One Foot in Front of the Other

Eve Miller’s tips on the job hunting process.

By: Lucy Ventura

As a senior, thinking about what’s next post-graduation can be frustrating. It can also be a burden on your self-esteem going through many interviews and not hearing back quickly. I spoke with Eve Miller about what her job hunting process was like and how she adjusted from being in TGC to working at Global Results Communications agency.

What was the job hunt like for you?

“It was long and tedious. I think I started looking for post-grad jobs over Thanksgiving break and applying not long after,”

How did you manage to stay encouraged throughout the job hunting process ?

“I had to keep reminding myself that I didn’t need to find the perfect job straight away. I stressed a lot over what part of public relations I wanted to focus on when I didn’t even need to think about it. Even just finding a job that furthers your skills in any aspect is great and will benefit you in,”

What tips would you give to those who are nervous for the interview process?

“Practice over and over with friends, family or mentors. Even apply for jobs you know you don’t want but are qualified for and go through the interview process – you can always say no and it gives you practice for what types of questions people typically ask and how to answer them depending on the position,”

“I did this a lot throughout college and probably had tons of interviews I did just because I could. I didn’t realize its impact until a recruiter told me after an interview that I was the first candidate to answer their questions rather than push for what I wanted to tell them.”

What role did personal branding and online presence, such as LinkedIn, play in your job search success?

“The biggest part. I was fairly active on LinkedIn and still am since I use it for work every day.

LinkedIn is your best friend. If you have the money to spend on getting premium, do it. They have a student discount – I’m still riding on this currently- which helps so much during the application process.

I would constantly go on the page of organizations I loved and look at the people working there in the positions I hope to have one day and I’d just try to message them or connect with them. People want to help you if you’re friendly and it doesn’t hurt to ask. I got my current job by contacting the company’s owner.”

Can you offer advice to seniors who are currently job hunting in the PR field based on your experiences?

“Your professors want to help you! Ask them for help but understand that they have other things to do so plan ahead.”

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your job hunt, or any lessons learned that you can share?

“I started to work the day I got back from graduation and I wish I had taken a break, even if it was for a week. Going from a classroom setting one day to working with clients and full-grown adults the next was shocking. Have fun when you have the time because summers don’t exist after college…

Was it hard adapting straight from college to the workforce and how did you prepare to start your job fresh out of graduating college?

Extremely – I’m still adjusting. It’s not something people really prepare you for, they just prepare you for how to get a job. I had a bit of imposter syndrome the first couple of weeks and I still get it from time to time. The most important thing that has helped me is asking questions.

“Be the annoying person who asks too many questions because it’s better to look curious and get it right the first time than stay quiet and have to do it over again a million times.”

In what ways has TGC prepared you for the job you are working at now?

“It helped me know how to work on multiple accounts at once and manage time. Having that public relations firm under your belt, even if it is student-run, helps you more than you know when looking for jobs and when you’ve got a job. I know how to work well in teams of different people and communicate people’s needs. TGC helped me grow a lot of my skills in different aspects, more than I realized. In every interview I had, people were impressed with the experience I had gained through TGC. It’s not something that people should underplay and say “Oh it’s a class” because it’s definitely more than that depending on how much you put into the program. It’s a full internship which I know not a lot of other universities offer. It’s a huge leg up in the job process and as long as you position it right on your resume and during interviews, it could be the difference between whether you’re picked for a position or not.”

October 2, 2023

AI Won’t Take Your Job

Katrina Cameron, TGC alumni, shares her experience using AI the right way in the PR field.

By: Paris Auerweck

As public relations students and soon-to-be professionals, the question that’s been circling our minds is this: Is AI capable of taking our jobs? The recent surge and development of AI technology has made us wonder about the future of the PR workforce.

Katrina Cameron, TGC Alumni and Client Relations Lead at Cred agency, has been using AI tools in her daily work and recently took a course on LinkedIn called “How to boost your productivity with AI tools”. We chatted about her key takeaways and what role AI is playing in the PR field.

