This week’s campus celebrity is not only a student, but pretty much a rock star! Emily Vallor is the face of involvement at the U of M by having a part in multiple organizations for the university, while always having a smile on her face doing it. Maintaining nearly perfect grades with many tasks to do in one day, Emily gets things done with an upbeat and positive attitude.
Birthday: October 23, 1994
Year in School: Sophomore
Hometown: Collierville, TN
Major: Marketing Management
HC: What made you interested in Marketing Management?
EV: “I started interning at ALSAC/St. Jude and have developed a love and passion for promoting St. Jude’s mission. I realized while I was interning that I found it fascinating finding what all an organization is about, and how you can relate that to so many people through different outlets.”
HC: What made you decide to attend the U of M?
EV: “I constantly heard people from my high school say they couldn’t wait to get out of Memphis and how brave it was to go to school in a new city. I had a different view. I saw staying in Memphis as a brave opportunity to help grow myself as well as help the city I love. The business school and the internship opportunities with nationally recognized companies are among the best in the country.”
HC: What all are you involved in on campus?
EV: “This past summer I was lucky enough to serve as an Orientation Guide and Frosh Camp Counselor for incoming freshman. This year I serve on the Frosh Camp executive board as well as the executive board for my sorority, Phi Mu. I’m also a Senator for the Student Government Association as well as a Morale Captain for Up ’til Dawn, which raises funds and awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
HC: What made you want to become involved?
EV: “Attending Frosh Camp and New Student Orientation my freshman year really instilled the importance of involvement early on. From leadership development to networking, the skills and relationships gained from involvement are with you beyond your four years of school.”
HC: What’s your favorite thing about the U of M?
EV: “Tiger pride, hands down! The students and community’s love for this university is unmatched. Ask any student who attends Memphis and they will tell you they love it, even if Memphis wasn’t their first choice in school to attend. The sense of community you gain from organizations and the genuineness of the people here make it impossible to not love this university and city.”
HC: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
EV: “Going to Tiger and Grizzlies game. I also love exploring Memphis and trying new one-of-a-kind restaurants.”
HC: How do you manage everything you do in college with school work and everything you are involved in?
EV: “It’s all about planning and prioritizing. I’d be lost without my planner. I write down everything I need to do no matter how small it is. I carry it with me wherever I go. I write down meetings and assignments as well as little reminders to myself.”
HC: What do you think the incoming freshmen should know about college?
EV: “You will get out of college, what you put into it.” Join that organization you find interesting or take that class that doesn’t relate to your major as an elective. Explore Memphis as if it’s a city you’ve never been to. Living outside your comfort zone is what makes you learn.”
After reading everything Emily does, maybe saying she is a rock star is an understatement. One thing is for sure, she is capable of doing many tasks in a short amount of time while making it look so easy!