Courtney Cornelius
Sep 6, 2018 · 4 min read

I Am Courtney Cornelius and This is How I Work

Location: Duluth, MN

Current Gig: Marketing student in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at the University of Minnesota Duluth

One word that describes how you work: Determination

Duluth Campus

What apps/software/tools can’t you live without? Why?

I cannot live without Google Apps, Google Drive, Spotify, I-Message, and Twitter. I cannot live without these apps and tools because they are commonly used with school and personal applications. I use Google for numerous processes such as email to connect with professional contacts and for academic purposes. I use I-Message to connect with friends and family in a quick and easy contact form.


What’s your best time-saving shortcut/life hack?

My best ways to save time as an individual with a crazy busy schedule is to have a bullet journal and reminders. I use a bullet journal to document meetings, class work, contacts, birthdays, events, and activities. This keeps me on track and focused on what I need to accomplish in a day. I also use the reminder application on my phone to remind me when I have other events that I need to be aware of. I also use the application to remind me of simple things like my lunch in the morning. I use these hacks to save time on trying to remember everything I need to get done. Both methods are extremely helpful in my life, because I can cross off each task as I complete it. I also make sure to schedule time for myself, whether it be working out or reading a book. “Time is of the essence” and it is important to find the best ways to complete all that needs to be accomplished in the time given!


What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? What’s your secret?

My everyday talent that I have that makes me stand apart from others is my ability to be extremely punctual with my time. I utilize time very effectively and am able to accomplish many things within a busy schedule. My secret to successes are my hacks to help me save time and by prioritizing my tasks. By staying on task and maintaining focus I have the ability to finish all that I need to in a day.

Bullet Journal

What do you listen to while you work?

I prefer to work in a completely silent environment. I work best when I am able to concentrate on my thoughts. Having music or television on tends to distract my learning and therefore shows in my grades. I do like to work in public places, such as, coffee shops. In these environments the noise levels are not enough to overpower my thinking process.


What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have ever received is from my mother. She has always been a huge role model in my life. She continues to have immense amounts of pride in her children. The best advice she has ever given me is to never let my fears get in the way of my dreams. She constantly encourages me to do the things that bring me happiness and to not hold back from opportunities that can help me succeed. I have carried her advice with me through college as it is so evident with all the opportunities that I encounter.


Where do you find inspiration and new ideas?

I find inspiration in others. I find this through their work and projects that impress me. I find inspiration in the personalities of my admirers. I learn from their successes and how that has shaped them into who they are. I use that knowledge to help myself be a better business woman and an individual in society. I generate new ideas from social media and readings on the internet to help expand my knowledge. I am open to the expression of new ideas and how to enhance them.


“Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.” — Babe Ruth

What’s your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is “never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game”. This quote has followed me in life since I was a little girl whom adored the sport of softball to the woman whom adores the idea of opportunities. Softball was an opportunity in my life, like many things, but this quote shows me that opportunities do not define you. Opportunities help build your character. I use these words as a memo to live by, because not only do I make ample attempts to step out of my comfort zone and open up to new ideas, but I never let my personal fears hold me back from my potential success.

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