I almost bought a third planner today. Rather than cave and waste 25 bucks on something because it was pretty, for the same price I bought "The Catcher and the Rye" and a moleskin notebook. Time to get the brain back to work for my final year of college.
The Office premiers its 7th season tonight at 9pm on NBC. Need I say more?
Interesting Article
I clicked on the "That's a Real Job?" link expecting to find something like underwater basket weaver, and when you see what the first listing (if you're also into the pr/marketing thing) you'll probably laugh as hard as I did. With as many times as I've heard "What exactly is public relations?" I guess I'm not surprised.
The Government is Making Moves
Also, healthcare changes start today. I'm not picking sides via blog, but I'm not mad about the new right to stay on my parents insurance until 26. I was closely approaching the "you're out of school so apparently you're established enough to have you're own adequate insurance coverage" mark, so thanks govt for the extra four years.
Moving on.
Last night I participated in GenYChat and CampusChat on Twitter. Both had similar topics. What do young people need to know to get a "good start" in today's professional world? Whether transitioning from high school to college or college to the work force, what do we need to know to have a smooth and productive start to our next steps in life?
There are a million right answers to that question, depending on what your career path is or what it is exactly you want the future to hold for you.
I want my future to be in public relations. Education, entertainment, fashion, non profit and agency pr all interest me on various levels.
I know I want to eventually move to a larger city, and I know whatever I do, where ever I am, it better involve some writing.
I have already taken and have some steps in place to help accomplish these goals. My list includes:
- Have a positive online presence
I've realized everyone sees everything you put online. Absolute must to make sure everything is appropriate, but why not share some useful conversation at the same time?
- Network like crazy.
Meet as many people in the industry as possible, and maintain those relationships. I've learned first hand sometimes it's all about who you know.
- Get involved.
Clubs, committees, community organizations. I plan on exploring them all. It By doing so I will also be learning and networking, so three birds with one stone.
- Learn as much as possible.
Whether through research, mentors or peers, just get as in depth as possible into the pr world. You cannot learn everything in a classroom.
I will report back on how the journey goes, what outlets prove useful and which ones fail.
I'm sure to have a plethora of tips and tricks to blog about after returning. Anyone with ideas on what college students or young professionals can do to prepare themselves for the working world, feel free to share :)
You cannot buy any remnant of a decent lunch at a liquor store in Newport, KY. (unless you count potato chips and a granola bar as a decent lunch)
I can truly only study in the library. Home = random piddling around my home and Facebook/blog/Twitter surfing.
Updates... or lack of updates.
I have been insanely busy so I did not participate in 'What I Wore Wednesday' this week. I will resume next.
I also have been slacking on the frequency of my updates, so I am going to have to shorten up my answers to '30 Day Truth Challenge". I am however going to continue with posts, so here are days 9-12.
Day 9: Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.
I can honestly say that has never happened. I have never let go someone I didn't want to. I suppose I may not have wanted to at the time, but in retrospect I am happy with who I have now and who I've let walk away.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn't know.
Kind of the same as before. There are a few people my days would be less annoying without, but for the most part I am happy with everyone in my life.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
This one is easy. My legs. Creepy answer, maybe. But I'm six feet tall and my torso is of average size, hense the remarkably long legs. I am not impressed by them, but most people wish they were taller, so I guess thats why I get the most compliments on my height/legs.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
This could be a long list. Something I never get compliments on that I think I should however is a more appropriate way to think about it I guess. That answer would be my effort. I play hard, but I also feel I work harder. I study and work like a machine. I wish more people would compliment me on all my hard work. I guess welcome to the real world and the other millions of people that do it every day huh?
Now I normally would not post two times in one day, but today I will. I have decided to blog more specifically about public relations and my adventures as an intern for a while. I will still post life updates, but I want to make this blog a resource for other people starting out or going through the same process I am. Because I am specific about seperation and organization, I want my first true pr intern post to have its own title and link, so I will end here.
I will actually end here because night class is in 45 minutes and as it's the first day back to class UC parking will undoubtedly be a mess, but either way, updates on my journey later tonight.
What has been voted one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Go Bearcats :)
The best day of your life is the one on which you decide its your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours. Its an amazing journey and you alone are responsible for its quality. -Bob Moawad
I can't stop listening to this song.
