Our campus cutie this week completed her undergrad here at Western and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Western’s newest graduate program: Journalism and Communications. Melissa Schaefer was more than excited to sit with us to discuss her experiences with the program and offer advice for current undergrads. Let’s get to know Melissa a little more…
To see Melissa’s published media and projects she has completed in her program, visit her website[https://melissalynnschaefer.wordpress.com]
Where are you from?
I’m a London baby. Born and raised!
You were in Media, Information and Technoculture in undergrad. What was your favourite thing about it?
MIT exposed me to a whirlwind of topics and the complex, ever-changing world of media. It taught me to never take anything at face value, and that with creativity, intellect, and a strategic mind, you really can talk yourself out of anything. My favourite experience in my undergrad was — by far—my academic internship. I was a Marketing Specialist at WORLDiscoveries! It was so eye opening for me and refreshing to get out of the lecture setting.
On that note… what was your least favourite thing about MIT?
Some of the first year MIT classes were a little too sci-fi for me. I’d ask myself, “what on EARTH am I going to do with this degree?”. The truth is, third and fourth year were a lot better for me. More than anything, I just wanted to finish, so I could focus all my energy on my passions—marketing and communications!
Can you tell us what you did at WORLDDiscoveries?
I created brand promotion programs, internal communication presentations, and an engaging press release for a new technology.
For our readers still in their undergrad, we’d like to know, what was your favourite class?
Dan Brown’s Arts and Entertainment Journalism and Writing for Magazines were two classes that I got so excited to go to every morning. He created such a vibrant classroom setting, and I couldn’t keep my mouth shut half the time. I always wanted to participate, which doesn’t usually come naturally for me. For anyone looking for a fascinating elective, Altered States of Consciousness at Kings blew my mind.
How did you first come across the MMJC program?
I heard about the MMJC program from a grad school fair held at Western (I highly recommend going to these and grabbing as many pamphlets as you can. You never know what you’ll find.) I was so happy that Western offered a one-year Master’s program that focused on two fields I was so interested in, so I applied right away. I was ecstatic when I heard back from them J
What has been your favourite thing you have done in the program?
I count my blessings every day for having such a fun, tight-knit, hilarious group of friends that I’ve met in the MMJC class. I’ve never become so close with so many people, so quickly! You guys are incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed the Public Relations Ethics seminar we had recently. And Paul Benedetti’s J-class is always a hoot.
What are you hoping to do with your Master’s degree?
I will land my dream internship at one of the most recognized and awarded Canadian advertising agencies (hello, Rethink Communications!) in Vancouver. Or, I may travel to the magical land of California and work at Google’s Headquarters as an Associate Product Manager intern. Onwards and upwards from there! The sky is the limit when you’re young and eager. I’d love to travel the world one day and immerse myself into global marketing and business.
What’s the most valuable lesson an MMJC prof has taught you so far?
“Don’t worry if you get a shitty grade. Show up, give it your all, and be present. This is all a learning experience. Embrace it for Pete’s sake!” – The wise Paul Benedetti
If you could give a piece of advice to your younger (undergrad) self, what would it be?
Don’t forget to take a second here and there and breathe. Seriously. Don’t lose yourself in your studies. Always make time for the people you love. Do what makes you happy. Hard work pays off. And my gosh, don’t cry about writer’s block! Go for a jog or have a glass of wine…or two. You’ll be golden. Never stop shining J
Fire Round:
– Drink of choice: Gin and club—if I’m going out! Otherwise, red, red, wine.
– Song stuck in your head right now: Hello by Adele. I’ve been waiting so long for her to release something. Is it ever a beautiful song.
– Favourite on-campus location: The Grad Club! I wish I knew about this place during my undergrad. Tasty food, hazelnut coffee (I’m addicted, I’ll admit it), and $4.00 wine glasses. What more could a girl ask for?
– Style icon: That’s hard to say. I know what I like when I see it, but let’s say Kendall Jenner.
– Your wardrobe staple: My lulu leggings! They’re so comfy and versatile. They always look good. Ideal for stretching and dancing around campus.
– Guilty pleasure: Anything cheesy and lately…pistachios. Hahahah
– Favourite childhood TV show: Lamb Chop! I even had my own puppet of her. My parents had to sit me down, as a little girl, and break it to me when Shari Lewis passed away. I bawled.
– Celeb girl crush: Candice Swanepoel. GAH. Could the woman get any hotter?
– Go-to Snapchat selfie filter: Honestly, my ginormous smile and I usually do the trick.
YAY or NAY:
– The colour yellow: When life gives you lemons, drink tequila.
– iPhones: YAY
– Kim Kardashian: NAY…Kendall all the way.
– Wine: HECK YAY
– The Barking Frog: MAY?
– Snow: YAY until Christmas
– UGG boots: YAY. My Mom found me a pair in Greece that were ridiculously cheap. Fuzzy socks and UGGS all the way during the unbearable winter.
– Pizza: YAY. With pineapple, please.
– “Movember”: I much prefer a man bun J