Ask a Musketeer: Emily Linginfelter (Public Relations, Advertising, Digital Media, '17)

Nov 5, 2018

Major: Public Relations, Advertising, Digital Media

Hometown: Richmond, IN

1. What was your biggest fear coming to college? Biggest anticipation?

At first, I was afraid my shy personality would limit me from stepping outside of my comfort zone. On the other side of the coin, I was also excited to make friends and share new experiences with them. I graduated from a high school class of 17 people, most of whom grew up with me, so I had very little experience actually introducing myself to new people!

2. What Xavier Clubs and Organizations did you take part in? How have you learned from those experiences?

I participated in Xavier Crew, the Outdoors Club, Xavier Public Relations Student Society of America and Xavier Newswire. Crew taught me the vitality of passionately working in unison with a team. Outdoors Club taught me that the best adventures come from stepping outside of the path. PRSSA guided me to discover my interests in public relations. Finally, Xavier Newswire's Campus News helped me realize that everyone has something valuable to share. The most compelling stories can be recaptured when we listen with interest and open hearts.

3. What are some of your favorite memories here?

"While gazing at a blanket of stars and planets, I felt the humbling beauty of being a small presence in an ancient universe."

One time, I was placed in the Xavier Crew men's four boat with a brand new rower named Jack. Suddenly our boat somehow flipped in the icy cold river. The four of us, along with the coxswain, were holding onto the capsized boat and treading water while we waited for one of the coaches to save us. You can only imagine the peachy moods that accompanied our shivers.

I'll also never forget looking up at the western night-time sky as Dr. Leon shared sacred stories about the constellations during the Xavier Expeditions trip to Wyoming. While gazing at a blanket of stars and planets, I felt the humbling beauty of being a small presence in an ancient universe.

4. Who is an influential person on campus who has impacted you these past four years?

The good outcomes of these four years are attributed to many people. A quote from George Matthew Adams shares my thoughts: "There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the makeup of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success."

5. What is your major, how did you choose it?

I have three majors-public relations, advertising and digital media. It all began in a freshman philosophy class when I started off as a nursing student. We just finished reading a book called Love Does No Harm immediately after a serious nursing lecture about instances when nurses carry out orders that go against their values. I realized that I was not strong enough to handle those moments when a treatment causes more harm than good for the patient. That summer, I became an exploratory student and took Career Development assessments to see which majors align with my interests and personality. After I declared my public relations major, the pieces seemed to fall together. I became passionate about strategic communication and loved the idea of casting light onto difficult conversations. One major became two, then two became three!

6. In one sentence, what advice would you give incoming Musketeers?

Try something brand new that interests you at least once a year.

7. What is at least one thing you must do before graduating?

If the opportunity is available, travel for class credits!

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