“I was already using ChatGPT before taking the course, but the course really validated how I was using it,” Cameron says. These platforms make writing (or copy and pasting) too easy. What it should really help with, she says, is brainstorming, strategizing, forming inspiration and creating organization.

“It’s really just making our jobs a little easier… Using AI can really help you streamline your ideas,” she says.

As busy students and professionals, our attention is divided. Our thoughts can run in different directions making it difficult to concentrate and communicate ideas in a concise way. For those who struggle with some attention deficit problems, like Cameron and myself, using AI can help you put your ideas in order, build a list, or relate ideas to one another.

“The biggest takeaway of using AI is that you have to give it context to work… By doing that you kind of have to let it play a role,” said Cameron.

What does that look like? Not using AI and ChatGPT to write for you, but to make it work for you. Cameron described how, in the event space, they need to write a lot of event descriptions. Using AI to help her put her ideas in a list, develop a certain order, or prompt it to write from a PR professional perspective, aids her in starting the process, but doesn’t do all the work for her.

Katrina Cameron smiling in front of Bay Area view

“It definitely can’t do your job, you still need to be the human element to it.”

We specialize in public relations for a reason, all of us care about the way brands and our organizations interact with the public. We know what is best, we show that we care. Our writing and content naturally lets the human in us shine through. And as Cameron noted, “you always have the final say in whatever it does,” so your voice and your ideas are still an important part of the picture.

With graduation and professional life in the near future, I wonder about how I can make sure I stay relevant or needed with AI around.

“Since I’ve been working in PR and tech for a few years now, I’ve seen the best way to make yourself indispensable is to learn how to use the technology,” Cameron said. “Use it to fuel your creativity, use it to make you better at your job.”

Development of AI has undoubtedly created a new pressure to beat AI, we need to be better. With Cameron’s experience, it’s reassuring to know that generative AI is not taking our jobs anytime soon. In fact, we can use it to our benefit, we can use it to be better.

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

Connections are key.

Q+A with Jessica Delgado.

There’s one thing on a senior’s mind at all times: Graduation. The stress and anxiety connected with graduation makes me cringe at the thought of it. Constant thoughts and dreams of what life will look like after graduation makes everything so uncertain.

I sat down with Jessica Delgado, TGC alumni 2023. She currently works at The Hoyt Group in Los Angeles, California as an Account Coordinator. Delgado helped ease my nerves and thoughts about graduation; it is amazing to see how well she has adjusted to life post-grad.

Tell us a little about yourself, how’s life in general post college?

Post-grad life has definitely had all the ups and downs. I feel so grateful to have had such a great four years in college but at times I miss it so much. Being almost four months out, at times I feel like I should be going back to school, but it is so rewarding being in a new city and seeing all the opportunities I have. I love challenges and trying new things, so being in Los Angeles now has been the perfect fit for me.

What is one tip you have for a graduating senior?

“So cliche, but have as much fun as you can!!! And don’t stress the little things because a year from now they won’t mean a thing.”

How has TGC helped you in your current job today? What are some things you are working on right now?

“Being able to help small projects from the ground up. One of our buildings is remodeling their rooftop decks and we are expecting it to finish by the end of September. With that we are wanting to do a reopening of the deck, so we are planning a party. We want media coverage for this event as we have a list of “foodie influencers” coming. I am also working alongside a PR firm to help build a media list of news outlets that will hopefully reach a lot of people so we can have a big turnout.”

What is your current job and what are some examples of tasks you have to complete?

“My current job is working for an architecture/project development firm. I do all the social media and marketing for our buildings. I work super close with our VP who manages all the construction and remodeling of our buildings to make sure they are staying close to the deadlines we need them done by.”

What is something you miss from Chico or wish you took more advantage of?

