What aspects of PRSSA have benefitted you the most? Definitely the agency tours! Being able to visit PR agencies and get a first hand look at the work culture and view a typical work day in the industry was extremely beneficial for me to figure out what field of PR I wanted to get into. Not to mention all the advice we acquire from employees. In your previous Member Monday interview, you mentioned being a part of three clubs and working at the fitness center; how do you balance your school work and having a social life? I’m really just trying to focus on my capstones, PRSSA, working and enjoying my last year. During my senior year, I’m trying to immerse myself as much as I can into PRSSA and my schoolwork to prepare myself the best I can for graduating in May and hopefully landing a job as soon as possible.
multiple accounts and always have a variety in terms of your projects is very attractive to me. I think that aspect calls for a lot of creativity, teamwork and something new every day, which I find very enticing.
What is a word of advice to the freshman and sophomore PR majors who are just starting off in the major? Get involved as much as you can in PRSSA and other COM related Registered Student Organizations. It’s not only attractive to employers but building a network of future colleagues who have the same interests as you is awesome in terms of learning and personal gain, in general. "" Since you are a senior, what is on your "bucket list" to do during senior year and before graduating? I’m trying to have as much fun as I can. I also want to leave my mark on PRSSA and have a memorable and eventful year with lots of member involvement. On a different note, playing one on one with a sloth at the zoo is also on my bucket list. I love sloths! Written by Maddie Rose
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Brett Cozzi is a junior public relations major at Illinois State University from Elmhurst, Ill. He hopes to land a job at a public relations agency or work for the communications department for Team USA. At some point in his life, he would also like to take a summer to volunteer for the National Parks Service at Yosemite National Park in California. Tell us about yourself. I enjoy the outdoors, being active, and meeting new people. I love hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, hockey, and dogs. I have three dogs and two sisters in my outdoor-enthusiast family. Why did you decide to join the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America? I decided to join ISU PRSSA to gain pre-professional experience in the public relations field. Along with building a portfolio through ISU PRSSA, the opportunity to network, work in a team, and make new friends grabbed my attention and helped me decide to join. What is your dream job? I’ve played hockey my entire life, so I’d be lying if I said that my dream wasn’t to be a professional hockey player. Why did you decide to come to ISU? My sister attended ISU and graduated three years ago, so I’ve always had an interest in the school after all the visits and good times I’ve had here with family and friends. Who inspires you? My father, Michael Cozzi, inspires me. We share all the same interests and hobbies. My father passed away after a two-year battle with lung cancer. He never smoked and stayed positive even in his last days with us. My father taught me to never let go of my dreams and that anything is possible if you have the right mindset and motivation. I lived at home and attended community college during his last two years with us; hanging out with him everyday is something I will cherish forever. What is something most people do not know about you? Most people don’t know that I am an excellent skate sharpener. I work at Total Hockey in Elmhurst where I sell hockey equipment, sharpen hockey skates, and watch hockey games. What is your favorite memory of ISU so far? My favorite memory at ISU so far is meeting a new group of friends while slack lining on the quad. Questions composed by Melissa Guerra Miranda Pietschman is an Illinois State University junior who is determined to make a change in the world. After transferring to ISU last fall, Pietschman joined the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Between internship experience and study abroad plans, she is ready for the future. Tell us about yourself. I’m a junior and 22 years old. I’m majoring in public relations. When I graduated from high school in 2011, I was set to attend American University in Washington, but I had quite a shock when I received the first tuition bill. I took a year off school to work and save money. I then attended the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill., where I earned my associate degree. I transferred to ISU last fall. Why did you join ISU PRSSA? My best friend’s dad ran his own consulting business for nonprofit organizations, so when he advised me to join ISU PRSSA, I didn’t hesitate. When I finally transferred here, I was repeatedly told about all the benefits of joining. It wasn’t a hard decision to make because I knew I would get so much out of it. Besides ISU PRSSA, what other organizations are you involved in? Last semester I worked at 103.3 WZND in the public relations department. I also hold two internships; one with Young Women’s Christian Association McLean County and another with Arc Media. This upcoming summer, I will study abroad with the School of Communication in Paris. Describe your dream job. I am really passionate about social