THE EFFORT AND SACRIFICE REQUIRED TO HONOR A FAMILY LEGACY
By Marianne Kornelius, Media Planning Intern, Publicis Health Media
As an only child of immigrants from Indonesia and the first in my family to attend university, I often felt the pressure and burden of my family’s expectations for me to succeed. While I appreciate that the achievements I’ve worked hard for were not handed to me easily, I also understand that being a first-generation American means taking the mantle of my forebears, which includes bringing honor and respect to the previous generations that worked so hard to help get me to where I am today.
I am keenly aware that I have a responsibility to continue my family’s legacy, but I also know that I am entitled to making my own choices and pursuing my own happiness. For me, life has been more difficult than it should be, but I believe a robust character is found in conflict and adversity. When there are low moments, there also are high moments—and I feel both ends of the spectrums deeply. The journey through life becomes worthwhile, and it is a sweeter ride. I can testify that graduating later than expected due to financial challenges can be disappointing, but sometimes circumstances are out of one’s control.
I had to pause my university studies and work full-time at a restaurant for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic to earn money to pay for tuition. Re-enrolling in school in the fall 2021 semester was a huge achievement for me, and I was determined not to take this second chance for granted. I immediately joined Temple University’s American Marketing Association club to further broaden my experience and network. The student professional organization led me to Publicis Health as they also are one of the club’s sponsors. Hearing from a club mentor about their own experience interning at Publicis sparked an interest in me. She spoke highly of the work culture, the leadership, and the people she worked with that made her time there unforgettable.
I began to research and plan my application for the Publicis Health Summer 2022 Internship. Over the course of the semester, there were events that maintained my kindling spark for Publicis Health. By participating in a career and internship reception, I was introduced to an amazing program manager, Lori DePace. There was an opportunity to join a mock interview with real employees at Publicis Health that gave me an advantage. I was lucky that TU-AMA scheduled an office tour that allowed me to envision the potential future. The level of engagement that Publicis Health continued to display throughout the semester was an indicator to me that I had found the right company.
As I write this blog entry, I am proud to be a Media Planning Intern at Publicis Health Media in Philadelphia. Although the internship program began last month, I’ve already gained so much insight into what an agency career looks like. My media team has been warm and welcoming, and my fellow interns are quick to befriend me. I can conclude that I am certain I am in the right place, collaborating with passionate individuals, and continuously pushing the limits in my capabilities. This summer experience is a reminder that nothing is handed to you—anything of value requires effort and sacrifice. I am a first-generation only child and the best way I can honor this legacy is to always try.
Marianne Kornelius is a 2022 Media Planning Intern at Publicis Health Media in Philadelphia. She is studying Marketing at Temple University’s Fox School of Business (Class of 2023). Marianne serves as Director of Cherry Consulting, a student-run marketing firm in Temple’s Collegiate Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Apart from work and school, Marianne loves to be down in Ocean City, NJ, in the summer and can be found in various coffee shops in the city. She serves as a worship leader and social media coordinator at City Life Church in South Philadelphia.
