Chelsey Maszczyk's love for experiencing new cultures will kick-start her degree in communication studies. Maszczyk hopes to find a career where her major and coursework can complement each other. This go-getter is ready to use her creativity and dive into the professional world, but first, building her resume is essential. This part is where the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America comes into play.

As a newcomer to ISU PRSSA, Maszczyk is taking advantage of all of the opportunities the organization offers. Public relations is a newfound passion for the senior, so joining ISU PRSSA was a natural decision for her. Maszczyk joined the development committee this year. She has enjoyed brainstorming when it comes to socials and fundraisers. Maszczyk knows these event planning experiences will help her in her professional career.

Maszczyk interned with the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company in Oakbrook, Ill. She worked with a number of different departments within the company, but primarily focused her work in the information technology area. She was able to thoroughly understand what keeps the business running.

This senior has also studied abroad in Paris, a memory she will cherish for the rest of her life. Spending the summer with young professionals and testing her intercultural communication skills was an amazing opportunity. The most important takeaway from the trip was learning how to connect with others who have a completely different cultural background. Maszczyk is planning a trip back to Paris in the future, and she is nothing but excited.

Always willing to try new things, Maszczyk has one suggestion for students, and that is to network. After hearing the word “network” a million times as a student in the School of Communication, she has taken that advice as a challenge. She has learned that others are willing to help you if you show them determination and hard work.

Maszczyk has a unique personality and is full of surprises. She loves music and has been singing and playing cello since she was little. In her free time, she loves drawing and painting. Maszczyk is a huge family girl. Living with her parents, older sister, grandfather, and five pets is a blast. If she could go anywhere in the world, she would visit Poland. A rich family history lies within that country; Poland is where her grandparents grew up.

Although she regrets not joining ISU PRSSA before her senior year, the friends and opportunities it has provided her have aided in Maszcyk’s growth as a professional.

By Cindy Kirchner

Determination and hard work helped Yessenia Nunez become the first member of her family to go to college-- and upon graduation in December her hard work will materialize. Upon transferring to Illinois State University last year from Illinois Valley Community College, Nunez continued learning all she could about public relations and joined the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Nunez says that being a public relations major has taught her the importance of not procrastinating and staying organized. Nunez said, “I like that I have options, and I have always imagined myself in the busy world of public relations.”

Nunez also remarked on the benefits of joining PRSSA. “ISU PRSSA has so many opportunities, and I really enjoy the times we all laugh together and can relax. It is nice to be able to have a laugh and meet new people.” Nunez went on to say that the most important thing she has learned from ISU PRSSA and attending ISU has been to not compare herself to others, but rather to always work at her own pace and be proud of what she can do.

When she is not doing school work or participating in ISU PRSSA, Nunez takes it upon herself to explore opportunities outside of ISU’s campus, such as volunteering at the Humane Society of Central Illinois, which she visits once a week. “I do whatever they ask me to do. I clean, do laundry, and walk the dogs. Some jobs are not so glamorous, like cleaning the kitten room, but I do get to play with the animals afterward.”

Nunez says that her biggest motivation to keep an open mind and take on all the opportunities presented to her is her family. “I am the first person in my entire family to graduate from college, so that is really exciting for us. I have three younger brothers who have been my ultimate motivation.” When asked about what she hopes to accomplish in the field of public relations, Nunez said, “I hope to do something with event planning, so I can take my excellent organizations skills to any job I land.”

Even with the life-changing event of graduation approaching quickly, Nunez stays grounded. When asked to describe herself in three words, Nunez simply said, “Hardworking, goofy, and an old-soul.” She then explained, “Hardworking: I’m the first of my family to go to college, and I take it very seriously. I go to school full time, work part time, volunteer, and then there are the endless hours of homework. Goofy: I love making people laugh and getting a reaction so I will do anything and probably wear anything to make others laugh. I worked at an ice cream parlor for seven years, and three summers in a row I dressed up as an ice cream cone and danced outside with a dancing chocolate sundae and a banana.” And lastly, “Old-Soul: I’m not the average 21-year-old. I love everything antique, and when I hang out with my friends, staying in is my favorite.”

Interview by Chloe Kasper

Michelle Czosnyka is an exemplary public relations major who is an active leader on campus. Czosnyka transferred to Illinois State University last year as a junior and will be graduating in May. She first heard of the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America for her “Get Involved Project” in COM 178: Introduction to Public Relations. After learning more about ISU PRSSA, she became a dues-paying member to take advantage of all the opportunities the organization has to offer.

