Meet the Student Team

Ever wonder who helps us take photos, edit videos, create social media posts and boost campaigns? Our very own YSU students, that's who! Meet the social media student crew — Alyssa Osman (communication studies), Alyssa Cifalde (telecommunication studies), Cole Kistler (communication studies & telecommunication studies), Vajanae Turner (communication studies), Calley Baxter (communication studies - media), and Nathan Mitchell (marketing management).

We're thankful to have them on board — our student employees make all the difference in our offices!

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Alyssa Osman

Major: Communication Studies - Interpersonal/Organizational Track

Hometown: Lowellville, Ohio

What you do for YSU Marketing in your own words:
My time in the Marketing Department consists of analyzing data, conducting account audits, attending events, creating content, and researching current trends in the industry. I love my job because it has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in my field, while connecting with people from different departments across campus. I have also made many friends along the way. 

Why you chose YSU:
My senior year of high school, I shadowed the Director of Marketing at YSU for a school project and found an interest in Marketing and Communications. I chose YSU so I would be able to stay with my family and save money. I also knew the opportunities for involvement and experience were endless here. The resources and opportunities YSU offers to their students was very appealing. Fast forward, here I am going into my senior year, working in the Office of Marketing and Communications with the same guy I shadowed four years ago. I couldn't be more grateful for the things I've learned and the people who have taught me. (Crying tears of joy)

Fun Fact:
The week that the pandemic hit the US, I was studying abroad with my Communication in Sports Media class. Within 3 days of being there, the country was going into lockdown and the borders were closing. We thought we were stuck, but we made it home safely thanks to the International Programs Office. Despite the chaos, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I recommend studying abroad to anyone and everyone! 

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Alyssa Cifalde

Major: Telecommunication Studies

Hometown: Poland, OH

What you do for YSU Marketing in your own words:
I’m Student Videographer/Photographer Assistant for Marketing and Communications, so my responsibilities revolve around shooting and editing videos and capturing photos around campus. If you have used YSU GIFs on Instagram, I’ve probably made a few of them! I love that I’m able to work behind the scenes and create content that YSU students, staff, and alumni are going to see for a while. I feel extremely proud and excited seeing the reactions to what I’ve made or help make once something is posted. I’m grateful I’ve been able to work with fun and supportive supervisors and fellow student employees while with YSU Marketing! 

Why you chose YSU:
I chose YSU because it was both close to home and in the family. My mother graduated from the university and my sister was still in school when I started. It was nice being able to sit with her when we both had breaks in between classes.

YSU also had a program that fit my interests and career goals. The employment and academic opportunities I’ve had at Youngstown State have been beneficial to my life post-graduation; I wouldn’t trade it for any other university.

Fun Fact:
I was in the audience of the Ellen DeGeneres Show once! I won tickets to be on a show taping and flew out to L.A. with my mom and sister just for that. It was so cool being in an actual television studio and seeing celebrities so up-close (Ellen, Amy Schumer, Jared Leto). I left with an Amazon gift card, a new crockpot (3 of them), and tickets to a 30 Seconds to Mars concert! One of the top 10 days I’ve lived so far.

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Calley Baxter

Major: Communication Studies - Media Track

Hometown: Hubbard, OH

What you do for YSU Marketing in your own words:
I'm one of the Social Media Student Assistants for YSU Marketing and Communications! Some of my responsibilities include scheduling posts, analyzing data, or creating graphics for social media. This position allows me to apply the knowledge I've learned inside the classroom and provides me with hands-on experience. Working with fellow YSU students and my supervisors has been so fun and I'm grateful for this opportunity!

Why you chose YSU:
I chose YSU because it's affordable and close to home! I'm also a first-generation college student and knew YSU offers many services to help students outside of the classroom.
My YSU experience has been amazing and I'm so thankful for the knowledge and opportunities it's given me.

Fun Fact:
While at YSU, I was a cast member at Walt Disney World! I participated in the Disney College Program and earned internship credit. I lived and worked in Disney World, selling Mickey pretzels and ice cream bars. This is one of my favorite college experiences!

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Cole Kistler

Major: Communication Studies (Media Track) & Telecommunication Studies (Media Arts Track)

What you do for YSU Marketing in your own words:
I work as an assistant to the main YSU social media accounts creating audits, assisting in campaigns, and working in videography and editing. I love this job because it allows me work with a great team while doing the thing I love most, making content!  

Why you chose YSU:
YSU has so many great programs and opportunities to learn. But I think my favorite part about YSU, and the reason why I transferred here, is because of our culture. The people around believe that you can do anything with just a little hard work and passion, and that edge the city has is really endearing. 

Fun Fact:
One time I drove to Washington D.C. at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday, arriving at 1:00 AM on Wednesday, then drove back home to get to work at 10:00 AM the same day. Why would I do this? It started off as a joke, then someone told me I wouldn't actually do it, so I did it. That's what I call determination!

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Vajanae Turner

Major: Communication Studies Minoring in Business Marketing 

Hometown: Warren, OH

What you do for YSU Marketing in your own words:
I help plan lifestyle content for WCBA (Williamson College of Business Administration) social media platforms focusing more on Instagram and Twitter. 

Why you chose YSU:
I chose YSU because it's close to home and gives me the opportunity to get involved in the community.

Fun Fact:
A fun fact about me is that I like to collect coasters. It's a fun thing I do when I'm traveling, and reminds me of the places I've been.

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Nathan Mitchell

Major: Marketing Management with a minor in Finance

Hometown: Girard, OH

What you do for YSU Marketing in your own words:
I help plan content for the WCBA (Williamson College of Business Administration) social media pages, as well as respond to student questions about the WCBA.

Why you chose YSU:
I chose YSU because of how affordable it is and how close I live to it. 

Fun Fact:
A fun fact about me is that I have traveled to, and done something, in 25 out of the 50 states. I have also been to Canada and the Bahamas.