They say the third time’s the charm, but I’m really hoping to get lucky on the second.
Hi! My name is Leesa Love and this is not my first go-around at Florida State, nor is librarianship my first career path. I first attended FSU from 2013 to 2017 while pursuing a bachelor’s in English (Editing Writing and Media). Between classes I would spend part of my time running The Kudzu Review and First Book FSU, painting faces with the Lady Spirithunters, singing with the Women’s Glee Club, and reshelving books in Strozier’s Special Collections department.
While I had aspirations to become a book editor, I landed squarely in web content marketing after graduation—not the most glamorous or ethical industry to be in, unfortunately, but I’ll spare you the details. Despite having some success as a writer and editor in this arena, the events of 2020 left me—like many others—discontent with the path I was on and seeking desperately for more meaningful work. I spent a lot of time thinking about what that would look like for me and reflecting on jobs I’ve had in the past, which inevitably led me back to the library. I had always looked back on my time with FSU Libraries fondly, and the skills I’d obtained since then aligned in such a way that pivoting to librarianship just felt right.
Fast forward to now: I’m in my final semester in the Master of Science in Information program and have the pleasure of working as a graduate assistant in the Office of Digital Research and Scholarship at FSU Libraries. Much of the work I do relates to digital humanities, which includes performing consultations for the CreateFSU program.
Upon graduating, I hope to secure a position that involves digital/information/media literacy, instruction, and student engagement at an academic library. I consider myself fairly comfortable with technology after working in web content for several years; I’m also a big fan of podcasts and podcasting (you can check out the podcast I produced with my partner, OSTs and Heartbreak). That being said, what I’m looking forward to most in this class is learning more about photo and video editing, particularly composition.
Beyond my professional life, I’m a bit of a hobby collector. Some of my favorites include reading, singing, and just about any DIY project or craft I can teach myself. When it’s not absolutely boiling outside, I love to roller skate and explore the walking trails all around my home in South Florida.
Hi, Leesa! Your path has been so interesting! I wonder what, exactly, one does when working in a web content marketing. I am so far from marketing, I just have no idea. Were you allowed any creative freedoms in such a job? This is also my final semester in the MSI program, though I have no idea what I want to be doing after graduation. I like your idea of working with information literacy and instruction in an academic library; working in an academic library could be very rewarding. I love that you make a podcast about video game soundtracks. Have you played Outer Wilds? If so, what do you think about that soundtrack and the way it interplays with the game?
Hey! The level of creativity allowed really depended on the company, but there certainly wasn’t enough for my taste! I much prefer writing as a hobby than a job at this point. I am definitely hoping librarianship will feel more rewarding!
And I haven’t played Outer Wilds, but I will definitely add it to my list! We’ve had the podcast on hiatus for awhile as I finish this program, but I’m hoping we can start it up again soon!
Hi Leesa! I think it’s incredibly cool to choose the job you’re pursuing and to make a fresh start. I once doubted the meaning of my work but lacked the courage to let go. When I look back now, I feel like I wasted some important times of my life. Therefore, I believe you’re making the right decision, and welcome back to FSU where your undergraduate life seems wonderfully vibrant! Additionally, I’ve listened to your podcasts, which I find they’re really interesting. My favorite one is the “Persona 5 and Chill” episode and I’m eagerly looking forward to more episodes.
That’s so sweet that you listened to them, thank you! Hopefully we’ll be able to start making more soon!
Hi Leesa, Great to meet you! It sounds like you might have things figured out on the second try…librarianship will suit you wonderfully. I, too, had an English undergrad and worked in marketing before finding my way back to the library and this program. That’s so cool that you work in the Office of Digital Research and Scholarship at FSU Libraries; do you think you will stay at FSU after graduation, or look elsewhere? Best of luck to you in your new career path!
Thank you! And I would absolutely love to stay at FSU! Unfortunately, the graduate assistantship runs out when I graduate, but I’m hoping something opens up soon!
Hi Leesa! Congrats on being in your final semester and so close to your second graduation from FSU! It must feel really good to know that you are tying together your love of books and libraries with your interests in music and humanities. I think it’s way cool that you were in the FSU Glee Club; I sang in my high school choir, but I never thought about joining a choir in college. What got you interested in singing? What was your favorite performance at FSU, and what is your favorite style/genre to sing? I also saw that you worked in Special Collections at Strozier; I worked there as an undergrad as well and loved my time there. What was your favorite project or display that you worked on during your time at Strozier? Having a podcast is pretty cool, too! Are you hoping for a career path after you graduate that will include some sort of performance or broadcasting component? I hope the perfect academic library position is waiting for you so you can tie all of your passions together!