Elizabeth Preston

NMU caught my eye a while ago when I saw a TikTok of its beautiful outdoors and fall colors. I started to look more into it and ended up visiting for Wildcat Weekend. This was a great open house experience where I got the opportunity to explore Marquette, tour campus, and experience Residence Hall life. After just a few hours into the weekend, I was pretty sure this was the place I was going to call home for the next few years, but I then got the chance to meet with Jessica Thompson, a Public Relations professor. After speaking with her, I was sold. I knew I wanted to go to Northern Michigan University and I wouldn't want to major in Public Relations anywhere else.

I have been very involved and passionate about nonprofits since I was in high school. Being able to work, accomplish real results, and feel like I am making an impact has always felt very rewarding. It didn't take long to realize I enjoyed the Public Relations aspect of nonprofits the most and wanted to make a career out of it.

I got a job in my field as a Marketing Assistant for the university's Marketing and Communications Department. I wouldn't have thought of doing this, but I had a professor, Derek Hall that told me and my class that getting involved and working in your field is the best thing you can do. He said, "you can read everything about your profession in textbooks and it'll help, but nothing is quite like getting out and getting the experience." I'm so grateful for this advice. I love my job and I love that I get to do real work that benefits Northern.

This year, I became involved in the Public Relations Student Society of America and took on a new job as a Marketing Assistant for the University's Marketing and Communications Department. This society and this job have both given me a lot of Public Relations experience outside of class and I have found them both to be very beneficial.

I also took on a new hobby this year and joined the University's rock climbing group, South Superior Climbing Club. This club has been an opportunity for me to meet new people as well as clear my mind of worries and relax by venturing outside and exploring more of Marquette's beautiful outdoors.

Off-campus I have been very involved in the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan and I have recently become a youth board member for Grow & Lead Organization. For me, these have been the most rewarding experiences, because nonprofits are mission-driven. Being able to work, accomplish real results, and feel like you are making an impact is very rewarding.

To me, "be Northern" means making the most of everything our school and its surroundings have to offer. Hiking new trails, rock climbing outdoors, seeing the northern lights, and receiving support from professors and advisors that care and want to see you succeed.

Visit the campus. Seeing the campus in person gives you a better feel of what NMU is like, if it's a good fit for you, and if you're a good fit for it.

You only get to go through college once. Make the most of it.