My Life in Idaho

So, I’ve never seen myself writing a blog, but I decided it’s about time to join the club. Never in my life have I been a great writer, but it is something I would like to improve on. My future career depends on it. Currently, my life revolves around school and all the homework that comes with it. I’m studying at BYU-Idaho as a communication major with an emphasis in public relations. I absolutely love my major! Even though it consumes my life, it has provided so many opportunities. My life in Idaho is so different than the life I lived in Florida, but I wouldn’t change these experiences for anything. I’ve learned so much about myself living on my own for the first time! I hope to share my experiences as I go through this journey of becoming the person I’m supposed to be. So for now, here are the highlights of my life in Idaho so far… 

Living on my own:

When I was a teenager I couldn’t wait to move out of the house. I swore up and down I was moving out as soon as I turned 18. Well, 18 came and went and I was still living under my parent’s roof. Before I knew it I was 21 and still living with my parents. As I was finishing up my Associate of Arts degree at Daytona State, I realized I needed to decide where I wanted my life to go. I was envious of people my age living on their own and enjoying life to the fullest. So, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply to BYU-Idaho. Not only was I planning to live on my own, but on my own FAR away from my family. I must say that as much as I miss and love my family, living on my own has been great! It has turned me into an independent adult.

                               My parents and I before they left me on my own.

Realizing what I love:
I came out to BYU-Idaho with a certain idea in mind of what school was going to be like. My mind was already made up on my major, but I had no idea of the slight turn ahead. At the beginning of the semester, one of my teachers gave the suggestion to the class to join I~COMM. I had no idea what that was, but I was eager to get involved so I decided to go to the meeting. Little did I know, I would become a news reporter for the school news.

Up until now the only reporting I’ve ever done is the reporting I did as a little kid playing around with my dad’s camera. So I was a little worried that my playful skills of making up news wouldn’t qualify for I~COMM. Thankfully, I’ve been able to learn as I go, and for the past few months I’ve learned to shoot, and edit videos through reporting the news. Here are some of the packages I’ve put together throughout this semester:

Getting a taste of PR:
For those who know me really well know how much I LOVE talking. I usually always have something to say, and when I do I give ALL the details. So sometimes talking to me can take a long time. When I was younger and I had a story to tell my dad would always ask how long it was going to take because he knew my stories could turn into novels within minutes. So one of the reasons I picked public relations as my major was so I could become a professional jabber box.

As much as I thought public relations was all talking, I learned very quickly it involves more writing than talking (which is a huge reason as to why I’m writing this blog). I learned a lot about public relations when I attended a Public Relations Student Society (PRSSA) Conference in Provo, UT. The whole conference was focused on how to become successful in PR. I realized how little I knew about my major, but I loved everything I was learning. Successful PR specialists spoke about the different types of PR and provided insight on how to bridge the gap between being a student and become a professional.

                                      This is the package I did on the PRSSA Conference

                                                                BYU-Idaho PRSSA

                                                   It was a purple day!

Traveling to Seattle:
When I came out to Idaho, I had NO IDEA I would get a chance to go to Seattle! BYU-Idaho has these amazing expeditions that go to major cities around the country. The expeditions help students find internships. We went to advertising, and PR agencies, and even a news/radio station. Needless to say it was AMAZING! We even had a free night and got to tour the city.

                                                    The Space Needle!

                                             My ticket to the Space Needle

                                    Seattle from the top of the Space Needle

                                            At the advertising agency DNA

Time flies when you're having fun! In just another three and a half weeks I'll be home in Florida! I hope my life continues to provide noteworthy experiences. Stay tuned!