September 21, 2021

The Social Institute Student Influencer Program: Introducing Jamie Skarupsky

One of the Seven Social Standards that The Social Institute believes in is: Finding Your Influencers. This means surrounding yourself with positive role models who support you and encourage you to play to your core. We want to help students find these positive and credible influences. So we began our Student Influencer Program. Each week we select a different student to take over our Instagram and highlight how they act as a positive influence and inspiration in their communities.

This week we are excited to introduce Jamie Skarupsky. Jamie is a senior on the women’s soccer team at Murray State University. At her school, Jamie is a part of the Make-A-Play foundation, a club of elite black student-athletes who are striving to break barriers of race in athletics. Jamie also hosts a podcast and runs an Instagram account called “Don’t Kill Her Vibe” where she uses her platform to empower female athletes around the world. She shares the latest news stories in women’s sports, important facts, and advocates for gender equality in the sports world. Be sure to check her out on Instagram at @dontkillhervibe.co!

Jamie Skarupsky

Recently, we interviewed Jamie to learn more about her. Here’s what she had to say:

What do you value about yourself or others?

Jamie: Valuing myself is something I’ve been working on a lot this past year. One positive thing from the pandemic is that I’ve learned more about myself and learned to love myself for who I am. I struggle with acne. I’ve finally accepted acne is a normal thing, and everyone has their own struggles. 

What are your personal goals?

Jamie: My personal goals are being the best version of myself, finding happiness, staying open-minded, and loving myself.

How have you felt since returning to in-person school?

Jamie: Since returning to in-person school, my mental health has improved. During the pandemic, school was overwhelming because everything was solely online, and I found myself stressing out about completing my senior capstone course. But, being back in person there is more structure and less time to be distracted. 

What are the things you try to accomplish each day?

Jamie: Every day I wake up and say at least one or two positive affirmations to start my day. I also like to check off each assignment in my daily planner.

What or who inspires you most?

Jamie: My mom inspires me the most because she showed me hard work pays off. She has always worked two jobs throughout my entire childhood to allow my sister and me to be successful. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my mom.

How has social media acted as a positive influence on your life?

Jamie: Social media can be a toxic environment if you are looking at the wrong things. I personally follow accounts that share the same beliefs as I do and who create positive content. I also don’t take social media too seriously because people post things that they want you to see and we do not get the whole picture.

Of our Seven Social standards, which one would you most resonate with and why?

Jamie: Strike a balance resonates with me the most because being a student-athlete means I have to manage my time. Time management plays a huge role in my daily life because I am constantly on the move between school and practice. Having set times for social media and time with friends allows me to get all the important tasks throughout my day completed. I also use my time wisely rather than being on my phone watching Tik Toks or taking pictures to remember the good times. I live life to the fullest and in real-time. I found that by putting my phone down I can build stronger relationships with my friends and family.

If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to her about navigating social media or social relationships?

Jamie: Some advice I would give my younger self would be to not get caught up in social media and the fakeness that comes with it. Everyone wants to live the perfect life but social media only shows so much.

Jamie’s accomplishments certainly are impressive. We cannot wait to continue to follow her journey as she continues to use her platform to empower female athletes. If you know a student who is accomplishing great things, we want to highlight them! We love sharing impressive students with the world. Contact us here.


About The Social Institute

The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive SEL program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.