"Find your passion and figure out a realistic way to get a career path that aligns with it.&quo

Imagine picking up right after graduation to move your entire life in 2 suitcases -- from Georgia to NYC! Kelsea Purpura has followed her dreams and now works for NBCUniversal as a Client Relations & Marketing Operations Coordinator in the world renowned 30 Rock. Her story is newsworthy!

1. What's your story? What makes you unique?

Ever since I began high school I knew I wanted a career in TV or film, so I entered college as a broadcast news major. I quickly decided that being a reporter wasn’t for me and switched to advertising in hopes of getting into the business side of the entertainment industry. When sophomore year ended I interned with Scripps Networks in their Chicago digital ad sales office, which allowed me to network with Food Network employees (at the time Food Network was my dream company). I kept in touch with a handful of the employees I corresponded with and ended up with the Food Network consumer marketing internship in New York the following summer. The internship confirmed that I had to live in New York and that marketing in the TV industry was the right fit for me. After graduating in December 2012 I accepted a job offer from NBCUniversal, packed my life into two suitcases, and moved up to the Big Apple.

2. What motivates you?

I’m lucky that I discovered my passion early on and was able to land a job I love right out of school. The fact that I love the nature of my work and get to interact with such influential and interesting people everyday motivates me to constantly challenge myself at work. Personally, I’m very motivated by my parents’ paths to success. Money was never plentiful in their families, so they worked hard to educate themselves and make smart financial decisions. Because of their hard work I was able to explore my interests and use their knowledge as a platform for my own success.

3. Who is a hero of yours?

My parents are my biggest heroes. My dad is one of the hardest working people I know and taught me how to tackle any obstacle that comes my way. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, which was a complete life-changer, but he remained strong and persevered through the harsh treatments. His bravery and determination to get through the tough times will always serve as a great example of how I should live my life. My mom has proven to be one of the strongest women I know. Her love is completely selfless and she always taught me to look at the silver lining in a situation.

4. What's your future plan? Your goals?

I don’t have any specific plan or goals because there are still a lot of possible career paths I could take and I’m interested in way too many of them. I have, however, found that I love the event planning portion of my job the most. Right now I’m trying to steer my career in that direction while staying within the TV industry. For now, though, I’m trying to learn as much as I can and jumping into opportunities that allow me to grow.

5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Find your passion and figure out a realistic way to get a career path that aligns with it. The most successful people have enormous dreams that can seem daunting, but as long as you make the right connections and take baby steps you’ll be on your way to achieving them. Don’t be scared to hold out for an opportunity you’ve been chasing, but make sure you’re qualified and prepared to jump right in. Lastly, take advantage of the resources around you. My boss and coworkers have years more of experience than I do, so I’m constantly asking them for advice and enjoy all of their stories.

6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?

I’m lucky enough to have had a plethora of positive role models growing up, which I never take for granted. I feel especially fond of organizations that provide mentorships to teens/young adults who aren’t as lucky as I was. It helps to have a cheerleader in your corner to give you advice and lead by example. I want kids to know that it’s truly possible to achieve your dreams as long as you work hard and work smart.

7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?

My mind is blown pretty much everyday of my life. I’m constantly meeting the most interesting and intelligent people while attending tapings, shows, and other NBC-related events. I especially love the fact that my position requires regular interaction with the industry’s top executives. And on top of all that, I live in the best city on Earth!