ASU grad’s passion for problem-solving led to second degree

After graduating with a degree in applied biological studies, Chelsie Marshall returned to ASU to earn a degree in forensic science. She spent time working in patient care after earning her first degree, and during this time she realized that problem-solving and critical thinking were the parts of her job that she enjoyed the most. Marshall learned that forensic science incorporated all of the job characteristics she was searching for, and she was excited to have the opportunity to continue her education at ASU. 

During her time as a student, Marshall was involved with Wellness at ASU and worked with different organizations to provide the best programs possible for ASU students. She started as a wellness supervisor and worked her way up to become the wellness coordinator at ASU’s West campus.

“I loved the job and wanted to be even more involved and became the wellness coordinator, which allowed me to work closely with many different organizations to make a more cohesive community feeling on campus,” she said.

Marshall loved working and studying at the West campus because of the calm environment and the small community.  

“I had the opportunity to really connect with a few of my professors and feel that I have built connections with them as well as my peers that I would not have had the chance to do otherwise,” she said.

Outside of school, Marshall participated in cosplay and designed her own costumes in her free time. She often cosplayed as strong female characters that demonstrated confidence and persistence during hard times.  

As she graduated, Marshall reflected with ASU Student Life about returning to ASU and her advice for current Sun Devils. 

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: After my first degree, I was preparing to go to medical school. I thought that's what I wanted to do, because the human body fascinated me. 

However, after working in patient care for several years, I realized that was not what was going to make me happy. After some extensive soul searching, I realized that the part of medicine that made me the happiest was the diagnostic aspect. I love solving complex problems and applying the most efficient solution to the problem. 

Research into ASU's programs led me to forensics — the application of science and problem solving to aspects of law — and the diagnostic aspect that I loved about medicine without the parts of medicine that I didn't care for as much. Engaging in the classes and the classwork definitely solidified my decision. It was not an easy degree path, but it was incredibly rewarding to find something that I am so passionate about.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?

A: The biggest — and probably the most important — thing that I learned during my time at ASU is how to advocate for myself and, in many cases, my fellow students. 

When there was something happening that I didn’t understand or didn’t agree with, I learned what my resources and options were for who to speak to in order to change the situation or at least how to better adapt to the situation. I didn’t know my voice could be so powerful in changing my situation, and I am so thankful that ASU could help me learn that.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: My educational background is unique in that I actually came back to ASU for my second degree. My first degree was in applied biological studies from ASU Polytechnic. 

I learned so much from my time at ASU my first time around and loved the fact that so much of student success is dictated by how much the student puts in. The sky is the limit at ASU, and that was a big part of my draw to come back.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: The two professors who taught me the most while I was at ASU were Professors Kimberly Kobojek and Thomas Cahill. 

Professor Kobojek gave me so much valuable information about the job field and the best way to pursue a career as well as generally being my mentor, and I will forever appreciate her for that. 

Professor Cahill actually made me enjoy chemistry with his analytical chemistry class, which I never thought was possible. I learned so much directly applicable information related to the forensic science field that will be invaluable to me in my pursuit of a career.

Chelsie Marshall became a two-time ASU graduate in December.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Do what’s best for you. Engage in self-care, whatever that looks like for you. Work hard and relax well. Start looking for jobs early. No, it's not too early! Oh, and enjoy your time in college. Because when you’re done, you’ll miss it.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: I hung out in the Zen Den, Starbucks and on Fletcher Lawn. Definitely check out the Zen Den; it was just recently renovated!

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I am currently negotiating a few job offers! Job negotiation is another big skill I can say was thanks to ASU and how I learned to advocate for myself during my time there.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I had to think about this question for a really long time. There are so many things in the world that I would love to change, and $40 million seems like a lot of money until you really have to think about the grand scale of things in our world that could be better. 

I would love to say I would wipe away all student loan debt, because it's absolutely crippling. That would definitely take way more than $40 million unfortunately. So I think, with $40 million, I would give all the homeless animals in the world that need one a loving home. Because they deserve it.