What is your preferred name and major and minor?
Lindsay Russell. Communication major and sports management minor.
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
I have worked as a lifeguard, in the equipment room of the Athletic Center, in the Resource Room, managing the front desk of OSE, and as an Engagement Peer in OSE.
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
I have participated in Heroes Helping Hopkins (HHH), Green Terror Programs (GTP), the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Senior Week Planning Committee, and the McDaniel Tennis team. I have acted as the Social Media Chair and Coordinator for HHH and for GTP was the Fan Favorites Committee Head that coordinated recurring events such as bingo and trivia.
Did you enjoy your time at McDaniel? How?
While there have certainly been bumps along the way, my time at McDaniel is something I will always be grateful for. At first, I thought that I might have chosen McDaniel for the wrong reasons. With a few weeks left until graduation, I can say that I made the right choice after all and I’ll be leaving here better than where I started. The students, faculty, and staff on this campus have helped me learn to look at my surroundings in new ways and pushed me to work harder. This college has allowed me to make great friends, study abroad in Budapest, walk on to a sports team, sled on a golf course, meet wonderful alumni, and so much more.
Who do you think is/was your best mentor(s)?
Kelly Harvey, the former Assistant Director of Student Engagement, was a mentor that I had the opportunity to work with for almost all of my four years. She offered me my first job with OSE and I have worked there ever since. After I accepted that initial work-study position, she encouraged me to join GTP, participate in LEAD, and take many other chances that I was reluctant to pursue. In addition to our professional ties, I knew I could go to her if I was feeling stressed about life in general. She was a great role model, but she also helped me recognize my own potential and learn how to apply my skills to other jobs and situations.
What is your best memory at McDaniel?
I have a lot, so that question is very difficult. One of my favorites from freshman year was attending a Larkin Poe concert with Dean Breslin and three other students from our Honors class at the time. It was very spontaneous and we all had a blast. The food was great and the performance was awesome. I still listen to their music today and the signed poster I got at the concert has been hung up in my dorm room every year since.
What were some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
One of the challenges I faced was being overwhelmed with all the activities, responsibilities and assignments I tried to squeeze into a semester. While I still don’t have a solution for over-involvement or a device for time traveling, I learned that it is okay to say no to things. Sometimes it is better to focus on quality versus quantity. I can also be very stubborn and I had to learn to ask others for help. It did not make me any less hard working or driven, but it taught me to use the resources around me to work smarter.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I am currently working as a marketing intern for TreadBands, a non-slip headband company located in Pennsylvania. I have been discussing the possibility of a full-time position with the company after graduation and I will know their decision in a few weeks. Fingers crossed!
What advice can you give to those not graduating?
McDaniel has a lot of great opportunities for students, but you still have to get out there and work for them. Ask about upcoming events, actually check your email once in a while, and don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone. Also, learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Certain situations are bound to happen, but you can still control how you react to them. I’ve found that practicing things like public speaking and talking about why I am uncomfortable with certain situations helps make them more tolerable in the future.
Is there anything else you want to share with the McDaniel community?
When people tell you that college will fly by, they are absolutely serious. Don’t keep pushing something off if you really want to do it because you don’t have forever.
