Monday, October 17, 2011

2011 PRSSA National Conference in Orlando: Learning the Passion Behind Public Relations 'Like Magic'

Do you believe in magic? How about love?

Today is Monday, October 17, 2011, the second to last day of the 2011 PRSSA National Conference in Orlando, Fla.

I have learned many new things about public relations from the different guest speakers who talked about their backgrounds in public relations. They have inspired me to write a blog, and how appropriate because part of the PRSA International Conference's theme this year is "Inspire."

-- What inspires me? Goofy smiles. 8-)P

Learn about your audience. Learning does not necessarily mean conventionally learn through reading and writing about them, but BECOME them. Strongly interact with them and show that you are human, just as human as they are.

I'm not going to lie. Listening is difficult for me. I love to talk and talk, and I may seem rude sometimes. I am a polite person. I do not mean to be rude. I just let my energies and passion get the best of me sometimes.

Having and demonstrating passion is so critical, yet why is it difficult to define what one's passion is? If we are true to who we are, then will we find passion?

Earlier today, I "Googled" "passion in public relations" and found an article "Putting Passion in Public Relations" (try to say that five times fast) which briefly discussed the power of passion and where purpose lies within public relations. Below is the quotation I found very practical with my interests in passion.


"Common purpose is easy to maintain when you are a small organization working out of one office, but as the company grows geographically and numerically, this common purpose very often gets diluted" (http://aboutpublicrelations.net/ucchandramouli.htm).


I feel diluted as an individual in my quest to acquire understanding of self-purpose in the field of public relations. I could spend more than enough words explaining what I like to do, what my interests are, etc., yet I would prefer to emphasize passion because that is what I am all about. Passion.

--Wasn't "Passion" the name of one of the NBC 90s television shows? See. I'm not that old.



My name "Jaime" translates as "I love" in the French language, and I have always felt that that is something special to be emphasize. "I love" what?

What else do I like to emphasize as my passion? ...besides 'love.'

1.) I have an incredible hard work ethic (15 years of track and field, 2 years of coaching track), which I like to express. Not as an overachiever. Rather as the "Little Engine That Could."

--Ever read the story of "The Little Red Hen?" Yep, she delivered the bread. Here's a little fact: I deliver results. I helped my Slippery Rock University cross country team qualify for the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championships. Deliver the same high achievement results in the office? Without a doubt.


2.) I want to help people, especially when no one else is looking.

3.) I cheer on "the underdog."

4.) I like the strange and unusual...because I am strange and unusual (Did you get that quote from Beetlejuice?). Halloween ghost stories. UFOs. Psychics.

5.) I like to connect with the "older" generation (Generation X) and say, 'I'm not like the rest of my Generation Y friends. And, please, do not call me a Millenial. That's seriously offensive.'

6.) I want to laugh, smile, attempt to crack a joke with people.

7.) I like working with children.

8.) I like random facts and reciting straightforward, numerical information.

9.) I am a free spirit. You want to go where again? Okay! I'll be there. You're traveling where? I want to go too! Sounds fun!

and lastly....

10.) I will be your friend no matter what. Unconditionally.


This is one of the few things I have learned at the PRSSA National Conference this October. I learned about me. My purpose to help others.

-- JW

--JW

Saturday, September 24, 2011

And That's...the Horoscopic Truth

Have you ever seen the movie "The Ugly Truth?" Yes, I am Katherine Heigl's character in a way. Actually, I was more like her before I saw "Up in the Air," but I digress.

My point is that beyond the boy vs. girl, man vs. woman, male vs. female relationship struggles, there is another type of struggle. Just look to the stars.

I'm talking about astrology and Horoscope signs. ...if you continue to read this post, I'm glad that you have joined us, fellow non-skeptic.

The day in which we arrive on this planet reveals to some extent about who we are. I'm not insisting on Signs from the sun, but our individuality and uniqueness. Okay. Enough.

My rant can be traced back to the day that I found out that I was a Water Bearer. What the heck is that? My birthday falls on January 23. My astrological sign is the Water Bearer, which means that anyone's birthday who falls between January 21 and February 18 is considered an Aquarius. After learning about this "fact," I immediately wanted to know whose sign each one had, and thus I was "brain washed."

Well, my mom is an Aries, my dad is also an Aquarius and my sister is a Capricorn....and my grandfather is also an Aries, and my grandmother is a Libra.

