The Beauty of Career Confidence with Piper

Transcript

Hi everyone, as a first-generation college student, choosing a university was a big step for me, and Indiana State University felt like a place where I could grow and make the most of every experience. What I didn’t realize was just how many opportunities Indiana State would open up for me. Early on, I joined the Spirit Squad and cheered for Sycamore football and basketball, which sparked my interest in sports media.

Now, I work with Indiana State Sports Network as a sideline reporter to help share Sycamore athletics with the world. I also serve as a social media ambassador with the Indiana State President’s Office, where I’m challenged to creatively share campus stories each week. One of my most meaningful experiences was being named Miss Indiana State University.

I represented the university at the Miss Indiana competition and led a community service initiative to advocate for children in the court system. I was also chosen to represent my campus and community as an Indianapolis 500 Festival Princess, and completed over 160 community service hours in that role.

The Honors College has also shaped my experience in incredible ways. I’ve mentored students, spoken on panels for prospective students, and shared my story with donors so they can see firsthand their impact on students like me. I also studied abroad in Greece and Rome. These experiences expanded my cultural perspective and made my time at Indiana State even more rewarding.

Thanks to these opportunities, I was selected as a 2026 Orr Fellow in Indianapolis. The Orr Fellowship is a competitive program that places graduates in full-time roles with innovative companies for continued leadership and professional development. Indiana State gave me the experiences and confidence to make this possible.

That’s just a little bit about me. Go Sycamores!