Introducing New Intern Isabella
⌛By: Isabella Mershon⌛
On January 11, Hourglass Media welcomed new Intern Isabella Mershon. Isabella Mershon is a junior studying communication at Ohio University which makes her Hourglass Media’s first intern from OU!
My name is Isabella Mershon and I am 20 years old from Rio Grande, Ohio. I am studying communications and minoring in business administration at Ohio University and have plans to graduate in the fall. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school- hopefully somewhere that stays warm year round!
In my free time, I like to spend time with my three dogs, my friends, and family. I enjoy traveling and experiencing new places (and food) with my friends, listening to music, and watching crime documentaries!
This week, we are introducing the newest member of our team #behindthehourglass! Stay tuned- because Isabella will be helping write many of our blog posts throughout the spring 2021 semester!
Q&A WITH ISABELLA MERSHON
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE AS A CHILD?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor. I knew I wanted to help people in a big way even when I was little. I kept the same plan all the way through my freshman year of college.
WHAT LED YOU TO ATTEND OHIO UNIVERSITY?
I chose to attend Ohio University because my dad works there. It actually was not even a top 3 choice for me, but with the tuition assistance the university provides, it was too good of a deal for me to pass up on. I have grown up an hour away from OU my whole life, so I think that is why I never considered the school before. I am glad I chose OU though because it has been a perfect fit for me.
WHAT ARE YOU MAJORING AND MINORING IN, AND WHY DO YOU WANT TO ENTER INTO A CAREER IN COMMUNICATIONS?
I started off freshman year as a pre-med biology major because I wanted to help people. I soon realized that I wasn’t passionate about science, but instead people and that there were many ways to help people. I have always been a natural leader and a great communicator, I just had no idea what that would look like in a career. I decided to major in communications and minor in business administration. I chose this because of the versatility. There are so many different routes I can take post graduation- the degree really is what I make of it.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT PUBLIC RELATIONS/ INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS?
The thing I love about PR the most would be the creativity along with the problem solving. I love being challenged and being presented with problems to work through, but a traditional career that would not allow me to be creative did not excite me. I really enjoy being presented with a client’s desired outcome and resources and being responsible for how to go about it and how to tell their story. Many people know what they want and feel, but don’t know how to word it to get the message across effectively. I love digesting a client’s words and desires and putting all the pieces together for them.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be in charge some day. From being in charge of my younger cousins (self appointed of course) when I was a kid to being the captain of sports teams in high school to working as a Building Manager and Assistant Operations Coordinator at Ohio University, I have immensely enjoyed every leadership opportunity I have had. My dream job would be to work in upper administration for a company (or have my own company) that gives me a voice and the power to implement and advocate for change.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AFTER YOU GRADUATE? WHAT ARE SOME CAREER GOALS YOU HAVE ONCE YOU GRADUATE?
I used to believe that I was on a timeline and that I had to finish school by a certain time, get a “big girl job” right after graduating, and have kids and be married soon after or else I had failed. I am now discovering that it is okay to have a different path than others. After graduation, I want to move to a new place away from the Appalachian hills I have always known. The world is so big and I am yearning to see more of it. Career wise, I want to work in different environments to help diversify my resume and experiences. I think if I can get as much experience in different departments and companies, it will help aid me to be an effective leader in whatever I decide to pursue.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Growing up in a small town, I was shown that women traditionally have certain roles and men hold others. I had some great role models in my life that raised the strong independent woman I am. But as a woman, sometimes I can be told I am too argumentative when I have an opinion, too high-maintenance when I place boundaries, etc. But I choose to use my privileges to advocate for others who are less fortunate. I am passionate about the environment and advocating for a “greener” way of life, mental health, and ethical politics. I try to use my platform and voice to educate those around me about these topics as well to help make the world a better place.
WHICH OF YOUR PERSONAL TRAITS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? PROFESSIONAL TRAITS?
A personal trait that I am most proud of is my empathy. I think it is so important, especially in today’s world, to have the ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes and understand their struggles. I am proud that I am able to understand more than just what affects me personally.
A professional trait that I am most proud of is my work ethic and drive. I am very goal-oriented- when I put my mind to something, I won’t stop until I achieve it. I never allow myself to “relax”, which could also be a con. I find myself constantly thinking about my next move forward and up.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU MAINTAIN YOUR CREATIVE SIDE?
Being a full-time college student, worker, and intern, I find myself very busy and it can be hard to find time to be creative. Something that helps me is music. I love being able to burn a candle, put on some music, and focus on work. Also, I feel that with my coursework, my professors allow me to be creative. In communications, a lot of it is how you perceive the context. I feel that through my course work and being able to think critically and out of the box helps maintain my creativity.
IN MOMENTS OF SELF-DOUBT OR ADVERSITY, HOW DO YOU PICK YOURSELF BACK UP?
When I am faced with self-doubt and adversity, I have to take a second and pause. I choose to stop and ground myself. I think of where I am at, what I have already accomplished, what I need to do, and what I am worried about. Most of the time, the aspect that gives me the most anxiety is thinking too much, so when I am able to pause and have a solid plan of what needs done, this helps motivate me again.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO INTERN AT HOURGLASS MEDIA?
I found Hourglass Media on google and explored the website one night during quarantine. I was researching PR companies near my hometown of Gallipolis, OH. It was a coincidence that I found the site, but the second that I opened the website I felt a connection. There was a balance of creativity with business. The aspect that stood out to me the most was Kaylin. Kaylin started her own business in her 20s which is such an outstanding accomplishment. I have always wanted to start my own business one day, and I knew Kaylin would be the perfect mentor and guide to help jumpstart my career in the communications field.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO HOURGLASS MEDIA THIS SEMESTER, AND WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
I am very excited for the opportunity to start my career in the communications world. Kaylin has already allowed me to dive deep into the work and connect with herself and her clients. I am really excited for this semester to learn more about the PR industry and how it works with small businesses as well as learning about myself and building the skills and confidence I need to continue to be successful in the industry. I hope that I can bring a fresh perspective to Kaylin and her business and have my voice be heard in the industry.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?
When I think of success, I think of my impact on the world. Since I have started my career search and exploration, I knew the most important factor was to do something that would make me happy. My next goal was to find a career where I felt like I could make a difference in the world around me. I feel like as long as I can stay true to myself and my core values, I will be successful in whatever I do.
Isabella Mershon is a third year communications student at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She hopes that her drive along with her passion for leadership and advocacy will help promote success in her career and make a difference in the lives of those around her. Connect with her on LinkedIn!