Upon recognizing these astrological facts, I begin to think about types of interactions with different people. Then it hits me. There are particular positive and negative relationships which I have with different people according to their Sign! Brilliant! (sarcasm)

My mom and I are a fire/air sign combination. She has a tough yet assertive approach to stressful and frustrating situations, which is the reason why her help has blessed me. My dad and I are an air/air combination, meaning that one thing goes through his ear when I talk to him and out the other. I have difficulties talking to my dad sometimes (actually most of the time) and I do not feel as close to him, given that remark. My sister and I are an air/earth combination. She is very grounded in what she does and does not need her "big sister" to help her in any aspect of her life. Disrespect, in my opinion. Whatever.

My grandfather and I are also an air/fire combination, and he is very similar to what kind of relationship I have with my mom. My grandmother and I are an air/air combination, however, she is a Libra and Libras are known for keeping balance (and peace) in most relationships. I do not see my grandmother as frequently as I would like to, and I feel that this is a life struggle which I currently have.

Everyone else's sign? Well, if you're a Leo, then we'll probably be good pals and may get along great together. If you're a Gemini, we'll probably chit-chat really well, and I may kick your butt in arguments every once in a while. If you're a Sagittarius, we'll probably have problems. Of all the people I've known, who have a sign of Sagittarius, I've never had a good relationship with. Ugh. Wishful thinking on that note.

What about Virgos? They're really cool to listen to, however, I do not think they would want to hang around me with my so-called "aloof" ideas. Taurus people are pretty cool because they converse like they know what they want and are aggressive...a little too aggressive for my taste. Pisces are sweet people, kind and really interesting to me. Most of them have inspired me in my life, including my late grandmother. Scorpio people...I have no comment. Really. I do not. And lastly...cancer people. Crabby? Yes, but you're not supposed to tell them that! They do a great job...with everyone else except me.

The one sign in which I would like to really connect with is a Libra. I feel like they really know me well and can conduct themselves in public really well. A friendship with them would be awesome, but I feel like that will never happen. I attended one summer camp during high school, and I was in awe of this guy I met. I kept thinking to myself, 'Is this really happening?' I was so happy. Could not stop smiling. We were dancing at the camp dance on this old skating rink with other campers, and I did not want to leave. Once the dance was over, and I was walking with some camp friends back to the "cabins," I was tapped on the shoulder by him and he gave me a kiss on the cheek. My friends let out a "Oohhh!" noise, and I was a tiny bit embarrassed. I so enjoyed that moment!

Basically, this guy was a Libra after I found out his birthday from asking him earlier. To this day, I am convinced that this is the truth. The best friendship I will have will be with a Libra. Is that crazy or what?

Yep. Crazy.

And that's...the Horoscopic Truth.

- JW

And That's...the Horoscopic Truth

Have you ever seen the movie "The Ugly Truth?" Yes, I am Katherine Heigl's in a way. Actually, I was more like her before I saw "Up in the Air," but I digress.

My point is that beyond the boy vs. girl, man vs. woman, male vs. female relationship struggles, there is another type of struggle. Just look to the stars.

I'm talking about astrology and Horoscope signs. ...if you continue to read this post, I'm glad that you have joined us, fellow non-skeptic.

The day in which we arrive on this planet reveals to some extent about who we are. I'm not insisting on Signs from the sun, but our individuality and uniqueness. Okay. Enough.

My rant can be traced back to the day that I found out that I was a Water Bearer. What the heck is that? My birthday falls on January 23. My astrological sign is the Water Bearer, which means that anyone's birthday who falls between January 21 and February 18 is considered an Aquarius. After learning about this "fact," I immediately wanted to know whose sign each one had, and thus I was "brain washed."

Well, my mom is an Aries, my dad is also an Aquarius and my sister is a Capricorn....and my grandfather is also an Aries, and my grandmother is a Libra.

Upon recognizing these astrological facts, I begin to think about types of interactions with different people. Then it hits me. There are particular positive and negative relationships which I have with different people according to their Sign! Brilliant! (sarcasm)

My mom and I are a fire/air sign combination. She has a tough yet assertive approach to stressful and frustrating situations, which is the reason why her help has blessed me. My dad and I are an air/air combination, meaning that one thing goes through his ear when I talk to him and out the other. I have difficulties talking to my dad sometimes (actually most of the time) and I do not feel as close to him, given that remark. My sister and I are an air/earth combination. She is very grounded in what she does and does not need her "big sister" to help her in any aspect of her life. Disrespect, in my opinion. Whatever.

My grandfather and I are also an air/fire combination, and he is very similar to what kind of relationship I have with my mom. My grandmother and I are an air/air combination, however, she is a Libra and Libras are known for keeping balance (and peace) in most relationships. I do not see my grandmother as frequently as I would like to, and I feel that this is a life struggle which I currently have.