change, organizational sustainability, and environmental advocacy, and health and fitness. So, finding a job in any of those fields would be amazing. What is something a lot of people don't know about you? I’m obsessed with a few movie series like “Batman,” “Spiderman,” “Thor”…basically all superheroes (besides “Superman”). I love “The Hunger Games” and anything with Jennifer Lawrence in it. What is your favorite ISU memory so far? I’d have to say getting my internship at YWCA has been my best memory. I have learned so much from working there and have experienced so many different things. It’s been such an amazing insight into not only what type of work I want, but it’s also taught me so much regarding the tactical side of public relations and marketing. Who inspires you? I think people in general inspire me. I love to meet new people and hear their stories because I learn something from each and every person I meet. People amaze me when they rise above adversity, unite for a common purpose, or even stand their ground when push comes to shove. Questions composed by Nicole Weishaar Between the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, 103.3 WZND, TV-10, and being co-president of The Indy newspaper, ISU junior Carie Kuehn has a full plate on her hands. She is a broadcast journalism major and English minor with a passion to break into the sports industry. After transferring from a small college in Iowa with a triple major she found to be less than desirable, she is enjoying her time at ISU pursing something she loves. Tell us about yourself. I am a junior broadcast journalism major with an English minor. I transferred to ISU in the middle of my sophomore year from a very small college in Iowa (Mount Mercy University), where I played basketball and volleyball. I triple majored in biology, environmental science, and English there, but after realizing I hated that combination, I decided to pursue sports broadcasting. I am a huge Chicago sports fan. I am also a literature nerd, and I always have my nose in a book. A busy lifestyle is the life for me. I am a very social and outgoing person as well. Why did you join ISU PRSSA? I am not a public relations major, so I originally joined ISU PRSSA to network with other communication majors. One of my friends told me about the organization, and I thought it sounded like a good way to meet people and make connections for the future. What has been your favorite memory from ISU PRSSA this year? My favorite part of ISU PRSSA has been the fact that members I have met at meetings have not only become good connections, but also great personal friends. What inspires you to move forward in broadcast journalism? I am inspired to continue with broadcast journalism because when I am working it does not feel like a job. I love every moment of what I do, and I feel like it is something at which I can succeed. Are you involved in anything else on campus? Besides ISU PRSSA, I participate in WZND, the student radio station, on the news and sports team, and I am involved with TV-10 for my broadcast and production class. I am also co-president of the independent newspaper on campus, The Indy, of which I absolutely love being a part. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I hope to be continuing to do what I love. Hopefully I will be working in the sports industry on the media side. Because the sports industry is competitive, I will be in a small market after graduation. The end goal is to be working in baseball someday, but the next five years will be about getting experience in the field overall. What do you enjoy to do in your downtime? To be honest, I do not have a lot of downtime. On top of ISU PRSSA, TV-10, WZND, and The Indy, I also work two jobs. When I do have a spare second, I enjoy painting, reading, writing, and just being with friends. Questions composed by Kelly Larson From a town smaller than the size of her incoming freshman class, Allison Trosper ventured to Illinois State University to meet new people and study public relations. She works at the Student Fitness Center and recently accepted a position as a summer preview guide. She is charismatic and not afraid to take risks—meet this week’s Member Monday, Allison Trosper. Tell us about yourself. My name is Allison, but everyone knows me as Allie. I’m 19 years old and a freshman at ISU. I am from a little town called Catlin, Ill. There are about 2,100 people in the town, and I graduated with 36 kids in my class. I am outgoing, and love meeting new people and making new friends. As a freshman, what interested you in the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America? I became interested in ISU PRSSA through one of my best friends, Bridget Anders. She knew I was an incoming public relations major and encouraged me to attend the first meeting. I love being involved with the Chapter. I have made so many friends, and I am learning many beneficial things that will help me in my future career. What are you involved in on campus? Besides my involvement with ISU PRSSA, I am employed at the Student Fitness Center as a fitness floor monitor. When I am not exercising, I am working there. Also, I just accepted a job offer as a preview guide for Preview 2015 this summer. I cannot wait to start this job to help new students become excited about ISU and becoming Redbirds. Describe your dream job. My dream job is to work for the Chicago Cubs. I have loved sports ever since I can remember. I think representing a brand that I love would