Media is taking over our lives and I am so unsure about how to handle it. Everyone I know in the PR world, whether they are in the work force or a junior in college, has a blackberry/iPhone-and I just can't grasp the idea of either. I do not own a blackberry/iPhone and probably won't until I have a job where it is more beneficial than harmful to own one. My issue with them is that everyone that has one has it attached to their hand and it makes me sick. I know I shouldn't be saying this since many people use them for their professional life and they are an extremely valuable social media tool, but I just don't get how a 19 year-old college can be so addicted to a machine. My friends play on Facebook and look up random things online. The majority of students I know who have one do not use it for important e-mails or business, but rather for fun. They can't go anywhere without texting and updating Twitter. I get that social media sites are important, if not vital, but why do I need to update my Twitter every few hours?
Since my computer started to wig out at the beginning of the year, my social media use has severely decreased. I have a new computer and I try to close it when I'm not around or unplug it when it's not in use. I never have more than a few programs running at once to try to keep it healthy. It may just be in my head, but I am trying to take better care of my computer. And because of this, I never update my Twitter or blog. I rarely check my Facebook. Since my computer isn't open and the program isn't up, I don't feel the need to check it. Instead, I'll go do some homework or take a walk outside rather than getting consumed by a screen. But with most people having their computer attached to their hand, it seems to be all they focus on.
I really do think devices such as blackberrys and computers are more than necessary, but why are people so obsessed with them? Why does everyone have to Tweet about every thing they read? Why play on Facebook to check up on people you don't even call friends? These devices are really losing their appeal to me. I simply use my cell phone to text and make calls. I will get the Internet on my phone when it will improve my performance at a job, not in college. I am not important enough to need to read my e-mails as soon as I get them. The e-mails can wait. Everyone wants everything right now. They are always rushing around and in such a frenzy and I attribute this largely to the device strapped to their hand. I use my computer at a minimum and am trying to live my life through living it, not a computer.
The worst part is that I'm nervous my view will affect my chances of landing a job. I enjoy blogging, but only when I have something I feel is important to say. I like tweeting, but only when I think my followers will benefit from what I tweet. As a future PR person, I am aware that I will have to use social media daily for my clients or business, which is totally understandable. I just don't get why everyone needs to obsess over their personal social media. It's good to have a brand and something to say, but only if it's valuable.
I really wish there was less pressure to use social media 24/7 and I wish people who owned smart phones would use them for what they were made for, not applications that help you find a restaurant or land a date or post a tweet about a cool car you saw.
Seriously, put down your electronics and spend some quality time face to face with people or outside.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Growing Up Is Growing On Me
Last night I bought a laptop case. Not just any computer case, but a legit leather one. It has pockets for resumes and business cards. There are all these compartments. It's pretty sweet. And this may sound tool-ish, but it really made me feel like I was finally growing up. Buying this laptop case just made me feel so professional, so grown up. I mean, I flipped when I got my business cards! I was so excited because they were something tangible that made going to conference and graduating seem real, but the laptop case put me over the edge. My future is slowly coming together and in my mind, the real world is waiting for me with open arms.
For a senior graduating into the current economy, my outlook may look ridiculous, but I'm trying to be optimistic. I am so sick of people being down about getting a job. I know it's hard out there, that is for damn sure. But how can you expect to walk into the current job market with the attitude that it sucks and is hopeless? I would much rather be positive. In my mind, this will show in my interviews, making me stand out!
I've always tried to grow up too fast. With an older sister, I constantly tried to act older, be older. For the first time, I feel like I am my age. I am going to be 22 in just a few short months. And to me, 22 is a great age to go out into the workforce armed with an arsenal of skills. 21 is seen as the age of partying and drinking. Turning 22 is like flipping a new page. Even though they are just one number apart, I feel like the age makes all the difference. 22 sounds so legit and grown up compared to 21. And I am going to do all I can to prepare myself for 22 and my future. And you can bet your money I'm going to be positive and optimistic while doing so! Even though the job market stinks, when I graduate, there will be something out there fore me. It may not happen right away, but it's gonna happen.
