
   

2. How does the consumption of veteran-focused content on streaming services and social media compare to traditional news and documentary formats in audience engagement and impact?

   
   

   Watching streaming services like Netflix and exploring how they create content tailored to specific audiences made me think about how much more accessible veteran-focused stories have become. Social media, on the other hand, has shown me how quickly an idea can spread and reach someone in need. For example, I’ve personally connected with other veterans through platforms like Instagram, where short-form content can still carry a powerful message. The difference is clear: streaming provides depth, while social media provides reach, and I’ve learned that both are essential in creating change.

   
   

3. How does rapid dissemination of news on social media affect the quality and depth of reporting on veteran-related issues compared to traditional outlets?

   
   

   This question really hit home for me because I’ve seen how social media can simplify or misrepresent complex issues. In our discussions, we talked about how speed often takes precedence over accuracy in digital spaces. I’ve experienced this frustration when veteran-related stories are reduced to headlines without context. Traditional outlets, while slower, often provide the depth that helps people understand the full picture. Striking a balance between speed and substance is something I hope media continues to improve on.

   
   

4. What strategies can newer media platforms use to more effectively address veterans' needs compared to traditional media?

   
   

   This semester gave me new insights into strategies that could make a real difference. From our lectures, I learned how interactive platforms like YouTube or even TikTok allow veterans to share unfiltered stories. For me, this feels incredibly empowering these platforms are not just spaces for entertainment but places where people like me can share, connect, and heal. Newer media is proving that it can meet veterans where we are, with tools and content that feel both relatable and actionable.

   
   

Conclusion

Looking back, this semester has been transformative for me. I didn’t just find answers to my questions, I found new ways of looking at the media landscape, especially through the lens of my own experiences as a veteran and creator. The lessons I’ve learned, particularly about the power of storytelling, will stay with me as I continue to explore how to use media to inspire connection and change.

What stands out the most is how personal this journey became. The topics we discussed weren’t just abstract ideas, they were pieces of my own story. Whether it’s creating DJ sets, capturing moments through photography, or simply sharing my perspective as a veteran, I’ve realized that media is more than a tool, it’s a bridge. And now, more than ever, I feel ready to use that bridge to make a difference.