make my career more enjoyable. What legacy do you want to leave behind at ISU? I am a very happy and bubbly person. I want to be remembered as someone who was always smiling and friendly. The best feeling in the world is knowing that you made someone smile and made a little part of his or her day brighter. Where do you find your greatest motivation? I find my greatest motivation in my mother. She is always encouraging me to try new things outside of my comfort zone. Without her, I would not be who I am or where I am today. I am thankful for everything she has done for me. She could not have done a better job raising me and my little brother and sister. Questions composed by Kellian Reed Miranda Puskar is a junior at Illinois State University who is ready to experience every aspect of public relations. As a member of the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, she is involved in the PRSSA National Donor Awareness Competition this semester and hopes to take her event planning skills to the next level. Tell us about yourself. I’m a junior public relations major and 21 years old. I’m from Rockford, Ill., but I moved to Kewanee, Ill., after high school. I attended Black Hawk College for my associate degree and transferred to ISU last fall. What made you interested in ISU and want to join ISU PRSSA? I was interested in ISU solely because of the public relations program. Since high school, I knew I wanted to major in public relations. When I found out ISU was the only public, in-state university with an accredited program, I knew ISU was the place I needed to attend. I joined ISU PRSSA because I wanted more insight to the field of public relations. What do you wish to gain from your NODAC experience? From NODAC and the Gift of Hope Event, I hope to gain insight on how it feels to plan an entire event from scratch. We are starting from the ground up, and with the team we have, I think it is going to be an awesome journey. Besides ISU PRSSA, what other organizations are you involved with on campus? In addition to ISU PRSSA, I am the vice president and president elect for the Association for Women in Communications. The ISU Chapter just started last fall. I am so passionate about the organization, and I am so proud of how far we have already come. I am also a recruitment intern for ISU’s School of Communication. What is your dream job? My dream job is to do public relations for the Grammy Awards because I have been obsessed since I was young, drooling over ‘N Sync performances. What has been your favorite experience at ISU thus far? Honestly, my favorite experience thus far was my first semester classes. I met great people, and I explored many new opportunities. Coming to ISU has opened my eyes in a lot of ways. Questions composed by Nicole Weishaar Katie Noland is a sophomore public relations major with a minor in sociology who is ready to take part in the public relations industry. She is driven, focused, and ready to see what the world has to offer. Tell us about yourself. I am from Virginia, Ill., a small town near Springfield, Ill. I am involved in Phi Beta Lambda, which is a business fraternity on campus. In my free time, I give campus tours as a volunteer tour guide. I currently hold an internship with OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Ill., where I carry out duties with the volunteer services department. What lead you to choose public relations? I was actually a business major when I came to Illinois State University and quickly found out it wasn't for me. I craved more exciting classes and a career path closer to my interests. I love writing and interacting with others so public relations seemed like the right fit for me. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I would love to be married with kids and hopefully working at a hospital close to my family and friends. I love to help people, which is why I want to stay in the medical field. I would also like to work in agriculture public relations because I was born in a rural town and could apply my communication skills to what I am already familiar. Describe your dream job. My dream job is to work at a public relations agency in St. Louis. I love the area, and there are so many great agencies to work for, such as Osborn Barr. A relaxed environment where everyone’s ideas are heard would be ideal. Who inspires you? My family inspires me every day. I always want them to be proud of me so I work extra hard. I also have one of the most supportive families I know. They always have my back no matter what decisions I make. What is your greatest motivator? My student loans. Knowing that I have all these loans racked up makes me want to work harder to get a high paying job that I love so I can pay them off quickly. Tell us something fun about you. I am crazy good at decorating. If there was more of a market for interior designers, I could have gone with that as a career. Questions composed by Caitlin O’Donovan Brock Zimmermann is a junior public relations major with a minor in history. Zimmermann has many interests in the field and joined the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America to focus his career path and explore his interest in public relations. Tell us about yourself. I enjoy doing freelance graphic design and other miscellaneous art projects. I also spend a lot of my free time doing community service and attending ISU sporting events. I’m a huge animal lover, so hopefully after graduation I’ll be able to adopt a cat and maybe a