I'm done with College...

I can't believe that I am actually done with college. All of my hard work has finally paid off, and I can finally relax before I start my new job.

I pitched to my client on Monday, which concluded my Campaigns class. The presentation went well overall, but of course, it wasn't perfect.

When the presentation was over and the clients gave their feedback, I definitely had a sense of relief and peace wash over me. I had worked an entire semester for this one moment...to see satisfaction on my client's face.

Now, since my classes and finals are over, I can focus on moving out of Athens and moving on. Four years ago I stood my dorm overwhelmed and in awe of college and the freedom that came with moving out, but now, I stand around in my empty apartment wondering where the best four years of my life went.

Relay For Life Raises More Than $257,000!!!

My year long hard work and 24 hours without sleep at Relay For Life proved to all be worth it--the 2007 University of Georgia's Relay For Life raised more than $257,000!!!

I woke up yesterday and was so excited because what I had worked so hard for an entire year was finally here. It was so exciting to be at the track and watch teams set up their campsite, greet faculty and survivors and watch our hard work come to life.

Now, I've finally slept and as I continue to think about the event, I'm thrilled to think the Executive Board planned such an awesome fundraiser. Of course, we couldn't have done anything without the team captains, team members and sponsors, so much of my appreciate belongs with them.

I can't believe my final collegiate Relay has come to an end--it's bittersweet. It's time for a fresh face to take over the Public Relations Director position; but, at the same time, I will miss Exec--we've become a family. But at least I can look back on this experience and be proud of what I did and know that for many years to come, UGA will have an AMAZING Relay For Life.

Relay For Life is in The Red & Black...Again!!!

I was thrilled to get a text message today from Hannah, Relay For Life's Special Event Coordinator, telling me that an article about Relay was in the UGA newspaper, The Red & Black.

I randomly ran into an editor of The Red & Black, and we started to talk. As I told her about Relay and the upcoming events, she said she would immediately have a reporter cover the Homerun Derby that UGA softball and Relay are co-sponsoring.

Clearly, the old cliche is true, it helps to be in the right place at the right time!!!

Thank you Red & Black for publishing an article about Relay!!! Hopefully with the article's help, we'll have a GREAT turnout tomorrow!

Relay For Life is T-Minus 8 Days and Counting...

So Relay For Life is almost one week away! I'm so excited, but there is so much to be done before then.

This Saturday, UGA softball and Relay is co-sponsoring a Homerun Derby, which will serve as a fundraiser. UGA athletes, including some football and basketball players, will actually participate in the three-round derby. Spectators will be able to pledge amounts per home run per athlete or make a general donation.

So while I'm organizing and promoting this event, I have to promote the actual Relay event, which is next Friday, April 27. There is so much to do, but fortunately, I can devote myself to Relay for the next couple of days since my classes have calmed down a little bit.

I'm very excited to see Relay unfold...hopefully we will still be the NUMBER ONE College Relay this year, too. It will be our 8th year in a row if so!!!

Virginia Tech, You're in My Thoughts and Prayers

Wow.

My mom called me this morning to tell me about today's tragic events; it stopped me in my tracks. My heart goes out to the families, students, professors, friends and the community of VT. I can't imagine what today must have been like on their campus, nor do I ever want to live through something like that.

It's funny how an event like this can put your life into perspective. One week ago I was completely stressed about how I was going to finish a 200 page project, but today, its such an easy task compared to what these students and faculty faced. Today's events honestly make me realize that the littlest things in life that cause the biggest stresses are still so minute and small in the scheme of things.

I'm so thankful that I'm safe, but I still question why those students weren't. Why them? I'm a big believer that everything happens for a reason, but in a situation like this, it's very hard to see and understand the positive that could come from this. I will continually pray for these victims and those who surround them. God bless.

An Interview with Yours Truly!

I was recently approached by a fellow student who asked me if she could interview me for a leadership class she's taking. I was thrilled to do it, and I think its flattering she chose me to do such a task. I have listed the questions below because I'm hoping that my experience may offer some insight to others!

What is your position on Relay?
I am the Relay For Life Public Relations Director

Why did you choose to do this?
I am a PR major, so it just made sense that I would seek out that exec position. But I love Relay for many other reasons, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the nation's largest college Relay.

