A Reflection on My Four Years at Oklahoma State University

There was never a question or doubt that I would go anywhere other than OSU upon graduating from high school. My dad, being an O-state alum, dragged me to football games and various OSU activities for as long as I can remember. His plan worked; I fell in love with the campus, the smiling faces, the college-town feel, and the traditions.

Involvement in various activities has always been a priority to me, and my passion for meeting people and staying busy didn’t stop after high school. I participated in Camp Cowboy, Alpha Week and panhellenic recruitment right off the bat.

The memories that will last a lifetime for me are the following:

• My involvement within Kappa Kappa Gamma and Greek life as a whole

I lived in the house seven semesters, held three offices, and rarely missed an event.

• Singing and dancing in Varsity Revue, Freshmen Follies, and Spring Sing!
• Homecoming- the enormity of this tradition at OKstate and the countless hours that go into putting on a nationally recognized celebration
• The School of Journalism and Broadcasting- the intimate feel, distinct smell and caring professors and advisers
• My participation in Arts & Sciences Student Council, Mortar Board, Order of Omega and various philanthropy events
• Constant construction that led to amazing results (Boone Pickens stadium, Hall of Fame, North Classroom Building, etc.)
• Going to Aspen Coffee and The Third Place to study and chat with friends
• The Strip including The Barn, J.R. Murphy’s, Dirty’s, Copper Penny, etc. and some hangouts that aren’t on the Strip such as Eskimo Joe’s and Stonewall

Words cannot describe or explain the incredible experience I had discovering who I was as an individual, my passions, my goals. I met the most incredible people and am honored to have had the opportunity to become close friends with so many, who I know will do great things in their lifetime.

As a graduate I can say with the rest of ’em, “college was the best four years of my life!”  I’m looking forward to the next chapter in life, and I know that my journey at OKstate does not end here. I’ll continue to be an active alum participating in homecoming, sporting events, and the like. I’ve learned so much and feel fully prepared to take on whatever the world throws at me.

Please take the time to view the 2009 commencement video to get a better feel for why I love OSU and why you should too.

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PRSSA’s Recent On-site Visit to Meridian Technology Center

OKstate’s PRSSA chapter had an on-site visit Tuesday, April 7 at Stillwater’s Meridian Technology Center.

We heard from Tawny Dotson, strategic communications director, and Ken Koch, chief communications and marketing officer. They gave us a guided tour of the facility and told us about opportunities Meridian offers through various career based classes.

I wasn’t familiar with Meridian and the classes they offer to people of all ages. Their best form of spreading awareness is through word-of-mouth, so I’m going to put in a plug for them on the sociallyorange.org network that if you or someone you know is interested in learning more about any of the following please consider taking a short course or full-time career training from Meridian:

Architecture & Construction

Business, Management, & Administration

Finance

Health Science

Hospitality & Tourism

Human Services

Information Technology

Manufacturing

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics

or a vast number of short courses!

I’m going to advise PRSSA chapter members to take advantage of on-site visits even if you don’t think it applies to your specific career plan, because I went to this on-site visit knowing very little about Meridian but now I know quite a bit and will keep in mind the opportunities that technology centers have to offer.

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Why I chose a B.A. in Public Relations

I was drafting work similar to this.

I began my college career as an Interior Design major mainly because I had no clue what else to do and I enjoyed watching HGTV.

After a semester of all-nighters and the realization that I needed to love interior design because the job market is limited, I decided to get out and try a major that would provide me with broader career opportunities.

Not only had I met numerous friendly, involved, hardworking students my first semester of college who were PR majors, but I just knew that being a person who loves interaction, communication, and anything but science, PR was the major for me.

Since my second semester freshman year, I have never looked back on my decision to pursue public releations. It’s interesting how expansive a PR professional’s knowledge can be. I actually used my drafting/interior design skills in a PR internship one summer when I was planning an event and needed a sketch of a building layout to plan where booths and games would be located within. Sometimes I complain about the random electives and gen. eds that are required of a PR student, but it makes perfect sense to have a well-rounded knowledge. Because with PR, you never know what company you might end up working for or with.

I’ve never been one to have one interest. My interests are always changing and expanding so I’m thankful that upon graduation I will have the freedom to find a job with a company that fits my personality.

If you love people, writing and communication and you’re a potential OKstate student or aren’t satisfied with your major, consider majoring in public relations. I’m so glad I did!

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