Member Monday- Eric McEwen

Eric McEwen enrolled at Illinois State University his junior year as a transfer student studying public relations. As a new student to campus, McEwen wanted to become involved in his field, so he joined the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. 

Tell us about yourself.

I’m from Bolingbrook, Ill. I attended Joliet Junior College for two years before coming to ISU. I am studying public relations, and I am currently involved with ISU PRSSA. I hope to combine my passion for law with public relations in the future.

Why were you interested in ISU PRSSA?

I came here in August, and ISU PRSSA is one of the main reasons I really wanted to attend ISU. I read that this Chapter would help me hone in on the skills necessary to be successful in this industry. I’ve only heard good things about the public relations program at ISU, and several people emphasized it was a great school for anyone interested in the communication field.

Outside of ISU PRSSA, what are you involved with and interested in?

I want to focus on my studies my first year here at ISU, so I am not involved with any sports or registered student organizations besides ISU PRSSA. I plan to get involved in more organizations in the future. However, you can often find me in the Student Fitness Center. Besides my scholastic endeavors and ISU PRSSA, I enjoy reading, writing poetry, listening to music and playing guitar.

I also have a fascination with exploring the idea of other realms of existence beyond what we currently know about. I love watching documentaries on the unknown, sociology and philosophical ideologies. I am intrigued by what goes beyond the typical mundane human experience. I embrace the fact that life is complex, and I enjoy researching various aspects of reality.

What is your dream job?

My dream job would include both public relations and law. I would love to be a criminal defense attorney. I haven’t decided on my career yet, but I have considered going to law school.

How did you become interested in law?

I've had an interest in criminal defense for quite some time because I love debating and using facts and information I've gathered to defend a claim. The career has a very respectable salary, too.

Where do you find your greatest motivation?

Believe it or not, my greatest motivation is fear. I believe that fear is an active presence around me, but it doesn’t come from within myself. Figuratively, I keep fear caged, and I monitor it to make sure it doesn’t escape and take over my will to persevere. Basically, I live life motivated by the fact that if I fall into the wrong crowds, I will succumb to negative influences. I’m self-motivated and strive to get lost in my education to see the true potential of my capabilities. Some say it’s weird, but I find peace in my own philosophies.

Questions composed by Kellian Reed 

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