[[ I may just be wishful thinking, but what's to say a girl with passion can't dream :) ]]
For a senior graduating into the current economy, my outlook may look ridiculous, but I'm trying to be optimistic. I am so sick of people being down about getting a job. I know it's hard out there, that is for damn sure. But how can you expect to walk into the current job market with the attitude that it sucks and is hopeless? I would much rather be positive. In my mind, this will show in my interviews, making me stand out!
I've always tried to grow up too fast. With an older sister, I constantly tried to act older, be older. For the first time, I feel like I am my age. I am going to be 22 in just a few short months. And to me, 22 is a great age to go out into the workforce armed with an arsenal of skills. 21 is seen as the age of partying and drinking. Turning 22 is like flipping a new page. Even though they are just one number apart, I feel like the age makes all the difference. 22 sounds so legit and grown up compared to 21. And I am going to do all I can to prepare myself for 22 and my future. And you can bet your money I'm going to be positive and optimistic while doing so! Even though the job market stinks, when I graduate, there will be something out there fore me. It may not happen right away, but it's gonna happen.
[[ I may just be wishful thinking, but what's to say a girl with passion can't dream :) ]]
Flying High With Delta
Right now I am sitting on an airplane headed to San Diego for the PRSSA National Conference 2009! Now I have never flown Delta before, despite my many travels, and am really surprised at the great treatment we have receieved on our flight. Not that I had heard bad things about this airline, I just never heard anything great.
But so far, my experience has exceeded good! Every chair has a tv screen with options for music, movies, tv, games and HBO! Although you have to pay for movies and games--the music and tv stations are both free. Now I was expecting to open the music option to find lame old music. But to my surprise, Delta has provided a plethora of music ranging from pop songs to motown to musicals. Instead of listening to iPods and watching movies on our computers, our entire group is absorbed in their mini tv. At the moment, I am listening to the soundtrack for the hit musical Spring Awakening!
Delta has also taken flying to a new level. Delta handed out free wireless cards for their flyers. By just simply creating an account and entering a promotional code, everyone on the flight has been given free wireless Internet while IN FLIGHT! It's really something neat to experience. Who would have thought you could access the world wide web while well over 10,000 miles above ground?! I've been passing my computer around to let other members tweet and check their accounts!
Delta has also provided us with tasty snacks and they didn't skimp on them. During both flights, our stewardesses offered us beverages and snacks. They gave us two packages of peanuts, cookies or pretzels! This is definitely something rare in the current economy-- I always feel like I have to pay for a little treat while flying, but Delta provided this for free.
The one downfall about this airline is the checked baggage free. I really hope this is somethign temporary. To check a bag, it cost $20. For a college student, this is a semi-large chunk of change. But because of all of these perks, I think it is somewhat worth it! Hopefully, when things get better for the economy, the checked baggage fee decreases!
Either way, having a great flight to conference on Delta. Really love their logo for their on-flight Wi-Fi! I wish I could show it but I just wouldn't do it justice! Way to go Delta--Keep up the great customer service! My flights today have made me feel like I am a valued customer! Definitely adding Delta to my check-list when looking up flights!
But so far, my experience has exceeded good! Every chair has a tv screen with options for music, movies, tv, games and HBO! Although you have to pay for movies and games--the music and tv stations are both free. Now I was expecting to open the music option to find lame old music. But to my surprise, Delta has provided a plethora of music ranging from pop songs to motown to musicals. Instead of listening to iPods and watching movies on our computers, our entire group is absorbed in their mini tv. At the moment, I am listening to the soundtrack for the hit musical Spring Awakening!
Delta has also taken flying to a new level. Delta handed out free wireless cards for their flyers. By just simply creating an account and entering a promotional code, everyone on the flight has been given free wireless Internet while IN FLIGHT! It's really something neat to experience. Who would have thought you could access the world wide web while well over 10,000 miles above ground?! I've been passing my computer around to let other members tweet and check their accounts!
Delta has also provided us with tasty snacks and they didn't skimp on them. During both flights, our stewardesses offered us beverages and snacks. They gave us two packages of peanuts, cookies or pretzels! This is definitely something rare in the current economy-- I always feel like I have to pay for a little treat while flying, but Delta provided this for free.
The one downfall about this airline is the checked baggage free. I really hope this is somethign temporary. To check a bag, it cost $20. For a college student, this is a semi-large chunk of change. But because of all of these perks, I think it is somewhat worth it! Hopefully, when things get better for the economy, the checked baggage fee decreases!
