Meet the 2013-2014 National Liaison: Shelby Ray

Tell us about yourself.

I am a townie, meaning I live in Bloomington, Ill. I appreciate having support from my dad as I go through college, and as a result, my dad and I are very close. The rest of my family is spread out throughout the world. My mom lives in Australia and I have actually been there twice. For anyone who would love to meet an Australian, she and my stepdad are attending my graduation this May, which is very exciting for my family and I. My mom’s family lives in Phoenix, Ariz., where I might move after graduation, and my dad’s family lives in Raleigh, N.C., where I also might move after graduation. The world is my oyster!

What is your favorite social media outlet? 

My favorite social media outlet is LinkedIn. It’s nice to see that the social media world has a professional side. I enjoy updating my LinkedIn profile and using it as a reference when updating my resume. It’s a great way to connect with professionals. More and more businesses are using LinkedIn to scout for new employees and post open positions. I also enjoy Facebook and Twitter, but I don’t always have time to constantly update. LinkedIn is less demanding and will get me further than posting on Facebook.

What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Advice I’d like to share is to make connections and keep the conversation going. You never know how someone may help you down the road. If you’re looking for an internship, reach out to people like Tom Lamonica, your peers, and professionals you’ve networked with through PRSSA. They’re all great resources. I was having a conversation with a few of those listed above and explained that I was searching for an internship after graduation in Phoenix. I found out we have an alum there that could possibly help me. If I never mentioned this, then I probably never would have known about this connection 1500 miles away. Reach out to people around you and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What are some songs on your “Top 25 Most Played?”

I don’t use iTunes, but I know that my top played songs are all over the place. I like “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic and “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood. I listen to a lot of Muse and The Black Keys.

If you could relocate anywhere, where would you choose and why?

There are so many places I would choose to relocate to, including Raleigh and Phoenix because my family lives in both places and both beat Illinois weather. I also would like to live in Nashville, Tenn. someday because I really enjoy the weather down there, and I like that if I wanted to see snow, then it wouldn’t take too long to travel to see it.

If a movie was made about you, what actress would you want to play you? 

Well, because I couldn’t choose, I decided to take BuzzFeed’s quiz on “What Actress Should Play You,” and I got Emma Watson. According to BuzzFeed, “everything about me is magical, from my dazzling smile to my wicked smarts. With a bright, intelligent personality, I need a star who illuminates the screen at every opportunity.” Not exactly sure if that fits, so I’ll let you all be the judge!

What would you do with $1 million?

In seventh grade, I had to answer this exact question as part of a math project where we had to “spend” $1 million dollars to the cent. I don’t remember what I put on it then, but I’m sure it’s changed since seventh grade. I’d love to own a lake house on a large piece of land. I would donate a portion to my favorite charity, Mercury One, where 100 percent of the proceeds go to relief funding. I’d also sponsor shelter dogs, donate money to my church and of course our PRSSA Chapter. I’d probably buy a new car and take one or two vacations to someplace sunny and warm.

What are three things on your bucket list?

Go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, spend New Year’s Eve in Time’s Square, and visit Jerusalem’s Old City.


Questions composed by Ali Seys