I heard it for the first time on the VMA's. I love music, but we all know the radio is the last place to look for new or non mainstream choices, and since I have little time for browsing the internet for new finds, I'm usually limited to the trusty favorites I have on my ITouch.
A little on today's life. I did not love waking up this morning. I have a lot of little things to take care of before school and my new job starts (Monday for work, Wednesday for school) and I am not ready. I like to be very type-a at the beginning of new ventures-- since I usually end up spinning in circles about half way through -- and I am not ready to clean, organize, buy, order, return and look up everything required to align all my ducks in a row.
I will however, do it anyway. So this post will be short. I just wanted to keep up on my 30 Day Truth Challenge.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
I have mixed feelings about this question. Part of me wants to cringe, slam my lap top shut, forget Day 8 even exists, go to the next question and go binge on something fattning. Who wants to relive a part of their life that was hell?
A bigger part of me (the part that won, as this was my actual reaction) simply sighs, spends a few minutes reflecting on a situation that is now an almost forgotten part of my past, and thank God and the universe and who/whatever else has a hand in fate for teaching me the greatest lesson of life. A lesson that was hard to learn so early in life, but also a lesson some dont have the privledge of ever learning, so I am greatful.
Someone who made my life hell and treated me like shit.
We will put it this way. Me. I made my own life hell, and treated myself like shit. Once upon a time, long before the days of passion for a career or purpose, appreciation for my gifts and self and family, I was lost. The saying "if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything" comes to mind.
It took me a while to realize that people lie and say things that arent true all the time. Sometimes to get you to do what they want you to do because they think you're less than them and they have the right to manipulate you. Sometimes because they feel you are more than them and they want to bring you down out of jealousy or spite.
Regardless of the reason, it happens. I was unaware of this in many ways for a long time, so I took their lies to heart. I believed that I was less than I was. I believed lies about how much one person cared about me, and how much another person didn't...and it almost destroyed my self esteem.
Well I take that back, it didnt almost destroy me, but at the time I thought it did. Looking back I am sure every teenager thinks that someone or something is ruining their life. Everyone has a particularly shitty patch in their life, and I am sure mine was high school. I look back on it fondly now, but none the less, I was somewhat of a disaster. But that is not the point. The point is is that I let other people dictate how I felt about myself, and THAT is a huge mistake I see some adults still making every single day.
I am not a pro at this. I waiver and doubt. But it has been years since anyone has made me doubt myself, and I hope it never happens again. This is applicable to relationships, friendships and family members. No one group is immune from inflicting hurt on any other.
By letting others beat my down, I was making my own life hell. It took me some time, but I have realized that no one can treat you like shit or make your life hell unless you let them. No matter how grave the situation, I believe there is always an out, always an answer, always another choice-- and no matter how hard or unconventional it may seem, life is less about what happens to us and more about what we do in response-- so free yourself, reinvent yourself, find yourself, whatever it takes, because there is always a way to make you happy.
So that didnt turn out to be that short, but I am thankful for question 8. There are a lot of people who have taken advantage of me over the years, and I am sure more will try, but I am so thankful that I can truly say- I don't care. I harbor no ill feelings for them because I'm confident with who I am, what I am doing, and I have faith that it will take me beyond my wildest dreams :)
Florence and the Machine said it best... "The dog days are over"
More to come,
Side Note: If this blog gets only 10 followers over the next 10 years it will be ok, because one day, when they are older and bored or feeling nosy, my sisters will read this. I hope my lessons and tails of hard work inspire them to do even more than I, to contribute to society, and most importantly grow into confident and happy women.
[Learn from my mistakes girls, lets be honest, I made enough for all three of us ;) ]
I have no truly legitimate reason to be awake (besides the fact that starting Monday this will be my rising time 5 days a week) but here I am, blogging and ready to take on the day. There is much to report.
