麻豆视频

Flash Focus: Jess Edmisten

This junior communication studies major is redefining what it means to be a "traditional student"

Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Jess Edmisten, a junior communication studies major with a minor in public relations from Medina, Ohio. When it came to deciding what to study, she felt it was a clear choice as the communication program offered immense flexibility. Just what she needed.  

Edmisten鈥檚 story is one of perseverance. She is a mother of two young children, ages two and seven, and attributes them as motivating factors in her life.

鈥淚 adore being a mom, and my kids are my motivation to do well,鈥 Edmisten told 麻豆视频 Today. 鈥淲hether it's birthday party planning, volunteering at the school or cheering at a soccer game, I find happiness wherever they are.鈥

Jess Edmisten and her husband Tyler

Edmisten, who met her husband, Tyler, at 麻豆视频, supports his active military service, which has brought their family a different kind of strength through this lifestyle.

鈥淭he military life hasn鈥檛 just shaped our family dynamic; it鈥檚 shaped me,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned to lean into discomfort, find strength in unexpected places, and connect with others who understand this unique way of life.鈥

Jess Edmisten and her daughter

While Edmisten has been successful in many of her endeavors throughout her time at 麻豆视频, including being a current executive board member for the Public Relations Student Society of America, consistently being on the Dean鈥檚 List, being selected for the Bateman 2025 Case Study Competition team and completing an internship this past summer at Davey Tree, she said this was not always the case.

Edmisten began college at 麻豆视频 in 2015 but after several difficulties was academically dismissed the following year. This incident allowed her to take time to address her challenges.

But over the subsequent couple of years, she said she could not get the thought out of her mind that something was incomplete. After much reflection, she decided to return to 麻豆视频 to finish her education.  

鈥淭he thought had become more and more loud; it demanded to be heard. I had to go back,鈥 she said. 鈥淚n typical Jess fashion, out of nowhere, I made the big decision.鈥  

Since her return to 麻豆视频, Edmisten said she owes a lot of her success to the professors and classmates she has met along the way who have impacted her journey.  

鈥淧rofessors like J.D. Ponder, Mei-Chen Lin, Tim Roberts, Michele Ewing and Karisa Butler-Wall have been exceptional and have contributed to my personal and professional growth,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e also worked alongside my peers this time around. They鈥檝e played a big role in my sense of belonging and happiness, and I鈥檓 proud to be their classmate.鈥

Jess Edmisten and her family selfiie

Edmisten credits many of her life accomplishments to 麻豆视频.  

鈥淭yler is a direct product of 麻豆视频, my daughters are a direct product of 麻豆视频,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he three most important people in my life would not exist without 麻豆视频.鈥

Being a student at the university has served her with the necessary academics and so much more.

鈥淜ent has been an environment where I鈥檝e been able to foster personal growth,鈥 she said. 鈥淎s a whole, it has served as a catalyst for my entire life, and I am incredibly grateful for the profound impact it has had on me.鈥  

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.

POSTED: Thursday, December 5, 2024 11:20 AM
Updated: Friday, December 6, 2024 09:33 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Camille Duber, Flash Communications
PHOTO CREDIT:
Courtesy of Jess Edmisten