What do marketing, HR and a mascot have in common at Keiser?

Edessa Calles’ college experience included two roles that put her in close contact with the Keiser University community: Resident Assistant and School Mascot. Both came while she was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at the university’s Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Originally from Macomb, Michigan, Calles graduated in 2026 with concentrations in Marketing and Human Resources. Her decision to pursue an interdisciplinary degree came from an interest in different areas of business.

Interdisciplinary studies at Keiser University

Calles chose Keiser University’s Flagship Campus in part because of its location in West Palm Beach, where she saw an opportunity to experience college in a different environment.

“One of the biggest things that attracted me to Keiser University’s Flagship Campus was its location in West Palm Beach, Florida. I was drawn to the opportunity to attend college in such a vibrant and growing area. West Palm Beach offered a unique combination of professional opportunities, community involvement, and an exciting environment outside of the classroom.”

Her Interdisciplinary Studies degree brought together two areas of business: Marketing and Human Resources. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, the program allowed her to pursue coursework across both concentrations.

“I chose Keiser University because I was looking for a program that would allow me to explore multiple areas of business while gaining practical, career-focused experience in a campus location that was different than what I was used to. My studies in Marketing strengthened my skills in communication, branding, social media, and understanding consumer behavior, while my Human Resources concentration gave me insight into leadership, recruitment, staffing, employee relations, and organizational development.”

Her academic work was matched with responsibilities that placed her across campus life, including working directly with other students.

Student life at Keiser University’s Flagship campus

As a Resident Assistant, Calles worked with students from different backgrounds and with different personalities. The position required her to respond to concerns and situations that could vary from one student to another.

“I had to be approachable, listen to concerns, help resolve problems, and adapt my communication style depending on the situation. This experience also strengthened my leadership, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.”

Her next campus role required a different form of interaction. As Keiser University’s School Mascot, Calles could no longer rely on spoken communication.

“Serving as Keiser University’s School Mascot taught me a different side of communication. Since I was unable to communicate through words, I had to rely on body language, energy, and nonverbal communication to connect with students, families, and the community. It taught me how important it is to understand your audience and find creative ways to engage with different people.”

The two roles gave her different ways to interact with the university community.

“Overall, both roles helped me become a more adaptable and confident communicator. They showed me that effective communication is not one-size-fits-all and that connecting with people often requires adjusting your approach to fit the person and situation.”

Keiser University School Mascot: Football games and campus community

Some of Calles’ clearest memories from her time as the school mascot came during football games, where she interacted with students, athletes, and fans.

“One of my most memorable experiences as Keiser University’s mascot was being part of the football games. The energy of game day was always exciting, especially being out on the field and interacting with the students, fans, and athletes. I loved helping build school spirit and seeing how much excitement the mascot could bring to the crowd.”

The experience also gave her a different perspective on the role that campus events can play in bringing students and others together.

“What stayed with me most was the sense of community during those games. Everyone came together to support Keiser, and I had the opportunity to be part of creating that experience. Whether I was cheering on the team, interacting with students, or getting the crowd energized, it was rewarding to see people smiling and enjoying themselves while having no idea who I truly was under the suit.”

Outside the mascot suit, her college experience also gave her opportunities to connect what she was learning with experiences beyond the classroom.

“Throughout my time at Keiser, I also had opportunities to apply what I was learning through hands-on experiences, campus involvement, and professional roles. These experiences helped me realize that I enjoy working with people, communicating ideas, and contributing to the growth and success of an organization.”

Life after graduating from Keiser University

After graduating in 2026, Calles began working while focusing on her professional goals. She is interested in building a career that brings together the areas she explored during her undergraduate studies.

“I am currently working while pursuing my professional goals and focusing on building a successful career. After graduating from Keiser University, I have been focused on finding opportunities where I can continue to grow, apply the skills I developed in marketing and human resources, and gain valuable professional experience.”

She sees leadership as part of her longer-term professional plans.

“My long-term goal is to build a career where I can combine my creativity, communication skills, leadership abilities, and interest in working with people. I am especially interested in opportunities that will challenge me, allow me to continue learning, and provide room for professional growth. Ultimately, I hope to become a successful business professional and grow into leadership roles where I can make a meaningful impact within an organization.”

The transition after graduation has also meant adjusting to a different daily environment. Leaving campus meant being away from the friends, activities, and community that had been part of her routine.

“One of the biggest transitions I have faced since graduating has been adjusting to a completely different lifestyle and being away from the friends and community I became so used to during college. At Keiser, I was constantly surrounded by friends, campus activities, and opportunities to be involved. Moving away from that environment meant adjusting to a new routine and learning how to build a life outside of the campus community that had become such a big part of my everyday life.”

Keiser University Graduate looks ahead

For Calles, the period after graduation has involved defining her professional direction while adjusting to life outside the campus environment.

“One of the accomplishments I am most proud of since graduating is successfully transitioning into this new chapter of my life. Graduation was a major milestone, but I am also proud of how I have continued to push myself outside of my comfort zone afterward.”

“Since leaving the familiar environment and community I had at Keiser University, I have been focused on building my professional future, pursuing new opportunities, and figuring out what I want the next chapter of my life to look like. While that transition has not always been easy, I am proud that I have remained motivated and continued working toward my goals.”

For Calles, the most significant change wasn’t related to a specific course or role, but rather to how she started to view her future.

“Looking back at the student I was when I first arrived at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus, I think the biggest change is the way I look at the world and my future. When I first arrived, I had goals and ambitions, but I do not think I fully understood just how many possibilities and opportunities were available to me.”

Her experiences on campus also influenced how she approaches challenges and uncertainty.

“Throughout my college experience, I met different people, took on new roles, and stepped outside of my comfort zone in ways that helped me grow. Those experiences taught me to look at life in a more positive light and to see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than something to fear.

For current Keiser University students preparing for graduation, Calles has a straightforward message:

“My biggest advice to current Keiser students would be to take advantage of every opportunity and to not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. The world is filled with so many opportunities. Learn how to be okay with being uncomfortable because that is when you learn and grow personally and professionally.”

As she moves into the next stage of her career, Calles said she is comfortable with not having every step mapped out.

“I am leaving college with a much more positive outlook and a belief that there are so many possibilities ahead. While I may not have every step of my future completely planned out, I am excited by that. I have learned that some of the best experiences come from taking chances and being open to opportunities you never expected.”

About Keiser University:
Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University offers more than 100 degree programs from the associate to doctoral level. The University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and was ranked No. 1 in the nation for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report in 2023.