First up. I really meant to link up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday, which I neglected to have time for. But I did take the pics, so I figured it's better late than never! I promise to be on time next week :)
Road Trip Ready
Shirt- Metro Park
Leggings- Victoria's Secret Pink
Flip Flops- J Crew Outlet
Purse- Vera Bradley
Work Wear
- Pac Sun
Pants- Victoria's Secret
Flats- Aldo
More Work
Skirt- Forever 21
Sweater- NO idea
Ankle Boots- Charlotte Russe
A Day in Chicago
White Tank- Nordstrom Rack
Black Tank- J Crew Outlet
Pants- Victoria's Secret
Sandals- Target
Lunch and Shopping
Cardigan- American eagle
Blouse- Forever 21
White Tank- Nordstrom Rack
Shorts- Hollister
Lazy Day
Entire Outfit-Victoria's Secret. Had to display the fold-over.
Love their yoga/pink collections. SO comfy :)
Charity Event
Dress- H&M
Shoes- Target. CUTEST EVER
Secondly, I got home from Chicago yesterday evening.
my favorite part of the drive. those things are so crazy.
The trip was unbelievable, as always. I got to spend some time alone with my Mom, which is rare, so that may have been the highlight. We did a little shopping and I was her date to some celebrity charity event, and we had a great time.
We also took my sisters to Navy Pier and The Field Museum. The weather was gorgeous and they really enjoyed themselves, which meant I also really enjoyed myself. It is so refreshing to see how happy and innocent and care free children are. Not that as an adult I'm not happy, because I am throughly fond of my life. It's just that I think after the world chews you up and spits you out a little bit, once you start to learn the way things really are, you lose something. Luckily, my girls still have that :)
I say my girls like they're my own. And I feel like they are. I used to hate the 10 and 12 year age gaps between my and my baby sisters but now, I love it. They look up to me, give me someone to be an example for. They will undoubtedly keep me young in years to come. Most importantly, I believe they have given me a glimpse into motherhood most to not get to experience before the time actually comes. I now kind of know how scary it is to be totally responsible for the care, bathing, feeding, changing, clothing and teaching of another human being. I also know how strong the love is that is created from that relationship, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
packing lunches, playing mom
Enough of that.
My last thought on Chicago is that it may be time for me to move there. After this last year of school of course. I have been dying to get out of Ohio for a while now, and given my family's location and current career aspirations, it seems logical. Heck, it seems like the obvious choice. It seems like I'd have the time of my life. I will be seriously thinking on it over the next few months. I will also be looking for blogs of other students/YPs so if you know any good ones send them my way!
I also officially registered for Public Relations Student Society of America National Conference !!!!!!! I cannot put in words how excited I am. I will be making travel and lodging arrangements soon so more to come. There has been so much buzz on twitter from PRSSA kids all over the country surrounding this event, I cant wait to have new PR learning experiences, meet new people and discover a new city. DC may not be prepared.
I will post more details as I become aware of them. All I know is I have scrounged up the money, it's paid and I'm pumped.
I saw this on a blog called The Fate of Amber who got it from Mom {Un}Done. I am seven days behind so I will answer the first 7 and go from there for the next few weeks.
While I hope one day this blog grows to focus a little more on my professional life, for now, exposing my thoughts and admitting some truths (if only to myself) is fun for now.
This is the complete list:
Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself. Day 02 → Something you love about yourself. Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for. Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for. Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life. Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do. Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for. Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit. Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted. Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know. Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on. Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on. Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.) Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter) Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it. Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without. Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something. Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage. Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics? Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol. Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do? Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life. Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life. Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter) Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today. Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why? Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now? Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do? Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why. Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself
Like I said, I'm a week behind, so:
Day 1: Something I hate about myself.
I have an addictive personality. While it's sometimes helpful never giving up, more often than not it's detrimental. My obsessions with coffee and diet coke alone are enough to make me crazy. I also get obsessed with certain books or blogs or TV shows, and end up forgetting about the rest of the world. Not a good habit.
Day 2: Something I love about myself.
I love my inner self. It took a lot of hard work, mistakes and effort, but latley I have managed to maintain a consistent sense of self. I am happy with who I am, what I am doing, where I am going and the way I live my life. I am dealing with my regrets and working to improve my faults. I have 100% faith in myself, and I love it.
Day 3: Something I had to forgive myself for.
I had to forgive myself for not knowing what I was doing. That is basically what it boils down to. I put a lot of pressure on myself and I do not like admitting or dealing with the fact that I wasted so many opportunity in the past because I simply had no idea what I was doing, or how life worked.
