How Grateful I am for PRSSA Kent

By: Sam Farland

I first heard about the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) my freshman year of college. It was my second semester, and Natalie Meek, the current president of PRSSA Kent, visited my Principles of PR class. She spoke with so much enthusiasm about the organization. I decided to sign up, little did I know this student organization would change my student and professional career forever.

I am thankful I decided to get involved in PRSSA Kent. I hardly ever missed a meeting since I joined back in 2018. The meetings were informative and helpful to make professional and peer connections. However, I didn't really start to become passionate about public relations until April of 2019 when I was elected as the Web and Social Media Manager. Through this position, I learned  about PRSSA and interacted with other Chapters across the country. I've had other social media positions before, but nothing compared to this opportunity. PRSSA Kent allowed me to be creative and take full reign of the social media platforms. I increased our Instagram's following by almost 200 followers.

PRSSA Kent even brought me global experience by allowing me the opportunity to travel with my fellow members to San Diego, California in October 2019 to attend the PRSSA International Conference. It was an opportunity I’ll never forget. It was a great bonding experience for all seven of us who attended. Being able to network with public relations peers and professionals from all over the country was a special experience. The speaker sessions were also a great opportunity to learn. My favorite session was with Erika Prime, Digital and Social Strategy Lead at Taco Bell. She provided so much knowledge. You can read more about that session in one of my previous blogs.

I am so excited to be elected as VP of Communications for my senior year of college. I’m looking forward to the virtual International Conference this semester. I’ve been looking forward to it ever since I left California in October. If you’re a member of our Chapter you should really consider this opportunity! It could help you land a future internship or job and even make friends from all across the country! But I know my experiences with this organization doesn’t stop after this last conference. Even after I graduate I know there are an abundance of PRSA Chapters across the country that I could join. The benefits of this organization spans beyond college years. 

I'm very appreciative for all of the experiences, connections and life-long friends that PRSSA Kent has given me. It's really shaped who and what I want to be when I graduate. Without this organization, I would have felt so lost. It has helped me learn so much about the public relations industry, sometimes even more than my courses. I suggest that every public relations, communications or marketing major/minor takes advantage of this organization. It will help you find your place not only at Kent, but in the professional world.​