For the last two years I’ve wondered if I had what it takes to be in public relations. After taking this class, I know I’ve chosen the right career path.
I’ve been a print journalist for most of my adult life. It’s the only career I’ve ever known. Yet at 39 I found myself out of a job and searching in a field that was rapidly sinking into obscurity. A career change seemed the obvious choice and a public relations degree from Franklin University was the perfect path.
Even after that path was selected there was a sense of unease and self doubt as to whether I could handle a public relations career. Media Research and Writing class has allayed that self doubt.
The class provided a great opportunity to act as a public relations professional. It gave the chance to plan PR campaigns, to determine the appropriate PR deliverables, and to present ideas to a group of peers.
The class also provided the opportunity to practice a variety of public relations writing including news releases, fact sheets television and radio spots, brochures and newsletters.
Each successful assignment brought the feeling of accomplishment and self satisfaction. Increased self confidence was the result.
Media Research and Writing class was not only educationally rewarding, but it was also emotionally rewarding. It was hard work, but it was well worth it if it gives me the skills to fulfill my goal to successfully switch from journalism to public relations.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Frustration Not Required for Successfull Team Projects
The thought of team projects usually has my head spinning. By the end of the project I’m usually questioning why I ever went back to school. But that was not the case for the team project in Media Research and Writing. The project in this class was interesting informative and best of all – completed with a couple of great partners.
In the past I’ve been paired with partners who wait until the last minute or flat out don’t do their share of the work. I end up doing the majority of the project. I’ve also been paired with partners who are unwilling to compromise or bend – even when they are wrong. This has made for very frustrating and tense weeks of class work. In the end I wished each person in the group could be graded based on their effort. But that is not usually the case.
The partner issue coupled with lengthy and sometimes unappealing projects often left me questioning my return to college and whether I could continue.
Much to my surprise the team project of creating a newsletter for Media Research and Writing was a lot different. To start with I managed to team up with two ladies who were as eager to succeed as I am. They never procrastinated, they participated in team meetings, they contributed great ideas, and they were willing to compromise or at least consider my point of view.
The success of our teamwork was aided by the requirements of the project assignment. Assignment creators established that all partners contribute the same number of stories or articles to the newsletter. Our team then worked together to come up with project specifics like layout, newsletter name and so forth.
For once all of my hair stayed in my head – I didn’t have to pull it out from frustration – my head isn’t spinning and we were able to complete the assignment in a timely fashion. Most importantly, I developed a lasting relationship with partners and have plans to partner with them again in future classes. It’s easy to see why this experience could be chalked up to a great and successful venture – depending on my grade of course.
In the past I’ve been paired with partners who wait until the last minute or flat out don’t do their share of the work. I end up doing the majority of the project. I’ve also been paired with partners who are unwilling to compromise or bend – even when they are wrong. This has made for very frustrating and tense weeks of class work. In the end I wished each person in the group could be graded based on their effort. But that is not usually the case.
The partner issue coupled with lengthy and sometimes unappealing projects often left me questioning my return to college and whether I could continue.
Much to my surprise the team project of creating a newsletter for Media Research and Writing was a lot different. To start with I managed to team up with two ladies who were as eager to succeed as I am. They never procrastinated, they participated in team meetings, they contributed great ideas, and they were willing to compromise or at least consider my point of view.
The success of our teamwork was aided by the requirements of the project assignment. Assignment creators established that all partners contribute the same number of stories or articles to the newsletter. Our team then worked together to come up with project specifics like layout, newsletter name and so forth.
For once all of my hair stayed in my head – I didn’t have to pull it out from frustration – my head isn’t spinning and we were able to complete the assignment in a timely fashion. Most importantly, I developed a lasting relationship with partners and have plans to partner with them again in future classes. It’s easy to see why this experience could be chalked up to a great and successful venture – depending on my grade of course.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
40 Might Not Be Bad...With the Right Party
Turning 40 may be depressing, but the party celebrating that birthday was amazing. My husband did an awesome job. I’ve never smiled so much.
The guest list was small, but included the people who mattered most to me…my family. It had the appropriate amount of old age sarcasm, which I would expect from my husband. In fact I think I’d have been disappointed if the party had been different. Although he could have used a better picture on the “Lordy! Lordy! Look whose 40” signs displayed to show people where to find the party. I plan to make great use though of the black cane complete with bicycle horn. And let’s not forget the silly boulder hat with shaggy, silver “hair” hanging down or signs posted everywhere with the tube of polygrip.
The site of this great occasion – a local metro park- was perfect. We had all kinds of outdoor activities including volleyball. Normally I would avoid this sport, but I actually dragged my nearly 40-year-old body out to enjoy numerous games. But the best part of the party – I didn’t have to do a thing but have fun. I can’t tell you when that happened last.
But now comes the hard part – actually turning 40. The party has definitely helped, but I got a little wisdom from one of the party goers that will stay with me a long time and hopefully ease the transition into a new decade of life.
“Don't feel too bad about turning 40. It is a hell of a lot better than the alternative. Hell, I'm 65 and don't feel (or act it) and you know your mom is still going strong. Age is ONLY a number. Be proud of it and keep moving on. You will NEVER get younger in age, but you can control how OLD you really allow yourself to get.”
The author of this great wisdom was my uncle. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Even though I’ve heard similar things from others, it was never phrased quiet this way and it never had the effect his words had on me. Almost instantly his words had an effect. As of today, turning 40 doesn’t look quite so bad. I have the urge to make the most out of 40 instead of dreading it. OK well, today anyway. I’m notorious for changing my mind so only time will tell how this year will go. In the meantime, I think I’ll still hold on to my “39 Forever” badge from my party. Just in case.
The guest list was small, but included the people who mattered most to me…my family. It had the appropriate amount of old age sarcasm, which I would expect from my husband. In fact I think I’d have been disappointed if the party had been different. Although he could have used a better picture on the “Lordy! Lordy! Look whose 40” signs displayed to show people where to find the party. I plan to make great use though of the black cane complete with bicycle horn. And let’s not forget the silly boulder hat with shaggy, silver “hair” hanging down or signs posted everywhere with the tube of polygrip.
The site of this great occasion – a local metro park- was perfect. We had all kinds of outdoor activities including volleyball. Normally I would avoid this sport, but I actually dragged my nearly 40-year-old body out to enjoy numerous games. But the best part of the party – I didn’t have to do a thing but have fun. I can’t tell you when that happened last.
But now comes the hard part – actually turning 40. The party has definitely helped, but I got a little wisdom from one of the party goers that will stay with me a long time and hopefully ease the transition into a new decade of life.
“Don't feel too bad about turning 40. It is a hell of a lot better than the alternative. Hell, I'm 65 and don't feel (or act it) and you know your mom is still going strong. Age is ONLY a number. Be proud of it and keep moving on. You will NEVER get younger in age, but you can control how OLD you really allow yourself to get.”
The author of this great wisdom was my uncle. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Even though I’ve heard similar things from others, it was never phrased quiet this way and it never had the effect his words had on me. Almost instantly his words had an effect. As of today, turning 40 doesn’t look quite so bad. I have the urge to make the most out of 40 instead of dreading it. OK well, today anyway. I’m notorious for changing my mind so only time will tell how this year will go. In the meantime, I think I’ll still hold on to my “39 Forever” badge from my party. Just in case.
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