Okay, I will start by saying that PR is both, an art and science. Before Professor Kinchlow's Introduction to Public Relations class I never knew. Amazed, shocked, surprised and appreciative were feelings combined that I had after the first two weeks of that class. Now, I have a new profound love and knowledge about what PR exactly is. You can do so much with your PR: lobbying, image consulting, speechwriting, public speaking, advertisement, marketing, event planning (my favorite) and much more. I developed a genuine respect for the field of PR and no one will take that away from me. At most times, in journalism, PR professionals are disrespected. Were the ones who don’t know how to write or the ones who can only promote. Surprise!!! They thought wrong. The science is all about the methods, strategy models and communication and the creativity is all about the uniqueness and making sure your craft is memorable in a remarkable way.
Craft. It is what you make it. Currently, I am still shaping and forming my craft. Creativity is not a problem. I have always been the outcast or the person who’s referred to as ‘extra.’ How much is extra anyway? Uniqueness gives life to anything you’re doing. I’m the girl in the hall way with yellow high-waist pants, a purple metallic top, American flag clogs and geek inspired glasses. I may wear three or four necklaces depending on how I’m feeling that day. I know you may be thinking- why so much? That’s the key. I always want to leave people remembering and talking about what I’ve worn. Similar to anything centered around PR, if you can’t reach your people, YOU HAVE FAILED. Create buzz in any way, a creative way and you won’t lose.
Honestly, my scientific side is on its way. I have two more semesters to make the best of it. You can never know enough about PR. The strategies, planning, communication models and etc. are what I’m perfecting in class every day. I’m learning the steps to reach a target audience, how to speak effectively to them and processes used to satisfy them or their organization. Not your typical homework assignment folks, its business. Professor Kinchow has always told us that we can swam or sink, we have the control. Continuous work and effort is what I will put forward because life jackets are a bad fashion statement. I’m swimming! I'd like to give a special thanks to my dear friend LaToya Chambliss, a public relations graduate of FAMU. She has helped me so much in many ways. I look up to her because she has been through so many struggles throughout her college life and she never sank. Nothing seemed to defeat her no matter how hard the class, assignment or task was. So thanks again Toya, I love you.
Although you describe yourself very flamboyantly, you seem very humble. You are sure of yourself and you understand that you are not perfect, but you are willing to improve. You showed a lot of personality in this posts and if i didn't know you I would picture a sweet girl, dressed in bright summery clothing based off of your descriptive writing.
ReplyDeleteYou are fortunate to have someone to help you along the way in this strenuous journey to public relations professionalism. Many of us don't have that privilege. The best we could do is catch a professor in their office and that's if and only if they are fulfilling their office hours! Keeping pushing Whitley! Remember you are a working progress and practice makes perfect.