What is your day job?
- I am an Enrollment Coordinator for MI Planners. I work with companies around Northern Michigan, enrolling their employees in health benefits offered through their company.
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
- Almost 11 months now.
What is your favorite thing about living/working in the Traverse City area?
- My favorite things about living and working in Traverse City is all of the beautiful natural areas. I have loved visiting the beaches near the Mission Point Lighthouse, walking the Tart Trail, and watching the gorgeous sunrises along the Grand Traverse Bay. I have not lived in the area long, and while I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Summer in TC, I’m looking forward to seeing all of the Fall colors the area has to offer.
What do you do for fun?
- I love to read anything in the fantasy or horror/mystery genre, hike the endless trails around the area, go camping especially at Fisherman’s Island State Park in Charlevoix, cross country ski the beautiful trails in Northern Michigan, and kayak the AuSable and Boardman rivers!
How do you get involved in the community?
- When I first moved to TC, I had no idea where to start or which groups to get involved with. However, I knew I wanted to get involved in the community and meet new people from the area. When I heard about TCYP I couldn’t wait to check it out. Through TCYP, I have joined the Volunteering Committee and have gotten the chance to be more involved around Traverse City. I love the growth and opportunities I’ve gained from being a part of TCYP. I have been able to volunteer for different events around the area. From getting more involved in the Volunteering Committee and attending TCYP happy hours, I have recently become involved in the TCYP Marketing Committee as well. I absolutely love marketing and the psychology behind it, so I am very excited to further my knowledge in this field.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
- My favorite local restaurant is the Jolly Pumpkin. If you’re a Harry Potter or LOTR fan you’ll love the food, atmosphere, and decor just as much as I do! Another favorite business I absolutely love is Bry’s Estate! Bry’s was the first winery I visited right before I moved to TC, and where I celebrated getting my first professional job out of college with a friend. Bry’s Estate is still my favorite winery and will always hold a special place in my heart.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
- I can’t say that I have ever had a weird job!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
- I earned my bachelor’s degree in business administration at 20 years old! I graduated from High School in 2020, and earned my associate’s degree in 2021 from North Central Michigan College completely free because I was involved in an early college program in High school. This early college program set me a year ahead of most of my peers I graduated high school with. Thus in 2023 I graduated from CMU with my bachelor’s degree, 17 days before I turned 21 years old.
What is something you learned in the last week?
- Something I learned within the last week is that the squirrels love the pumpkin on my patio as much as I do.
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
- I’d love to meet more people in TCYP. It’s always great to have connections throughout Traverse City, whether that be for future job opportunities or a friendly face downtown. I have already met so many amazing people through the program, and I cannot wait to meet even more! If you’re interested in connecting with me, add me on LinkedIn!www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-messinis
