Grace Murphy Feature Story Ready To Make A Change those ... · Feature Story Ready To Make A Change...
Transcript of Grace Murphy Feature Story Ready To Make A Change those ... · Feature Story Ready To Make A Change...
Grace Murphy Feature Story
Ready To Make A Change When asked about why she chose LSU, Mallory McMahon, better known as “Mal”to
those close to her, told me that the choice was a no brainer. Being from Baton Rouge,
and growing up a Tiger fan, Mal always knew LSU was the place she wanted to be,
“Not only is LSU football one of my favorite pastimes but also the culture that
surrounds the school cannot be found anywhere else. It also worked out
wonderfully that LSU is such a great school academically.” Despite being pulled in
different directions when it came to choosing her major, Mallory finally settled on
political science and began taking the courses to complete her degree. While she
enjoyed many of the classes she took, something just didn’t feel right. In spring
2010, convinced by her roommates, Mal decided to take an introduction to Mass
Communication class and eventually felt she had found the right fit. After taking
more classes Mallory realized, “While I loved Political Science, it did not have much
to offer me. I wanted something that allowed me to be flexible in what I do, and also
opened up doors to other lines of work. With a PR degree I really do feel as if I am
able to follow my passions and do what I truly want to do.”
One of Mallory’s favorite experiences in public relations has been working at
Otey White and Associates as an intern for the past two semesters. Otey White is a
public relations firm located here in Baton Rouge. Its largest client is Napa Auto
Parts, but they also service many smaller local clients. It was with these smaller
clients that Mallory was able to excel. “Working with Otey White and Associates
taught me so much about Mass Communication in the real world. I learned that
showing that you are willing to learn makes you much more marketable to your
future employers.”While her daily tasks at the firm always varied, clerical work was
almost always a guarantee, as well as passing out circulars to different magazines
and newspapers around the Baton Rouge Area. Hannah Gueringer, an intern with
Mallory, explained, “Out of all of the interns in the office, Mallory was the hardest
working of all. She was always willing to ask questions and make sure that every
task was done correctly before moving on. She truly was such a people person and
made everyone feel at home. I think her presence around the office really
brightened everyone’s day.”
Now that her time at Otey White is over, Mallory is able to spend her free
time pursuing her passions. One of these is grabbing dinner and catching a concert
at Chelsea’s. “Music is a huge passion of mine, and being able to support local music
is a big deal to me.” Helping the Baton Rouge community has quickly become one of
Mallory’s biggest goals. After pledging Kappa Delta in fall 2009, Mallory joined it’s
public relations committee, which helps to spread the word of Kappa Delta around
the LSU Greek community and the Baton Rouge area. In the past three years,
Mallory’s favorite KD event has been selling Jambalaya during the St. Patrick’s Day
parade to help benefit child abuse prevention in Louisiana. “It is such an exciting
day, not only to celebrate such a fun parade, but also know that you are helping the
less fortunate throughout our area and the state.”
While Mallory is uncertain about her plans and what lies ahead for her in the
future, she is certain about one thing. She wants to help others. “I don’t really know
where I will end up in the long run, but as long as I am able to use public relations
for the good of people, then I will be happy.” As of now she plans on staying in Baton
Rouge after she graduates this upcoming May and applying for jobs throughout the
city. Mal also hopes to spend more time in the future hanging with friends and
exploring the new restaurants and exciting venues Baton Rouge offers. While she
looks forward to the future she also hopes to cherish the present. “I am going to
miss LSU so much after I graduate, I just hope that I take the time senior year to
really appreciate the freedom I have now, because soon we will be out in the real
world and life will be so different.”
Located Above: Mallory McMahon hard at work in the Journalism Building