Meet the 2014-2015 President: Cassidy Obis

You may not believe it, but our Chapter president, senior public relations major Cassidy Obis, was a shy member when she transferred to here. The Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America has helped her grow personally and professionally, and she is ready to take on the post-graduate world.

Tell us something about yourself that is not on your resume.

I’m a crazy cat lady (sort of). I also love to read, write, and cook. I’ve played softball since I was 3 years old, and my biggest regret is stopping after high school. I used to be a Golden Gopher; I attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. My goal is to visit all 50 states and have a meaningful experience in each. I would also love to travel across Europe one day.

What are your responsibilities are president?

As president, I’m responsible for overseeing the entire Chapter. I love my position because I’m able to be involved in everything going on within our Chapter. I especially love working with the younger members because I was in their shoes only a couple years ago. Some of them have such amazing motivation and drive. I wish I had been that dedicated as a freshman or sophomore. I also am able to work with incredible people on executive board that I’ve grown so close to over this past year. Together, we’re responsible for implementing all of the programs and opportunities we have for members.

When you were a sophomore member, did you know you wanted to be president?

As a sophomore, I would have laughed if someone said I would be president. I was so shy it was painful. I didn’t make myself known, and I would just sit in the back of the development committee. Older members in the Chapter had no idea who I was; I was called out at a social once because nobody knew I was a member—I was mortified.

Outside of Fell and Schroeder Hall, what can we find you doing with your “free” time?

What is “free time!?” But really, I’m lucky to have a few hours of “free time” each day. I love what I do and everything that I’m involved in, so I enjoy getting my work done. PRSSA obviously takes up a lot of my time, but I knew into what I was getting myself. Since it’s my last semester of college, I’ve really had to force myself to take “me” time and just relax. I don’t want to look back and wonder where my four years went. I’ve starting putting a couple hours on my calendar each day to relax and do what I enjoy, especially reading.

How has PRSSA prepared you for the professional world?

PRSSA has prepared me for the professional world in so many ways -- and probably more than those of which I’m aware. During interviews, I’ve been able to draw on numerous PRSSA experiences. Being an executive board member has taught me so much about what it means to be a leader. I’ve also had to handle several people-related conflicts this year, which has taught me so much about personnel management. Overall, PRSSA has taught me about and how to work with people.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I recently accepted an internship position with Reputation Partners, a public relations firm in Chicago that focuses on enhancing, protecting, and rebuilding corporate reputations and brands. I’m excited to enter the fast-paced agency life with a focus on what I’m interested in: corporate communication. It’s the best of both worlds as far as I see it.  

Questions composed by Ali Seys

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