Everyone else's sign? Well, if you're a Leo, then we'll probably be good pals and may get along great together. If you're a Gemini, we'll probably chit-chat really well, and I may kick your butt in arguments every once in a while. If you're a Sagittarius, we'll probably have problems. Of all the people I know who have a sign of Sagittarius, I've never had a good relationship with. Ugh. Wishful thinking on that note.

What about Virgos? They're really cool to listen to, however, I do not think they would want to hang around me with my so-called "aloof" ideas. Taurus people are pretty cool because they converse like they know what they want and are aggressive...a little too aggressive for my taste. Pisces are sweet people, kind and really interesting to me. Most of them have inspired me in my life, including my late grandmother. Scorpio people...I have no comment. Really. I do not. And lastly...cancer people. Crabby? Yes, but you're not supposed to tell them that! They do a great job...with everyone else except me.

The one sign in which I would like to really connect with is a Libra. I feel like they really know me well and can conduct themselves in public really well. A friendship with them would be awesome, but I feel like that will never happen. I attended one summer camp during high school, and I was in awe of this guy I met. I kept thinking to myself, 'Is this really happening?' I was so happy. Could not stop smiling. We were dancing at the camp dance on this old skating rink with other campers, and I did not want to leave. Once the dance was over, and I was walking with some camp friends back to the "cabins," I was tapped on the shoulder by him and he gave me a kiss on the cheek. My friends let out a "Oohhh!" noise, and I was a tiny bit embarrassed. I so enjoyed that moment!

Basically, this guy was a Libra after I found out his birthday from asking him earlier. To this day, I am convinced that this is the truth. The best friendship I will have will be with a Libra. Is that crazy or what?

Yep. Crazy.

And that's...the Horoscopic Truth.

- JW

Monday, September 19, 2011

Wright-er's Block

In less than three months, I will have completed my Master's degree in communication and have graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

So what? Now what?

I cannot express to you how many times I've asked myself where my motivation is and what my motivation is from before.

This is it, though. No more second-guessing, right? Wrong.

I have, what I'd like to call, in order to personalize my situation, "Wright-er's Block." This is a term for how much I have lost sense, or lost depth perception of where I belong in the "real world" with a career in communication...no--athletic coaching. Ahh!

There is something I especially like in public relations, but I cannot perform that skill...or can I?

Living in your mid-20s is not a picnic. I hope that I figure out my future before the future figures me out. What about my past? The runner.

I am very passionate about distance running...or am I? I spent 15 years as a student-athlete, a runner, Now, I cannot even run. I would like to walk without thinking about how I shift my weight on my knees.

Should I ignore my running past? Never. I embrace it. I embrace it with interest, knowledge and eagerness to learn more about the sport.

There is a small passion of mine to interact and counsel athletes in the sport of track and field. I would really like to continue with coaching, but I cannot forsake the years I've spent gaining an education towards earning a job, a career, in communication or public relations.

In the past year, I've spent much time working to provide Clarion University PRSSA with the best possible experiences. I have connected very well with many Clarion University students and I really appreciate the opportunity. Therefore, will I find my future from work with PRSSA? Come mid-October 2011, I may be able to answer that question.

I will be attending the annual PRSSA National Conference in Orlando, Fla., and I hope to find a lead from social networking with PR professionals and students. I am very excited about learning all of what PRSSANC has to offer! However, where is the answer to my "Wright-er's Block" with PRSSANC?

Is it the joy from the people you meet who inspire you to communicate? Why do you do the things you do? Are you happy with what you have right now?

Give me another 12 weeks and four days, and I'll let you know then. ;-)

My "Wright-er's Block" may be broken if I continue to be myself, act professionally, and just have fun!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Stress and Paradise

Surprised by the title of this blog? No worries.

It seems as though nowadays that college students get so stressed out over classes, finding a job and anything slightly related to worries that they forget about Purpose and self.

This semester I am taking a course, entitled "Management of the Communication Process: MMAJ 559," and one of things in which my professor is stressing in this class is to find Purpose, referring to the title of the textbook.

Learning your Purpose in yourself and your life is not an easy thing to achieve. From personal reflection, I'm learned to let things take care of themselves, and part of the reason why this works is due to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Many people may state "Believe in yourself," but you cannot everything by yourself unless you believe that something, Someone greater than yourself can help you. You find Purpose when you accept that that something or Someone who can give you a sense of emotional release and trust.

