É«ÇéÊÓƵ

Kelly Hillock is a junior at É«ÇéÊÓƵ majoring in public relations with a minor in English. Hillock is the features editor for The Daily Aztec, community organizer for the Society of Professional Journalists and a member of É«ÇéÊÓƵ's chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

1. Why did you choose É«ÇéÊÓƵ?

I like to say É«ÇéÊÓƵ chose me — and to be honest, I'm really lucky it did. I wouldn't have the same opportunities anywhere else.

2. What inspired you to declare your major?

I wanted to be creative and bring people together and that's exactly what public relations allows me to do. In high school I held leadership roles in my theatre department and by my senior year, I was more interested in planning events and leading my peers than performing on stage.

3. What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

"Trust your intuition." My mom always told me that when I doubted myself and it gave me the confidence to trust myself. Similarly, one of my favorite quotes is by E.E. Cummings: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

4. What are your future goals?

Before I graduate, I want to take advantage of as much as I can here on campus. From participating in the Aztec Mentor Program and going on a trip with Aztec Adventures, I have a lot to do! My career goal is to pursue public relations in the theatre or hospitality/lifestyle industries. I envision my professional life to be just as dynamic as my life as a student.

5. What is the first website you look at every day?

Twitter. I skim through news and catch up on what's happening around the world.

6. What experience at É«ÇéÊÓƵ has changed your life the most?

On a whim, I decided to try writing at The Daily Aztec. The positive feedback I received and the interesting people I interviewed encouraged me to continue. The Daily Aztec has allowed me to grow as a writer and open my eyes to all the different facets of the Aztec experience. It’s an honor to contribute to this longstanding newspaper.

7. What is the most interesting or surprising thing about you?

I'm left-handed and I really enjoy art. I love strolling through art museums, learning about art history and I actually love watching PBS specials on art history.

Bonus Questions

1. What was the last movie you saw? Thumbs up or down?

I just watched "The Princess Bride" for the first time. Definitely a classic — thumbs up!

2. What city would you like to visit or visit again?

I visited Paris with a student ambassadors group when I was thirteen and I'd love to return, mostly because I didn't get the chance to eat a crêpe the first time around.

3. What kind of music do you listen to/what are your favorite bands?

Anything and everything from Pitbull to Matt Nathanson.