Rattlers on the Rise: Jada Pierre takes a leap of faith into Tyler Perry Studios

TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — For Houston native and broadcast journalism senior Jada Pierre, an unexpected shift in her academic timeline led to an unforgettable summer opportunity: an internship with Tyler Perry Studios.

“Originally, I was supposed to graduate in spring 2025, and I was set on that. But after transferring from SBI to the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, I learned I needed more credits,” Pierre said. “At first, I freaked out. I thought everything was off track. But my professor, Professor Jones, reassured me that it could be a blessing in disguise. And it really was.”

Pierre leaned on her faith and embraced the unexpected.

“It was God’s plan. I had to let go of my fears and trust the process,” she said.

That trust paid off when she landed a spot in the highly competitive internship program at Tyler Perry Studios. Out of more than 1,800 applicants, only 50 were selected for interviews — and just 14 made the final cut.

“Can you believe it? I almost didn’t apply,” Pierre admitted. “I doubted myself. I didn’t know if film was the path for me. But my soror, who had been part of the previous cohort, encouraged me to go for it. She helped me prepare my application, and I just went for it.”

Pierre said connections, faith and self-belief were key.

“I’ve learned that you have to cast your net wide and believe in yourself,” she said. “Rejection isn’t the end — it’s just redirection.”

She sees her role at Tyler Perry Studios as a chance to explore the many branches of communications.

“I may not know the exact job title I want, but I know I want to be in the communications field. That’s why this internship is so exciting — it lets me explore different lanes and find what truly fits.”

Now that she is living in Atlanta for the summer, Pierre said the experience is shaping not just her résumé but also her mindset.

“I’m very intrigued,” she said. “There’s a traditional way of production and filmmaking, but I want to see how he does it — how he’s created this incredible space while giving back to the Black community. I’m just in awe.”

“I’m no longer nervous. I used to say that, but not anymore. I’m excited, inquisitive and ready. God brought me to this, and I know He’s going to carry me through it.”

Pierre is also committed to pouring into others and inspiring future Rattlers.

“I want students to know — everyone’s journey is different. You cannot compare your timeline to someone else’s,” she said. “Comparison is truly the thief of joy. I’ve done it before and it got me nowhere. Just because something isn’t happening for you right now doesn’t mean it won’t happen,” she said.

Pierre recalled a sermon that stuck with her.

“The preacher said, ‘When something good happens to someone close to you, that just means your blessing is in the neighborhood.’ That really spoke to me. Birds of a feather flock together — so if your peers are being blessed, yours is coming too,” she emphasized.

Pierre believes the affirmation, community and confidence that comes from learning and growing among likeminded individuals is what makes historically Black colleges and universities so powerful.

“Being surrounded by so many brilliant, bold, Black individuals — it fills you up. It sharpens you. And when you leave, you go out into the world recharged, knowing exactly who you are and who has your back,” she said.

When she’s not on set or in sessions, Pierre is also building her creative brand. Her Instagram page, Reels by JP, is her personal hub for digital content creation.

“People are always looking for someone to help with reels, and that’s something I love doing,” she said. “It’s another lane I’m developing while I’m here.”

Whether on set or on campus, Pierre is charting a path of her own.

Media Contact:

Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu