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Photo by Janet Rogers, Division of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Jessica Samuel Wants to Start a Magazine

At UMKC, the students are our story. Look, listen and learn about us through interviews, photographs and videos of our students. Read the other student stories and go to umkcgoingplaces.tumblr.com and follow.

JESSICA SAMUEL

Masters of Arts in Economics | College of Arts and Sciences | 2016 | Received Bachelors of Arts in Communications Studies from UMKC

Where is UMKC taking you?

I want to own my own lifestyle/entertainment magazine. UMKC is going to get me there. I want to start in Kansas City and learn the industry. With Google Fiber and big companies here, it will be a good move. You have to be strategic.

Why did you choose UMKC?

It really was a flip of the coin. I was in Iowa my first two years of college. The trends there weren’t really taking me anywhere. I didn’t want to go back to St. Louis so I flipped a coin on a map and decided to go where it landed. It landed on Kansas City, and when I Google searched colleges, UMKC was one of the first ones that popped up. So I guess you could say UMKC called me.

How has college inspired you?

College has inspired me to motivate others, try new things, be open to meeting people and balance multiple things.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

My opinion matters. I also learned that I make a difference and that opportunities are everywhere.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a professor?

Schooling qualifies you for the position but drive gets you in the door and keeps you there.

What do you admire most about UMKC?

The diversity! People are drawn from all over the world to this campus and they stay here. The campus is growing and the growth is exciting.

What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

It means hope for my family, success for me and pride for my family.

What’s your greatest fear?

Quitting, and then looking back and regretting it.

What are your lifelong goals?
I want to own my own magazine and be financially stable so my family and I don’t have to worry about a thing and I’ll still have something to pass down.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Accepting awards and reading letters from young men and women about how my story has influenced their lives.

What motto do you live by?

Live each day like it’s your last. Enjoy it while you have it. No regrets. Life is like cake — the sweeter the better.

What excites you?

Food, fashion, people, energy and having fun.

What is one word that best describes you and why?

Innovative. I find new ways to showcase my talents and use them to drive others to do just the same.

 

 

 

 

 


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