by Zyna Juma, Account Team Leader
I love politics. However, as an avid podcast listener and someone who wants to learn more about the world we live in today, people’s personal stories have challenged my core economic and social values and perspectives.
In learning about people’s experiences, there is a sense of connection and understanding that is beyond politics. It’s human. I wanted to use journalism as a tool to connect with people and learn more about their stories and experiences. I began minoring in broadcast journalism and a class that was offered was 1910 PR, a student-run firm on campus that allows me to experience firsthand what it's like to understand clients, make graphics, and come up with creative ways to promote upcoming events.
I first felt intimidated. I have no solid background in media communication; this is one of my first classes. However, before joining, I was (and still am), a member of the Distinguished Lecture Series Committee (DLS). The committee meets in order to vote on speakers and funding in order to provide an engaging and educational platform for students of all disciplines and invites members of the Amarillo-Canyon community to join. Because of my involvement with DLS, I had an idea of what 1910 PR was doing, but in becoming a part of it, I learned so much more.
I have learned so much throughout the semester in taking 1910 PR: how to communicate with the right audience in promoting an event, how to properly plan and coordinate university guest speaking events, and how to develop graphics that would be on theme for the events.
I also got a taste of what it's like to work remotely with a large team all aiming to achieve a common goal. I had the privilege of learning how to work with my team in being able to achieve our team goals and collaborate with other teams in achieving the larger puzzle.
1910 PR has allowed me to grow my professional skills in knowing how to use Adobe Express and having the chance to participate in a national conference with the Public Relations Student Society of America, where I had the opportunity to connect with students who are in other student PR firms.
As for my personal skills, I learned how to be a more effective communicator and collaborator—all of which have stretched into my daily life as an individual. It has been such an amazing experience to be part of 1910 PR, and I definitely have a stronger understanding of how the media around me today attempt to communicate with me and those around me. #communication #collaboration #learning #growing #PRSSA #StudentRunFirm