Trusting people and Christ is difficult, but totally worth it to do so because you reach a sense of paradise. It is especially important to stress patience while the whole process of reaching Purpose occurs.

Let's put this discussion into context.

I am months away from graduating college with two college degrees and finally obtaining a full-time job. My sense of Purpose has been challenged many times through the last six years, and I believe that what I find in "the real world" could be anything. I am patiently waiting, exercising my emotional strength, and believing that God will take over and provide something for me.

Did you get all that? If not, remember that your Purpose is accompanied by passion; and passion cannot be achieved unless you invest time and effort into something that likes you back.

Have faith. Have patience. And good things will come your way. Stress is a mess, but paradise lasts forever.

- JW

Friday, February 25, 2011

Public Relations, Coaching...Who Said Life Was An Easy Decision?

I am really busy right now, but apparently I'm not busy to blog my thoughts for this month at this time. It is Friday. It is raining, and it is wet outside. Rain is one thing, but raining on snow from a previous storm is not so great.

I am feeling just about the same as the weather right now, which is "crappy." The word, "crappy," I believe could be defined as "not feeling so great." So, where am I going with this message?

In less than three months, I must decide what I will be doing to improve my outlook for finding a job by graduation time in December. The Washington Center in Washington, D.C. is a large hub of job-hunting, money-thirsty internship placement giants who help college students discover employers who offer excellent career experience opportunities. These people also help you learn what to expect in your career field and help you prepare for all of it with intense training in the resume-building, portfolio-collecting stages. I really want this opportunity!

I have to get everything arranged before the summer quarter deadline: Friday, March 11. That date is during Spring Break and I think I can handle getting everything completed by then. The financial cost is another concern, but I have faith that everything will manage itself well.

Aside from class assignments, I'm still "plugging away," sending my resumes and cover letters to employers and following up with them, in order to see if they have the least bit of interest in "what I got to sell to them."

If I step back for a second, away from the craziness, and look to see where I am in my life right now--I think I'm doing pretty awesome!

I'm tackling leadership skills, problem solving skills, critical analysis skills, writing skills, management skills, giving great advice, helping others achieve and much more. Do I deserve a huge "pat on the back?" Maybe. Probably. Who knows what will happen to me with my strong steps towards success.

There is one person who is rewarding as I continue on my path towards receiving my first job and state of independence--God. He is AWESOME!!! Always believe that He is doing AMAZING things in life, even when you feel like "crap." Believe in Him.

That's all I have for the month of February. This weekend is the PSAC Indoor Track & Field Conference Championships. Let's go-go-Golden Eagles! AND...because I'm faithful..let's go ROCK!! Cheering for both teams this weekend (How did I get caught in this rivalry mess? Ha ha.).

See you in March!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Story of a Cry Out

I cannot concentrate right now because of my health issue...so, my January post is about the precious necessity of the knee's meniscus ligament.

Last September 2010, I injured my right knee's meniscus while running during a long run of 80 minutes. I noticed this different feeling in my right knee after running around the track. I decided to run back to apartment and stretch. The next day, I tried using the cross training exercise equipment to reduce the amount of stress put on my knee--that did not help me.

I took myself to see one of the certified athletic trainers. They said I may have a torn meniscus and may need a MRI scan...but...in the meantime, I needed to rest, ice, compress and elevate my knee to help it heal.

Three months later, after using the trainer's advice, I went to my primary care doctor. She said that I had patellar tendonitis, which involved fluids under my knee cap. She also said that I needed a X-Ray and see a physical therapist.

The X-Ray came back normal, I saw my PT doctor on my first visit and everything was fine...until my second visit.

The physical therapist told me to warm up for 10 minutes on the stationary bike, and that was okay. He told me to stretch my quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles. That was okay. Then, he said he wanted to evaluate and look at my running gait for any problems with how I run. THAT WAS A MISTAKE!!

Within 24 to 48 hours after running for 1 to 2 minutes on the treadmill to evaluate my knee...I was back to pain again. My medial meniscus flared up again. I don't know if it's any worse than it was three and a half months ago.

I want a MRI scan NOW! ...I want to heal my right knee NOW. I'm being patient. Isn't there a reward for being patient?

What if I injure my left knee's meniscus while walking around to stabilize my right knee? Why do I need to re-injure myself?

Running is out of the question. I will stay in shape with the stationary bike as long as I can. I will be satisfied just to use 20 minutes on the bike...but I'm still waiting. I'm STILL WAITING!!

I'm crying on the inside...and out. I want someone to save me. I deserve WAY MORE!!! Will someone, please, help me?

Until February...

- Jaime