Lexi Upson

Hometown: Waterford, Mich.
Major: Marketing with an emphasis in digital marketing and a minor in graphic design.
Internship served: I interned with the Sheboygan A's Baseball Association in the spring of 2018. I interned with Dunham's Sports Corporate office with their graphic design/digital marketing department. I am currently interning with the coordinator of digital media at Lakeland.
Campus Employment: Lakeland fitness center.
Dream job: Working on the digital marketing team for the Detroit Redwings NHL team.

Why did you decide to attend Lakeland University?
I got recruited here to play softball. When picking a college, I wanted to move farther away from home so I had the chance to find myself and grow as a person. Lakeland has been like a second home for me, and I am beyond thankful I chose to attend this university.

What is one thing that you want everyone to know about Lakeland University?
Besides the typical answer of, you're more than just a number (which you are), and the amazing student-to-teacher ratio, the thing I want everyone to know is the people are unlike any I have ever met. Lakeland is filled with people who will change your life. From the faculty and staff, to the lifelong friends you make, this place is like family.

How do you want to impact someone else's life as a young professional?
Being a first-generation college student, stepping out of my comfort zone and going to college was scary. However, it has impacted my life immensely. As a young professional, I want to encourage younger people who are in the shoes I once was that is okay to get out there and take risks. Stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to great things that would have never happened had we not been encouraged to take a chance. This is one of the main things I want to share with others.

How will the Gala Scholarship impact your future?
This scholarship will help remove a major financial burden on myself and my family. Lakeland is an amazing place and I am very fortunate to be here, but it does come at a cost. With the worry of trying to figure out how I am going to pay for college being reduced because of this scholarship, I am able to focus more on my studies and improving my graphic design skills. This will help me to reach my full potential both professionally and personally.

Lexi is being supported by Gala dancer Barkha Daily.