It's All About the Give and Take

Hey there! My name is Michael Lopick, PRSSA Kent’s Co-VP of Membership,sophomore public relations major and commuter student. I’m here to tell you, just as the heading implies, that it really is all about the give and take.

So, what do I mean by “give and take”?

Basically, give and take is my attempt at a metaphor to describe why getting involved on campus is so important for a variety of reasons. As a commuter student, I definitely understand that joining a club or organization can be tough, but I’m here to say that with a bit of compromising and a lot of heart, you can find just how beneficial it can be.

Here’s what you have to GIVE

Committing to anything is a challenge, especially when it seems like you have so many other priorities that already occupy most of your time. Between classes, homework, family and friends, how can you squeeze one more thing in? Well, here’s where you have to give a little and use those time management skills you learned in those freshman First Year Experience classes you took (bet you thought you’d never hear about those again). Most times, committing seems a lot more daunting than it really is, and you just have to take the plunge. You’ll often find that it’s easier to schedule than it seems, and those organizations are very good at working around your personal agenda.

Once you commit, the real giving begins. Don’t join an organization if you’re not planning on being active in it. This means you actually have to go to meetings, sign up for committees and be the one that other members can depend on. Just saying you’re part of an organization doesn’t cut it. You have to be able to show what you’ve done. Now, I’m not saying you need to be a multitasking maniac, but make sure you do at least one activity with your group per semester, especially if you pay dues. Get your money’s worth!

After all that work, here’s what you’re going to TAKE

1. Connections: Whether it be with other students, faculty or professionals in your field, the connections you make when you put yourself out there are essential to beginning a successful career, both academic and professional.
2. Real-World Experience: So you have a high GPA, that’s great. Keep it up, but know your resume won’t warrant a second glance if you don’t have experience. Going out and getting involved in professional associations like PRSSA shows initiative and passion for what you do.
3. Friends: Really. While you’re out there doing your PR thing, make sure you actually get to know the people you’re networking with, you might just find a new life-long friend!

Where to look 

There are a ton of places and organizations on-campus offering amazing opportunities that relate to your area of study including:

- PRSSA (of course!)

- Franklin Advertising Association

- Flash Communications

- IdeaBase

- The Student Recreation and Wellness Center

Just to name a few! Now go out, be fearless and get involved!

Follow Michael on Twitter @michaellopick

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