Either way, having a great flight to conference on Delta. Really love their logo for their on-flight Wi-Fi! I wish I could show it but I just wouldn't do it justice! Way to go Delta--Keep up the great customer service! My flights today have made me feel like I am a valued customer! Definitely adding Delta to my check-list when looking up flights!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Speed Dating at it's Finest
I always thought speed dating was a great concept--You get to meet as many potential dates as possible in a short amount of time--That was until I went to a speed networking event. 10 minutes is far from enough time to talk to multiple professionals in groups!
Hosted by the Central Ohio PRSA at the Sandbox in Columbus, the Speed Networking event was an amazing experience. I, along with over 30 other students, got to socialize with 25 PR professionals.
Events like this one are such eye-openers. You get the chance to really take a closer look into the possibilities of PR. There is always this unspoken of pressure to know what you want to be when you grow up, what field of pr you want to make your career. Whether that pressure is from your parents or classmates or college, it exists. And as a senior, I feel as though the pressure is getting worse. But when I get to talk to professionals, it's as if that pressure is lifted. Mary Ellen Peacock from Nationwide Children's Hospital explained how she wanted to work in sports pr when she graduated, and now look where she is! A successful senior counselor for their media relations. Hearing her journey made me feel like once I say "I want to work in an agency," the pr gods won't strike me down when I get a job at a non-profit.
Talks like this prove how conversational the speed networking event was. From the interactions I had, most students seemed very comfortable asking questions and mingling. With the time limits, I noticed it was hard for every student to ask their list of questions (another reason why speed networking was tricky). I was paired with a classmate of mine and two girls from Ohio State University. We would all try to ask a question at the same time and then have the awkward pause deciding who would try to ask again. But once the conversation started, it just flowed. We all played off of one another's questions and it was fabulous to hear the views of not only the professionals, but other students as well.
Due to time constraints, many students hung around after the event was over to get in more questions. Lisa Arledge, Jamie Timm and MJ Clark were kind enough to sit with me afterwards to allow me to ask more questions. They helped me create a more clear vision of how I want my resume to represent me and make me standout as a up and coming pr graduate.
I am really regretful that I did not take advantage of the benefits of PRSSA earlier in my pr education. But what better time to start then now? I've already attended two events and can't wait for more! I have this new found hunger to emerge myself in pr, just hopefully without the time limits and gong that went along with "speed networking."
Hosted by the Central Ohio PRSA at the Sandbox in Columbus, the Speed Networking event was an amazing experience. I, along with over 30 other students, got to socialize with 25 PR professionals.
Events like this one are such eye-openers. You get the chance to really take a closer look into the possibilities of PR. There is always this unspoken of pressure to know what you want to be when you grow up, what field of pr you want to make your career. Whether that pressure is from your parents or classmates or college, it exists. And as a senior, I feel as though the pressure is getting worse. But when I get to talk to professionals, it's as if that pressure is lifted. Mary Ellen Peacock from Nationwide Children's Hospital explained how she wanted to work in sports pr when she graduated, and now look where she is! A successful senior counselor for their media relations. Hearing her journey made me feel like once I say "I want to work in an agency," the pr gods won't strike me down when I get a job at a non-profit.
Talks like this prove how conversational the speed networking event was. From the interactions I had, most students seemed very comfortable asking questions and mingling. With the time limits, I noticed it was hard for every student to ask their list of questions (another reason why speed networking was tricky). I was paired with a classmate of mine and two girls from Ohio State University. We would all try to ask a question at the same time and then have the awkward pause deciding who would try to ask again. But once the conversation started, it just flowed. We all played off of one another's questions and it was fabulous to hear the views of not only the professionals, but other students as well.
Due to time constraints, many students hung around after the event was over to get in more questions. Lisa Arledge, Jamie Timm and MJ Clark were kind enough to sit with me afterwards to allow me to ask more questions. They helped me create a more clear vision of how I want my resume to represent me and make me standout as a up and coming pr graduate.
I am really regretful that I did not take advantage of the benefits of PRSSA earlier in my pr education. But what better time to start then now? I've already attended two events and can't wait for more! I have this new found hunger to emerge myself in pr, just hopefully without the time limits and gong that went along with "speed networking."