Day 4: Something I had to forgive someone for.
I had to forgive God. I have been raised as a Christian, but there was a time when I doubted if there was a God. I couldn't believe that He would let such pain and hatred and horror go on in the world. I have now come to realize that there are so many other factors and perspectives contributing to the world and it's goings on. I still don't understand the turmoil of this planet. I do realize that to truly be a Christian you must just have faith. But I had to forgive God for letting me, us as a human race suffer.
Day 5: Something I hope to do in my life:
I hope to leave my mark on the world. There have been so many celebrities, authors, teachers and just people who have made a positive impact on my life. I will never forget many of them. I hope to one day be that for someone else.
Day 6: Something I hope to never have to do:
Lose someone I love in a disaster or too soon. I would absolutely die if a close friend or family member were to be victim of some horrible rare condition or crime or disaster. I will not elaborate, but that would be the worst. I don't think I could handle it.
Day 7: Someone who has made my life worth living.
I think we covered this earlier :) Paige and Brooke obviously. Sisters are a gift.
I guess I will shut up now. I have MUCH to do for the upcoming week. Internship at Eisen starts Monday and school starts Wednesday! My very last first day of school ever! Well, at least until grad school...
1. Chicago is amazing. Details will come when I'm back in the OH. Topics to include me playing Mom, Michigan Ave/Navy Pier adventures, my thoughts on relocation to the Windy City, thrifting, School starting in a week, etc, etc.
Mom's Town. So pretty here!
2. Last season of Oprah premiered yesterday. AKA this is a sad time for me. How fitting I watched from Oprah's home city. Maybe I can convince the fam to take a trip to Harph Studios... One can dream.
3. Signed up yest for PRSSA National Conference! Just about a month 'till DC and what is sure to be one of the greatest opportunities of my career thus far. Can't wait!
4. Shout out to Life of Meg and Mingle Mondays! Great way to get your blog out there and find some new ones to follow!
"Write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow." - Lawrence Clark Powell
“Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see in the making all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some under culture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals.” - Don Delillo
So many thoughts can run through your head in just the flash of a moment. How can anyone clearly think about anything without the ability to sort through those thoughts on paper? Self exploration, taking whats inside of you or just using you imagination to explore a possibility, and having the guts to write it down. That to me is strength.
About to throw all my favorite clothing into a suitcase and speed off (not really speed, but you get the picture) to Chicago. I haven't seen my mom and baby sisters in months, and I can wait to have them jump into my arms and attack me with hugs :) I could gush for hours, but it's time to hit the road.
I have really been meaning to take more pictures of the little aspects of my day to make my posts slightly more interesting. I truly failed to do that the past few days so I was going to skip a post until I had some narration to accompany it, but I wanted to write while this was still fresh in my mind.
Sidebar: Since I will be in Chicago in a matter of days (SO SO SO EXCITED) I am sure I will have tons of pics to post of the city and my family soon enough!
Anyway
I mentioned that on Tuesday I attended my first PRSA luncheon, and it was very insightful. While I spend at least a few hours each day thinking about public relations, it has been a while since I really sat down with a clear mind and let my brain get creative about it. Instead of taking a nap on my break between jobs I decided to spend some time on one of my my favorite pr blogs and let my mind dwell on the topics that I took notes on at the luncheon.
The first topic was attracting foreign investors. Sounds boring I know, but the speaker gave a great example that is also relevant to real life. He worded it a little more eloquently, but this is my interpretation.
If a company hires some big shot executive from Europe or Asia to come re vamp things in your town, it's a good thing. I think we all want our local companies and therefor economies to succeed. I havent heard anyone complaining about business growth or more income for the city latley, so I'm going to assume you agree.
However, if that exec moves their family to America and their child is teased at school for wearing different clothes, or eating strange foods, and their wife is shunned by other local women and businesses because she speakes poor English, do you think that executive will stay? Do you think they will be happy here and encourage more of their friends and family members who are successful and contributing members of society to join them here in America and contunue to better our nation, or town?
Probably not.
I have always had a soft place in my heart for people who are looked down on or are not accepted because they are different, probably because I have been that person. But I never looked at it from a business standpoint. By being close minded and falling into stereotypes you are not only hurting someone personally, but in turn could be negatively effecting your areas well being.
