Graduating seniors from Georgia Tech reflect on their unique experiences. Ty Autry talks about blending acting and engineering and shares his advice for incoming freshmen.
We asked graduating seniors about their unique experiences at Georgia Tech.
Name: Ty Autry
Hometown: Camilla, GA
Major: Electrical Engineering
Clubs/Involvement: DramaTech Theatre Marketing Director. Actor: "Angel," "Rent," "Bert Bratt," and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Director and Choreographer. Tau Beta Pi, business analyst at Codesigned. Also worked at Turner Broadcasting System.
What are you doing after you graduate? This summer I am performing at OnStage Atlanta in "The Addams Family: The Musical," and in August I start my year-long apprenticeship at Georgia Ensemble Theatre! I will also continue working at Codesigned during the day. You can find me on Twitter/Instagram: @JTyAutry
Q: You're an engineer, but also an actor. How has acting impacted your time at Georgia Tech?
A: Acting has allowed me to de-stress from my busy work and school schedule. Even though going to rehearsals five night a week is stressful on its own, it allowed me be creative in ways that engineering doesn't allow me to be. During my four years at Georgia Tech, I was able to work the left and right side of my brain! On the flip side, getting an engineering degree has helped me grow as an actor in unique ways because it has taught me to think very analytically, be a problem solver, and analyze situations very quickly.
Q: What was the most difficult part of getting an engineering degree and what's your advice to someone starting their college career at Tech?
A: The most difficult part about getting an engineering degree was the very dense reading. There were times I had to force myself to focus and read through a textbook, even though I didn't want to. The best advice I can give to anyone coming to Georgia Tech is: 1) Always go to class, never skip (simple, but true)! 2) Do your homework, skipping a homework could be the difference between an A and a B. 3) Pick one or two TV shows to follow a semester, but limit your TV time to just those shows.
Q: What do you think is the most surprising thing people do not know about Georgia Tech?
A: Georgia Tech houses the oldest continuously running theatre in all of Georgia! DramaTech Theatre has been around since 1946 and is stronger than ever! The fact that Georgia Tech can put on amazing work of art with a bunch of engineers, computer scientists, and business majors running the whole place, is incredible!