From West Lafayette to New Orleans: Saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity
By Abbey Maple, Senior, College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
When I transferred to Purdue University from Ivy Tech Community College, I sat in my first class of my major, COM 100, listening to upperclassmen. I immediately felt miles behind. Their advice to build a network and career from the student panel felt unattainable. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my experience at Purdue and in CLA would offer more opportunities than I would ever imagine. All I needed to do was start saying “yes.”
I was inspired to take advantage of the resources around me and act on opportunities. I worked hard and built relationships with professors. I said “yes” to a Pacers game with the CLA Learning Community, where I made my first professional connection with a communications partnership coordinator. I was so nervous, but the evening had a lasting impact.
I also said “yes” to joining the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), a decision that would eventually lead me all the way to New Orleans. Through PRSSA, I attended the Midwest District Conferences in both 2025 and 2026 with fellow Purdue students. I got a first-hand look at public relations jobs which solidified my passion for the field. I also saw how the skills I was learning in my classes, including storytelling, writing, persuasion and strategic thinking, translated directly into successful careers in public relations.
As I gained confidence through coursework and extracurriculars, I started applying for opportunities that had felt out of reach. I completed two communications internships. I also served as executive director for Purdue Student Government's Communications Committee and joined the International PRSSA Social Squad. Each opportunity came with new challenges, which always made me nervous. What I learned, however, is that confidence is built through experience. Every new endeavor helped prepare me for the next one, and I got better at saying “yes” no matter how nervous I felt.
I was able to confidently say “yes” to attend the 2026 PRSSA Leadership Assembly. The conference allowed me to connect with like-minded students. I made valuable connections and more than that, I gained friends I hope to stay in touch with throughout my career.
The conference reinforced many lessons Purdue had already begun teaching me. For example, things I perceived as low points, such as starting at community college, can be the highlight of my story during an interview. Now, I see my college path differently. I learned to manage commuting, balanced multiple responsibilities and navigated a university transfer. These things taught me adaptability and time management, which I use daily in my current internship.
Conference speakers emphasized the importance of asking questions, seeking new experiences and remaining open to learning. It reminded me of that first networking experience at the Pacers game and how much growth can come from simply being willing to start a conversation or raise your hand. I surprised myself when I stood up at one of the conference sessions and asked the panel a question. I was even praised by one of the professionals who said, “What a good question. Leave it to a Purdue student to ask a difficult one.”
One industry professional shared important advice with conference-goers: in a world increasingly shaped by AI, what makes people stand out is what makes them uniquely human. Skills like empathy, creativity, critical thinking and relationship building cannot be replaced – those same skills that I have developed through my communication courses.
Most importantly, the conference showed me how far I had come since that first day in COM 100. That new, scared Purdue student is now leading organizations, completing internships, attending national conferences and building a network of peers and professionals across the country.
As I prepare to graduate and pursue a career in public relations, I am grateful for every opportunity Purdue and the College of Liberal Arts have provided. Each experience has taught me something new, expanded my perspective and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
If there is one lesson I would share with other students, it is simple: say “yes.” You never know which opportunity, conversation or connection might change the course of your journey.