Micayla Christensen
About Micayla:
High School: Marion High School
College: Indiana Wesleyan University
Major: Business Management and Marketing
Graduated: 2018
What work experience did you have during college?
During my time at Indiana Wesleyan, I worked in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the DeVoe Division of Business. I did my marketing internship at Marion Design Co. in downtown Marion where I organized and hosted the first Marion CinemaHouse. I then did my management internship at Project Leadership where I worked with the team on the current projects, including the Indiana College And Career Ready Toolkit. I believe that each of these experiences helped me to develop different skills that I now use in my everyday life both professionally and personally. I am grateful to each of these organizations for the time and effort they put into helping me grow into the young professional I am today.
What is your job at Project Leadership?
I am the Project Implementation Coordinator, meaning I manage projects for the organization as well as do the marketing. I love it because I have my hand in a little bit of everything.
Why did you choose to work at Project Leadership?
Project Leadership actually found me and interviewed me to be an intern for them. However, after working for this generous organization, I have found that I appreciate their ability to be a part their community in an uplifting way. Not only are they advocates for the young people of this community, but full-on supporters of and fighters for every single student that lives in Grant County and I am proud to be a part of that.
What skills will help most in your new job?
I believe that my ability to communicate with those in my community will help to grow the marketing and communication aspects of Project Leadership and really get our name out there. I want those in our community to know that we are here to stand by them and help them in their journey. I believe this can be achieved through communication with marketing. I also believe my ability to be adaptable helps me to work with any changes that may come my way as well as work with a variety people.
How have mentors played a role in your life?
There have been many individuals in my life that have made
an impact to my life personally, professionally, and spiritually. I believe that if it wasn't for these people in my life, I would not be the person I am today. One person that has had a big influence in my life is my marketing professor, Professor Andre Payne, at Indiana Wesleyan University. He helped me to realize why I love marketing and how important it is to understand people. He has such a care for his students that expands past graduation and into the professional lives of each of his students. I will be forever grateful for the guidance he provided me.
WHAT INSPIRES ME:
"Seeing people work at achieving their goals inspires me because it helps me to realize that if I continue to put work into my goals and dreams, they will continue to grow into what I have imagined them to be. I believe that we can each inspire one another to be the best versions of ourselves."
What was your favorite part of college?
Honestly, the freedom. College is a time where you are able to be you. You can find yourself. Sometimes you will have an hour in the middle of the day where you can watch Netflix or you can eat breakfast at 11 p.m. and no one cares. It's a time where your mom isn't hovering over you to get your homework done, and your boss isn't pushing you to do that project. College is a freeing four years where responsibilities are limited.
What was your least favorite part of college?
My least favorite part of college was constantly having something due. Until all of your finals were finished, you always had something that had a time crunch and never felt caught upon your work. I do not miss weekends stuck inside writing papers and studying for exams, but it's all worth it in the end.
Why did you choose to remain in Grant County after graduation?
I chose to stay in Grant County because I have a passion for my community and everything it has to offer. The people I come across on a daily basis make me realize how unique and exceptional this community really is. I'm proud to say that I am a part of it and I hope to be a part of what makes it continue to grow and be great.
What are your hobbies?
I love going on adventures, whether it is to Chicago or California, I love to discover new places I've never been, like a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop or restaurant or a unique boutique or art gallery. I also love meeting new people that live in those place and hearing their stories.
What is your advice for high school students?
I know that high school may feel like an end-all, but it's not whether that's relationally or academically. College is a whole new world and adulthood is even different from both of those, so don't be afraid to take risks and do things that may be out of your comfort zone. Even if you fail, at least you did it, and you have a good story to tell. Don't let those opportunities go to waste. You never know where they may lead you.
What advice do you have for college students?
Take advantage of the few responsibilities you have because once you are in the "real world" you have to work, grocery shop, and pay rent. Do all of the fun, non-responsibility things that you can!
