As thoughts reflect this weekend
toward faith, family and fun, we may find ourselves yearning for another Spring-time staple
in our schedules…Spring Break! While most of us may be far-removed from that
carefree week of sun and fun (unless we now enjoy it vicariously through our
children), I have recently gained a special perspective on Spring Break from
the college students I teach at North Greenville University.
As an adjunct professor of Public
Relations in the Mass Communication department at NGU, I enjoy training a bright
and energetic group of young adults toward careers in PR. I teach mostly
upperclassmen, many of whom are currently preparing for graduation and
interviewing for their first jobs.
After our official Spring Break a few weeks ago, I was reminded that my
conscientious class views the break as a short respite from tests, projects and
papers before the last few months of their college careers end and their
professional ones begin. They all have goals and dreams for the future, and
they’re ready to tackle what needs to be done now in order to get to the next
season of life. But, maybe more importantly, they want to enjoy what they have
now before things ultimately change. Many of them spent their Spring Breaks on
mission trips and service projects with their fellow students, while some took
time to be with family, knowing it might be the last chance for unhurried
vacation time before that first full-time job starts.
Their mature attitudes struck a
chord with me, and I thought about how we as professionals often get too ahead
of ourselves, rushing through tasks and opportunities because the next big thing
is in sight rather than learning and growing from the circumstances that are
right in front of us. How often do we miss the moment because we are ten
minutes (or months) ahead in our planning?
No, I’m not saying that we
shouldn’t plan; that’s probably against our very nature as PR practitioners.
But, just maybe, you need to take a mental Spring Break and step away from
client needs and project demands to let yourself think about your own career
and how you can learn and grow professionally from those around you. There is a
wealth of knowledge through the resources of PRSA and our S.C. Chapter to help
you accomplish just that.
Consider an upcoming lunch break to
one of our luncheons across the state. Yes, we know it’s hard to pull yourself
away from your daily work responsibilities and you also have tons of errands
vying for a midday timeslot, but the investment you make by meeting other PR
practitioners and learning more about the chosen topic is well worth the
sacrifice of time.
Or, maybe you need a night out with
the top PR practitioners in the state? Our annual Mercury Awards banquet will
be held Thursday, May 3 in the beautiful garden setting of Columbia’s historic
Springdale House and Gardens, and today is the last day to grab tickets at the
Early Bird rate. http://www.scprsa.org/SCPRSAMercurywinners.htm
Go ahead, book your Spring Break
with us now. We’ll look forward to celebrating your escape from the daily
routine and growing professionally right along with you.
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