Marisa Eckhart, organizational management and communication graduate student
Where are you from? Why did you choose to attend FSU?
I have lived all over the place. I grew up in a small town in North Dakota and moved to Houston, Texas when I was 14. I just moved to Naples, Florida 3 years ago. I chose to attend FSU because I knew it was a great school. I wanted to challenge myself and I knew FSU would do that.
What inspired you to choose your degree program?
I knew I wanted to get my master’s degree, but was having a hard time deciding what I wanted to major in. When I found the OMC program at FSU, I knew it would be a great fit. It is such a useful degree program and I think it can benefit anyone in any field. Knowing how to form positive relationships, lead with understanding, and communicate effectively are essential skills for anyone wanting to have a leadership position of any kind.
What has your experience been so far in the program?
I have had a great experience so far in the program. I find the material interesting and engaging, but I have also really enjoyed my classmates and professors. Everyone has been so welcoming and understanding. The professors challenge you, but are also flexible and willing to work with you.
What aspect of your area of study do you find most fascinating?
We have learned a lot about how to effectively lead in an organization setting and I have found it very interesting and useful. I think many of us have had bad experiences with supervisors who feel the need to micromanage and rule with an iron fist. This program has emphasized how that ideology is flawed and ineffective as it can cause resentment and poor work performance. Instead, we are learning about how important it is to get to know your employees and really look at the behaviors they are engaging in. You then work with them to bolster their already positive work performance or you assist them in improving. If more people had this mindset, I think we would have much more positive work environments and work relationships.
Who are the faculty or staff members that have helped or inspired you?
I have had nothing but positive experiences with the faculty and staff at FSU. Specifically, Dr. Andressa Sleiman, Dr. Laurie Lawrence, and Dr. Polick have all been extremely helpful. They are great professors and you can tell they have a passion about the subjects they are teaching. They are all always willing to meet with you, discuss any questions you have, and are always willing to help anyway they can. I am also taking my first class with Dr. Brian Parker this semester; I especially appreciate the passion he has for the subject matter and his desire to push you to think deeper. Cristina Doan has also been a great help. She is extremely communicative and very helpful. Overall, the faculty and staff at FSU want to see you succeed and it is evident in the way they interact with and treat students.
What do you like to do when you’re not doing school work?
I am an avid thrifter and love spending my weekends at thrift stores trying to find unique articles of clothing, jewelry, or home décor. I have two dogs, Murphy and Obi, who I love to take hiking, running, and on long walks. I also love to read. Fantasy is my favorite genre and I am always reading at least one book.
After you graduate, what are your plans?
Currently I am teaching middle school language arts, but I would like to utilize the skills I am gaining from this program to transition into project management. Specifically, I want to work for an ed-tech company to aid in the creation of learning materials for students and schools.
What advice do you have for fellow students?
The obvious advice is to work hard, but don’t stress yourself too much and enjoy what you are learning about. Education is invaluable, and is even more beneficial when you’re excited about learning. I know that I am going to be relieved when I have graduated and when I don’t have to come home from work to do homework. But, I know that I am going to miss the pursuit of knowledge. Be inquisitive, be curious, and have an eagerness to learn.