Profiles of Tenacity: Melisa Bordianu

Melisa Bordianu at the University of Georgia Arch celebrating her graduation (Photo/Melisa Bordianu).

Profiles of Tenacity: Melisa Bordianu

January 24, 2025

Melisa Bordianu is a Double Dawg journalism and mass communications student with a concentration in public relations set to graduate in December 2025. Bordianu graduated with degrees in public relations and international affairs in December 2024. She continues to serve as the Grady Experiential Programs communication intern and a Grady College ambassador. Bordianu learned the value of tenacity when moving to the United States at 10 years-old and continues to utilize it in her academic and professional life.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

After taking the introductory public relations course with Professor Michael A. Cacciatore, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue for my career. I enjoy communications and public relations is all about the communication between an organization and its audience. I am fascinated that by using PR you can reinforce someone’s reputation, launch a product or even remedy a huge crisis. 

What also had a huge impact on my decision to remain a public relations major was participating in the Cannes Lions Study Abroad program with Grady during the summer of my freshman year. Attending the famous festival of creativity offered me new perspectives, connections, and experiences that helped me realize that I want to pursue a career in public relations and mass communications. The required classes and tasks immensely improved my writing, researching, and problem solving expertise which in my opinion are key skills and components needed for a successful career in this field. Not only was I able to leave my comfort zone and improve certain skills, but I was also able to network with the best in the PR, advertising, and entertainment field. My classes and work experience in public relations have helped me build a strong foundation and motivated me to continue my studies in public relations at the graduate level.

What does tenacity mean to you?

To me, tenacity is all about not giving up and working hard for your goals. It’s about facing rejections and setbacks, learning from them and using those lessons to grow. It’s about failing, but not staying down. It’s about hearing “no” in interviews and internship applications and pushing even harder for new opportunities. It’s about being determined, no matter how tough things get. Tenacity is the drive to keep going.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

The biggest piece of advice I can offer is this: NETWORKING is everything. Take advantage of all the networking opportunities Grady provides. From panels and “Ask Me Anything” events to workshops, make it a priority to attend as many of these as you can. Connect with alumni, learn from their experiences and make an effort to stay in touch.  

Doing well in classes and being prepared is important, but staying connected in the industry is just as important. Remember, people like to help those they know. Building authentic relationships with professionals can open doors to internships and job opportunities. Every connection you make and relationship you build will help shape your future in this field.

Melisa Bordianu at the Edelman offices during her internship (Photo/Melisa Bordianu).

What motivates you?

Life is rough sometimes, but what I try to remember is that tomorrow is a fresh start to a new day. If I’m going through hard times, keep going…  At least that’s what I tell myself whenever I feel down. I’ve learned from past experiences that you need to persevere in order to be successful, and that’s my motivation through each challenge.

My family moved to the United States when I was 10. Leaving behind the only town I had ever known was the hardest thing I’d ever experienced. I came to the United States with dreams and hopes, but it wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I didn’t know the language. Teachers and students would talk to me, and I couldn’t talk back. This motivated me to work hard and adjust to the challenge. My parents’ sacrifices pushed me to become the best version of myself. Their dedication drives me every day to pursue my goals and make the most of every opportunity.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

My college experience would not have been the same without working alongside Samantha Meyer and Tabitha Conrad for the Experiential Program at Grady. It has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I have had the opportunity to help with managing the Instagram page, organizing events and contributing to the program in many meaningful ways.

A big impact on my life during my time at UGA also  has definitely been the Grady professors. I have developed strong relationships with the faculty, and they have played a huge role in my journey. Professor Cacciatore inspired me to pursue public relations, and Tom Cullen believed in me from day one. I am also incredibly grateful to Dr. Sun, Dr. Hudson, Dr. Evans and Dr. Peters for always being there to offer support and guidance, both in and out of the classroom.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

Bordianu pictured at the Cannes Lions Festival while on a Grady Study Away program (Photo/Melisa Bordianu).

Graduating in December with my undergraduate studies has definitely been the highlight of the past year. If someone had told me three-and-a-half years ago that I would finish with two bachelor’s degrees, I wouldn’t have believed it myself. I am incredibly proud of this accomplishment because it represents years of late nights, determination and personal growth. My coursework and experiences in college helped me obtain an internship with Edelman during the summer of 2024, which has been my top choice for a place to work. Additionally, being accepted into the master’s program at Grady and securing a graduate assistantship have been major milestones in my academic and professional journey.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The second floor of Grady holds a special place in my heart. I’m there every day, almost all day. I work in the office for the experiential program team as a graduate assistant, and I take advantage of my time there by visiting professors’ offices and talking with them. I’m also often in the PAF, studying, attending events or going to ambassador meetings. It’s like my second home—a space where I’m supported and encouraged to be my best self.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would tell my freshman self to put in the work in class like I have, but also to enjoy more. In the end, you won’t remember the test you were stressing about all week, but the moments you spent with your friends and the simple things you did together. Explore more of Athens and what it has to offer. Create memories because your undergrad years are going to go by faster than you think.

Editor: Madden Callahan, emc50486@uga.edu