Neela Jolene Moody, 18, is a young college student in a hurry. An early graduate from high school, Moody began her studies at Grossmont College in the fall of 2022 and works as an accomplished actress while pursuing a college degree in business management.
“I plan to continue my work as an actress and merge the business skills I learn in college with my love for entertainment,” she said. “My short-term career goal is to get my business degree while continuing to work as an actress. My long-term goal is to become a successful businesswoman in the entertainment business.”
Moody, a resident of San Diego, uses her stage name, “Neela Jolene,” for her work as an actress and is best known for roles on The Goldbergs, the Juniors and Dhar Mann TV series, and for a lead role on the 2024 Lifetime TV movie, My Acting Coach Nightmare. She’s also worked in many short films, commercials, and modeling projects. She began performing at five years old in musical theater.
At Grossmont, Moody is one of two students on the Second Team of the 2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-California Academic Honor Roll.
Moody said she wants to continue working as an actress, merging her passion for performing with the business of making movies. “Working in a production company that produces films that are both meaningful and entertaining is my ultimate plan,” she said.
At Grossmont, Moody takes all her classes online. She said the college’s flexibility has allowed her to pursue a busy career as an actress. “I can easily contact the professors, counselors, and administrators when I need them,” she said. “Being able to work acting jobs and at the same time pursue my degree has been a godsend for me.” After this spring, she has two semesters to go before she plans to transfer to San Diego State University.
As a working actress and online student, Moody said her busy schedule hasn’t allowed her to socialize with many people on campus. Nevertheless, she’s enjoyed her college classes and building the knowledge that a college education offers, and she said she feels a sense of accomplishment after she completes each course. “I will miss that the most,” she said.