Save the SUMMER

High temperatures, sandals and open snowball stands are all signs of summer time. Although it’s easy to spend the entire season catching up on sun, sleep and Scandal, let’s choose to be productive, too. As I seek and apply for job opportunities and prepare for the summer special of Hit The Floor, I’m making a conscious effort to “Save the Summer.”

For me, this starts with a schedule because “time flies when you’re having fun,” right?

Creating a schedule will ensure success in achieving goals this summer. Start with the date of the first day of classes or an important event such as the PRSSA National Conference/ PRSA International Conference.

Next, update professional documents. I’m sure your Linked In Profile could use a boost. Change your headline, adjust dates or enhance your summary. Review your portfolio, add projects from the end of the year or remove outdated work samples.

Master a new skill. With the growth of the public relations industry and expectations of multi-talented candidates, you can never know too much. Design a PRSSA invitation to outside disciplines, explore videography or view a free PRSA webinar.

Maximize opportunities to gain experience or get involved. View the event calendars of local professional organizations such as the Public Relations Student Society of America, Public Relations Association of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, etc. Volunteer for upcoming events such as back-to-school drives or summer socials.

Employ old and new skills you’ve gained. Plan a social for PRSSA members who are still in town or high school classmates you haven’t seen since graduation. Write for Progressions or Forum or start a personal blog.

Finally, Don’t let the summer pass you by without realizing that public relations practitioners, and aspiring professionals, are life-long learners. Read a book or blog; research professionals you may meet at the national conference, and don’t forget to rest.

Save the summer, but enjoy it, too.

What are your summer plans? Are there any activities, events books or blogs you would recommend to avoid wasting time and talent this summer? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

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