“I miss all the nature Chico has! If I want to go on a hike I have to drive at least 30 minutes through traffic, find parking, and at that point the desire fades as I am too tired to do the hike.”

How do you stay organized, avoid burnout, and keep your mental health in check?

“Calendar management is something I have perfected and rely heavily on. If I don’t jot down everything for the week, I am a total mess.

I love to also look ahead and plan so I am not overlapping meetings or missing deadlines.

I love finding new places to go whether that is a coffee shop, restaurant or beach. Malibu is 20 minutes from my house and I always find time during the week to go sit on the beach, reflect, listen to a podcast, or simply just sit in silence.”

I know you aren’t working directly in PR, so what are some similarities and differences in your job?

“Some similarities are meeting deadlines, lots of pitching, writing, and content creation.

Some differences are that I read and research our clients. I read their leases to know what we are getting out of the partnership as well as what they expect of us.”

What is one tool that has helped you secure your job?

“One tool that helped me secure my job was through connections. I think it is so important to make relationships with anyone – even if you don’t think that person is going to be helpful in your future at all. People you meet, you meet for a reason.You never know if they know anyone that works at a big PR firm or a company that you could potentially apply to in the future.”

Do you have any advice for current staffers/ future staffers?

“Your experience being in TGC is going to help you immensely. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard from recruiters/hiring managers how impressive my resume is just from being in TGC.

Use Linkedin to connect and stay on top of what companies are hiring. Look into all the titles a company has and see what exactly all the roles of each job title entail. This will help when figuring out what job you see yourself wanting to do.

Keep track of all your work! Employers love seeing what you have done in the past to see if you are a perfect candidate.

It is perfectly okay to look for other jobs and take interviews. Becoming comfortable with being able to talk about yourself is eventually going to help you land your dream job.”

May 15, 2023September 28, 2023

Connections are key.

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

By Jeremiah Guzman

As a college student and intern on campus, I’ve struggled with Imposter Syndrome in class and the workplace. Despite my academic accomplishments and the positive feedback I’ve received from my supervisors and colleagues, I often feel like I don’t deserve my position and that I’m not qualified for the work I’m doing. I have always been able to handle whatever work has been thrown my way, however, these feelings of self-doubt and insecurity can be overwhelming and at times it makes it hard for me to focus or try to perform at my best.

Imposter Syndrome as defined by the dictionary is, “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.” In other words, it is the condition of feeling anxious and not experiencing success internally, despite being high-performing in external ways. This condition often results in people feeling like “a fraud” or “a phony” and doubting their abilities.

If you can relate to these experiences, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome affects people from all backgrounds and industries, and it can have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences with imposter syndrome in the workplace and provide tips and strategies for overcoming it.

Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and understanding when you make mistakes or face challenges. Instead of beating yourself up for not being perfect, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes and that failures are opportunities for growth and learning. Try to be kind and gentle with yourself, just as you would with a friend who is struggling.

To practice this, try doing things like writing yourself a supportive note, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Personally, I enjoy writing music as it has been really helpful in getting my thoughts out in a healthy way.

Reframe Negative Thoughts

Negative self-talk can be a major contributor to Imposter Syndrome. When you tell yourself that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve success, it reinforces feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. To combat these negative thoughts, try reframing them in a more positive light. For example, instead of telling yourself “I’m not good enough for this job,” say “I may be new to this role, but I have the skills and qualifications to succeed.”

You can also try using positive affirmations to boost your confidence and remind yourself of your strengths. Repeat phrases like “I am capable and competent,” “I deserve to be here” and “I am enough” to help counteract negative self-talk.

Don’t be Afraid to Seek Support:

Having a support system can be incredibly helpful in overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Those closest to you can provide guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of your job. They may also offer valuable feedback and perspective to your experiences.

