A writer? A marketer? A designer? An advocate? A farmer’s daughter? When I introduce myself, either formally or informally, I always struggle to narrow down the essence of my experiences into a simple sentence, one that grasps every part of who I am as a person, all my passions, and what I want to do in the future. It only took me four years of undergraduate studies, but I think I’ve finally figured it out. My name is Bailey Curtis, a multipotentialite learning to weave my interests in the most unconventional, diversified areas to synthesize new ideas.
I graduated in May 2020 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Life Sciences Communication and certificates in Business Management for Agricultural and Life Sciences, Education and Educational Services, and American Indian Studies. Unconventional, right? Exactly. And that’s the beauty in my experiences, and part of who I am.
Early in my undergraduate career, I developed a strong passion for written communication and the need to communicate authentically and accurately about complex, often polarized issues. My interests in written communication and cultural studies, with the help of an excellent instructor, led me to publish my first essay connecting national headlines to the university’s relations with Native American communities in 2017. Over the next several years as an undergraduate, I took several courses that piqued my interest in marketing, cultural studies, educational services, arts, and leadership. I also joined the Habitat for Humanity UW-Madison Campus Chapter and the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) to further refine my skills as a public relations director and graphic designer, advocate based on personal values, and meet the most tenacious, incredible colleagues I am honored to have in my network. These unconventional areas of study, paired with my student organization involvement, allowed me to blend each of my interests to leverage the professional expertise needed to navigate today’s most dynamic environments.
To further develop my writing abilities on an artistic level and to increase my knowledge in artistic enterprise operations, I joined the specialized master’s program as a graduate student with anticipation of promoting revitalization and communal success in Native American communities through arts and education after graduation. On a much more personal level, I also enjoy photography, crafting, the Oxford comma, and attending sporting events.
Over the next two semesters, I will be working with the Wisconsin Union Theater as a project manager. The current pandemic has created a multitude of unforeseen challenges in the performing arts sector, and through my applied learning placement, I will be researching strategies and opportunities for the continuation of performing arts and communal reach without the need for physical spaces.
Post-graduation I am currently looking to work for an organization supporting arts and education in Native American communities as I feel I can best offer my skills and knowledge using an interdisciplinary approach to work alongside marginalized communities. My ultimate career aspiration is to work in Nike’s N7 division promoting design efforts of Native American artists, a brand committed to the happiness, health, and success of Native American youth.
So, a writer? Yes. A marketer? Absolutely. A designer? Check. An advocate? Definitely. A farmer’s daughter? Always. And so much more. I’m grateful to this university for expanding my horizons and I welcome the opportunity to grow into new experiences and interests through the Bolz Center.
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