chameleon. During my time at ISU, I’ve become pretty good at cooking ramen noodles. Why did you decide to join ISU PRSSA? After changing my major three times, I decided my junior year was time to start figuring out my plan after graduation. I attended an ISU PRSSA meeting to learn more information about the industry I could enter. Several of my friends from my study abroad trip were influential in persuading me to become a member of ISU PRSSA, which helped me decide to change my major to public relations. What are your career aspirations? I have many different career interests, and I hope to have a chance to work in the music, sports, advertising, and nonprofit industries. I’m helping my brother manage his music career and hope to one day be a promoter and manager for many musicians. What is your dream job? I would love to do something with sports marketing. My dad’s side of the family is from Wisconsin, so I grew up a die-hard Packers and Brewers fan. I’d love to work for promotions or daily operations with either team. What other clubs or organizations are you involved in? I’m the vice president for Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and I was formerly a member of the Student Government Association before I started my internship with Great Plains Media. Who inspires you? My mother is my biggest inspiration. She raised my brother and me as a single parent while working full time and taking care of my grandparents. As an ISU alumnus, my mom played a large role in helping me decide to attend ISU. What is something most people do not know about you? Most people don’t know that I’m a huge soccer fan. The two teams I follow the most are Paris Saint-Germain in France and Newcastle United in England. The World Cup was occurring when I studied abroad so I watched several games in Europe. As a kid, I played soccer for 10 years, but most people are surprised by this fact since I played football and wrestled in high school. What is your favorite memory of ISU so far? My favorite memory at ISU so far has been studying abroad in Paris through the School of Communication. It was a chance for me to experience my familial roots, test out my language skills, and meet new people. Every activity I did abroad was its own interesting adventure. I would have never guessed how much I would learn while studying abroad. Questions composed by Melissa Guerra Nicole Weishaar is a junior at Illinois State University who sets a stellar example of what it means to be involved on campus. This active redbird is a member of several campus committees, aside from being a member of the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Her hard working spirit is countered by a softer side that loves all things Disney. Tell us about yourself. I am a junior public relations major. I am 21 years old from a small town near Chicago. I was a computer technology major for two years but switched to public relations because of its creative aspects and diverse career opportunities. How did you become a member of the ISU Chapter of PRSSA? I transferred from Purdue University Calumet to ISU this fall. I immediately fell in love with the university and have had many great experiences so far. I was interested in ISU PRSSA because it's a great opportunity to network and gain knowledge about the different aspects of public relations. What else are you involved in on campus? In addition to PRSSA, I am a part of the Honors Program and will study abroad in Germany with other honors members this summer. I am also involved in the University Program Board marketing and spirit and traditions committees. This semester, I became a student recruitment ambassador for the ISU School of Communication. Describe your dream job. My dream job has always been to work for Disney. Since I was a kid, it has always been an obsession of mine. I would love to work in corporate communications or customer relations for Disney in Orlando, Florida. What is a fun fact about you? I played club soccer for eight years of my life. It's my favorite sport to play, and I even coached children in kindergarten for a recreational league last summer. Also, I've re-watched the entire series of "Gossip Girl" on Netflix five times in a row because it's my favorite show. Where do you find your greatest motivation? My mom is one of my greatest motivators. She is my best friend and always pushes me to do more in life as well as take any possible opportunities. I want to make her proud and set the highest standard possible for my younger siblings. Questions composed by Kellian Reed Deja Whitt strives to open the world’s eyes to diversity and culture. After leaving her home in Calumet Park, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, Whitt’s freshman year has consisted of exploring new opportunities at Illinois State University, such as joining the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Whitt has a strong vision for her future as a public relations professional. Tell us about yourself. I’m a freshman public relations major with a Spanish minor. The School of Communication was the deciding factor in my decision to attend ISU, as well as the diversity on campus. What is your dream job? I try to steer away from getting my heart set on a specific “dream job” because I feel that it limits my potential. I always strive to keep my mind open to new ideas and opportunities. However, I would love the chance to be a part of a public relations team for a social media platform like Google or Twitter. What are your