Hello! My name is Marissa Lightkep and I am a senior at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Communication. 

Upon receiving my Bachelors degree, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a Masters degree in Counseling Education. My dream is to work as a licensed counselor in an inner-city elementary school. I am currrently a student mentor to a third grader in James Island, South Carolina. Not only do I enjoy being her mentor, role model, and friend, but in return she inspires me. I find beauty in the innocence  of children and I hope to become a counselor in order shape that innocence into a sharp understanding of self-worth, personal uniqueness, talents, capabilities, and gently yet effectively push each child to strive towards personal excellence.  

As a Philadelphia native, I enjoy spending time with my parents, sisters, and friends. I spend my summers in Ocean City, New Jersey. I love being active and exploring new places; I have been in Charleston for almost four years and it continues to astonish me every day. One day I hope to travel to Santorini, Greece as well as Bora Bora, Tahiti. I enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, Zumba fitness, psychology, music, and naps on the beach.

My favorite book is the Perks of Being a Wallflower because it is intimate, eerie, and has a strong psychological background. My favorite television show is Modern Family for many reasons- but most of all because it makes me laugh. I firmly believe laughing is one of the most important things in life and is one of the best remedies out there.

I am most grateful for my happiness, my hard-working and loving parents, and my two beautiful sisters who have grown to be wonderful, successful, happy, and inspiring women. I am blessed to have four healthy family members as my role models. I am also unbelievably grateful for my CofC education; the College of Charleston has taught me, both inside and outside of the classroom, life lessons that I will carry with me wherever my future may lead.