What does Relay mean to you?
Relay is very important to me for so many reasons. When I was in 3rd grade my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and she continues to fight the battle today, 13 years later, which is truly inspiring. Knowing that American Cancer Society is working to find a cure, it motivates me to work hard for them so that other grandmas can watch their grand children grow.
However, on the other hand, my grandfather died of cancer 2 weeks before I started my freshman year of college. I literally watched him die. When he was well he used to call the Dawgs every time I entered the room since I was going to UGA. But before he died, he didn't even know my name, much less how to call the Dawgs. I lost one of my childhood friends to cancer, too. He died a day before my 18th birthday, and he was buried a few days before our high school graduation. Experiencing this pain first hand, I know that I have to Relay so that one day we will have a cure, and this way no one will ever have to endure the pain of cancer or losing a loved one again.

What events does your team hold prior to Relay?
I'm on the Executive Board, so we're over all of Relay, including the hundred some odd teams that participate in Relay. But as far as an Exec goes, we hold many fundraisers to gain publicity and promote Relay. We've had a date auction, benefit concert and mini fundraisers monthly at Tate. We also had a downtown night where many of the establishments supported Relay teams by decorating their buildings.

Why do you hold these events?
We host these events for publicity and for fundraising. We do these events because knowing you're doing something for a cure is inspiring and that spirit is contagious. We hope to ignite every one's enthusiasm for Relay.

Which have been successes? Which have been failures?
I don't know that I would say any events in particular have been failures, but we can improve on some. Our fundraisers that we host are normally very popular, and therefore are successful. The date auction and the benefit concert was wildly successful. The process of holding events are trail and error--some are great and some can be reworked to make them better.

What leadership qualities are important as a leader of Relay?
Dedication, being committed to the cause, organization, high morale, having GREAT time management skills, willing to do anything for Relay ( i.e., if we raise $500,000 or more, I'll shave my head with some other members of Exec).

Who does your team gain support from? i.e. do you have a lot of community support, etc.
We have a lot of community support. We have support from students, faculty and staff. We have support from the local ACS office, and we have support from other on-campus organizations. Its really cool to see how everyone comes together and fuses their resources to make a successful Relay.

Why do you think these people choose to support you?
Because I think everyone has been affected by cancer--be it that they have/had it, a friend has/had it or maybe even a loved one. Cancer doesn't discriminate--it touches anyone it wants to, so many people are passionate about finding a cure, which is what Relay is all about. Also, we celebrate survivorship, so we love to see survivors walk around the track and get support from the crowd. I think survivors support us too because we celebrate their biggest victory in life: beating cancer.

What has been your biggest challenge with Relay?
Sometimes its hard to get people to fund raise and participate in events because everyone at UGA is so involved with many different amazing organizations, so conflicts can arise in schedules and such. But for the most part, organizing a Relay is hard work, but it is more than worth it.

What events will you have at the actual Relay?
We had an Entertainment chair who organizes a wonderful calendar of events. We have top notch bands, fun performances and games to play, too. We all know it can be challenging to stay awake for such a long period of time, especially near finals, so we do all we can to keep morale high and fun things happening.

What were some of your goals this year?
We want to raise $260,000 or more. And personally, I want to see people come to Relay and want to come back every year. I think participation is awesome and we can only get better and bigger as long as we have campus support.

How do students get involved and if involved, what are their requirements? What do they do?
Students can get involved via so many avenues. They can interview to be on committees, and then move to Exec. They can be on teams, which is the most popular way of involvement. It's very easy to be part of Relay, all you have to do is visit www.uga.edu/relay and sign up via Kintera (there's a link on the website) to start or join a team. There is a $10 registration fee, but that also covers the cost of a Relay shirt.

And finally, what would you say to someone who was unsure about getting involved...what should their motivations be?
I would say of course get involved and stay involved. You make great friends and can network by being involved. But most importantly, I would advise that a person be involved in something that is important to them--be it Relay, intramural sports, Greek life, etc. It's all about finding your passion and being able to channel that passion to the common good of everyone.

I Eat, Sleep and Breath PR Campaigns class...

I'm getting closer to graduation, which is very exciting, but that means that I'm getting even closer to finishing my Campaigns project.

On Monday we had a tactics draft due, and my group wasn't prepared. That's my fault, though. I'm the Account Executive, and I should have been better prepared.

With that said, my group and I have worked around the clock to get our tactics done. In the past 48 hours, 28 of those have spent on Campaigns. I never realized how much work actually goes into planning a campaign. I have a lot more respect for those PR practitioners who work in the agency setting.

As much as I have always said I would never work in an agency, I kind of thrive off of the stress and the unpredictability of planning a campaign. Maybe agency is now an avenue I may consider...

Alcohol: A Cure All!

I, like thousands of others, suffer from allergies, especially because of the pollen. But now there is a fun way to deal with the symptoms.