Besides her involvement with ISU PRSSA, Czosnyka is involved with Students Today Leaders Forever, a service organization that is student led and funded. Over spring break, she is attending a service trip called the Pay it Forward Tour. She is leading a bus with four other students as they travel to seven cities in nine days to do various service projects. Czosnyka strongly believes in giving back through the little things that we are capable of doing.

Czosnyka also stays busy as an intern for ISU’s athletics communications department. She has worked  work on projects for ISU sports teams. Her favorite memories from this internship are being on the football field during a game and the first kickoff of the season.

Upon graduation in May, she would love to continue working in sports and possibly work for a public relations agency managing sports related clients. Her internship opportunity at ISU has helped Czosnyka feel capable and ready to pursue a career in sports.  

Not only does Czosnyka find motivation from her internship with athletics communications, but also from her family. She is thankful for everything her parents have done for her and wants to prove that she is deserving of her degree. Czosnyka is a very self-motivated individual that will not have opportunities handed to her but earn them every step of the way.

Czosnyka described her approach to life in a quote by Winston Churchill:

“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.”

Czosnyka is a caring and giving individual who not only wants to pursue her dreams, but also gives back along the way and shows she truly does live for something.

Interview by Alex Danko

Michael Capriotti, a senior public relations major from Tinley Park, Ill., recently joined the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. He had heard nothing but positive things about the organization and wanted to take advantage of the opportunities it provides. Capriotti’s dream job upon graduation in May is to be a pharmaceutical sales representative based out of Chicago, and he is already on his way to doing just that.

Over the summer, Capriotti interned with Astellas, a Chicago-based pharmaceutical sales company. Capriotti said that the internship made him want to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals, and he was offered a job opportunity after graduation. This internship experience is not the only thing that has prepared him to enter the work force. Capriotti credits his preparedness to his experiences at ISU in the School of Communication as well.

 “My communication professors have influenced me the most. They have taught me so much. Not just lessons in the classroom, but life lessons that will make me a better individual in all aspects. I am so proud to say that I am graduating from an institution that shaped me into who I am,” said Capriotti.

There is a personal side to Capriotti that has shaped him as well. Capriotti loves wrestling and passes this love onto younger individuals by helping out with wrestling programs. Growing up in a family of five has helped shape him into the individual he is today. Capriotti says that his family is what truly inspires and motivates him in life.

 “My parents, Bob and Marcia, are my inspiration. They have taught me integrity, respect, and all my basic morals. They have shown me what it means to be a part of a close family. I also look up to my older brother, Ryan, who is a school teacher. My twin sister, Michele, is autistic. My parents have not only devoted their lives to my brother and I, but also to raising my sister. She inspires me every day to take advantage of the opportunities I have,” said Capriotti.

This young man has a heart of gold and makes ISU PRSSA proud to have him as a new member.

Interview by Alex Danko

Davonte Longmire is a senior public relations major with a bright future. Longmire joined the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America after learning that his friends were a part of the organization. He quickly became involved in ISU PRSSA in order to learn more about public relations.

Longmire loves to draw and has taken multiple art courses. He is a visual person and loves designing and creating art, which made him the perfect fit for the graphic design team. Longmire produces graphics for the socials planned by the development committee. This position developed his time management skills and taught him how to effectively target audiences to attend events through visual communication.

Previously, Longmire served as an event coordinating intern for Voice of the City, a theatre company in Chicago. Voice of the City provided him the opportunity to manage a group of young adults who produced performance pieces and organize and promote them by reaching out to organizations in the community.

Longmire also had the opportunity to study abroad last year. The Novancia Program in Paris was an experience Longmire will never forget. He has also studied in South Africa and believes that going abroad has helped him appreciate the importance of global education and communicating openly.

During his time here at ISU, Longmire wishes he would have been a part of Up Late at State or the University Programming Board. He admires these strong organizations because they produce amazing advertising and their events are very organized.

Longmire’s inspiration is his grandmother.  She taught him so much; how to sew and knit, and a great deal about fashion. He sees himself and her as the same person in terms of spirit. Longmire loves his family very much and hopes that as he grows older he will not grow apart from his family.

Post-graduation, Longmire hopes to attend graduate school. The inspiration he gets from his family will motivate Longmire to succeed in his graduate school endeavors, the public relations world, and in life. 

By Cindy Kirchner

Abbie O’Ryan’s love for adventure and willingness to take every opportunity given to her has been her secret for success while studying at Illinois State University. This second semester senior can graduate knowing she has accomplished that for which all students aim. She’s experienced great internship opportunities, held leadership positions, and made life-long connections, all while maintaining a respectable GPA.