You can also seek support from a peer or support group. This can be a great way to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and to share tips and strategies for overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome can be a challenging process. It may take time to develop the mindset and strategies necessary to build confidence and feel secure in your abilities. However, it’s important to remember that overcoming Imposter Syndrome is possible and many people have been able to succeed in spite of their doubts and insecurities.

By taking these steps and persisting through the self-doubt that comes with Imposter Syndrome, you can build the confidence and resilience necessary to succeed in your career or personal life. Remember that everyone experiences insecurities at times, but with the right mindset and support you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals.

May 9, 2023

How One PR Major Found Their PR Passion

By Jessica Delgado

Before I switched my major, I had no idea what public relations was. I believe that is how it is for a lot of individuals when they first discover or hear the word “public relations.” It wasn’t until one Zoom call with Professor Susan Weisinger who informed me of all the job possibilities within this major. Everything I was describing to her that intrigued me or I was passionate about what I wanted to do for a career was all leading to working in PR. I loved the idea of being able to work in all types of PR. If you wanted to branch out after one type of PR you could. Fashion, entertainment, and crisis management were all the types of PR I’ve always been interested in but didn’t exactly know would lead me to major in Journalism and Public Relations.

The following semester after I switched my major I was enrolled in JOUR 344: Public Relations Strategy, Jour 444: Job Hunting & Professional Skills for News & PR. Not only were the professors amazing but the knowledge and possibilities I learned from these classes made me realize public relations was perfect for me. It was also that semester that I was enrolled in Jour 344 a.k.a “TGC.” Where I was able to get real hands-on experience in PR working with clients.

“It’s PR not ER”

Now in my second semester in Tehama Group Communications at Chico State and four client accounts later. Being in TGC helped educate and strengthen my knowledge in public relations. From working with real-life clients, learning how to create strategy briefs, media lists, social media calendars, guide weekly meetings with my teams and clients, to site visits to visit real public relations agencies. The guidance and skills I’ve learned while being in this internship really has set me up for post-grad.

This semester (Spring 2023) I was an account executive for one of our clients, Krood and an assistant account executive for our Asian American Studies account. For Krood, one of our main goals was to grow our social media platforms by creating new content for our client. We posted 5x a week on our Instagram and Facebook and made a TikTok account. We also worked on influencer outreach, small boutique outreach, merchandise, and candle campaigns for new candle releases. The Asian American Studies account was started from the ground up. Our team designed their logo, created their Instagram account, tabling points for on-campus events, designed their future website copy, and we were also able to get our client into Chico State’s newspaper, The Orion, which highlighted the importance of Asian American Heritage Month.

From taking journalism classes to being in TGC, my time has been filled with so much growth, knowledge and amazing education. I would not be where I am today without my peers and mentors. Being in TGC, I have made so many lasting connections that have allowed me to gain opportunities that I don’t think I would have gained elsewhere.

May 1, 2023

3 Easy Tips for Dressing Professionally on a Budget

Two rounded frames with neutral colored clothing over a neutral background saying dressing professionally on a budget

By Abbie Lee

I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “First impressions last a lifetime.” Though it’s a classic cliche, it’s rather true. Your style represents an aspect of who you are and may be something others notice immediately. Your outfit can play a large role in the impression you make, especially when you’re in a professional setting.

Whether you’re giving a presentation, taking headshots or joining a meeting, it’s essential to ensure that your attire is appropriate. In a social psychology study, they found that participants who were told to wear formal clothing before taking a cognitive test showed “increased abstract thinking.” What you wear actually impacts how you think!

As a college student who never had to worry about business attire until joining TGC, I picked up a few tips that helped me find my own cost-friendly professional style.

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Every influencer on the planet will tell you that basics are important– and they’re right. Having staple, timeless and basic pieces can take you far. Being able to rotate items in your closet will allow you to rearrange and create outfits with items you have already worn.

If I’m ever in quick need of a basic top, I head to Target. I’ve bought multiple basic tank tops and shirts that range from $5-$7. If I’m ever in need of some cute, basic and affordable trousers, I head to H&M. The color palette is neutral, the price is reasonable and the pants are timeless.

