Fast Forward to a Trip Down Memory Lane

One day I’ll take a trip down memory lane. I’ll go back to my time at The University of Southern Mississippi and reminisce on unforgettable moments. I’ll jump for joy because I scored. I earned a Master of Science in Public Relations at 23 years old and gained a lifelong friend in the process. I’ll show gratitude to Hayley, Dr. Blackwell, my PRSSA friends, classmates and all who contributed to my success.

I’ll think about the long nights, books and research papers. I’ll laugh at the delirium Hayley and I had to overcome while studying for comps and how excited we were when we received big news that we passed. I’ll cherish the love we share for public relations, service, sweets, adventure, USM and most importantly our Lord and Savior.

I’ll know that USM played a major role in the person and professional  I am on that day and that I’m always welcome home to The Rock.

Today and forever more: I’m a USM Alumna, and a proud member of the Class of 2016. I walk away from the university with my head held high because I am prepared and ready to soar. 

Special thanks to D’Anthony Jackson for the stories, the laughs, the sweat and these awesome shots that will keep my special memories alive and live through social media, home galleries, office shelves and Google Drive. I hope you enjoyed.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate 

Roarin' & Soarin' To The Top

We cannot move forward without remembering where we came from. Although I LOVE USM… and screaming “To The Top,” I continuously pay tribute to “Our Southeastern.”

“And love thee, Alma Mater, through all eternity…”

These words close the Southeastern Louisiana University Alma Mater, and after receiving my bachelor’s degree, I felt proud to sing with my peers on graduation day. As I turned my class ring, symbolic of my readiness to face the world, I also turned the page to a new chapter of my life.

Southeastern Louisiana University Fall Class of 2014. Photo by Jackie Miller-Wilson.

My journey at Southern Miss presented many challenges, gifts and opportunities. I am beyond grateful for everything I’ve gained during my academic career and look forward to my future as a professional.

As I prepare for my commencement ceremony, I reflect on my favorite elements of The University of Southern Mississippi and life as a Golden Eagle. 

“S. OU. THERN. Southern Mississippi. USM!”

The PRIDE that you feel when you enter Golden Eagle Territory is breathtaking. No matter where you go or what you do, Southern Miss Pride is right there with you.

It wasn’t until I joined the USM family that I realized what it means to celebrate and embrace DIVERSITY. During my time at the university, I never felt like a minority, or outsider, but always gained a sense of belonging as a member of a unique, diverse, multicultural family from many states, countries and walks of life.

From the entrance of the main CAMPUS to the home of The Rock, a visit to USM takes you straight “To the Top." Once you’re there, you just may get hooked, but life as a Golden Eagle is such a good look. There are bridges, lakes, statues and more. Look around when you stroll as the Eagles soar. The USM campus is something to see, the scenery eases studies to earn that degree.

I’m a #LionForLife and happy to be a Golden Eagle. I’m blessed as can be. As I sing the words, reminisce and take flight, I’ll cherish USM for the rest of my life.

Congratulations to the class of ‘16. Let’s take off together and achieve our dreams.

The University of Southern Mississippi main campus entrance. Photo Courtesy of Conference USA.

We sing to thee our alma mater,
USM thy praises be:
Southern mem'ries we shall cherish,
Loyalty we pledge to thee.

Spacious skies and land of sunshine,
Verdant trees and shelt'ring walls,
Now our hearts lift ever to thee,
As we praise thy hallowed halls.

-          USM Alma Mater, 1941

 

The Wait

Jasmine waits in line to end a milestone in her academic career, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communication on December, 13, 2014. - Photo Courtesy of SLU Student Publications

The countdown to commencement will soon come to a close. In one week, I will walk across the stage to receive my Master of Science in Public Relations after five years of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Although I have taken advantage of opportunities to learn, network and gain experience in and outside of the classroom, I still have no idea what’s next. The closer I came to graduation the more the fear of the unknown became real.

As I celebrate the milestones and accomplishments of my family, friends and peers embarking on new journeys through graduate school, marriages, internship opportunities, job offers, engagements and more, I can’t help but wonder what God has in store for me as I close one chapter of my life and begin the next.

In daily devotions, I constantly receive messages from the Lord repeating instructions to wait and serve. This is exactly what I’ve done since January, but I still have not received an answer.

Two degrees, seven internships, experience with three student publications, part-time jobs, many miles and countless hours of service to my communities, universities and organizations within the public relations realm, I still find myself in a position that I worked hard to avoid.

“I was supposed to have secured a position months ago, right?”

When launching my blog and planning posts, this week was dedicated to answering the questions I have been asked most this semester… “What’s next?” “Where will you live?” “Where will you work?” What will you do?”

I stated my desire to “take you on the journey with me through the end of my academic career and into the profession as an entry level practitioner. “

I’m eight days from graduation, and my answer is still…. “I don’t know.” I volunteered to take you on a journey, but I’m not sure where it leads.

However, what I do know is that I have worked hard; I have taken what David Grossman, ABC, APR, Fellow PRSA, Founder and CEO of The Grossman Group,  refers to as the “supposed-to” track. I have followed as much advice as possible, and I am prepared to enter the world of public relations. I am prepared to work even harder to reach my career goals and attain my dream job. I am prepared to wait and serve until God reveals His plan for my life.

