By Kait Hyde
Before starting college and once I was really thinking about my future, I discovered how broad a degree in communication was. Finding jobs within this field is practically endless and the number of options felt freeing, but at the same time, it was terrifying.
But, if it’s one thing I have learned in my past four years of being in college, it’s to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, even if I had zero experience in it.
My method to this idea is pretty simple; college is the perfect time to fail, learn, and grow. It’s the perfect time to find what you’re passionate about versus the things you don’t necessarily enjoy. It’s the time in your life to try things because the experience and reward will always be worth it, and that’s what I gained from being in 1910PR.
I was nervous, and I really wasn’t sure what to expect from taking this practicum, because I had minimal experience in public relations, client work, etc. But I heard amazing things about the class, and I knew the least I could do was try. At the beginning of the semester, we started off with our Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS), and I knew that I was going to enjoy this class.
Getting to work with highly respected professionals as well as listening to them speak on topics they were passionate about helped me broaden my views and opinions on different topics. The DLS event assigned to me was hosted by Dr. Richard (Rick) Lavoie, an educator, author, and an advocate for children and students worldwide with learning disabilities and special needs.
During his presentation, he spoke about both Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorders and explained the link between the two. His main points were focused on research and showing the impact learning disabilities has on students and how it can affect their motivation. He also gave different strategies for parents and teachers that are designed to help these students improve behaviors and enhance their self-esteem in school.
Throughout the semester we worked on various events like this; designing, marketing, scheduling posts on social media, listening to speakers, and more. I learned so much from being in this class, and it included working on time management as well as being given the freedom to use my creativity in creating posts to help market events we had coming up.
1910PR has helped me grow as a student and as an individual preparing to graduate and transition into my professional career. The lessons I learned from this class are lessons I will carry with me as I continue to learn and grow after college.