Many trends nowadays can give off a professional look such as blazers, leather jackets, trousers, long skirts, sweater vests, etc. There are many ways in which you can incorporate professional attire in your everyday wardrobe.

“You can still dress to impress while keeping it profesh!“

When building a capsule wardrobe, keep it simple. Buy items that have a neutral color palette, as rotating and mixing up the pieces will make your mornings easier.

Shopping Second-Hand

Buying a whole new wardrobe isn’t cheap. As someone who loves to dress to impress, I’m still a college student. Finding professional attire that won’t break the bank can be rather tricky. I’ve had to think of cheaper options when looking for professional clothing. It’s safe to say that thrifting and consignment stores have changed the game. Over half of my professional wardrobe consists of items that were found at a thrift store.

Chico has a range of hidden gems when it comes to thrift stores. Show Love Thrift has different deals every day where you can find clothes at an even cheaper price. Late Bloomer Vintage Boutique is a new thrift store in Chico where you can “Shop all eras of vintage.” The shop is colorful, bright and fun making the shopping experience even better.

Shopping can take a lot of time out of your day and if there’s one thing I’ve learned as I am wrapping up my junior year, it’s that time really is of the essence. On days that I may be too busy, I often lean on online second-hand stores like Depop and Poshmark. These are great options as you can shop for sustainable and cost effective options from the comfort of your home. Not to mention, the range of items is even greater!

Not only does shopping second-hand mean that you are helping the Earth, you’re also helping your wallet. The clothes provided in thrift stores are endless and some items are timeless. You are able to find a range of professional attire, such as blazers, button-ups, blouses, trousers and coats, for a fraction of the original price. I found the cutest blazer from Goodwill once and it was $4. Talk about a steal!

P.S. If you are in need of some accessories, thrift stores always have some hidden gems.

Getting Creative!

Accessorizing an outfit can add a lot to your look without costing a lot of money.

Influencer Hannah Harrell pairs tights to her black top, black mini skirt outfit.

You’re in the mood to wear a mini skirt to a meeting? No problem– just add tights!

You’re wearing a monochromatic outfit that you feel is kind of boring? Easy fix– throw on some cool jewelry or wear a cute purse!

Influencer Hannah Harrell and friend in Milan, Italy accessorize monochromatic outfits with chic purses.

Brenden Ellis, student at SBCC, spruces up his outfit with a thrifted belt.

Your shirt is tucked into your pants but it looks bland? Add a belt and call it a day!

Dressing professionally doesn’t have to be expensive. Finding affordable, realistic options for yourself will help you and your wallet in the long run. When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you unconsciously unleash a positive cycle that reflects on how well and how confidently you complete tasks and communicate with others. Gathering these tips have changed how I dress for my internship and how I think about my path to success.

April 24, 2023

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

What makes a good team member? Tools and advice from a first-time Account Executive.

By Arya Patel

As PR professionals, teamwork is a crucial part of the job. Employers look for collaboration and leadership skills when hiring. Through my time in the Journalism and Public Relations Department at Chico State, I have collaborated with many different people. Here are tips I try to integrate while working with teams to become an effective member.

Communication

Communication is the most important tool to becoming a great team member. Even if you are unsure or confused about what needs to be done, communication with your fellow members and management can clear the fog for everyone involved in a project. It can also be used as a tool to reach out for help when you are overwhelmed or faced with stress and burnout. Communicate early and often for the best chance of success.

“Good team players understand what the team needs and why.” –Cisco

As a first-time AE, I have seen how crucial understanding those around you is. Making sure your team has measurable goals and ways to track them is a great tool to reference in times of uncertainty. It also creates a space for assistant account executives to tap into what they are interested in. There’s a sense of work accountability when evaluating your team’s needs. Another tool that has been very helpful is creating a timeline. Timelines help keep the team on track and “physically” see the process and its deadlines. Delegate work early and create an easy-to-follow timeline and your AAEs will have somewhere to refer back to. My favorite thing about timelines is being able to check off the boxes- it is such a satisfying moment.

