Marsellis

I  grew up in Northwest Arkansas, and from a young age knew I wanted to be a writer. Pretty realistic, right? I would sketch out thoughts and ideas on anything I could get my hands on, thinking I was saving the world with my words.

 

The passion continued as I grew older. But I began to grow out of my fantasy of becoming the next Laura Ingalls Wilder. I decided as a teenager that my writing skills should take a backseat, and that business should be what I majored in for my undergraduated degree. Once I began taking classes, I soon learned that writing, event planning and helping others was my true calling. I changed my major to public relations.

 

I began learning more and more about the field and fell in love. Any and every opportunity I heard of to gain more experience, I took. I learned that I had a natural ability to succeed in every aspect of PR. I worked for the foundation department, was assistant editor of Crossroads magazine, was involved in the PRSSA chapter on campus and was elected to president my senior year. I also served as house manager for the theatre department. None of these "jobs" felt like work, and I began to truly love what I do. 

 

My extensive involvement with the university gave me opportunities to be the face of marketing initiatives. The marketing team asked me to be a part of a campaign to boost awareness of a new in-state tuition discount. I became the voice of the cause, and was featured on billboards, brochures, and other advertisements. During my time at Southern, I was given awards, but the most rewarding aspect of my first experience in the field of PR was the life lessons I will carry with my wherever I may go. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations communications with a minor in mass communications from Missouri Southern State University in May 2014.

 

Since graduating, I have begun my career search. In my free time, I enjoy sports, kayaking, traveling, and of course, writing. I currently live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.