I had the true pleasure of interviewing Morgan Murphy, who is graduating this upcoming winter from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing. Since meeting Murphy through our mutual major of Communications, I have always known her as someone who goes above and beyond with academics and extracurriculars. Murphy is involved in a multitude of activities including the Delta Gamma sorority, she helped start the Changing Health, Attitudes, and Actions to Recreate organization at Drexel while continuing to still be an active member, she also works at Orangetheory Fitness, and is currently working on completing a yoga instructor certification.

While interviewing Murphy I found that she gave extremely insightful advice that everyone should be privy to. I asked Murphy what was the most valuable lesson that she has learned in college thus far. She stated that one of her professors told? her, “don’t sweat the small stuff.”

Murphy says, “I found this to be true whether it was academically or with something so small it would barely affect a grade, or socially where if I missed a night out it would not affect my friendships in any way. I used to struggle with trying to make everything work in my schedule and fit in every single tiny thing. Sweating the small stuff made most of the things I did less enjoyable because I was always thinking about what is coming next rather than enjoying the moments I had.”

This was very eye opening to listen to being that I know we can all quickly become focused on what our next move is. Personally, I tend to always worry about what is coming next but it is important to step back and enjoy the small moments

Moving through the interview, I asked Murphy whether she learned more outside of the classroom or inside of the classroom. Murphy would definitely have to agree that she has learned significantly more outside of the classroom. She says, “Working in the PR world specifically and communication in general is all about networking, connections and just talking to people and getting that in field experience. You can learn about x,y and z all day, but until you implement these strategies in the real world you will never actually know how they work.”

I would have to agree that real world experience is where a majority of us truly learn. Murphy and I also discussed that it would be valuable if all institutions included work experience into their curriculum. Now that she is in the process of searching for jobs, she feels that the co-op experience has prepared her and is going to help her land positions past entry-level. As Drexel graduates, we are known to be ahead of the game compared to every other post grad.

Similar to other interviewees, Murphy feels that Drexel is much more intense than any other university. However, she says, “throughout my past five years I think that a lot of the time I would compare myself to friends at other schools and wish that I went somewhere with an easier load and more ‘free time.’ But, at the end of the day, I am so happy that I stayed and went through the process of being a Drexel student.” For individuals like myself and Murphy we are so used to a jam-packed schedule that when we graduate, we will find ourselves having much more free time. Drexel has taught Murphy how to manage her time and how to be able to prioritize what is most important. I am excited to see where Murphy’s Drexel education will take her and what the future has in store for her!