Although this blog is extremely emotional for me, as promised, I am taking you on this journey with me. As scary as it is to apply… and interview… and wait…. and wonder… and pray… and read letters and emails of rejection after rejection, my advice is to anyone going through a similar experience is… to wait!

While you’re waiting, continue to seek opportunities, take initiative, grow as a person and professional and prepare… more.

I am hoping to combine my passions for public relations, service and sports in the professional arena soon.  Luckily, for me, the world of public relations is not going anywhere, anytime soon. Therefore, I have decided to wait and trust God to fulfill His will for my life. As the journey continues, I will keep you informed. If you have had a similar experience, advice or know of any community relations positions open, please comment below or connect.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

PRos: Eight professors and professionals who have changed my life forever

April 7 was a nationwide day of celebration in the world of public relations. Betsy Plank Day honors the life and legacy of a legend in the profession that we know and love. Plank was instrumental to the establishment of the Public Relations Student Society of America, a pioneer in the public relations industry and an inspiration to many.

PRSSA has changed my life forever and truly exceeded the promises of the tagline to “enhance your education, broaden your network and launch your career.”

The USM Chapter of PRSSA joined in a month-long celebration of Plank initiated by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations. The “Planks of Thanks” campaign encouraged students, educators and practitioners to show appreciation to those who have influenced their public relations knowledge, experience and successes.

Betsy Plank is the Godmother of public relations and set high standards for students and professionals through her experience, passion and mentorship. Today I would like to pay tribute to eight public relations practitioners and professors who have tremendously impacted my life and career, beginning with Amber Narro, Ph.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Associate Professor.

1.       Dr. Narro was my first professor in the communication program at Southeastern. She introduced me to PRSSA, gave me opportunities to become involved in public relations beyond the classroom and pushed me to compete in my first public relations competition at the Southeast Journalism Conference -- as a freshman!  She was instrumental in my academic career at Southeastern and helped me gain experience as a volunteer in the communications’ department at North Oaks Health System during my first year as a college student.

2.       Melanie Zaffuto, North Oaks Health System Public Relations Manager, welcomed me with open arms and allowed me the opportunity to gain valuable experience under her supervision. Although I had not taken my first public relations course and had no idea what a PSA or news release was, she gave me assignments with high expectations, resources and tools to succeed. She was always supportive of my academics, listened to my ideas and suggestions and even joined PRSA under my recommendation. I gained experience and opportunities as a volunteer that I will cherish forever. 

3.       I have to thank Carol Madere, Ph.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Associate Professor, for my amazing career at Southeastern because she is responsible for the blessing the Department of Languages and Communication with the public relations curriculum. By incorporating hands-on experience into her classes, she extended my knowledge, skills and portfolio samples. When the stresses of my colloquium experiences began to settle, Dr. Madere helped me to narrow my topic and complete my thesis.

4.       There are many things I could say about the influence that Joseph Mirando, Ph.D., Southeastern Louisiana University Professor,  had on my success in and outside of the classroom at Southeastern. He not only encouraged me and my peers to start the university’s chapter of PRSSA, but also joined PRSA so that he could serve as the Faculty Advisor. Dr. Mirando was always there to answer my emails, proofread documents and provide motivation and resources to ensure continued success for our PRSSA Chapter. He is an exceptional educator and genuinely cares about the education and success of his students.

5.       Kathy Pittman’s dedication, pride and commitment to Southeastern Louisiana University are unlike any alumni I know. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to intern at the Southeastern Alumni Association and learn from her expertise in her role as the director. Although I knew Ms. Kathy  from appearances as a guest speaker in classes, my relationship with her deepened during my time at the Alumni Association.  It is an experience that I will never forget. She included me in the complete process of public relations from research to planning, implementation and evaluation. Outside of work-related events, she opened her professional network to me and introduced me to dear friends and colleagues.

6.       Cindy Blackwell, Ph.D., Assistant Director of the College of Mass Communication and Journalism at The University of Southern Mississipppi, is a great example of the power of PRSSA, networking and relationships. I met Dr. Blackwell at LSU during the 2014 PRSSA Regional Conference, “Hollywood Under the Oaks.” During a brief conversation with her, she validated my decision to pursue graduate studies and became instrumental to my success in the program. Dr. Blackwell assisted me in the search for an assistantship position, gave me the opportunity to continue my involvement in PRSSA and became a trusted mentor and friend.

7.       Kristie Aylett, APR, Fellow PRSA and Agency Principal of the KARD Group, exceeded my expectations of what a professional adviser should be. Ms. Kristie goes above and beyond to assist students. She is extremely active with our chapter and takes time to support students by providing internship and job opportunities, professional development activities, educational resources and mentorship. Her passion for the profession is apparent through her words and actions.

8.       In less than six months, Bill Imada completely changed my understanding of what it means to be a mentor. Mr. Imada gave me a life-changing opportunity to be a member of the National Millennial Community and has been an exceptional resource for my peers and me. He has connected me with millennials and executives across the globe and is never too far away from his email. As the Chairman, Chief Connectivity Officer and former CEO of IW Group, Inc., I’m not sure how he does all that he does without an assistant, but he makes it look easy.

April has almost come to an end, but there is still time to join the Planks of Thanks Initiative. Who are you thankful for? Write a note of thanks or share with the world of social media using the hashtag #PlanksOfThanks. I’ll be looking.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate