By Alana Penny
Senior marketing major Makayla Monette came to SUNY Plattsburgh to study nursing, but her passion changed while working at American Eagle.
Monette grew up in Plattsburgh and attended Clinton Community College for two years to complete her general education courses. She then transferred to SUNY Plattsburgh. She originally planned to study nursing, but decided to pursue marketing instead. She said one of her biggest accomplishments was being able to pursue an unexpected path.
“I really wanted to do nursing and that was my biggest goal,” Monette said. “I never thought I would be able to do this.”
Although she isn’t sure exactly what she wants to do with her degree, she hopes to work in green marketing for a company that is organic and good for the environment. She also enjoys the analytical side of marketing.
Monette said her significant other is one of her biggest inspirations.
“I wasn’t really exposed to that much [growing up] but my significant other is from a different state, he was born in a different country, so it really opened me up to different opportunities,” Monette said. “He’s a very analytical thinker so I think that has helped me a lot with getting to enjoy marketing.”
Her significant other is from Costa Rica, she hopes to be able to go there once it is safe to travel. She just signed up to get a passport.
Her biggest goal at the moment is to raise her grade point average and create relationships with her professors. She has been working hard at both of these goals, especially the last two semesters.
“I think that’s very important for resumes and future opportunities,” Monette said.
Nithya Shankar, assistant professor of marketing, has Monette in three of her courses this semester.
“Although I haven’t known her for as many semesters as I’ve known some of my students, she definitely stands out as someone who is very determined,” Shankar said. “Sometimes when you interact with someone for the first time you can tell they will go the distance.”
Shankar said Monette is very active in class and gives good insight.
“She’s someone who’s not afraid to communicate with me and that is something I really like about her,” Shankar said.
Although she isn’t involved in any organizations on campus, Monette hopes to join the American Marketing Association next semester.
In her free time, when she isn’t doing school work, Monette enjoys spending time with family and friends and getting outside.
