January 2023
Margi Helschien 1981
DEGREES:
B.A. Leisure Studies, Minor in Psychology
CURRENT EMPLOYER
America Connected, nonprofit
CURRENT OCCUPATION
President
DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH
After graduating, I worked in the gymnastics field, married and then opened a school in Florida, where I published a book, Kari's Gold, with a pre-school gymnastics magazine in 12 countries. Taking a cue from my college professor who shared that it is okay to can change your field, I became involved in politics. I opened my own company called Capitol Charter Consulting Group, which provides consulting services to politicians and specializes in government affairs and communications. I am now the president of America Connected, a nonprofit that brings peoples and nations of the world closer together. We do this through diplomatic international trips, exciting events and a TV show called In Search of Incredible.
MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED WHILE ATTENDING SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
That you can be anything you want to be. My first year, I had a professor who taught me this. It has stayed with me all these years. You see, I was not a great student, but what I remember – and the reason I stayed – was what that teacher said: “In the Renaissance, people could be many things. You could be a doctor, a farmer and a teacher.” He opened up my eyes to a world I never knew could exist. I had anxiety that whatever I chose to do, I would have to be that for the rest of my life, which at that time seemed infinite!”
WHAT CAMPUS ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH?
Gymnastics, Poms, the Library!
BEST COLLEGE MEMORY
Eating in the cafeteria, meeting new friends, having a group to be with to be with all the time! I enjoyed hanging out in my dorm and having such amazing friends. I remember one very special memory. It was my first day; I was scared and nervous as any new student might be. So anxious that that after unpacking, I drove all the way back home. My father said I could stay at home that night, but in the morning, I would have to go back early to school. And so that next morning, I drove the 2 1/2 hours back to Salisbury for my first class. To my surprise, they were meeting under a tree, which made me feel happy. AND, I met a friend – not just a friend … a life-long friend who became my close and dear friend all through school. Of course, I loved school after that day, but I think what was so remarkable was how everyone made me feel that day under the tree in the first day of a new school. I felt accepted and I loved my class, and I made many, many friends from that day on.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY?
The minute I saw Salisbury, I fell in love. Everyone was nice and friendly. The buildings were clean and beautiful, and the campus was gorgeous. I felt at home. It felt “right.” I loved that it was on the Eastern Shore and yet not too far from my hometown in Rockville. Mostly, at Salisbury, I felt confident. I honestly felt that everyone made feel as if I could do anything and be anything. I will always be grateful for that.
IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
Friendly, Fun, Accepting. Everyone – from the instructors, the staff, the students and the town people – was extremely FRIENDLY and outgoing. FUN was just being able to meet new friends, take a walk around campus, walk across the street to the McDonalds or help out at the gymnastics school across the street, DelMarVa Gymnastics, and visiting Holloway Hall. At Salisbury, I always felt like people tried to help you, and were very ACCEPTING. Whatever you might have going on, they always worked with you!
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT AND WHY?
I have traveled to many countries in the world and my favorite place is where I am at ... at that time. I feel the world is a spectacular place full of opportunities ready to enjoy!
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
My two wonderful children, Chase and Carter!
WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
That I believe by connecting people and developing the building blocks of relationships between nations, we will be helping to solve world economic growth solutions and pressing health challenges, and promote peaceful world societies! And, on a person note, I love dark chocolate!
HOBBIES/OTHER INTERESTS
Today, my hobbies are working out; I do yoga, Pilates, weight lifting and swim. I am involved with politics and cultural diplomacy around the world.