According to an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Ritz-Carlton hotels in downtown Atlanta and Buckhead crafted their own cure: a Loblolly Folly Martini. This yellow vodka martini is dipped in fine yellow sugar and costs $12; but, it is a good way to forget about allergies and the symptoms.

The Area Public Relations Director, Sandra Ryder, named the drink after the Loblolly pine, which produces much of the pollen in Georgia.

As an emerging PR practitioner and an allergy suffer myself, I think this is an amazing PR ploy. This drink is innovative and fun creating hype for the hotel and offers a unique cocktail for their occupants.

Because my allergies are so irritating, I'm tempted to go to the Ritz and experience this martini first hand!

Great Advice for Emerging PR Practitioners

I recently conducted an email interview with Kriya Benich, Development Officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I asked her a series of five questions hoping she could shed some light on PR and help me with job searching. Read below to see what she says...

1. Do you think PR is something that is taught? Or is it an innate ability?

I think it is a combination. You have to be taught the basics to show the scope of what's out there. You must learn the terms and practices that make-up media, campaigns, journalism, communications, etc. But if you really pay attention, 99.9% of PR professionals are very similar - creative, energetic, charismatic personality, troubleshooters, works well in groups, feed off the energy of others, and love to dive into new projects. Obviously, the field attracts people with certain innate abilities. If you like to work solo with minimal distraction, you probably won't enjoy the PR world. But if you enjoy the synergy of great minds working together for a common goal, you'll find a place in PR. It's a balance of the two.

2. What is the best part of your job? What is the worst part of your job?

The best part: I get to do great work for a great cause. I'm able to work on projects and with people I enjoy on behalf of children I deeply care about. In other words, I get to see the fruits of my labor in the face of our wish kids....instead of a paycheck :)

The worst part: No matter how well you do in my area of fundraising/PR, there's always more work to be done. Unfortunately, there will always be more sick children to help.

3. What personal characteristic do you possess that makes you successful in the PR world?

When I took all the personality tests that tell you what your learning styles are, what your major should be, and what your weaknesses are, they all confirmed what I already knew - I need to work with people. And because I enjoy most interactions with people (pleasant, horrible, or indifferent) I can use them to be better in PR. I also thrive in an environment when I can work hard for something I believe in.

4. What advice can you give upcoming PR practitioners? (Especially regarding job searching)

You should know what you're good at and focus on areas that will let those qualities shine. Ask questions of the employer to make sure they fit your requirements. Even though you're desperate to find a job and obviously need to be open-minded, don't settle.

5. As an employer, what qualities do you look for in applicants?

Personality, diverse skills/experiences, and passion for the project

Thank you, Kriya for such great insight!!! I'll heed these words as a future PR practitioner!

Rat Poison: It's What's For Dinner???

The love of my life is a nine-year-old chocolate lab named Cole. The thought of something happening to him is terrifying, which is one of the reasons the outbreak of rat poison in pet food horrified me.

Even though the poison is blamed for the deaths of 15 cats and one dog, scientists still do not know how the poison contaminated the food.

According to an article by the Associated Press, the company that produces the animal food extended the recall to 95 types of "cuts and gravy" food and also said they would compensate pet owners for the medical expenses the pet food may cause.

As a soon-to-be PR practitioner, I think the company responsible for producing the pet food is being smart in how they handle the situation. Recalling the questionable product is a must, and the fact that the company is assuming financial responsibility for medical costs is smart, too. Although the company can't erase what happened to their customer's pets, they're doing what they can to make the situation right.

If I were working for this company in their PR department, I would recommend that the CEO send a personalized sympathy card/letter to the customer's who have lost pets due to the rat poison.

As a PR major, I recognize that the company is doing all that they can to make such a horrible situation manageable; but, as a pet owner, I don't know that I could forget that dog died unnecessarily because of poison in his food.

Peanut Butter and Salmonella Sandwich???

As an avid eater of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I was completely bummed to learn that my favorite type of peanut butter was a hazard to my health.

In February of 2007, Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut Butter was recalled for Salmonella Tennessee contamination.

According to the Food and Drug Association's website, 290 people in 39 states were affected by the bacterium.

Even though the FDA initiated the recall, ConAgra foods agreed, which from a PR standpoint, I think that was a smart move. Like the Tylenol recall in the late 80's, I think it is important to remove all of the product that could cause potential illness in order to reduce the company's liability and to the reduce the risk of illness to the customers.

I, like many others, had contaminated peanut butter and found the process to return the food was simple, and I got all of my money back. ConAgra and retail stores that sell the peanut butter made the process as painless as possible.