Definatley something to think about.
One a more upbeat note, a point was made about target audiences that really made me appreciate my life. Many businesses are turning to social media for marketing purposes. This is great for a lot of audiences, however many people struggling with the economy have been forced to cut internet out of their budget, or do not have access to computers.
I spent a few minutes day dreaming at that point because I wanted to really let it resognate how lucky I, we, truley are. I am connected to the internet via laptop, blackberry and i touch almost 24 hours a day, and I take in for granted. The wealth of information that is at my fingertips at any given moment is a gift. The fact that I can share my thoughts with the world through this blog is so exciting to me, and while I am just starting out, I hope that one day soon enough someone will learn something or simply enjoy reading my posts as much as I enjoy scanning through others.
Sadly, I must cut my rant short. Work awaits. The main point I'm trying to make and will be focusing on for the rest of the day is have an open mind and open heart, in life and in business, and it doesnt hurt to be thankful for the little things... like blogs :)
NOTE: The above post was written on Thursday morning. Friday night is the absolute first chance I've had to review it for publishing, but I still like it. Hence the title, Thriday.
First up.
Social Media Today tweeted a link to this article and it really encouraged me.
While I hope to gain an audience, all of the points it makes are so true. It astonishes me that more people do not see the value in reading and writing, and I'm ashamed I don't do more of both. Thanks for the inspiration!
Second up.
Today was the last day of my summer internship. While I am very excited to have a week off to see my family and begin my fall ventures, I will truly miss that place. Working with such amazing people on such a beautiful part of campus was a great way to spend my summer. I will most miss my boss, and the responsibility she trusted me with. Knowing someone believes in your abilities is a huge confidence booster. Something always helpful to an aspiring professional.
The office threw me a nice red and black UC themed pizza party. They also must have known I needed pics for my blog, because my boss' boss had the university photographers come and play paparazzi.
Unfortunatley, I was gone for the day before they posted the pics. As soon they hit my email and I decide which ones make me look like I look the least like a deer in headlights, I will post.
It is way late. I work way early. This will have to be it.
I am so excited for life today :) Much to update! Busy day filled with work at 2 jobs, lunch and changing in the car, and the organization of my newest planner! Yes, I have two.
entirely too much stuff for one day
Yesterday I attended my first official PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) function and it was amazing. Well, it was as amazing as a luncheon could be at least. The speakers were wonderful and it always inspires me to see members of my own community making a difference in the world. While I am way too busy to pick up any other hobbies in the next few months, I am going to make it a goal this year to become more active in the community. I think a lot of us (hey, at least me) get caught up in our daily comings and goings so much that we forget that there is a whole community growing and changing just outside our doors, and we can be a part of it.
Also registration information about PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) National Conference will be out soon. I have never been to DC so that alone has me pumped, but I can also barley contain my excitement about the actual conference. I wasn’t overly involved in the group last year so I am looking forward to meeting new classmates and networking with some of the countries brightest and most successful PR professionals in just a matter of weeks! The official job hunt is just months away and I think this conference will give me some good material to mull over when deciding where and in what area of PR I want to attempt a career in first.
Even more exciting than above, I might be heading to Chicago this weekend/next week. Just a few moments ago this was only an idea but as I type I find myself considering it less of an idea and more of a plan. My mom and my sisters live in Chicago and have recently moved into a new home I have yet to see. I haven’t seen them since Spring Break due to all my summer plans and hectic work schedule, and I am totally ashamed. My mom is my best friend and my baby sisters are the loves of my life and I just cannot go one more week without seeing them.
I think I will be able to stay for 2 or 3 nights and if I can move my work schedule around I may even get to be there the two days of week my mom has off work! The town they live in is beautiful and the weather in Chicago this time of year is awesome for exploring and shopping so the timing is perfect. Many pictures of my adorable little mini me’s and my beautiful mother are sure to come in later posts. Still up in the air on whether or not I will drive or try out the mega bus. I am highly opposed to busses as public transportation but I HATE the drive to Chicago alone and I heard it wasn’t too bad. I guess we’ll see!
I’ve got to cut my ramblings here. Work is crazy today.
