Reese Minett studies psychology and criminology at Florida State University and is expected to graduate in 2027. She has dedicated a significant part of her personal and professional development to volunteering. From August 2021 to May 2023, Reese Minett volunteered at Equine Assisted Therapies of South Florida in Coconut Creek. There, she assisted in caring for and providing grooming therapy for horses to prepare them for sessions with children.
Reese Minett also gained customer service experience at Evolution Yoga in Coconut Creek, Florida, where she worked as a front desk receptionist from May 2022 to December 2023. She welcomed clients, handled class scheduling, processed payments, and responded to inquiries about memberships and services. Her work supported instructors by preparing materials and maintaining an organized, welcoming studio environment.
Between June 2024 and August 2024, Ms. Minett worked as a summer camp counselor at Blue Star Camps. She planned and led activities such as arts and crafts, team-building exercises, and outdoor adventures, fostering creativity, resilience, and teamwork among her campers.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
In a typical day, I wake up around 9 am and go for a walk or the gym with my friends. Then I usually have class every day during the week. After class, I come home and hang out with my roommates before heading to our sorority house for dinner. I stay productive by waking up before my classes to make time for myself to go to the gym or go on a walk. I also prioritize hanging out with my friends to keep a supportive circle around me.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by using resources around me. For example, I use my campus resources like joining clubs and my sorority to mention ideas that I may have.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increase of sustainability. Specifically, in cars and grocery stores. More and more cars are becoming hybrid or fully electric, and many grocery stores in my area encourage reusable bags and may even charge for plastic bags. There has been a growth of promoting eco-friendly products on social media and in stores.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps keep me productive is making my bed every morning. When I make my bed every morning, it motivates me to get up and stay out of my bed.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Advice I would give to my younger self is that friends come and go to teach you lessons and show you what you want in real friends. I would also tell her that everything is going to work out and my life doesn’t end after high school; it is just beginning.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that downtime is just as important as productivity. A lot of people think you always need to be “busy” to be successful, but I’ve found that rest and balance actually make me more focused and effective when I do work.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Keep some things private. Not every close friend has to know every detail about your life.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I talk to a loved one about it. Either a close friend or family member; they understand me and always know how to make me calm down.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Time management and planning. I have learned to plan my schoolwork and studies ahead of time, so I know when I will need to put in more work and when I can allow myself time for friends or a social life.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Since I am only an undergraduate student, I can’t say I have had any failures. I pride myself on my 3.96 GPA at Florida State University.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A subscription-based platform that connects college students with local small businesses for exclusive discounts and promotions. It would help students save money while giving small businesses consistent exposure to a key audience.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Calendar. I use it to block out my class times, workouts, study sessions, and social plans. Having everything organized visually helps me manage my time better and ensures I don’t overcommit.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I have recently started listening to The Daily by The New York Times. It helps me stay informed about current events in a digestible way and often gives me new perspectives that I can apply in both my personal life and academics.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A movie I have rewatched multiple times is Top Gun: Maverick. I’ve rewatched Top Gun because it’s one of those films that combines excitement with strong themes. On the surface, it’s action-packed and visually stunning, but what keeps me coming back is the story of growth, teamwork, and resilience. Every time I watch it, I notice something new about leadership under pressure and the importance of trust in high-stakes environments. It’s a great reminder that confidence is important, but humility and learning from others are what make you truly successful.
Key learnings
- Maintaining balance between academics, health, and social life is key to productivity and personal well-being.
- Using available resources, such as campus organizations and supportive social circles, helps turn ideas into action.
- Building small but consistent habits, like making the bed each morning, creates momentum for productivity throughout the day.