Posts Tagged ‘ college ’

I hope you dance

I’m a dancer.

No, I’m not classically trained and no, I haven’t been doing it all my life. But, I’m a dancer. I woke up one day and realized I wasn’t happy with where my life was going. I wasn’t creative. I wasn’t being free. I wasn’t…me. I knew it was time. It was time to do what I wanted to do. It was time to be completely content in where I was at all and any point in my life. It was time for me to get back to me. Operation Take My Life Back was born.
So, I sat down and took a long look at myself. I have dabbled in many things in my life, but two things have remained constant: my love for writing and my love for dancing.
As a kid growing up, I used to write books and plays just to entertain myself. My first book, “Kidnapped,” was written in the sixth grade. It was about a young girl who was kidnapped by a family member. The motive? Her trust fund…of course. I got a few chapters in and just lost motivation. However, I can tell you it was her aunt who did it.
Then there was dance. I’ve always been a performer and really started to explore my love for dance in elementary school. However; as a ten year old, I thought I was too old to start dancing. I mean, look at me. I was practically a senior citizen. So, I found replacements that I enjoyed as well. I started taking gymnastics, which eventually lead to cheerleading. Both had elements of dance. That was my favorite part. Although I gave up gymnastics when I entered high school, I continued to cheer until my senior year. Then college came. I decided to step out on a limb and try out for the school dance team. I made it. JACKPOT! I don’t think I loved being a part of anything more than I loved being a member of the Majestic Dance Troupe.
As a public relations major and dancer in college, I dedicated the next four years of school to my loves: writing and dancing. P.R. gave me the opportunity to write and combined it with the glam, or perceived notion of glam, which came with public relations. After graduation, I dropped the dance and dove head first into my career.
Five years and a significant amount of accolades later, I woke up one day (April 11, 2010) and looked at my life. Why do I remember this day? It was the day my brother died. My brother was a true free spirit in every sense of the word. I was a free spirit once, but once life happened (work, bills, house, career) I suppressed my wants for my “needs.”  If there is one thing my brother’s life taught me, it was that I should always live life the way I wanted it. I should do what I needed to do to be happy. So, a few months ago I enrolled in dance. I’ve started writing more. As each day passes, I’m taking the steps needed to focus on my passions and really love what I do.
Too often, we get stuck in what we feel we have to do instead of what we want to do. Don’t let another opportunity pass you by and think, “I’ll just catch the next one.” You might have just missed the opportunity for you! Pursue your dreams. Period. Turn words and plans in to action. Period!
I hope you stick around and tune in as I explore this new journey, this new chapter in my life. I hope you are inspired to start new chapters in your own life.
I find inspiration in music. So, I’ll leave you with this on point message from Lee Ann Womack. I’m sure you know it…
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances, but they’re worth taking
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth making
Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance  

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance…

2010
11/29
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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PR 101…stay with me now…

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“If I were down to my last dollar, I’d spend it on public relations.”-Bill Gates

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his was the quote that resounded around the world…the world of public relations professionals, that is. If Microsoft mogul Bill Gates sees the value in our profession, shouldn’t all businesses who seek to emulate his success see the same?

Well, I wish I could tell you they did. Sadly, public relations is one of the most misunderstood assets to the work world. PR…it’s like marketing, right? No. Oh, well it’s just like advertising, isn’t it? No. You have to pitch, right? So, it must be like sales? Again, No.

There isn’t one cut and dry definition of public relations, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) sums it up pretty well with the following definition.

“Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.”

Although public relations has similarities to advertising, it is important to remember public relations does not generate media placement or control messages through paid placement. Results are delivered by developing mutually beneficial relations with an audience and engaging in an ongoing conversation that positions a company as a trusted resource. Here are some other things PR does:

  • Builds credibility
  • Engages and informs a brand’s audience
  • Manages brand reputation
  • Increases brand visibility
  • Generates brand awareness

You can usually find public relations professional in an agency or in-house environment. Most PR pros will advise any new pro to get their start in an agency. The agency atmosphere is very fast-paced. If you can handle strict deadlines and don’t mind juggling a few clients, then that might be the route for you. Interested in working for one specific company? Perhaps you should stick to in-house. I did.

Now that you have a basic understanding of the profession, how do you get involved? Students should contact their journalism school/department to see what resources are available. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a great place to start! The purpose of PRSSA is “…to cultivate a favorable and mutually advantageous relationship between students and professional public relations practitioners.” The organization gives students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge on public relations and serve the profession by developing qualified and well-developed public relations professionals.

Out of school or changing your career patch to public relations? It’s never too late to join your local chapter of PRSA. PRSA gives professionals the opportunity to network, stay on top of industry trends and accelerate their career.

So, if you are a new professional—welcome. This was your 101 course, so I hope you took good notes! If not, never fear! I’ve included links to a variety of sources that should help you on your journey. Enjoy!

Public Relations Links

2009
12/01
CATEGORY
PR 101
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