You’re Exactly Where You Need To Be: A Full Circle Journey in PRSSA
It seems only fitting that I end my PRSSA journey the same way it began, with a Progressions Blog.
My first PRSSA Conference was the 2023 Leadership Assembly in Scottsdale, Arizona. While attending this conference, I avidly took notes and absorbed the influx of information I received. These professionals spoke about life-changing advice that I had never been given, and I needed to retain each and every word.
In the midst of my note-taking, the PRSSA National President at the time, Alyson Hoffman, told me I should write an article about my experience at the conference. This idea thrilled me. To be considered for such an honor, but also to be asked by the National President, floored me. She then provided the information to submit an article and encouraged me to keep up the good work.
My article, “Inspirational Quotes from Emerging Leaders,” fueled my passion for PRSSA and drove me to continue as an active member. As said in the article, that moment serves as a reminder of “Who were the leaders that helped me?” From there, I became the vice president of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point PRSSA Chapter and discussed PRSSA to anyone who would listen.
The following year, I attended the 2024 Leadership Assembly in Seattle, Washington. At this conference, I focused on connections and building relationships with my fellow PRSSA members. I am honored to say that all of the connections I made during this time are still thriving. I cannot imagine a life without those people. A nice reminder of a quote from my previous article: “Have a peer network that serves as a good dinner group.”
In October 2024, I traveled solo to ICON in Anaheim, California. Many would think that traveling by yourself would be nerve-racking. However, I knew my destination served as a second home. The community PRSSA provides ensures a sense of belonging, even when you are completely out of your element. Thankfully, this community stands by you no matter the circumstance because an unforeseen element during this conference left me without a voice. That’s right – I had laryngitis at a week-long networking event. Though I could hardly speak for myself, my community worked with me to amplify my voice and include me in the conversation. A true testament to the quote, “Seek to understand instead of being understood.” Though I could not be understood, this time encouraged me to listen and understand those around me.
After years of learning the tremendous value of PRSSA, it became time to pass it on to the next generation. For the 2025 Leadership Assembly in Charlotte, North Carolina, I brought our incoming Chapter president along for the conference. Being able to introduce this world to her has been overwhelmingly rewarding.
In my experience, your network is your net worth. By making the connections that I did, I was able to enhance myself professionally, as well as gain invaluable friendships. Networking is the greatest investment you can make in your career, and PRSSA is the best starting point. I know that my time with PRSSA is coming to an end, but it is reassuring to know that the foundation I laid will be built upon for years to come. And though it fills me with various emotions, both sad and joyful, I refer back to my previous article and the quote that remains my absolute favorite: “You’re exactly where you need to be.”
Hailey Fuller is a senior Arts Management student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She serves as president simultaneously of the Arts Management Association and the Public Relations Student Society of America. Beyond these invigorating roles, Hailey fills her life with creativity, family, reading, baking, and traveling. She enjoys any time she can spend around animals, more specifically her 10-year-old cat named Mittens.
