Kelsi Washburn ’15

Year: Junior
Major/Minor: I am a Business Management major and will soon declare a minor in Accounting and a concentration with International Business
Hometown: I am from Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
Relationship status: I am single!

Her Campus: What made you choose to come to Bloomsburg?
Kelsi Washburn: I chose to attend Bloomsburg because I was familiar with the campus.  I have two older sisters that attended Bloom.  From visiting them, I fell in love with the college, the faculty, and even the crazy weather!  I could tell from my first visit at BU that the students and faculty were extremely passionate, innovative, and creative.  They genuinely cared about the difference that they were making, and I knew I wanted to be surrounded by that atmosphere.

HC: What activities are you involved in on campus?
KW: I am the president of the largest business organization on campus, Phi Beta Lambda (the collegiate version of Future Business Leaders of America).  Phi Beta Lambda members are dedicated to service, progress, and education by competing in professional events and networking at the local, state, and national levels. I am the Treasurer and Rush Chair of the first sorority ever to be established at Bloomsburg University, Delta Epsilon Beta.  ΔEB sisters are committed to service events, excellence in academic pursuits, and bettering the community of women as a whole. I am a second year Community Assistant in Lycoming Hall.  As a CA my main focus is to be available for students in order to promote community development, building relationships, and overall positive experiences.  I work with the students, families, fellow staff, custodians, university police, and residence life central office staff in order to emphasize development, worth, and ability.

HC: How did you become involved with Future Business Leaders of America?
KW: I was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America at Emmaus High School.  I was drawn to their support of the March of Dimes, desire to increase business opportunities at the high school level, and spread awareness for business growth.  From having such a rewarding experience in FBLA, I was naturally drawn to be a member of Phi Beta Lambda. 

HC: What responsibilities do you have as President of Phi Beta Lambda?
KW: As president of Phi Beta Lambda, my responsibilities include but are not limited to presiding over and conducting meetings, appointing committees, serving as an ex-officio, coordinating chapter activities, reviewing programs of work with our advisor, maintaining chapter correspondence by writing letters, keeping in touch with other officers, encouraging public relations, and overall representing the local chapter.

HC: Where do you see yourself after graduation?
KW: After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree from Bloomsburg and completing my undergrad, I plan on pursuing my Master’s Degree in Business Management from Bloomsburg.  Then, I plan on opening and operating my own business.

HC: What type of busniess?
KW: I would like to open a hotel in the city!

HC: If you could alter one aspect of Bloomsburg University, what would it be?
KW: If I had the opportunity to alter one aspect about Bloomsburg University, I would like to expand the campus.  For the amount of students that are enrolled at Bloomsburg, career paths offered, and courses available for study, we as students need more space for learning and developmental growth.

HC: What is the biggest non-academic lesson you’ve learned at Bloom? 
KW: The biggest non-academic lesson that I have learned since attending Bloomsburg is to make the best out of life and every situation.  I have learned that if I want a positive and rewarding experience from college, I need to do everything possible to ensure for myself that I accomplish that goal.  It is cumbersome to wait around for an opportunity or for another person to unravel the way.  I have learned to always be optimistic and that a smile alone can leave a lifelong impression.

HC: What advice would you give incoming freshman about campus life?
KW: I would advise incoming freshmen to be sure to get involved. Bloomsburg University has hundreds of clubs, organizations, sports teams, sororities, and fraternities.  I guarantee that there is a way for every student to positively get involved at Bloomsburg and make lifelong friends in the process.  The students at Bloomsburg are so diverse and colorful as far as personality, and I am comfortable saying that everyone has a chance to succeed.

Favorite…
…spot on campus: The quad,  there are always a lot of people and activities occurring. Overall, it is a fun, energetic place, and perfect for soaking up the sunlight on those rare sunny afternoons!
…class at Bloom: Public Speaking. Before I began the class, I assumed that the material would be dry, but it is actually very interesting.  Even at eight in the morning, I enjoy learning about the functions and principles of speaking.
…place to eat off campus: Naps Pizza on East Street. They have the best Italian hoagie!
…song of the moment: Wanted by Hunter Hayes!