Josi Braithwaite: Finding her Passion in Speaking for Others

by Anne Reynolds

Josi Braithwaite: Finding her Passion in Speaking for Others

Josi Braithwaite
BA Communication

Coming to Mason in search of a career where she could “work with people and solve problems,” Josi Braithwaite began her studies as a business major. However, her COMM 204: Introduction to Public Relations elective clicked with her skills and interests and she quickly dove into coursework she loved.

Josi credits communication faculty member Suzanne Mims’s passion for public relations for guiding her into her area of study, and Wendy Grossman Kantor’s editorial eye for helping to hone her writing skills. Josi notes that her academic advisor, Catherine Wright, was instrumental in keeping her Mason career on track while she took part in a mission trip over three semesters, when she had access to a computer only once a week.

Josi aspires to work with a public relations firm in the northern Virginia area, and her immediate plans included serving as the student speaker at Mason’s Winter Graduation. Asked about advice she would give to herself as a new college student, she mentioned confidence and persistence, but added, “I wouldn’t … try to prevent any mistakes because I love my mistakes. The lessons I learned from my mistakes are priceless and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”