Not a suckup—just a fearless advocate!

Why I think attendance in Communication Law and all classes is important:

Organized structure is the backbone of all great institutions. Having a standard set of rules that is followed by all members of the institution creates a foundation upon which order can be maintained. I think the college classroom—the stepping-stone to the outside world—should be no different. I feel attendance should be required in order for the goal of the classroom to be fulfilled: to prepare and educate students for a successful life and career. Daily attendance builds a discipline that will be expected the second students leave the classroom and enter the workforce. It also creates a respect for the professor and subject being taught.

The material learned from textbooks is only a portion of the valuable education one takes away from college; the other part includes lessons on workforce etiquette and professionalism. There are few employers who accept tardiness or unexcused absences from their employees, and therefore, professors should enforce similar policies. By creating a standard of uniformity and commitment, students can begin learning to be prompt or accept the consequences—and a lowered grade is much better than the future alternative of being fired. Also, it forms consistency in what to expect each day. A firm schedule can lead to healthier habits in all aspects of one’s life.

Next, the professor should demonstrate the importance of the material being taught by requiring attendance to lectures. If students are not obligated to attend, they may loose interest—or never gain interest—in the subject. The course may become second-place to other tasks and activities student’s face. No attendance policy can express to students that the material being taught is of little added value to what can be learned from the textbook or outside materials. If failure to attend class becomes a habit without consequence, the material is never learned; thus, the goal of the course unsuccessful.

While it is true that an 18 to 22-year-old should be accountable and responsible for his or herself, college is a time of learning, and increased structure is often necessary. A professor is in no way obligated to hold a students hand, however they are compelled to create standards to which their students are held. Another argument that may arise stems from the fact that students pay to go to college, and it is their right to decide whether or not they choose to attend a class. Their payment, however, does not lessen the privilege they have of attending a top-noche university. The knowledge they gain, or do not gain, reflects upon the professors, as well as the university as a whole; each professor should encourage students to seize the opportunity they have to attend class and learn.

Due to discipline gained by the student, respect earned by the professor and a positive image given to the university, attendance should be mandatory for all courses. A professor is doing a disservice to the student, him or herself, as well as to the university by allowing students to slack off and be lazy. It is too easy for students to rely on their friends or outside sources in order to cram and pass an exam or course without learning the material. There is no doubt that a attendance policy should be a part of the rules that make of the structure of the great institution of the University of Georgia.

New endeavors and valuable advice!

Well, it's official. Two half days of classes and my head is already swimming with a long list class assignments, internship tasks, newsletter deadlines, philanthropy events and my newest endeavor: summer applications.

Over Christmas break, I was able to schedule a couple informational interviews at Scripps Network in Knoxville. I met with employees in the HGTV, DIY and corporate communications departments. Being a company I hold high respect for, as well as being located in Knoxville, I was extremely excited for the opportunity to get my foot in the door, and the conversations I had were more than beneficial.

• I gained advice that I will not only keep in mind over the next few months on the job search, but for years to come in the workforce:

It was pointed out to me that many fields, especially entertainment networking like DIY, only consider candidates for positions, and even internships, whom can show previous experience or interest in the field. Therefore, when choosing a minor or taking an internship, it is extremely important to narrow your interests, be picky and follow your interests or career aspirations.


• I was also able to witness the value of choosing a company in which you can move, not only vertically, but horizontally and diagonally, too! 

In most corporate companies, it is rather slow-going for PR and communications professionals to try and move up the ladder. A company as large as Scripps or Turner, however, you have a much larger range of internal movement throughout different departments or brands within the company.

Scripps Networks, for example are over HGTV and DIY brands in Knoxville, TN, Food Network and Cooking Channel in New York, Travel Channel in D.C. and GAC in Nashville, TN.

• Finally, I was able to secure an interview for a summer internship program with DIY Network. Because they were able to put an eager face to my resume, I was remembered and now have a phone interview in place!

So, back to the point... I am eagerly creating opportunities to strengthen my PR network, knowledge-base, as well as skill set. Between classes, my jobs and trying to figure out what I want to do with this career, I am daily engaging in the ins-and-outs of the profession. That being said, I know I must be careful not to overwhelm myself, and to stay on top of my deadlines.

That being said, I must now return to the stacks of papers surrounding me...

Excuses

So... I think the fact that it has been a month since my last post demonstrates the fact the sometimes you cannot help but relax and take a few weeks to not think about my PR life.

Well, that's not completely true. While my weeks at home were definitely filled with some free time and relaxation, it also gave me a great opportunity to set up my LinkedIn, online portfolio, work on the PRecedent, do some freelance work and meet with professionals. Check out my sites and stay tuned for a more detailed description of my on-goings!


For now, however, I suggest you all take a break—for real—and enjoy the snow!! Just to make you jealous, here is a picture of what you see when you open the front door... 2 hours, three inches and no class tomorrow!!