By Sloane Barlow
The student employees of the Honors College exemplify academic excellence and passion. They help run and document dozens of events throughout the academic year. Most often, they are the first smiling faces students see when they walk into the Honors College.
Three of our student employees are graduating this spring, reflecting on their favorite memories of their time at the Honors College.
Kelsy Woodall: Student Videographer
Kelsy Woodall joined the Honors College communications team last year as a student videographer. She has used her skills in filming and editing to create content for social media, potential donors, event recaps, and the Honors College website. Her strong sense of intuition can be seen in what she captures, showing both accuracy and creativity. Her kind and positive outlook added to many collaborative projects, from donor events to infomercials. She is graduating with a degree in journalism and a minor in broadcast journalism from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences
What is your favorite memory from the Honors College?
One of my favorite memories from the Honors College is that I was (still am) on the HC website’s home page [and Facebook account] for two years, even before I started working here!
What was your favorite project you worked on this year?
My favorite project I worked on this year was MSU Debate’s Give Green Day infomercial to help them raise money for new computers. It was fun to direct and edit.
What is one thing you’ll take away from the Honors College after graduating?
One thing I will take away from the Honors College is the connections and friendships I have made along the way. I grew academically and personally and will forever be grateful to have been a part of this community.
“Do your best and forget the rest.”
Signing off,
Kelsy Woodall
Isabella Figueroa: Graduate Assistant
Isabella Figueroa joined the Honors College as a student affairs graduate assistant in 2023, after receiving her bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation psychology from the University of Wisconsin. Her energy lights up the room at any event she helps organize, whether that be a mindfulness event for the Academic Scholars Program, or an Honors College graduation reception. Isabella inspires the Honors College student team with her leadership skills, and she will be greatly missed. She is graduating with a master’s degree in student affairs administration from the College of Education.
What is your favorite memory from the Honors College?
My favorite memory from the Honors College would probably be the Honors College Picnic 2023. I loved seeing all of the students orgs and staff in action for the first time, seeing the great community the HC is, and being able to work with my co-grad assistants Emily & Elisa on that event.
What was your favorite project you worked on this year?
My favorite project I’ve worked on this year was the Diversity Research Showcase. I love to see HC students, with their wide array of research interests and disciplines, present on topics that advance inclusion and that they have dedicated a lot of time, passion, and care to.
What is one thing you’ll take away from the Honors College after graduating?
The memories, the connections, and the need to have [MSU] Bakers cookies in the office at all times in my next place of employment!
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” —Barack Obama
Thank you MSU Honors College for the past two years! It has been a pleasure to be in and grow in this space as a student and professional.
Signing off,
Isabella Figueroa
Emily Gerber: Graduate Assistant
Emily Gerber joined the Honors College as a student affairs graduate assistant in 2023, after receiving two bachelor’s degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. Her strong work ethic is unmatched, and she goes above and beyond. From organizing events to leading student teams, Emily strives to continue building a tight-knit Honors community. She will be graduating with a master’s degree in student affairs administration from the College of Education.
What is your favorite memory from the Honors College?
Advising the Honors College Activities Board! I have so many great memories watching the HCAB executive board plan and implement such fun and thoughtful programming to help HC students build community with one another.
What was your favorite project you worked on this year?
The new version of the Honors Leadership Conference! We made a change this year from a single day conference to a workshop series focusing on different aspects of finding leadership opportunities on campus, including advice from faculty, staff, and upper division student leaders. It was really fulfilling to see first-year students make connections with their peers, network with faculty and staff, and grow as student leaders across the course of the semester.
What is one thing you’ll take away from the Honors College after graduating?
Gratitude for the opportunities the HC provided me to grow personally and professionally.
“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” —Minor Myers Jr., Former President of Illinois Wesleyan University
Signing off,
Emily Gerber