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Student leadership: Jailine McElroy '21 is president of USI Economics Club. She is a marketing major and earning an associate's degree in social sciences with an economics focus. Get to know Jailine as she talks about her college career at USI and Romain College of Business. 

jailine in front of a rosebushWhat makes USI and the Romain College of Business special to you?
The sense of community and genuine comradery is what makes Romain College of Business special to me. I am a creature of habit and quite cozy in my comfort zone. The staff is so passionate and works diligently to create an environment that will nurture success. This has encouraged me to branch out into like-minded groups and explore things I might not have.

What are some of your favorite classes at Romain College and why?
Economics classes tend to be my favorite because it has provided the best context to how to think and solve real world problems. I liked philosophy.

Are you active in any other student organizations at USI?
I attend some BSU & MCC meetings. They are always to well put together and informational.

Why did you choose your current major and minor?
I like people but I realized I wasn’t the greatest salesperson. I decided I enjoyed consumer behavior and market research more and that’s where the economics has helped me.

What has surprised you about college?
It really does fly by even more so during the pandemic, how its helped me come to better know myself as a person. These truly are transformative years of our lives.

What school project are you most proud of and why?
My econ project from my study abroad trip about the impacts of lack of adequate healthcare on the mortality rate of minority women and impoverished women.

What are some of your favorite spots on campus and why?
My favorite is the UC because you have easy access to everything you need. Food, books, quiet spaces, and plenty of friendly conversation.

What advice do you have for incoming freshmen? What do you wish someone had told you?
Talk to as many people as you can! I am not great at networking, putting myself out there so to speak, so I’d say attend one (or a bunch) of the MANY programs the college hosts to pick the brain of people who are eager to tell you about things they love.

Do you have a strategy for staying focused when the demands of school, work, etc. seem overwhelming?
I am an avid break taker and fully support going at your own pace. Better systems = better results. Find what helps you be your best, and only say yes to things that support that and no to things that don’t.

Who is your mentor?
I’m not sure what counts as an official mentor these days, but the following are representative of role models without a doubt: Dr. Daria (Sevastianova), Professor (Cindi) Clayton, Director Pam Hopson, Jada Hogg, Dr. Brandy Neal, Coach K (Dr. Kevin Celuch), and Dr. Rochon.

As your organization’s president/chair, what are some things you hope to achieve?
I hope to expose more people to the complexities of economics through real-life situations and mind-blowing experiences as Dr. Daria has done for me!

What made you decide to pursue being an officer of your organization?
I am forever inspired by the passion Dr. Daria has for what she does. She has provided me with the opportunity to take advantage of such transformative life experiences that will forever impact not only my academic career but my perspective on life as well. I am grateful to be a part of it.

Tell us more about your student organization and why USI students should get involved with it!
The Economics Club has already organized several events for this semester that include: a speaker series about careers in data analytics, collaborations with the University of Arizona and VP of the Federal Reserve of St. Louis Nikki Lanier, collaboration with labor market expert Dr. Betsey Stevenson from Econ Club of Georgia Western University, and internship opportunities with Econ Games sponsored by Federal Reserve of Cleveland scheduled for 2022.

If you knew you wouldn’t fail, what thing would you do?
Become an economist (LOL).

Published September 13, 2021