Meet Susie!

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF!  WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS, HOBBIES, ETC.

I’m a senior this year at Grand Valley, which is super exciting and also extremely scary! Although I am anxious to begin a career and enter this new stage of my life, I’m going to miss the craziness of college and taking on each new day with my best friends. My favorite place in the world is my lake house on Torch Lake, where I spend most of my summer. You can catch me on the boat reading a romantic/mystery novel, jetskiing, sailing, or exploring the many quaint cities in Northern Michigan. In my opinion, traveling is the best way to spend your money. If I have a free weekend, you can bet I’ve planned a getaway to somewhere new with beautiful views and delicious food! 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GRAND VALLEY?

I think GVSU has been the absolute perfect fit for me. Aside from the small class sizes and beautiful campus, I love the location of the school. Being 20 minutes from the city or beach has been so fun for quick study breaks or weekends spent exploring West Michigan. 

WHAT MADE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN INTERNING FOR PIECES OF ME THIS FALL?

After hearing about the possibility of an internship with Pieces of Me through a friend, I immediately did all the research (and social media stalking) possible! When I read on POM’s website how Elsa started the company in her early twenties, soon after graduating college, I felt so inspired and knew she was someone I could learn a lot from in my last semester of school. Fashion and accessorizing has also always been one of my passions for as long as I can remember, so having the opportunity to intern for a company that produces trendy jewelry, while promoting individuality, sounded like the ideal match!

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST DREAMS OR ASPIRATIONS?

If you know me, you know that my biggest dream in life is to become an anchor for E! News- I’m a tad obsessed with this network and show! Realistically, I have no idea where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing after graduation. I’d love to move to Nashville, TN for a few years and maybe pursue a career in marketing in the country music or fashion industry, but ultimately I just want to create a life of happiness. I hope to work hard in everything I do, follow my heart, and become the best version of me, all while enjoying the ride and accepting each new turn and direction life takes me.

TELL US ONE INTERESTING THING ABOUT YOURSELF.

I come from a big family with three sisters and two brothers. Each of them, and my parents, are my best friends and biggest support system. I couldn’t do life without them. Oh, and Mexican food is the key to my heart :)

YOU'RE ADVENTUROUS, COMPASSIONATE, HARD-WORKING, AND SASSY. TELL US HOW YOU REFLECT THOSE TRAITS.

ADVENTUROUS: Being in one place all the time seriously bores me and has me itching for something new and exciting. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you that on the weekends I rarely stay in Grand Rapids. I’m always on the search for fun getaways, concerts, or activities to do with my family or friends.

COMPASSIONATE: I attribute inheriting this trait to my mom. I’ve always been an incredibly sensitive person, and I think that this has assisted me in being understanding and sympathetic towards others. One of my favorite quotes from Dalai Lama is, “love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive”.

HARD-WORKING: Although I tend to procrastinate, I know what needs to be done. When I focus on something I give it my all, and although my siblings and I are not competitive with one another, I’ve used their successes to push me a little harder in everything I do.

SASSY: I would definitely say that I have some sass in me. I’m bold and usually say how I feel or what I think. My favorite moments in life are those when I’m being silly with my friends and family- and I’m never afraid to throw in some quick remarks ;) I am all about adding as much zest to life as possible!

Meet Lindsay!

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF!  WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS, HOBBIES, ETC. 

I am a senior at Grand Valley State University, majoring in health communications, and minoring in advertising and public relations. I am a compassionate, driven, and optimistic 21 year old who has always desired success. Hoping that one day my OCD & perfectionist ways will come in handy, and keeps me busy from color coordinating my closet! My absolute favorite place to be is Up North at my cottage in Elk Rapids, Michigan with all of my family, my dogs, and my best friends. However, on a more serious note, I like to consider myself a golden retriever enthusiast and definitely a strong coffee advocate.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT GRAND VALLEY?

My favorite thing about Grand Valley is definitely the overall culture. The campus culture is a lot different than other campuses, and it’s hard to explain other than the overall 'vibe'. I love the smaller class sizes and getting to know my classmates and professors well. I feel that GV has amazing professors, especially within my program, that want nothing but the best for each and every student and truly care about your success and future.

WHAT MADE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN INTERNING FOR PIECES OF ME THIS FALL?

After learning about Pieces of Me, I was immediately interested because of their marketing and public relations strategies/techniques. From interning at a non-profit organization before, and switching to this, the strategies are completely different and I wanted to widen my knowledge and experience within the field. POM’s team takes a different, more hip and modern approach which I can see eventually the PR field may shift to. However, more importantly, I love what Pieces of Me stands for- individuality and self-love. Something that society sometimes lacks in.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST DREAMS OR ASPIRATIONS?

My dream job would be one of these two: a successful health administrator at a well-known hospital, or working within the PR field, specifically with beauty influencers of a big makeup brand. Thinking about my future, I hope to be thriving in my job and enjoying every second. I hope to be able to have that healthy balance between work, family, happiness, and my overall well-being. As my mom always likes to remind me, it's important to create a life you love.

TELL US ONE INTERESTING THING ABOUT YOURSELF.

I am an avid youtube fan, who is obsessed with beauty related and lifestyle videos. I have always wanted to start my own youtube channel, and just never had the chance to do so! I think that type of work lifestyle is a setting I would thrive in. Inspiring others, traveling, sharing my life and all the things I love, and also showing my creativity through the editing of the videos. Who knows- maybe I will give it a try!

YOU'RE LOYAL, DRIVEN, COMPASSIONATE, AND HONEST.  TELL US HOW YOU REFLECT THOSE TRAITS.

LOYAL: If you asked any of my friends to describe me they typically would include the word loyal. This is something that I aim to do in my everyday life; be true to myself and be a loyal friend to others! Being loyal is incredibly important to me, because of all the amazing friends that I have. My true friends have been nothing but loyal and selfless to me, and I admire that about each and every one of them!

DRIVEN: All of my life, I have always been driven in whatever it may be. I typically know what I want, and I don’t stop until I have achieved it. This is definitely something I have gotten through my mom, who successfully works two full-time jobs, has a social life, and was the absolute best darn mom out there. I hope to be half the person my mom is when I am older!

COMPASSIONATE: Something that I also aspire to be every day is compassionate and selfless. This is something that I feel I have acquired from my dad, who is the most selfless and loving person I know. He bends over backward for everyone and anyone, and I hope I exude that trait as much as he does!

HONEST: I have always believed honesty is the best policy, as I just don’t have the conscience for not being honest and true to myself. Ask any of my family or friends, I have a hard time not telling you my honest opinion and I am not afraid to speak up when I need to!