Emiley Visioni is a public relations major with a minor in business from Wixom, Michigan. She is expected to graduate from Michigan State University in May 2027.
When I first came to Michigan State University, it seemed like everyone around me already had their entire future planned out. I heard many people around me talking about their future careers, internships and long-term goals like they had known exactly what they wanted to do forever.
For me, it was completely different.
It was honestly overwhelming to think about how many different paths I could choose; I wanted to try everything. I had so many interests and passions that made choosing just one feel impossible. Luckily, MSU gave me the space to explore those interests and figure things out along the way.
Now as a junior, I've found a path that finally feels right for me, but it definitely took some trial and error to get there.
Starting with big dreams and exploring different paths
When I first applied to MSU, I chose film studies as my major. Even then, I didn't really know exactly what I wanted to do with it.
Growing up, I was always a creative person. I loved crafting, making videos and creating different kinds of content. I knew I wanted a career where I could express those creative ideas and share them with other people. Film studies felt like the first step toward that dream.
Looking back, it was really just the beginning of figuring out where I belonged.
During my freshman year, I started taking classes that were similar to subjects I liked in high school. But being at a large university like MSU quickly opened my eyes to how many different opportunities and fields there were to explore.
Halfway through my first year, I switched my major to digital storytelling because I was drawn to the idea of creating video content and learning more about social media and online storytelling. While this major seemed like a perfect fit, I was still curious about other creative fields.
I started taking classes in journalism and advertising, exploring areas that combined creativity with communication. I also spent time researching programs, talking with students and getting involved in different clubs on campus. Each experience helped me understand a little more about what excited me and what kind of work I could see myself doing in the future.
Finding your place
Halfway through my sophomore year, I made my final major change into public relations.
The moment I sat in my first PR class, something just clicked. Public relations combined everything I loved — creativity, storytelling, media and connecting with people. It felt like all the different experiences I had explored were finally coming together.
For the first time, I felt confident that I found the place where my skills and passions truly fit.
If you’re an incoming freshman or even a current student who feels unsure about your future, you're definitely not alone.
College is a strange time in life. You're learning who you are while also trying to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life. That's a lot of pressure.
But the truth is, you don't need to have everything figured out right away.
One of my most important experiences at MSU has been the friendships I’ve made along the way. The people I met during my freshman year are still some of my closest friends today and have helped shape my college experience in ways I never expected.
Even small moments, like seeing a familiar face on campus or passing someone in the hallway who offers a smile, become part of what makes MSU feel like home.
Your journey might look different from everyone else's, and that's okay. Everyone is on their own timeline.
Being a Spartan has given me the opportunity to explore, grow and build my future piece by piece. Looking back now, every twist in my path helped lead me exactly where I was meant to be.
And if you’re still figuring things out, trust me — you will.