O’Ryan is a public relations major with a minor in business administration who joined the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter at ISU during the second semester of her freshman year. She began her involvement in ISU PRSSA’s student-run firm, PRogressive Image, where she worked with several clients including Chill Out Yogurt, City Dance, and Christmas Without Cancer. O’Ryan mentioned that working with City Dance was one of the best experiences she has had in college. Outside of ISU PRSSA, O’Ryan is an active member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, where she has gained valuable leadership experience by holding the positions of property coordinator, Greek Week chair, and most recently, chapter president. O’Ryan stays busy by also working with the Vidette, ISU’s student newspaper, as social media manager, and is a member of the Undergraduate Writing Research Program and Alternative Spring Break.

To better prepare for a successful career in the public relations industry, O’Ryan has interned with Figel Public Relations in Chicago, where she worked with clients March 4 Meg, Special Olympics Illinois, Lagunitas Brewing Company, and Leo High School, and was given the opportunity to write for Patch.com. O’Ryan studied abroad in Canterbury, England as a junior, where she was able to visit 11 countries in Europe. This semester, she is interning with Palace Events in Bloomington, Ill., and says she is, “Excited to gain experience in yet another area of the public relations industry.”

O’Ryan’s professional advice to those looking to get their feet wet in the public relations industry is that it is never too early or too late to get started or involved. She encourages freshmen and sophomores to reach out to peers and make connections early; if they are willing to work hard, there are plenty of opportunities for them at ISU.

O’Ryan’s post-graduate plan is to join Target as an executive team leader in June. When asked about her time at ISU, O’Ryan said, “The Public Relations program and ISU PRSSA have done more to prepare me for the real world than I ever could have imagined. I am so grateful to have had such amazing teachers and peers with whom to work. As a high school senior, ISU was not my top choice college. Now as a college senior, I realize how lucky I am to have ended up here, and I wouldn't change it for the world.”

Interview by Kimi Sanden

Involved and dedicated senior public relations major, Dana Gleason, is active around the Illinois State University campus, taking part in several organizations during the week while remaining attentive to her studies. When she is not in her public relations classes, you can find Gleason at the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America  meetings Tuesday nights or interning for the School of Communication (SoC) and Office of Admissions.
 
When I asked Gleason why she chose the public relations major, she said, “I was encouraged to take Communication (COM) 178, ‘Introduction to Public Relations.’ After taking the course, I fell in love with public relations.”

“Introduction to Public Relations” did more for Gleason than help her decide her major; it helped her excel within the field through her involvement in PRSSA. Since her freshman year, Gleason has been an active member of the ISU Chapter. She discovered ISU PRSSA through a COM 178 class assignment, the “Get Involved” project. This assignment requires students to attend a registered student organization’s meeting and write about their experience.  While attending her first ISU PRSSA meeting, Gleason made a friend within her major. They decided to continue attending PRSSA’s weekly meetings. For Gleason, this project served as the stepping stone to her extensive involvement within ISU PRSSA.  

Freshman year Gleason worked with ISU PRSSA’s development committee by assisting in planning events. Gleason is currently involved in ISU PRSSA’s student-run firm, PRogressive Image (PRi), where she manages the Forever Redbirds account. Gleason  has also served as the student ambassador for the Alumni Office where she managed social media. 
When Gleason is not devoting her time to ISU PRSSA, you can find her working at one of her two internships, both of which are at ISU. Gleason is a SoC promotion and development intern. She handles the SoC’s social media accounts. She is also an intern for the Office of Admissions, where she manages its social media.  

Gleason’s advice for  freshmen public relations students is to attend several public relations events at ISU, join and become involved within ISU PRSSA, and start your first internship as soon as possible. 

“Networking as often and early as you can is important,” said Gleason.  She also suggested that public relations students should make relationships with their professors and ask them for advice because they really appreciate it. 

Post-college plans for Gleason include moving to a big city and working at a public relations agency. If she cannot work at an agency, she wants to work for a nonprofit organization or sports team. 

After speaking with Gleason and learning about all of the hard work and involvement she has done during her years at ISU, I believe that she will achieve great things in her future career.  Because of her involvement within PRSSA and multiple internships, Dana Gleason is a role model for all public relations students. 

Interview by Ashley Luecke

Second semester senior Becca Williams is wrapping up her time at Illinois State University (ISU) and is ready to begin her professional career.