goals for when you graduate? After graduation I hope to jump right into the field. Hopefully, I’ll be able to move somewhere much warmer than Illinois! What have you gained from joining PRSSA? Upon first joining ISU PRSSA, I was a little weary about being a freshman because there are certain things I haven’t experienced that older members have. However, it has proved to be a huge learning experience. Surrounding myself with so many talented people who share the same passion for public relations as myself is really cool. I’ve learned so much and made some great friends. What is something a lot of people do not know about you? I’m a huge sucker for animals, especially dogs. I have a family of three Shih Tzus back home, one of which is turning 14. Who inspires you? My little sister, Nia, is one of my biggest inspirations. She’s only 12, but she’s an old soul. Being an older sister has always been hard work, but now that we are both older I’m more conscious of the fact that she’s looking to me as a role model. She inspires me to be the best possible version of myself not only for me, but for her too. What is your favorite memory of ISU so far? I honestly can’t pin point a favorite memory. I try to make the most out of my time here so every day is a new adventure. I can say, however, that living with my best friend, Chloe Kasper, who is also a member of ISU PRSSA, has been an absolute blast. It’s been great being able to share my college experience with her. What impact would you like to have on others? One of my favorite quotes is from Jackie Robinson: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” It would be awesome to be able open people’s eyes to the beauty of diversity and culture. Hopefully I’ll be able to use public relations as a platform to accomplish that. Questions composed by Taylor Torossy Jordan DePauw, a freshman at Illinois State University, is ready to experience life in the public relations world. She is excited to find out everything that ISU and a career in public relations has to offer. She loves that the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America is prepping her for what is ahead. Tell us about yourself. I am 19 years old from Geneseo, Ill., a small town of about 6,000 people that is completely surrounded by fields and has only one grocery store. I chose to major in public relations because it interests me, and I like how it takes a creative angle on business. I also like that you can be the face of a brand or client, and I think it would be amazing to watch a person or company succeed because of my efforts. What are you passionate about? I love playing soccer and volleyball. I wish more than anything that I could go back to high school and play sports for my school again. I also enjoy reading; my Kindle never leaves my side. What is your dream job? I have not chosen a specific career yet. As a public relations major, I have a wide variety of options and there is so much from which to choose. I am leaning toward something with sports management or being a publicist. Are there any clubs or organizations of which you are involved? So far the only organization I am involved in is ISU PRSSA, but I am only a freshman, and I am sure I will find other registered student organizations that interest me. I am looking into joining either a volleyball club or a soccer team. Why did you choose to attend ISU? I chose to attend ISU because of the campus and the people. The campus is big but it feels small, like home. I also heard good things about the public relations program here at ISU. I definitely do not regret my decision to come here. Go Redbirds! What is your favorite memory of your time at ISU so far? I would have to say my favorite memory is going to Gill Street, a restaurant, and watching the national football championship game between ISU and our Missouri Valley Conference rival, North Dakota State University. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and it made me realize how much I love this school. I had so much fun there; people played games and won various prizes. Right now that memory is my favorite, but I have no doubt there will be plenty more to come! Questions composed by Allie Trosper She sings, she dances, and loves to write—all three add up to one unique combination, this week’s Member Monday. This freshman has hit the ground running as a public relations major at Illinois State University. Besides being an active member in the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter, she is also a writer for Her Campus. In the future, she dreams of working as a publicist in the music industry. Let’s meet Chloe Kasper: a feminist with a minor in Latina studies, full of ambition, and dedicated to the field of public relations. Tell us about yourself. I am a freshman majoring in public relations and minoring in Latina studies. I am 19 years old, and my hometown is Chicago Ridge, Ill. In high school, I was involved in many activities, but I was especially involved in show choir, where I was a captain for two years. I served as editor-in-chief for the school newspaper and yearbook. Being a part of those activities taught me so much about leadership. The guidance of classes in high school, activity advisors, friends, and family all led me to where I am today. What interested you in joining PRSSA? I started attending ISU last semester, and I love it! I had declared public relations as my major when I applied. When I arrived, I wanted to do everything I could to learn as much about