A Viral Pay It Forward Movement

Written by: Dahlia Boone

During a typical trip to Target, creator DeNaesha Gonzalez, shared her heartbreak when she spotted a silver chain purse sitting out of place on a shelf in the baby aisle. Her post immediately captured the compassion of many and brought to light the reality of motherhood. The viral post shared a glimpse into what it means to make sacrifices for your child, whether it be large or small. Mothers prioritize their children’s needs above theirs everyday to ensure their child is receiving the best care possible. 

Upon personal reflection, I thought of all the sacrifices my mom made that transformed me into the person I am today. It also made me realize that this is my mom’s first time living too. She deserves kindness, acknowledgement, and grace. As a college student, (and baby adult) I find hardships in refilling prescriptions, managing finances, and processing an amazon return. I give a lot of kudos to moms everywhere for taking care of another life while keeping themselves healthy and happy.

In response to the TikTok community’s devastation, supporters started a trend by leaving gift cards or cash inside baby products on the shelf. Paying it forward to new moms is not only relieving a financial burden, but gives them recognition for their relentless efforts. Many donors encouraged recipients to use the money to reward themselves with a special purchase. We all deserve recognition for simply just existing and being ourselves, but especially taking care of another life is top tier impressive.

P.S. To all moms out there, you are loved, you are appreciated, and you are impressive. <3

The Power of Current College Students

Colleges often find themselves obsessed with new students wanting to lure them into the trap of their university. After all, new students represent the future generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers and even PR professionals. However, when you focus too much on the potential newcomers, you forget about your current students. With that, colleges need to adopt different PR strategies for bringing in new faces.

They need to realize catering to prospective students is not a sustainable practice. Trying to appeal to potentials but relegating their current to the back burner will only lead to dissatisfied students. When current students feel neglected in favor of potential ones, it creates a ripple effect of negativity that ultimately tarnishes the good name of the college. Conversations will inevitably turn to the school’s shortcomings, overshadowing the positive aspects of the institution. Whether it’s through word of mouth, social media or other communication channels, the bad and the ugly will be known to prospects. Therefore, painting an unflattering picture of the school.

This is what I mean by changing PR strategies, because schools unwittingly sabotage their own PR efforts by failing to recognize the influential role current students play in shaping perceptions. Current students are the best PR for schools and people need to start realizing that sentiment.

As students we offer an authentic perspective that resonates with the potential incomers. Telling the truth instead of half-truths or white lies from campus tours and preview days. We offer an honest and transparent evaluation of the school.

By fostering good relationships with current students, colleges will get what’s considered good PR and create advocates for the school.

But a strong rapport with current students requires more than just superficial gestures or tokens of appreciation. It demands genuine engagement and commitment to addressing their concerns and needs. They need to demonstrate an investment in the well-being and success of their current students. Prioritizing current students in college PR strategies isn't just a matter of goodwill but a strategic move in a long game of chess.

This blog was written by Kai Johnson

The Importance of Networking

I know. You read the title of this blog post and probably rolled your eyes. I’m sure many professors, guest speakers, parents, and anyone else concerned about your professional development has told you how important it is to network with people.

I was in a similar position, especially during COVID. I was getting really sick and tired of everyone basically saying the same thing to me; “Network, network, network.”

However, once things were able to “return back to normal,” I decided to really take this advice and do as I was told. Once I was allowed out of the house and able to socialize with people in person again, I began to network as much as possible.

Now, I’m sure when you hear the word “network,” you think of well-organized professional development events or conferences where you have to wear business attire and act all proper and professional. While these events certainly can’t hurt to attend, networking doesn’t always have to be this way. Honestly, anyone new that you meet, both in a casual and business setting, has joined your network, especially if you get their contact info.

Public relations is all about relationships and who you know (I’m sure you’ve heard that one before too). The more people you meet, from students to public relations professionals, only makes your network stronger and your list of opportunities longer.

Networking is how I got my job with Live Nation. Someone through Temple’s Music Business Club tipped me off to a hiring fair at the Mann Center, which was the stepping stone for me to work live events for almost a year at the time of this article being written.

Networking is also how I got my internship with Brian Communications, one of the largest public relations firms in the city. Christina Billie, our former president, let me know when Brian was hiring, and even put in a good word on my behalf to management.

Overall, it pays to put yourself out there and be a good person to people. Give people respect and kindness without expecting anything in return. Spread your passions and goals to anyone that’ll listen. You never know who will be able to hook you up with your next opportunity.

This blog post was written by Gavin Joyce, Vice President