Monday, October 26, 2009
Blog-cation
Wow. I cannot believe I have not blogged in over 6 months. I take full responsibility & apologize to anyone who used to read my blog/my blog itself, for I have neglected you. I have been on what Aaron Brown called a "blog-cation." [Blog-cation: A vacation from blogging; similar to a staycation where one creates their own vacation while at home] I just got so busy working on internship applications, then doing my internship and now getting back into the groove of school that I really put blogging on the back burner. And although it was easier not having to manage so many social networking sites, I miss blogging. Throughout the past few weeks, during PRSSA events or while watching the news, I have found myself continually thinking about how I want to write about something that occurred in my blog. Yet every time I sat down at my computer, blogging just slipped my mind.
Well, good news, my blog-cation is over and I will definitely be posting more often than ever before!
Well, good news, my blog-cation is over and I will definitely be posting more often than ever before!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Nickelodeon Dismisses Chris Brown
Today on Twitter I noticed a link to a page about Nickelodeon's upcoming kids choice awards. The drama surrounds the current Chris Brown situation. Chris Brown, accused woman beater, is still on the ballot for the Kid's Choice Awards. They rationalize that since he was voted in by the kids, they can't take him off. Later this week, it was announced that Chris Brown has been removed from all categories for the awards.
I think this is insane. Yes, Chris Brown is accused of something, but he has yet to be found guilty or even begin trial. I do not think this is a great role model move, but obviously if Rihanna forgives him enough to go back to him after putting him in such a negative public light, we should give the guy some credit. He worked hard this year and deserves to get recognized for his music. The world is so hypocritical. Even though T.I. is sentenced to over a year in jail, MTV gave him a television show. But Brown is claimed to have hit his girlfriend and is completely shunned by the public. I think, if someone famous commits a crime or is accused of breaking the law, we should treat them all the same. Either let them continue their career until found guilty or innocent OR not allow any of them to keep working.
I admit, I am a total Chris Brown fan and suppose I am a little biased, but we have yet to hear the whole story. I do not think it is fair for the public to simply blow him off after no action has been taken since the police report. I feel we should give Brown credit and wait until court to turn our backs on a young superstar the public has held on a pedelstal!
I think this is insane. Yes, Chris Brown is accused of something, but he has yet to be found guilty or even begin trial. I do not think this is a great role model move, but obviously if Rihanna forgives him enough to go back to him after putting him in such a negative public light, we should give the guy some credit. He worked hard this year and deserves to get recognized for his music. The world is so hypocritical. Even though T.I. is sentenced to over a year in jail, MTV gave him a television show. But Brown is claimed to have hit his girlfriend and is completely shunned by the public. I think, if someone famous commits a crime or is accused of breaking the law, we should treat them all the same. Either let them continue their career until found guilty or innocent OR not allow any of them to keep working.
I admit, I am a total Chris Brown fan and suppose I am a little biased, but we have yet to hear the whole story. I do not think it is fair for the public to simply blow him off after no action has been taken since the police report. I feel we should give Brown credit and wait until court to turn our backs on a young superstar the public has held on a pedelstal!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Bachelor Fails
I missed the Bachelor this season, surprise. Although I do like reality TV, I do not think love is found through a television series. But when I heard how this season ended, I decided to re-cap and watch most of it these past few hours.
After watching up until the final rose ceremony, I was in utter delight that Jason picked Melissa. She is great with his son and family. The way he spoke about her compared to Molly was obvious. He is in love with her. And then he proposed and she said yes! Happy guitars, her squealing scream of joy, and him finally saying he loves her. What better ending could there be?!
Well, then the reunion happens. And it is just Jason and Melissa. AND he breaks up with her on national tv. Now, from what I had heard, people were pointing at Melissa and did not seem to feel her pain. And as I watch, I think she makes such vaild points. Maybe I just have strong family morals after watching what happens when men are jerks to the "woman they love." Melissa says how Jason didn't fight. He picked Melissa. Told Melissa he loved her. And then won't fight. I think Melissa is completely legit. She is right. He has his doubts about choosing her, so he just drops her and decides to go for Molly? That is insane.