A strong work ethic

Being able to push yourself without other people telling you what to do is something any person in charge loves. Observe people you look up to and try to mimic their work ethic, take notes and listen– especially in a new position. Self-discipline is also key to creating a strong work ethic. Make a list of things you want to accomplish [during the day, week, specific activity] that way you can visualize your goals. Remember, focus on what you can control, not what is outside of your control.

Flexibility/ Reliability

Being flexible is like being able to play any position on the field. Your coach can put you in left field, third base or shortstop and you can be an all-star at any of those positions.

Being a reliable person is someone an AE or team lead needs on their team.

Half of the work is to show up, if you show up you can ask questions, clarify and collaborate on things. If you don’t, your team will be resentful toward you during future projects. This semester for my client Krood, I took the initiative with a creative idea, which gave both my AE and client a sense of reliability. During our second client meeting, I pitched the idea of implementing filler posts through her feed. Filler posts are a “breathing space” on an Instagram feed that separates busy posts with lighter content. Our client loved the idea and gave me full creative range, my work is now published on her website and social channels!

A positive attitude can go a long way in every aspect of your life, especially in work life. Encourage your team members to do their best every step of the way. Positivity creates a healthy, collaborative environment where all will feel welcome. Even if you feel confused, understanding those emotions and looking for the positives during tough situations can make all the difference.

April 18, 2023

Non-Profit PR: Gaining Visibility Through Storytelling

By Stephen Taylor

The non-profit industry is full of selfless people. Some common attributes in non-profit workers are passion, kindness and activism. The goal of non-profit companies is for the benefit of society. As a public relations major, I can contribute to this goal through storytelling.

Storytelling humanizes a brand. By giving your company personality, you make it easier for people to connect with you emotionally.

A story is a combination of facts and emotions. Companies tend to focus on factual elements to be effective storytellers in the business sense, but you must also find a way to weave emotion into the narrative and bring your story to life. Any goal where the right message and content might make a difference is an opportunity for storytelling.

Storytelling is an extremely important basis for any company, but especially for non-profits. Non-profit organizations can evoke large amounts of empathy from their target audiences because of the nature of their work yet they may have very limited resources.

According to a public relations website, Wild Apricot, “In the U.S., just over 2% of non-profits account for 90% of all revenue in the sector.”

Not having the funds to run large marketing campaigns is largely due to poor storytelling. This leads to lower engagement and lower donor rates. An important way to combat this is to develop a storytelling strategy that aligns with the values of your brand.

“Any goal where the right message and content might make a difference is an opportunity for storytelling.”

The first step to developing a storytelling strategy is creating guidelines to determine the story you want to tell. It is important to use language that describes what you want your company to be known for.

For example:

Are you a loving and tender non-profit that helps save the bees?

Are you a stern and progressive non-profit that fights to save the bees?

Both of these address the issue of saving the bees, but the language used is entirely different. This is an opportunity to separate yourself from other companies.

Brand Guidelines

The next step is building your brand identity statement. This is a company’s agreed upon way of how they present itself across all platforms. At its core, a brand guideline will outline what colors and fonts to use, as well as when to use assets such as logos or other art. An example is Asana, who fit their entire brand guide on one webpage.

A great brand guideline will outline how the company talks about itself. Think of it as the key message that will be woven into your storytelling piece. An example here is Urban Outfitters, who crafted a brand book detailing their mission and exemplifying their brand.

Gaining Visibility

After you have your key messages and brand cemented, getting your mission out to your target audiences is the next step. It is important to utilize the press. For newsworthy events or releases, having a good relationship with your local news stations can only benefit you.

