Current Employer
Vivent Health
Job Title
Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager
School(s) Attended/Degree(s) or Certificate(s) if applicable
Masters in Communication
How did your LLCC experience help you to find your first position or career path?
At LLCC, I was an intern in public relations and marketing. At a time in my life when I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, I was introduced to graphic design, social media management, video and photo editing and so much more related to the field I would ultimately pursue: Communication. I think community colleges are often confused as being training centers for trade jobs. While LLCC certainly excels in its workforce training, its often-unsung best feature is that of a pathway to four-year and graduate degrees. At LLCC, I was challenged, pushed and inspired by my professors. Out of my six years of study in higher education (including graduate school), I can say honestly that my most difficult course was statistics at LLCC; however, despite the often frustrating rigor of that course, I came away with a knowledge of calculating and interpreting statistics that continues to serve me in my current position as well as my daily life. I think a lot of incoming students mistakenly believe that community college will be easy. For their sake, I hope they embrace the struggle just like I did. I had a number of "A-ha!" moments in my education and one came from my first semester at LLCC in Dr. Chris McDonald's POS 101 course. He was drawing a diagram on the board to explain the Labor Theory of Value, and it was like a light was suddenly flipped on in my brain. Another of these moments was in Leslie Stalter's Art 103 class. We were drawing a still life in class and I was growing increasingly frustrated with my inability to get the shadows rendered correctly. She stepped over, worked with me for nearly 15 minutes on that one tiny section, and suddenly I saw shapes and contrast in a way I never had before. I really treasure the lessons I received at LLCC when it came to thinking about and looking at things more deeply and critically - both literally and metaphorically. My second semester at LLCC was highlighted by my participation in the Model Illinois Government organization and course. Dr. John Vinzant's leadership brought me out of my shell and inspired me to speak up for what I believe in. Prior to the statewide simulation at the apex of this course, I hadn't found myself arguing politics much - usually out of a fear that I didn't know enough to do so. Dr. Vinzant's encouragement and guidance led me not only through the simulation, but also to winning my first of many awards within the organization. Perhaps the most direct connection to my current side work was my time spent with LLCC Loggers Baseball. After stumbling across a spring training game, I emailed back and forth with then assistant coach Justin Knoedler and now retired head coach Ron Riggle about shooting games from the dugout. I had been wanting to give sports photography a try and they, along with the rest of the team, welcomed me into their space. I shot the team regularly during my time at LLCC and then sporadically over the next eight years following. Though the faces changed, the constant support of the coaching staff meant everything to me. That unofficial gig led to my summer as the team photographer for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes and now my work as a member of the Chicago White Sox Creator Club. I shoot games on the Southside as an invited guest of the team a few times a month and I truly am living the dream.
What’s your favorite or most unforgettable memory of being a Logger?
I think my favorite memory of being a Logger was my freshman year trip to Washington DC with the members of my Model Illinois Government delegation. Dr. Vinzant drove us out to DC early in the morning and we spent several days sightseeing, exploring the city and even running Pickett's Charge in Gettysburg (though I should say that our "charge" was far easier, better intentioned and more successful than the original).
Describe your LLCC experience in five words.
Lucky, Stabilizing, Explorative, Challenging, Formative
Favorite LLCC instructor, advisor or mentor?
It's truly impossible for me to choose just one.