Member Monday - Alex Danko

Since switching majors from criminal justice to public relations, Alex Danko believes he is finally on the right career path. After transferring from Illinois Valley Community College last semester, he joined the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Joining ISU PRSSA allowed Danko to meet many new friends with the same goals and interests as him. Guided by his faith and family, Danko is on a journey to making his dreams a reality.

What is the most important lesson you've learned as a college student?

The most important lesson I’ve learned in college is that making plans is overrated. It’s nice to know what you want to do, but nothing is ever set in stone. Sometimes in college you might plan to do homework this night or study on that night, but other things always come up. You have to learn how to juggle work, school, a social life, and family.

Is there anything people don't know about you?

A lot of people might not know how important my family and faith are to me. I feel like family and faith is sometimes not a top priority for many of my peers, but it’s the way I was raised. One thing that people always find shocking is that I attend church weekly.  

What inspires and motivates you?

My family inspires and motivates me. My family has always believed in me. I doubted whether or not I should even go to college at one point, and they encouraged me to do so. My dad has always pushed me to achieve more than he has, whether it was in the gym or choosing a career path. My family means the world to me and without them and their support I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Why did you choose public relations?

I chose public relations when I decided that criminal justice wasn’t for me. I was at the gym one day and I was talking with a family friend who has known me my whole life. He told me that the public relations major is something I should look into because I’m good with people, and I love working with others. His guidance steered me toward this major, and I have been sold on this choice ever since.

What are you involved with in ISU PRSSA?

Recently, I was put on a team to compete in the PRSSA National Organ Donor Awareness Competition, of which I am very proud to be a part. We are working with the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network and 103.3 WZND to promote awareness of organ donation and encourage people to become organ donors. I have also started writing features on members for the relations committee.

What are your plans after graduation?

Upon graduation, I am not sure where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing. I would love to be living in Peoria, Ill., with my brother and working with him at Caterpillar, or working for a public relations agency somewhere close to home.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself engaged or already married and starting a family. I would also like to be making six figures and playing a lot of golf.

Questions composed by Michelle Czosnyka

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