Prepare a pitch of what your company stands for so journalists get clear facts and information. Demonstrate a vision of how your organization benefits the public, and why it is important enough to be covered. Passion begets passion. If you are able to convince the journalist you are contacting to care about your cause, then you can develop a lasting relationship.

There are many opportunities to bolster your relationship with the media. Small actions such as sending a calendar of events or meeting for a meal can be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. Once you establish a strong relationship, it becomes much easier to generate visibility for your organization.

The non-profit industry needs more public relations assistance. Helping to connect passionate people to great stories is a public service. I hope to use storytelling and the public relations skills I have developed at Chico State to help heal the earth.

April 10, 2023

Battling Student Burnout

By Paris Auerweck

As an overwhelmed college student staring down multiple mental health diagnoses, I have felt stuck in a hole more times than not. It can feel like there’s so much to do but nowhere to begin my thoughts.

The mental health crisis for teens and young adults has been increasing during high school and college years. The Healthy Minds Study during the 2020-2021 school year of 373 college campuses found that over 60% of students met the bill for at least one mental health issue.

I tend to overlook how much work it takes to be a full-time student. The pressures and responsibilities that come with it are heavy. It’s very easy to fall into a long spiral of I don’t know what to do.

While these feelings of hopelessness and depressive burnout may seem irreversible, there are ways to work on slowing down your thoughts to a less alarming level. Being a full-time student will always be hard work but, here’s what I have found helps me the most.

Don’t look at the big picture.

Although this may seem like bad advice, those with mental struggles find navigating countless deadlines, class schedules, extracurriculars and family life to feel utterly suffocating. There are hours I have wasted trying to calm down my anxiety but still repeating I have so much to do in my head. Taking your days one step at a time makes a huge difference. When I am feeling particularly overworked, I like to write down what I need to do only for that day. By the time the day is over, I’m at ease knowing I completed what I intended to.

Communicate your thoughts aloud.

Mental illness can make communication with others a challenge.

“Asking for help seems as easy as picking up a phone, but that phone can sometimes feel like it weighs a thousand pounds. It may be a simple notion but it takes practice.”

Speaking my thoughts verbally alone or in front of others helps me put things into perspective; I am not drowning and alone. There are others that will listen to and support me, as some may be going through the same feelings. Sharing your struggles with faculty, peers and friends can be uncomfortable but, leaving things unspoken proves worse for intrusive thoughts. When I say things out loud, they seem less intimidating and more achievable.

Listen to your body.

Even with a full schedule, I can often feel as though I am never doing enough. Sometimes it feels as though there is a voice in your head telling you to do more, what you are doing now is not quite good enough. When thoughts like this spiral around in your mind, your physical well-being can take a toll. This creates excess fatigue, worse sleep and much lower energy. If you take a step back and listen to what your body is saying, you realize that your thoughts are not telling you the truth, you are in fact doing enough. Pay attention to what your body is telling you; constant headaches, sore body, fatigue, changing eating habits and nausea could all be part of a bigger problem. It can be hard to make time for self-care but it’s important you do. Eliminate your distractions completely and give yourself the space to reflect on what you have done recently to make yourself feel good. If you fall short, start prioritizing your needs.

Change your environment

Being outside is a perfect reminder that things are constantly moving. When I am in a space of hopelessness or burnout, taking a walk alone helps me think clearer and doubt myself less. If you are stuck sitting in a place with nowhere to start, get out of your environment and see what perspectives change.

Balancing life as a student while trying to preserve your mental state can be done. It takes time and patience but, you have to acknowledge the problem openly and make it a priority. Mental well-being is integral to self-improvement and one’s overall health.

If you are struggling, you do not have to do it alone. Asking for help can put you in a great position to improve and grow as a person. Visit the California Department of Education’s Mental Health Resources page for more resources on where to start.

April 3, 2023April 10, 2023

Sports in PR

By Josh Mannix

Public Relations within the sports industry has become an essential aspect of a team’s or athlete’s popularity amongst fans.