Overall, I think what was a nasty situation was handled promptly and effectively.

M.I.A.

So, I have been completely MIA, and I haven't posted in forever.

But in the time I've been non-existent in the Blogoshpere, there has been some interesting developments in the Public Relations world.

I have been paying attention to the news, and now that I have time, I can finally comment on these situations.

Read some of the posts and let me know what you think!

Tired of the "B.S."

I was chatting the other day with a freshman, and she proceeded to drill me with questions about Public Relations and what it entails.

As I listened to her concerns and answered her questions, I realized just how many facets of PR there actually are.

Before I decided to pursue PR, I did some research to learn what all I could do with my degree. I intentionally chose PR because of all of the opportunities I will have to apply my degree.

Although I haven’t graduated yet, so I don’t know what’s out there for me in the real world yet, I have been able to utilize my education thus far to secure many wonderful and fulfilling positions.

This summer I was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intern at the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Marietta, Ga. I was able to work with wish kids and their family and worked in a position that matter: I literally was helping to grant a wish to a child suffering from a life-threatening medical condition. That’s the best job I could ever ask for.

But public service is only one aspect of PR. According to O*Net, with a PR degree, I could be anything from Account Executive to Media Outreach Coordinator. Personally, one of the biggest appeals of the major is how limitless my degree will be.

I don’t think most people know how broad PR is because when I tell most people what I am majoring in, I normally hear that I am going to be a professional spin-doctor, or my personal favorite is that I will be a B.S. professional.

I laugh now at the jokes, but hopefully one day my education and career won’t be laughing matter.

Do Grady Classes Really Lack Value???

I was surprised to open our school newspaper, The Red & Black, the last Wednesday to see an article in the Opinion section written by Whitney Kessler, a fellow journalism student.

In bold letters the headline read, Grady intro courses lacking value. As a student of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, I was more than intrigued to read what the author had to say.

As I read her article, I found myself agreeing that our classes do rely heavily on powerpoint slides and guest speakers; but, I found myself disagreeing much more than being in unison with her beliefs.

I have been in the Grady College for four semesters now, have taken many courses within the school and am currently enrolled in my last Grady class before I graduate. I have definitely had some professors who don't teach to the way that I learn, and no, these haven't been my favorite classes. However, I have found that the professors in Grady College have experience and prestigious educations, which make them very qualified to teach these courses.

In addition, how can one judge the education a college can provide solely on introductory course, because after all, that's what they are: introductory courses. Before one can experience the upper level courses, one must start at the bottom of the course pool. Intro classes lay a foundation by providing information about many things, and upper level classes provide specific information about specific things. While maybe intro classes lack interest, they do not lack value.

While I love reading the Red & Black, which keeps me abreast of campus controversy, I think the author decided to vent in the inappropriate forum. The article was very tactful, but before writing an article discrediting the value of classes, Kessler should have discussed her concerns with the Dean of the college or other appropriate administration. While I'm sure Kessler has many allies on her side, I found her article to be offensive and pointless.

Super Bowl 2007

I watched the Super Bowl last night mainly for the advertisement, then the football but definitely not for the halftime show.

The ads this year were funny, but I always like Anheuser-Busch commercials. Their commercials are as good as their beer.

The New York Times published an article today about Super Bowl commercials, which presents an interesting perspective of the ads.

I agree with somethings they say, like the ads were more violent than in the past, but I don't necessarily agree that the ads are sending a subliminal message about the war in Iraq. Maybe I think too superficially, but I watched the same commercials and never once did they make me think about the ongoing war overseas.

Also, the way the article describes some of the ads take the message out of context. For instance to discuss exaggerated violence in commercials, the article cites the Snickers ad that has two men ripping off their chest hair to prove their masculinity; however, this move came after the two men kissed by sharing a Snickers bar the same way Lady and the Tramp shared a spaghetti noodle. When I watched that ad I didn't see exaggerated violence; instead, I thought the men were proving masculinity because they had just kissed, which can be construed as not masculine.

There's a First Time For Everything...

This blog is an assignment for my PR Campaigns class, but this is my first time blogging. My professor has her own blog, teacher PR, and wants us to start making our own connections in the blogosphere. But as a student inching closer to graduation everyday, I think it's a good idea.

I'm a 4th year student graduating in May with a major in Public Relations and a Psychology minor. I love nonprofit organizations, and I would love to pursue a job in that field. In addition to finishing up this semester, I'm the Public Relations Director for the University of Georgia's Relay For Life, and the Account Executive for our class client, the Department of Intercultural Affairs.