Through a Marketing Lens — by Katie Windfeldt

After a little break from blogging following the end of my spring semester, it feels fitting to come back with a post that reflects on the chapter I’ve spent the last five years building!

A little over a week ago, I walked in the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Spring 2026 commencement ceremony with my Master of Business Administration, exactly one year to the day after graduating with my undergraduate degrees. Even being able to write that sentence still feels surreal!

While I still have one more class to complete this summer, it’s bittersweet knowing my time as a student is coming to an end. Since elementary school, being a student has shaped so much of my life, my routine, my goals, and honestly, a huge part of who I am. I’ve poured so much of myself into trying to be the best student I could possibly be, and closing this chapter brings a mix of emotions that are hard to fully put into words. There’s excitement for what’s ahead, gratitude for everything these years gave me, a little fear stepping into something so new!

Everyone always says to slow down and take it all in because college goes by in the blink of an eye. I used to hear that and think there was no way five years could feel so fast, but somehow, here I am wondering where the time went! One minute I was moving into my college dorm freshman year and now suddenly I’m preparing for the next phase of life and realizing I have to become a real adult!

Growing up, I always listened to my parents tell stories about their time at the University of Nevada, Reno. Following in their footsteps made my own college experience feel even more meaningful! I remember wondering for years what my time at UNR would look like, what friendships I would make, what opportunities I would find, and what kind of person I would grow into by the end of it all. Looking back now, I can genuinely say these last five years changed me in the best ways possible!

Getting my MBA gave me so much more than another degree. It gave me confidence in myself, leadership skills, life lessons, unforgettable experiences, and a stronger understanding of the person I want to become both personally and professionally. Through long nights, stressful semesters, leadership roles, internships, networking opportunities, and moments where I doubted myself, I grew in ways I never expected to.

And truly, none of it would have been possible without the people around me. I’m endlessly grateful for my family for always being my biggest supporters, especially my mom and dad for being the best role models I could ask for. Thank you to every friendship, connection, and opportunity that came into my life through Delta Gamma Eta Iota, the College of Business, and the countless experiences that pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped shape me into who I am today!

In honor of graduation and stepping into this next chapter, I decided to do something a little different than traditional graduation photos! Instead of focusing only on cap-and-gown pictures, I chose to do a personal branding photoshoot to give my website, public profiles, and overall personal brand a bit of a facelift! As I close this chapter of my life, I wanted pictures that captured more than just graduation and ones that represent growth, resilience, change, and stepping into a new version of myself!

As scary as it is to close this chapter, I’m also incredibly excited for everything ahead! These last five years gave me memories, people, lessons, and opportunities that I will carry with me forever, and while it’s hard saying goodbye to this season of life, I know the next chapter is going to be just as meaningful and I’m excited to officially begin my career and explore opportunities in Las Vegas, where I’ll be relocating, that allow me to continue combining creativity, strategy, and my love for marketing!

Graduation inspired more than just reflection — it also inspired a refresh. Be sure to check out my updated website and new branding photos!