Meet Maddie Meyers: Our August Leading Woman

Name: Maddie Meyers

Major: Journalism with an emphasis on strategic communication and Spanish

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

What are your career/life goals?

After college, I hope to combine my passions for journalism and Spanish and travel the world as a travel journalist working for a travel company or cruise line where I can create content about the places I visit and the people I meet. I love new experiences and connecting with others, so sharing that with the world would be a dream.

What is your favorite part about Journalism? / Tell us about why you chose your major

In high school, I was very involved in our journalism program, working with an incredible group of people sharing impactful stories with our community. In college, I knew I wanted to continue this route of study but, more specifically, through the strategic communication lens. I love the connection aspect of strategic communication. Understanding your audience and creating media that will speak to them is so powerful.

I look forward to bringing the world to life and bringing people together through the content I create.

Why did you decide to get involved in summer welcome?

But from the reassuring convos I had with students over Plaza 900 lunch, to laughing with families as I attempt to take them to their next location by golf cart, to bonding with students and other leaders while we are almost out of breath from doing our nightly 2 Step, Wobble and Cha Cha Slide — I learned how meaningful this experience could be. It is so rewarding to see your students connect with you and each other, and realize they will always have a place here at Mizzou.

What was your favorite part of being a summer welcome leader this summer?

Aside from the daily connections I made with the students and families, my favorite part of being a Summer Welcome Leader was the friendships I made with the other leaders. We started training back in February and then spent day in and day out with each other for six weeks this summer, so we all became comfortable with each other very quickly. We all lived in residence halls this summer, so one of my favorite memories includes hanging out in the 7th-floor lounge rating Crumbl cookies, watching Pretty Little Liars, and making a mega-bed our last night. Aside from being some of the most incredible friends and some of the funniest people I know, these leaders inspired me daily with their work ethic and dedication to their students and Mizzou. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from them and have them by my side through this whole experience.

What other organizations or hobbies are you passionate about?

One of my biggest passions is photography and making people feel confident in how they look. In high school, I started out taking photos of my friends for fun, but soon I began to get inquiries about senior photos and decided to start my own photo business on the side. Since I started the business I have taken grad photos, family portraits, and LinkedIn headshots. I get so much joy from seeing the look on someone's face when they truly love a photo of themselves. I will never forget when one subject told me that she never liked how she looked in photos until now. I recently took family photos, and it always made me smile when the 2-year-old would look at the photos on my camera and say "aww so cute." Connections like these are so special and make me excited to continue to capture these moments on camera.

How have your experiences in Theta changed you?

During my time in Theta, I am grateful to have spent so much time with such strong, beautiful, and uplifting women. Theta has given me role models, home, and friends for life. Theta has given me a space to grow in my passions by surrounding me with inspiring and motivated leaders who genuinely care about each other. When I joined my pledge family, they became some of my first Mizzou friends and provided me with support and love from late-night McDonald's runs leading to deep conversations about the future, to morning brunches discussing the compatibility of our enneagrams. They instill confidence in me by always texting me before I have an interview, and they constantly make me laugh when filling me in on the recent updates of their lives. They have helped shape me into who I am today, and I am so thankful to Theta for giving me them.

What does Theta mean to you?

To me, Theta is a group of passionate women who lead with kindness and authenticity. When I hear someone is in Theta, I know they are fiercely loyal and true to themselves. While they may dress up in cow suits during the work week or do cartwheels in the foyer, they care deeply about others and make the best friends.

Do you have any advice for the underclassmen?

I know everyone says this but my best advice for underclassmen would be to be open to new opportunities and experiences! College goes by so fast so say yes more and take advantage of every moment to make lasting memories.

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

My favorite Theta memory is when my roommates and I in the third-floor six-man made a mega-bed on one of our last nights in the Theta house. It was so special reminiscing on all of our fun times in the room and it was the perfect end of the year.