Williams began studying communication at Morraine Valley Community College and is now graduating from ISU in December. When she's not studying, she enjoys running, exercising, singing, acting and writing.

"I initially wanted to be a theatre major," said Williams. "But when I got to ISU, I grew an interest in organizational communication studies.”

Williams has been an active member in the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America for two years.

When I asked Williams about her motivations and inspirations, she said the role models she has met through ISU PRSSA have influenced her positively throughout her involvement with the organization.

Outside of ISU PRSSA, she noted her professors have been a major source of inspiration for her. Williams also recognizes her hardworking, doting parents as strong motivators in her life.

Preparing for her post-college plans, Williams is still deciding what particular industry she wants to join but has an interest in sales and recruiting. She eventually hopes to work in human resources. She said she wants to stay in the Chicagoland area for a bit after she graduates because of the many opportunities it offers.

I could tell that ISU PRSSA has played a huge role in Williams’ life. So I asked her, "How important has ISU PRSSA been to you?"

Her first response was a passionate, "I love PRSSA!" She smiled and her eyes lit up when she spoke about how much it changed her life and matured her.

"Even though I'm not a public relations major, ISU PRSSA provided me wonderful opportunities outside of my schoolwork,” said Williams. “The workshops are extremely helpful and there are great volunteer opportunities,” she said.

Williams said she gains a lot of satisfaction from helping others and being around positive, like-minded individuals in ISU PRSSA. She said she will miss this experience after moving on to the next chapter in her life.  

 Interview By Eric McEwen

The moment I sat down with Kellian Reed, her enthusiasm and spark for life explained what has fueled her many successes  thus far. Reed  is an outgoing and  articulate person who  wears many ‘hats.’ Let’s explore her background and see where she envisions her future.

Reed is a senior public relations major with a minor in civic engagement. Her true passion lies in public relations, but she hopes that her studies in civic engagement will bring a multicultural aspect to organizations that struggle to reach everyonepeople of around the world.ll regions . Reed came to Illinois State University as a sophomore. After hearing about the strength of the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, she decided to take a stab at public relations her junior year, not knowing exactly what she was getting herself into. 
 
The idea of professional opportunities and building relationships was something that Reedlooked forward to by becoming a member of ISU PRSSA. Since joining her junior year, Reed has been involved in two different committees: development and relations. She spent her time in development her junior year and really enjoyed it. For her senior year she wanted a bit of a challenge and joined the relations committee so she can improve her writing skills and build her portfolio. In addition, Reed attended PRSSA 2013 National Conference where she was able to improve her networking skills. She is attending PRSSA 2014 National Conference and is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and communicating with professionals.  

Reed’s past internship experience is extensive and definitely worth noting. Her first internship was with ISU’s Ice Hockey Club team as the marketing and promotions intern. By the end of her time with the team, attendance increased more than 50 percent. Her next internship was at Campus Recreation as a marketing assistant. Reed was responsible for scheduling interviews and collecting new student stories about the Student Fitness Center. In addition, she also ran the Facebook account and Twitter handle. This past summer Reed was a public relations intern at Golin. This internship  has been her most rewarding and exciting, she says. At Golin, she worked on consumer brands and business to business. She did traditional media monitoring, such as the New York Times. While monitoring, Reed looked for brand placement, and scanned for new discoveries and products relevant to the clients on which she worked . She was also a part of strategic planning for campaigns of current clients and performed a ton of research. Reed accomplished more than she ever thought she would and learned a lot in her short time there.  

When I asked Reed what advice she would give to younger students in the field of public relations at ISU, she gave me a few gems of wisdom. Reed says to never underestimate the power of a conversation. She advocates for building relationships with professors and taking advantage of the guest speakers in all classes. 

“Those conversations will help you along your journey,” Reed said. “Also, put yourself out there. Do not be afraid to talk to anyone and stay involved.” Studying abroad is also something she recommends. Reed wishes she would have done this in her time at ISU and regrets not taking advantage of the ability to see another part of the world.

I decided to ask Reed some fun facts about herself. If she could go anywhere in the world it would be Luxembourg because it has beautiful castles and amazing food. Her favorite place is her grandma’s small town in Arkansas with around 500 people. The peaceful scenery with acres of hills and corn is worth the no cell phone service to Reed. 

Post-graduation, Reed plans to stick with agency public relations. She loves putting her hands in a lot of pots and thinks that she could go somewhere with agency life. I can tell that Reed’s fiery ambition to change the world for the better will take her far.   

Interview by Cindy Kirchner