Chances are if you have attended events on campus, you have encountered junior Kirsten Knott. Whether working with Campus Ministries, running events with the Gaelic Society or trying to motivate current Public Relations majors in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Knott rarely sits on the sidelines.  The Ionian caught up with this week’s Killian Challenge winner to highlight one of Iona’s best Gaels.

 Did you know that you wanted to enter the field of Public Relations when you started Iona?

Originally I was an English major, but I soon discovered that I want to work in a more fast paced environment. I knew media was the way to go. Since becoming a PR major, I have done an internship a Mitchell Manning, a non-profit public relations agency for interior design and I was recently hired as a PR intern at Fox for the summer which I’m really excited about.

Congratulations! That sounds like a great opportunity. You mentioned earlier that you were involved with PRSSA. Could you elaborate more on what is PRSSA?

PRSSA basically tried to give PR students more hands on experience with public relations. Right now we have clients on and off campus with whom we work to create media campaigns and publicity. Off campus we work with the Red Cross in creating publicity on Patch.com, etc. On campus we work with ICTV and currently we are working on publicizing their film festival.

Do you and the other members of PRSSA have any goals looking forward to next year?

Well, this year I was the firm manager for PRSSA and I was just elected as next year’s President which is another exciting opportunity that I am looking forward to. Eventually I would like for PRSSA to make more connections with PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) to create more opportunities for students in the professional world?

You were recently involved with the St. Baldrick’s event. How did you become involved with that?

I was literally thrown into it. I’m a member of the Gaelic Society and they asked for volunteers for a committee to take it on, so I volunteered on a whim. But, everyone has been so amazing and it is such an amazing cause. As of this interview we are so close to our goal of $9,000 and I am sure it will be surpassed at the event.

What are your interests?

Well, on campus I love Campus Ministries. I’m actually leading a mission trip to Chicago working with impoverished people in the city. I am definitely looking forward to experiencing that with my team. In terms of things that I do in my spare time, I have recently dabbled in crochet.

Crochet? That’s cool, how is that going?

Well, my first project was an infinity scarf, but I am pretty sure I’m never going to get it done. I’ll have to pick it up again sometime.

You’re going to be a senior next year. What are you most looking forward to?

It’s so weird because I don’t feel like an adult, but I am excited to enter the real world. I definitely am going to take in my last year at Iona and just have a great experience.

What would your dream job be?

Because there are so many aspects to PR, I don’t know what specifically I want to do, but I may want to work for a nonprofit organization like Invisible Children or even somewhere like Fox. As long as I love what I’m doing I’ll be happy. Honestly, I’ll love anyone who hires me after graduation [laughs].

Just for fun, what was the last book you read?

‘White Oleander’ by Janet Fitch. I saw the movie first and I loved it, so I decided to read the book. The way the author writes is so detailed and eloquent that I was addicted. Right now, though, I think I really need to start reading The Hunger Games!