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Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Payton Schramski, a senior interior design major with a marketing minor, from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

Growing up with a father in residential construction and watching Home and Garden Television (better known as "HGTV") sparked Schramski’s passion for interior design.  

“I realized that interior design is a way to connect with and serve a wide community,” Schramski told ����Թ� State Today. “In the sense that we all interact with at least one building every day.”

Connection is a large part of Schramski’s life. She works as a teaching assistant in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, as an emergency response team lead at the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center and as an interior design intern at TowerPinkster.  

These experiences have helped shape the way Schramski builds connections with her peers. She connects with others through ����Թ� Cru, an on-campus community passionate about faith. Schramski is able to serve many people through participating in retreats and playing in the worship band.  

“Cru is more of a social group,” Schramski said. “Altogether, I am able to express and explore myself and my hobbies in various avenues while meeting lots of people.”  

One of Schramski’s memorable moments at ����Թ� State was interning for an architectural firm. Since starting in the Spring 2022 Semester, she has gained hands-on experience that has made an impact on her education.  

Additionally, Schramski studied abroad in Florence, Italy, this past spring as a part of her program.  

“I believe that hands-on experience and practice are keys to rounding out a good education, and I’m so glad ����Թ� State requires it,” Schramski said.

Schramski has been recognized for all her hard work, receiving awards through the college, including the First Year Leadership Award and the Third Year Practice Award. She also received the Emerging Student Leader and Creative Innovator Award through the Recreation and Wellness Center.  

“Hard work can have a real impact,” Schramski said, “helping me learn my leadership style and grow into a great leader.”  

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.