public relations as possible. I also wanted to gain some experience in the field before starting the major-focused classes next school year. Getting involved in ISU PRSSA seemed like the perfect way to accomplish both my goals while still adjusting to campus life and completing my required general education courses. What else are you involved in on campus? Along with being a member of ISU PRSSA, I am also a writer for Her Campus Illinois State, which is an online magazine for college women. Writing is one of my passions and being able to do that alongside likeminded college women is absolutely wonderful! I love being able to write about things that are relevant to my life experiences and share that with other college women. What makes you unique? I love to sing and dance. I’m the kind of person who starts singing and dancing randomly whenever the opportunity presents itself. I always tell people that if you can talk, you can sing, and if you can move, you can dance! A fun fact about me is that I had the incredible opportunity of performing in Disney World (twice!) with the show choir I was a member of in high school. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. What is your greatest motivator? My support system, which includes my family, friends, and past mentors, are my best motivators. Whenever I am down, they are all just a phone call away to help me through whatever obstacle I am facing. They have all helped me in different ways become the person I am today, and I cannot thank them enough for it. What sparked your interest in Latina studies? How do you plan on incorporating your minor into your career? As a Latina who grew up in a household where much of that cultural influence was not present, college offered me a way to immerse myself in learning about the culture. When first picking classes, I chose the Intro to Latin American and Latina/o Studies class offered here, and I absolutely adored it. Once I found out there was a minor focusing on it, there was no looking back! You mentioned you loved being able to write about women as a woman. Why do you find it important to be involved in women’s rights? As a feminist, I do truly believe in for what the term stands; As quoted by Chimamanda Angozi Adiche (popularly known through Beyoncé’s song "Flawless"), “A person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.” In the past, women have been subdued to a status that is not equal to men, and this discrimination continues in some countries today where women are still treated as second class citizens. Having a platform as a writer is a very meaningful thing to me because it shows how far women have come. Describe your dream job. I have always been passionate about singing and dancing as well as writing. I am fascinated by social media and the power it has within society. My dream job would be to combine all these into one job as a social media coordinator for a business that has something to do with music, or as a publicist for a major musical sensation. Questions composed by Kellian Reed Sophomore Jessica Backer’s love for people has been her compass pointing her in the direction of her future career. This passionate public relations major is gaining valuable event planning and fundraising experience as a member of the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America’s development committee. Tell us about yourself. I am 19 years old from Benson, Ill., which is a small town of about 430 people. I chose to major in public relations because I like working with people and using my own skills and ideas to benefit a company. The more I learn about public relations, the more I fall in love with how many different aspects and opportunities this field has to offer. What are you passionate about? I am passionate about connecting with people and pursuing happy, positive relationships. I chose public relations as my major because I really do care about meeting the needs of different publics. In my first job as a cashier, going to work and talking to customers for just a few minutes made me happy. I would love to work for a nonprofit or in an agency setting, where I could utilize my people skills. How has ISU PRSSA benefitted you, and what is your favorite part about being a member? This organization has benefited me in more ways than one. Industry tours show me future employer possibilities and being involved in the Chapter helps me connect with other public relations majors. I look forward to attending the weekly Tuesday meetings because they offer great advice about the professional world, and I also enjoy working in the development committee. What is your dream job? I would love to work at an event planning agency, specifically in wedding public relations. Being able to put on an event that makes my clients happy is my inspiration to keep working harder. To be honest, my inspiration for wedding public relations came from the movie “27 Dresses.” Although Katherine Heigl’s character is not an event planner, she still makes sure everything falls into place for her friends’ special day. What is something most people do not know about you? In high school, when other girls played volleyball and basketball, I played golf. I practiced with the boys because there was not enough interest in the school to make a girls team. When it comes to recreational activities, I love skiing, snowmobiling, and boating. However, if you put in “The O.C.,” I am bound to never leave the couch again because I love Seth Cohen. Questions composed by Kimi