To me, I think Jason would have done the same if he picked Molly the first time. I think he would have thought about Melissa and felt a piece of him missing. He is honestly a good guy and feels bad hurting either one. And like any human, he doesn't want to miss out on something or try something without finding out that it will fail. But I think Jason loves Melissa but thinks he is missing out by not choosing Molly. Honestly, I hope that he realizes that once he is with Molly, he will miss Melissa. Because she is so much more genuine and caring.
I know this is just a TV show, but not only does it astound me that reality TV is able to capture a viewer in such a sense, but it also shocks me that people can act this way in front of the nation. I can not believe I am wasting my time on this, or that I am blogging, but I just really can not get over the fact that reality TV sucks us in so much. I feel for Melissa and I have been watching only for a few hours. Either way, I hope she ends up happy and Jason realizes his mistakes.
After watching up until the final rose ceremony, I was in utter delight that Jason picked Melissa. She is great with his son and family. The way he spoke about her compared to Molly was obvious. He is in love with her. And then he proposed and she said yes! Happy guitars, her squealing scream of joy, and him finally saying he loves her. What better ending could there be?!
Well, then the reunion happens. And it is just Jason and Melissa. AND he breaks up with her on national tv. Now, from what I had heard, people were pointing at Melissa and did not seem to feel her pain. And as I watch, I think she makes such vaild points. Maybe I just have strong family morals after watching what happens when men are jerks to the "woman they love." Melissa says how Jason didn't fight. He picked Melissa. Told Melissa he loved her. And then won't fight. I think Melissa is completely legit. She is right. He has his doubts about choosing her, so he just drops her and decides to go for Molly? That is insane.
To me, I think Jason would have done the same if he picked Molly the first time. I think he would have thought about Melissa and felt a piece of him missing. He is honestly a good guy and feels bad hurting either one. And like any human, he doesn't want to miss out on something or try something without finding out that it will fail. But I think Jason loves Melissa but thinks he is missing out by not choosing Molly. Honestly, I hope that he realizes that once he is with Molly, he will miss Melissa. Because she is so much more genuine and caring.
I know this is just a TV show, but not only does it astound me that reality TV is able to capture a viewer in such a sense, but it also shocks me that people can act this way in front of the nation. I can not believe I am wasting my time on this, or that I am blogging, but I just really can not get over the fact that reality TV sucks us in so much. I feel for Melissa and I have been watching only for a few hours. Either way, I hope she ends up happy and Jason realizes his mistakes.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Blogging Can Help You Survive
As I was cleaning out my "favorites" in Explorer, I came across a great article from the Blog Herald I had wanted to blog about. I know blogs are supposed to be timely, and although this is from October, I think this is even more timely now then in the past. Titled "6 Ways Blogs May Help You Survive the Economy," the entire article discusses how blogging can be beneficial in these hard economic times.
Three of the six really stood out to me. First, was to use blogs to find spending/saving tips. Many people blog for their enjoyment and will talk about their daily life. As a college student, I am always looking for ways to cut corners. The article discussed how some women are blogging about how they save money by clipping coupons. We all hear about how much we can save from people on television and specialists, but hearing a mother say it makes it so much more meaningful. Personally, I trust this because I know mom's run around the grocery on a daily basis trying to save some money.
Also, blogging and social networking help to build a support system. People are losing jobs and stuggling to make ends meet. By starting a blog, they can form relationships with people who can help them to get through these rought times. Whether getting a comment or e-mail, knowing someone who cares can help you keep pushing forward.
Lastly, blogs are all about you. The blog needs you to survive. And you need the blog to record your thoughts opinions. They are a great way to take time to yourself and forget what is going on around you. Instead, you can write about what you are doing lately, an interesting article you read or a hardship you are trying to overcome. No matter what, when you blog you develop readers who also depend on you. They are interested in what you have to say and look forward to new posts.
After reading all of the six positives, I realized I definitely need to blog more often. It's something I enjoy. I like reading about current issues and giving my opinion on them. I also think it is important to look at my own life and talk about what is going on. It's a great way to analyze what I've been doing and how I am handling situations. New goal for next quarter- blog weekly, if not more!
