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2018 Outstanding Senior: Marissa Jefferson

Marissa JeffersonMarissa Jefferson, an interior design alumna, was one of nine 2018 Outstanding Seniors honored for academic and outreach excellence by the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

When looking back on her time as an undergraduate student, Jefferson knows she may not have experienced everything life at WVU has to offer. But, the Waldorf, Maryland, native still has plenty of fond memories.

To gain design experience and a greater understanding of other cultures, Jefferson spent a semester abroad studying in London.

"The interior design program at WVU is unique in the sense that studying abroad is part of the curriculum," she said. "The English culture is quite like ours, but there are also many unique differences. England also has an incredible architectural history."

She also had the privilege of being a member of the Mountaineer Marching Band.

For the piccolo player, the band was the primary reason she chose to study at WVU.

"It has been such a rewarding experience," Jefferson said. "Not many people can say they experienced what it feels like to run out of the tunnels on game day into a stadium full of Mountaineer fans!"

Now a WVU graduate, Jefferson plans to work for a design firm in the Washington, D.C., area. 

Why do you think you’re one of the college’s top outstanding seniors?

Being selected as one of the Davis College outstanding seniors is an honor to me, and I was actually very surprised to find that I was nominated. I think I was selected because of my dedication to my academics.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would tell my freshman self to try new things and step outside my bubble more. WVU is a large university, and I’m sure I haven’t experienced many things that are essential when you become a Mountaineer. I did make myself a senior bucket list and have crossed off quite a bit since last fall.

If you could trade places with one person for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could trade places with someone for a day, I would trade places with a royal. I find the royal family fascinating. I would be very intrigued to see how many things they have on their agenda in a day. They are involved with so many organizations, charities, and projects and I think it would be interesting how they balance all their duties. It also would be awesome to see the royal residences.

What problem do you want to solve?

I am someone who likes to experience and get a taste of many things. I am very excited to try and experience things in this industry. Two aspirations of mine would be to live and work in London for an extended period and to work for Disney. I think it would be very rewarding to be  a part of a group that designs and creates places for families to enjoy and make memories.

lw/5/15/18