The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Illinois State University is off to a great start this semester. The department has a team of dedicated, hard-working students known as FCS Ambassadors who promote the FCS sequences throughout the year. Cristin Colgan, a food and nutrition management major, and interior and environmental design major Rachael Parker, are among the handful of undergraduate and graduate students representing their department this year.
In order to become a FCS Ambassador, you must be nominated by a professor within the department. After that, an application is to be completed, followed by a review process. Those who choose to join as a FCS Ambassador are certain to have their work cut out for them. The FCS Ambassadors play a big role throughout open house events, academic presentations, FCS Kickoff, Family Weekend and Red & White Day on campus. Needless to say, these students stay busy.
Aside from attending events, FCS Ambassadors are responsible for sending the FCS Communications Manager, Miranda Puskar, two photos each week displaying involvement throughout each ambassador’s sequence for the “ISUFCS” Instagram account. Each FCS Ambassador is also accountable for writing one blog for the Stories section found on Illinois State University’s website.
“I love sharing my experiences here at ISU with other students and telling them how happy I am in my FCS sequence,” said Colgan.
Colgan committed to be a FCS Ambassador because she remembered the guidance that former students had given her during her early years in the department. She remembers their advice gave her the comfort and reassurance she needed to be where she is today. She wanted to become an FCS Ambassador to give back and help other students in her department or interested in FCS who may have questions or need assistance while trying to understand their sequence.
“Being an ambassador has taught me the importance of being a leader. Many individuals are unaware of everything that our programs have to offer. It is my responsibility to speak up to others and spread the knowledge of our program,” said Parker.
Parker is looking forward to all the student tours and events where the ambassadors can show the different components of the Department of Family Consumer Sciences. Her favorite part of being an ambassador is being able to talk to perspective students about FCS programs and what they have to offer.
To learn more about the Department of Family and Consumer Science Ambassadors, please contact FCS Chairperson, Ani Yazedjian, at ayazedj@ilstu.edu.
