My name is Kelly Marshall, and I am a Leadership major at Old Dominion University. My path to higher education has been shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences, military service, professional work, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.

I served in the United States Navy, an experience that fundamentally shaped how I lead, communicate, and persevere under pressure. The Navy taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of showing up fully, lessons I carry into every classroom and professional setting.

After my service, I built a career as a paralegal, where I developed strong skills in research, written communication, attention to detail, and client-facing professionalism. Working in the legal field sharpened my critical thinking and taught me how to navigate complex information and present it clearly.

At ODU, I am bringing all of these experiences together. The Interdisciplinary Studies program has allowed me to connect ideas across disciplines: literature, communication, leadership, and social justice in ways that feel meaningful to who I am and where I am going. My academic work, including deep engagement with texts like Toni Morrison’s Beloved, has pushed me to think more critically and write more powerfully than ever before.

This portfolio is a reflection of that journey, not just what I have done, but who I am becoming.