This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IUP chapter.
Meet Nicolette “Nikki” Santiago, a senior majoring in Journalism with a Public Relations track while minoring in English from Philadelphia, PA. Nikki is set to graduate in May of 2017.
- Why did you pick IUP?
- I picked IUP because I received a full Board of Governor’s scholarship that covered my tuition for all four years. I fell in love with the campus when I visited and I knew I had to be here.
- What inspired you to choose your major?
- I have loved writing since I was five years old and have kept a journal ever since. Fun fact? I still have all of my journals from five years old and on. I knew that whatever I ended up doing would have to have something to do with writing. I knew I didn’t want to be an English teacher so Journalism seemed like the next big thing. I realized I didn’t want to be a journalist so now I’m on a PR track.
- What do you do in your spare time?
- I actually love reading and writing in my journal, but I don’t have much time to do either. On the weekends you can usually catch me hanging out with my friends.
- What inspired you to join Her Campus?
- I heard about Her Campus probably my junior year. I promised myself if I found the time that I would get involved with them. It just seemed like a cool organization to be a part of because it has to do with girls on college campuses.
- Why did you choose to take on the position as the PR person?
- I needed to work with an organization on campus for my Strategic Planning class, which meant implementing PR strategies such as recruiting and helping them with social media.
- What is your favorite thing about being involved in Her Campus?
- My favorite thing about being involved with Her Campus is working with the members and watching our efforts pay off. It’s also a great excuse to interview different people that are doing great things on campus. I love meeting people and being able to get their stories out there.
- What are you interested in doing after college?
- I really want to do PR for a hospital or a nonprofit. Honestly, I would do any PR at this point because I just want to have a job and more experience can never hurt. My dream job would be working for the Lupus Foundation of America at their headquarters in Washington D.C. I would be content working for any of their chapters though.
- Is there are anything that you want the IUP community to know about you?
- I would like the IUP community to know that I was diagnosed with lupus when I was 18 years old at the end of my freshman year. I’m not saying this because I want anyone to feel bad for me, but anytime I have an opportunity to raise awareness I do so. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. I am lucky enough to have caught it at the point where it was only affecting my skin and joints. Unfortunately, I also lost all of my hair. Compared to what others go through that was nothing. It made me appreciate when I do feel good and made me put into perspective that beauty really does come from the inside. I have finally gotten it completely under control for the first time since I was diagnosed thanks to my current medication and a treatment I get every month. I still have my rough days and it’s something I have to deal with everyday, but I wouldn’t change this journey for anything. Despite having to take a semester off, I will still be graduating on time. I just want people to know that no matter what they’re going through, they can overcome it and accomplish anything they want to. I also wanted to thank my friends and family for always being there for me especially on my bad days. I wouldn’t be able to deal with my diagnosis without them.
- Who is your favorite artist?
- My favorite artist is JoJo and I’ve liked her since I was nine years old. I’m super excited because she just came out with a new album after not doing so for years. It is titled “Mad Love.” She just announced her tour dates and I can’t wait to finally meet her.
- What else are you involved in?
- I write for The Penn and I’m a part of the Agency program, which is a student run marketing firm where we basically learn stuff we don’t in the classroom and implement them with clients. I also have an online grant writing internship with Beloved Streets of America whose mission is to redo Martin Luther King streets across the country starting in St. Louis. If anyone would like to know more information visit www.belovedstreetsofamerica.com and to donate you can go to www. mlkchallenge.net. BSA recently started a campaign where you make a video (the directions are on the website) and pledge to donate ten dollars. You then challenge three others to do the same. It’s a really awesome organization and I’m really thankful to be able to be a part of it. Last, but not least, I am the treasurer for Public Relations Student Society of America.
- I write for The Penn and I’m a part of the Agency program, which is a student run marketing firm where we basically learn stuff we don’t in the classroom and implement them with clients. I also have an online grant writing internship with Beloved Streets of America whose mission is to redo Martin Luther King streets across the country starting in St. Louis. If anyone would like to know more information visit www.belovedstreetsofamerica.com and to donate you can go to www. mlkchallenge.net. BSA recently started a campaign where you make a video (the directions are on the website) and pledge to donate ten dollars. You then challenge three others to do the same. It’s a really awesome organization and I’m really thankful to be able to be a part of it. Last, but not least, I am the treasurer for Public Relations Student Society of America.
- What is your advice for IUP students?
- Stay true to yourself, make good friends for when you’re missing home, call your parents, and keep your priorities straight because there’s always going to be another party.
If you see Nikki around campus, be sure to wish her luck on all of her future endevaors!