Thad Mitchell - WMHS, Class of 2020

Campus: West Mesquite

Graduation Year: 2020

College: Tyler Junior College; Associate’s degree, Texas Southern University; Bachelor’s degree and Lamar University; Master’s degree

Current Occupation: Digital Video Producer for Mesquite ISD

Thaddaeus Mitchell discovered his passion for storytelling behind the camera in high school. What started as an interest in the Audio/Visual Production class at West Mesquite High School eventually became the foundation for a career in film and digital media. After earning degrees from Tyler Junior College, Texas Southern University and Lamar University, navigating a challenging job market and building his own portfolio from the ground up, Mitchell's journey has brought him full circle to where it all began, Mesquite ISD. 

A Lesson in the Unexpected 

Mitchell attended Mesquite ISD schools throughout his childhood, so he’s no stranger to the district. During his sophomore year at West Mesquite, he decided to enroll in the Audio/Visual Production and Architecture classes, unsure of which career path he wanted to take. Mitchell eventually realized AV was where his interests truly came alive, excelling in both AV Production I and II. A class trip to Seattle for a film competition further fueled his passion and served as one of his fondest memories from high school. 

He also remained involved in athletics, playing football as a freshman and participating in track as a junior. Through his experiences at West Mesquite, he developed the confidence to explore his interests and pursue something he genuinely loved.

Mitchell's senior year was supposed to be a time of celebration, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed those plans almost overnight. His senior year experience looked different than most, missing certain milestone events like prom. At the time, hosting a normal graduation ceremony was even uncertain. Thankfully, Mitchell and his classmates were able to celebrate that milestone together at Globe Life Field. 

“Due to the pandemic, I didn't know if I was going to have a graduation ceremony,” he says. “Being able to graduate at the Texas Rangers baseball stadium was very exciting for me.”

The experience taught him a valuable lesson he carries with him today, to live in the moment and appreciate the people around you.

Creating His Own Opportunity

After graduating in 2020, Mitchell earned an associate’s degree in Radio and TV Broadcasting from Tyler Junior College before transferring to Texas Southern University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Radio, TV and Film. Following graduation from TSU, Mitchell faced the challenges of breaking into a competitive creative industry. After receiving rejections for various positions, he decided to create his own opportunities. He purchased a camera and began producing his own work, building a portfolio while continuing his education through a master's program in Strategic Communications at Lamar University.

His perseverance eventually led him back home.

When his mother sent him a job opening with Mesquite ISD, Mitchell applied with faith and an open mind. Today, he is a digital video producer for the district where he first discovered his passion.

Favorite High School Memory

“High school was pretty great overall. I did everything I set my mind to, and I made lifelong, genuine friends,” he says. “But the best moment for me has to be graduation.” 

Advice from Thaddaeus to Current Students

For students interested in creative careers, Mitchell encourages them to persevere, trust in God and start building their portfolios early.

“This career path is very hard to get into, especially in today's time,” he says. “Have a portfolio ready.”

Most importantly, Mitchell wants students to remember that their path doesn't have to look exactly how they imagined it. Sometimes, the journey can lead you back home.