Progressions

Finding Myself: How I Fell in Love with PR

Looking back on my 17-year-old self, struggling to decide a career path—I can’t believe I didn’t find public relations sooner. It was senior year of high school; everyone was committing to colleges and areas of study. I felt so left out. Nothing was speaking to me like I thought it would. In my hunt for a college, I’d direct my attention to the communications section even though I had “decided” on going for performing arts. I had done performing arts my entire life; it was the path I expected myself to take, and everyone else expected me to take it, too.  

Deep down, the idea of creating and planning projects thrilled me. There were a wide range of areas to step into: tourism, sports, hospitality, live events, etc. In the back of my mind, I always imagined bringing so many people together and making them happy — being behind the scenes and watching it pay off. Any time there was a school assignment on a career, I chose event planning. But I brushed it off. I didn’t think it could be my passion.  

After a month of battling between the choices, I went with my default. I applied to college, and it was done; I didn’t think twice. I was excited to experience the world on my own for the first time. I counted down the days until my first year of college began. I loved it! College was where I thrived. However, by the end of the first week, I felt a pit in my stomach. Panic and regret coursed through my veins, and I knew I had just made the biggest mistake. 

I spent days researching every major my school offered, writing down all the curriculum requirements and classes I’d need to take. I spent hours comparing majors. Something in my heart kept drawing me back to public relations. It was intuition, a gut feeling that this was where I was supposed to be. I sat in the bottom level of the library, laughing at myself for not realizing it sooner—PR was everything to me. PR encapsulated the core values of my life. I loved helping people, planning, being creative, bringing people together, and sending a positive message. My favorite hobbies and natural skills were the same as what I’d have to do in the profession.  

From the moment I changed my major, I felt immense peace. Of course, I’d heard of public relations, but I never knew its vastness. There are so many avenues available to take. I never knew how much PR was everything I love wrapped up as one. The best part is that it just felt like me. I felt confident that I was moving in the right direction, and I couldn’t have been more correct. A friend of mine heard that I had switched my major, and she recommended that I join an organization called PRSSA. She said it’s a national organization that helps you network and grow your skills with people just as passionate as you are. She said PRSSA provided so much real-world experience and opportunities that a lot of people don’t know about.  

That one interaction shifted my life in indescribable ways. Joining PRSSA was one of the greatest experiences of my life. At once, I felt like there was a place for me. I’ve found amazing opportunities and have met amazing people, but I’ve also just been filled with so much warmth and comfort. No matter what path you’re on, getting involved is the best thing you can do. I started college feeling doomed, and now I feel successful and determined. I’ve taken so many leaps I never would or could have before. I’ve become a PRSSA officer, a National Subcommittee member, and a director of my Chapter’s District Conference. I’ve gained tremendous amounts of knowledge and perspective in this community. I couldn’t be more grateful for the way my journey has played out. I have a vision, and public relations has allowed me to make it a reality.