Jessi Starkey is the girl who can’t walk around campus without running into at least three people she knows. You’ve likely seen her on the sidelines of a football game, singing with the chamber choir or running around with a camera. A senior broadcast journalism major, Starkey is working on a project at all times. But her nonstop schedule never hinders her hilarious personality. You always know she’s near by her signature, “Hey, dude.”.
I sat down with Starkey and talked about her time management skills and how Marshall University has affirmed her passions.
HC: What made you choose Marshall University?
J: Marshall was the very last campus I visited at the end of my senior year of high school. I was pretty much set on another school, but I had never been to this part of the state. My parents insisted I visit the campus. As soon as I took the tour at Marshall I knew it was for me. I love the journalism and music programs here, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
HC: You’re basically a journalism rock star. Tell us a few of the numerous things you’ve been involved with at Marshall.
J: I’ve tried at stay as busy as possible while here, and I’ve had so many amazing opportunities. I’ve worked on the WMUL radio staff since my freshman year. I sing in Marshall’s chamber choir. I’m lucky enough to have landed the sports editing job with The Parthenon, and I work as an intern for Marshall Communications.
HC: What’s your favorite project you’ve ever worked on?
J: That’s too hard to pick one! Some top favorites would be covering the 2012 Presidential race with the WMUL news staff, doing sports coverage when Marshall won the 2013 Military Bowl, and writing a life story on Rocky Meadows, founder of The Lifehouse in Huntington.
HC: How do you keep your sanity with such a crazy schedule?
J: Well I actually don’t, because I’m pretty insane. One thing that helps me is my planner. I write everything down. I mean everything. I even write little quotes or funny things that people say to me throughout the day. I’ve always loved to be busy though. I’m always looking for the next thing to get involved in, no matter how crazy my life gets.
HC: Who is your dream interview, alive or dead?
J: That is probably one of the hardest questions I’ve ever been asked. There are countless. However, I would love to sit down with Maya Angelou. Her poetry, literature, and overall attitude have always been such an inspiration to me. She stands for everything that I am passionate about, and she is my role model.
HC: What is your advice to young or future Marshall students?
J: Get involved. I dove into everything I could starting my freshman year, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Don’t limit yourself to one group of people. Immerse yourself in college, and get to know all sorts of different people. Make friends that don’t think like you. It will broaden your horizons. Take advantage of the opportunities college offers. This time will only come once.