Sanden Tell us about yourself. I am a junior public relations major from Bartlett, Ill., a suburb of west Chicago. I transferred to Illinois State University this fall after receiving my associate degree from Elgin Community College. I chose to major in public relations based off of a recommendation from a career counselor. I realized public relations was the right choice for me when I began to learn about how the profession is both challenging and self-rewarding. What do you hope to accomplish through your ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America membership? I decided to join ISU PRSSA in hopes of gaining experience in the public relations industry and broadening my awareness of the field. Being exposed to opportunities related to leadership, networking, fundraising, event planning, and agency tours will help me better understand the industry. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself with a successful career, loving marriage, and healthy family. I would love to move somewhere warm and be able to travel often. Ultimately, I wish to be happy. What is your dream job? I have been asking myself the same question for quite some time. I can see myself working at a public relations agency in a big city, but I have also always dreamed about moving to Hawaii and working for a corporate resort. If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be? I would choose Mahatma Gandhi because he has not only been an inspiration to me but also to people across the world for generations. I believe that his trust in non-violent actions to promote peace and independence ultimately was the encouragement for the non-violent civil rights movement here in the United States. I know that I could learn a lot about how to view and appreciate people, life, and freedom from meeting him. Who else has inspired you? My parents are my biggest inspiration. I cannot choose just one of them because they both have supported and guided me to become the person I am today. I admire the the motivational work ethic of my father, who has always emphasized the importance of believing in yourself and trying your best at everything you do, and the warm, nurturing heart of my mother. They both will always be my inspiration to succeed. Questions composed by Deja Whitt Cassie Zimmer is a junior double majoring in both of her passions, public relations and apparel merchandising. When she is not busy juggling her life as a young professional and aspiring fashionista, you can find her blogging or whipping up a tasty treat in the kitchen! Tell us about yourself. I am 20 years old and in love with Illinois State University and all that it has to offer. I feel like I have been attending since I was eight years old (both of my sisters attended), and ultimately it has felt like a second home to me. Outside of class, I love hanging out with my friends, writing for HerCampus ISU, and blogging for The Vidette. Aside from being a member of the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, I am involved with the Apparel Merchandising and Design Association on campus. I love being involved with ISU PRSSA and cannot wait to see what the rest of the year holds! What are you passionate about? I have always been very passionate about the fashion industry, but starting off in college I was not sure what I could major in to make fashion into a career. I wanted to immerse myself into the world of fashion, keeping almost every single style magazine that has crossed my path. I also learned about public relations from a friend. After explaining to her what I wanted to do, she also suggested apparel merchandising. I discovered a love for writing along the way, and it seems as though everything has fallen into place. It is amazing to know you are doing something you really enjoy and can get excited about your future. Aside from my chosen field, I am passionate about my family and friends. They have always been my backbone when I need one and never fail to make me happy. How has ISU PRSSA benefited you, and what is your favorite part about being a member? ISU PRSSA has given me a glimpse of what a future in public relations may look like. With all of the panels, conferences, and tours, there have been endless opportunities to network and learn more about the field that I am so passionate about. It has introduced me to so many amazing people and never ceases to be a good time. What is your dream job? My dream job is to work in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, or event public relations in a big city environment. I want to work with a team that is like family and can have fun while being professional. I want to work in a cohesive atmosphere that focuses on putting the best work forward while also making the best experience out of everything. Ultimately, I just want to be happy at the end of each day, and if my career can be a component of that happiness, I will be content. What is something most people do not know about you? I have an extreme love for baking. I am obsessed with “Cupcake Wars,” “Cake Boss,” or anything that shows elaborate cakes. I think it is amazing what people can do. With that, I have an extreme sweet tooth. I always make sure there is something sweet in the house. Questions composed by Kimi Sanden |
AboutPRecisely PR is the blog of the Illinois State University Chapter of the PRSSA. We write about Chapter events, the public relations industry, member profiles, and more. Archives
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