Three of the six really stood out to me. First, was to use blogs to find spending/saving tips. Many people blog for their enjoyment and will talk about their daily life. As a college student, I am always looking for ways to cut corners. The article discussed how some women are blogging about how they save money by clipping coupons. We all hear about how much we can save from people on television and specialists, but hearing a mother say it makes it so much more meaningful. Personally, I trust this because I know mom's run around the grocery on a daily basis trying to save some money.
Also, blogging and social networking help to build a support system. People are losing jobs and stuggling to make ends meet. By starting a blog, they can form relationships with people who can help them to get through these rought times. Whether getting a comment or e-mail, knowing someone who cares can help you keep pushing forward.
Lastly, blogs are all about you. The blog needs you to survive. And you need the blog to record your thoughts opinions. They are a great way to take time to yourself and forget what is going on around you. Instead, you can write about what you are doing lately, an interesting article you read or a hardship you are trying to overcome. No matter what, when you blog you develop readers who also depend on you. They are interested in what you have to say and look forward to new posts.
After reading all of the six positives, I realized I definitely need to blog more often. It's something I enjoy. I like reading about current issues and giving my opinion on them. I also think it is important to look at my own life and talk about what is going on. It's a great way to analyze what I've been doing and how I am handling situations. New goal for next quarter- blog weekly, if not more!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Rules of Twitter
While tending to my Twitter addiction, one of the people I am following (the today show to be exact), posted a link of a story by the New York Times titled "Twitter? It's What You Make of It."
Intrigued, I decided to click the link and read through the two pages of nothing short of perfect social media talk! My overall opinion was to use Twitter however you want! And I feel people often get lost and feel like they need to follow rules. In fact, this article states just that. You don't have to follow the rules. Don't read EVERY tweet, just skim for things that interest you.
I also loved the "rule" about using the Web site. I will admit, for a few months, I stuck to Twitter.com. Then, someone turned me on to using Twitterific on the Macs in my usual hang out. Next, I ventured out and tried Tweet Deck. This tool was so much better! It separated my running tweets from my direct messages to my replies. How much more perfect can it get?
Well does get better! Now, not only do I have Tweet Deck, but I also have Digsby. This links my AIM with my Twitter and a bunch of other social media sites. This is easier at times than Tweet Deck because I don't get as distracted by notifications and new Tweets.
No matter what, this article was awesome and really made me see that Twitter is going to only get bigger and better!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Long Time No Post
I have not posted in quite some time, and my apologies! Things have been extremely busy in the PR world of Amanda.
First, firm is taking off! We have held three events already for Do It Now! We have had over ten people sign up, which is amazing! I am so proud of our team for their enthusiasm. On the same note, Polar Bear Nation held the Polar Bear Ball! It was fantastic with over 300 students, faculty and alumni. I never realized how rewarding public relations would be until I saw my planning and the firm's work in action!
On another note, internship deadlines are approaching. As a junior, this is terrifying. I just don't know how to handle any of this. I am scared to apply and get rejected. Instead, I pretend nothing is going on and that I have all the time in the world. Then reality hit these past few days. I turned 21 this weekend. Relatives called and of course we talked about my future plans. That is when it hit home that I had to get started on my internships. And I am still scared and nervous and confused.
Ah! I really can't believe I am growing up this quickly and have to begin planning my future. Everything I thought about when I was little and couldn't wait for, is right around the corner. Scary I tell you, scary!
First, firm is taking off! We have held three events already for Do It Now! We have had over ten people sign up, which is amazing! I am so proud of our team for their enthusiasm. On the same note, Polar Bear Nation held the Polar Bear Ball! It was fantastic with over 300 students, faculty and alumni. I never realized how rewarding public relations would be until I saw my planning and the firm's work in action!
On another note, internship deadlines are approaching. As a junior, this is terrifying. I just don't know how to handle any of this. I am scared to apply and get rejected. Instead, I pretend nothing is going on and that I have all the time in the world. Then reality hit these past few days. I turned 21 this weekend. Relatives called and of course we talked about my future plans. That is when it hit home that I had to get started on my internships. And I am still scared and nervous and confused.
Ah! I really can't believe I am growing up this quickly and have to begin planning my future. Everything I thought about when I was little and couldn't wait for, is right around the corner. Scary I tell you, scary!
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