Lawrese Brown has found her way at Gettysburg, first to a major that she created herself, and then, via the College's career development network, to a New York City internship.

At first, she wasn't sure that a small, liberal-arts school was for her, but then she realized "You don't want to be a number on campus. You want that student-teacher relationship."

And her decision has paid off. Professors in fields as far flung as acting, political science, education, and philosophy helped focus her societal awareness and hone her communication skills. And working with underprivileged children through the College's Center for Public Service revealed that her love of people could be translated into activism.

It all came together in her interdisciplinary major, Writing for Public Policy, which she and her faculty collaborators designed around a specific set of practical skills. "Providing information, building awareness, and creating interest - the fundamental goals of public relations are mirrored in public policy," Brown said. "Essentially, I want to be a mediator between the policy and the people."

A paid internship in the College's Office of Communications & Public Relations helped solidify her career direction, providing hands-on experience with everything from writing news releases to shooting video.

The next step came through the College's Center for Career Development, which sponsored a career-networking event in New York City. Students met Gettysburg alumni and parents who work in accounting, finance, marketing and human resources. Feeling empowered by her experience in the Big Apple, Brown applied for -- and won -- an internship with YES, the New York Yankees regional sports network, which is planned this coming summer.

"Whether it's faculty or alumni, if you're willing to put in the effort, somebody at Gettysburg will help you accomplish your goal," Brown said. "At Gettysburg, if you can dream it up, you get there."

Brown is a member of the Class of 2010.

Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences.

With a student body of approximately 2,500, it is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. The college was founded in 1832.

Contact: Jim Hale, online content editor