By getting athletes PR representation, they gain immeasurable benefits in their own personal brand. PR gives athletes the inside track with reporters as well as brand deals and other opportunities.

PR is essential for teams as it attracts loyal fans for generations through commercials, icons, mascots and more. Even when a team is rebuilding its roster, good PR will keep the fan base patient and reassure their trust in the organization. However, bad PR can have the opposite effect on both players and teams.

Here are four examples of sports PR that helped players, teams and brands successfully market themselves to the public in unique,effective ways:

Nike and Serena Williams

Nike and Serena Williams are one of the best examples of a mutually beneficial PR partnership that has been wildly successful for decades. Serena Williams is a world-class athlete and Nike is an internationally recognizable brand – together they are a force to be reckoned with.

Nike has used Serena’s likeness in countless ads since she first signed with them at age 21. In turn, she has become not only an icon on the court but a fashion icon off of it thanks to her popular line of clothing with the brand.

Serena Williams Nike Ad

Lebron James “The Decision”

In 2010 Lebron James was a free agent for the first time in his career. Rather than make his decision in private like every other player has done he decided to make his decision into a hour long TV special on ESPN. While this was already a questionable decision he would also be announcing that he would be leaving his hometown team for Miami.

The reaction to this from fans all over the country was not good to say the least. It was particularly bad in his home state of Ohio as not only were they losing the best athlete to ever play in Ohio but they were also forced to watch an hour long special about it. James’ decision would turn him into a villain throughout the league for the next few years until ultimately returning back to Ohio and restoring his reputation.

LeBron James Makes His Decision: Miami

“PR is essential for teams as it attracts loyal fans for generations through commercials, icons, mascots and more.”

Savannah Bananas

While the Savannah Banana baseball team has no affiliation with any professional baseball organization, they have made waves with their social media use. Before their exhibition games, the team will dance, do stunts and entertain before pitches or in the middle of a play. This has never been seen before in the league.

Their energy has made them a force on social media with over 1 million followers on Instagram. Meanwhile, professional teams like the San Francisco Giants only have around 400,000 more followers! Even more impressive, minor league baseball teams like the Sacramento River Cats can’t even break 60,000 followers.

Savannah Bananas Instagram

Under Armor Micheal Phelps “Rule Yourself”

The Michael Phelps “Rule Yourself” campaign is a great example of how you can strike an emotional chord with sports PR. Phelps, widely considered the best swimmer in history and the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, was gearing up for his last Olympics in 2016.he melancholy music mixed with the realistic training they showed in his ad helped his image feel authentic.

The ad was effective with tests showing that it did strike an emotional chord with young men ages 18-35, a difficult demographic to connect with . This also began a successful series for Under Armor as appearances from other athletes like Steph Curry and Tom Brady were represented.

Michael Phelps Rule Yourself Ad

Cincinnati Reds Owner Opening Day Comments

This story is a perfect example of what not to do when the team you own is going through a painstaking rebuilding process. The Reds are one of major league baseball’s oldest and most successful franchises however in the past few years they have been struggling greatly. When the owner was interviewed last April about what fans should do during this difficult time he replied with “Are you going to abandon being a Reds fan? Are you going to abandon following this team?”

This was one of the worst ways he could have answered this question as for many fans their reaction was to do just what he challenged them to do. PR in sports is unique due to the emotional connection many fans have with their team and when someone is obviously taking advantage of that fans notice.

Article on Reds owner after statements

Buffalo Bills Instagram

While past brands tried to keep a strong, stoic and serious identity, the Buffalo Bills decided to embrace what many people would describe as ‘meme culture’ on their social media accounts.

The team would follow wins with videos of merged game moments and interviews to refresh the attention to their work.. While the videos didn’t always make sense, they were often received to the public’s delight. They were reposted over similar social media platforms and eventually led to other teams copying their format.

Buffalo Bills Instagram