Marissa Cheslock

Empowering, interdisciplinary, challenging, purposeful, transformative.

The University Honors Program is for me because it gives me space to explore what I care about beyond the classroom. I’ve taken courses on climate change, global design, and writing that truly felt personal. Through UHP, I’ve grown as a leader, had the chance to mentor students, and challenged myself to think bigger about the kind of impact I want to have. It’s pushed me to ask better questions, connect with people outside my usual circles, and stay curious. I’m someone who always likes to stay busy and learn something new, and UHP has been a big part of helping me do that with purpose.

The Global Social Innovation seminar had the biggest impact on me because it completely shifted how I think about design. It helped me step outside the context of fashion and see how my creative skills could be used to solve real-world problems in other spaces, like healthcare or education. I learned how to observe more intentionally, ask better questions, and design with people, not just for them. This course helped me connect the dots between creativity, strategy, and empathy, which has become a huge part of how I want to approach my career. It also opened the door to a co-op at the Livewell Collaborative, where I got to apply those skills on multi-disciplinary teams. More than anything, it showed me that design has no limits, which is something I can bring value in spaces I hadn’t considered before.

If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice in my first semester at UHP, it would be: don’t be afraid to try things you aren’t sure about, because you might just end up loving them. Some of my favorite experiences, like Global Social Innovation or studying in India, started with me feeling unsure or outside my comfort zone. But every time I said yes to something unfamiliar, I learned more about myself and what I’m capable of. The risks are always worth it.

This year, I’m most looking forward to diving into my Fashion Design Capstone project, where I can bring together everything I’ve learned and really define my personal style as a designer. I’m also excited to grow as a leader through my role as President of TEDxUCincinnati and as a UHP Ambassador, where I get to support other students and help build a strong, connected community. As it’s my final year, I want to make the most of every opportunity, contribute meaningfully, and finish strong!