Writing Matters!

This is something going on with my generation that even I am not comprehending. It’s the matter of putting pen to paper, or more succinctly, putting pen to paper correctly (and creatively).

After sending a sample piece of writing to a perspective freelance client, I got feedback with one comment in particular that surprised me. “You have a great style of writing and such a voice in your work. You wouldn’t believe how many applicants we get that can’t even put together a sentence correctly.”

What?!

And today at the Buffalo/Niagara PRSA event on Content Curation, I overheard a conversation about how this person has an intern whose writing is abysmal (their words, not mine, ouch!). She cannot write to save her life. I even wrote down what I heard because it kind of did this –> (Mind = Blown).

“Maybe we just need to start looking for English majors. I’m sure they know how to write. Everything else is taught so business oriented in college nowadays. It’s like they’re not even taught [writing] anymore.”

Hold the phone. What is going on? As a recent graduate in Public Communication, and a future student in Integrated Marketing Communication (and possibly MBA, fingers crossed), I am damned proud to be an awesome writer. I may not be a stellar in grammar, especially the first time around, but that’s what proofreading and editors are for. But writing is a fundamental practice in an industry like ours. And now Communication students are getting bashed for being poor writers?

Let’s get it together, folks.

Here are some tips from a budding public relations/marketing professional who happens to love writing.

1. READ A LOT! I’m not saying you have to read Tolstoy (I once read Anna Karenina and it took me four months and at the end, it wasn’t even worth it to me) but you have to read something! Read everything that interests you, everything in your field/industry, read things from other professionals. When I told a my 5th grade teacher that I wanted to be a writer (back then I had figured novelist), she told me I had to read. And so I did. It kind of died down during my early high school years due to being a teenager and knowing everything (duh) but rapidly picked up toward the end of high school and the beginning of college. I don’t think I would have ever developed a voice without picking up on different things from a wide range of authors. I guess the entire Nicholas Sparks series counts? (O.o)

2. Don’t know a word? LOOK IT UP. Adding to your vocabulary can add an eloquence to your writing and keep simple phrases from being too redundant and menial. Variety is the spice of life, is it not? There is no shame in keeping a dictionary, or in my case- dictionary.com, nearby. 

3. Take every chance you can to learn new ways of writing. When I took a Sports Journalism class in college, the professor was going to allow me to make a PR campaign in lieu of writing a feature piece on a sports story. Apparently, my refusal of doing the same thing I’ve done in a Sports PR class was interestingly rare. I wanted the chance to write a full feature sports story. I did and it impressed my professor so much he wanted to submit it to local newspapers. It never came to fruition but the fact that he wanted to gave me a lot of confidence. Write often!

Those are my top three tips. At least those are what I follow to continue growing as a writer as I continue to develop professionally. Of course, a dream on the back burner is to one day write my own book, but I also write because it is so poignant in any one of my chosen fields.

Let us not be a generation of illiterates and babblehands (screwy sentences, the way a babble mouth sounds but written. I just made this up.)

Writing is not so bad. It requires a little bit of focus but is mainly a lot of fun. Says me, the wannabe novelist at age 10 in Ms. Waas’ 5th grade class.

Regardless of how fun you find writing to be, if you’re in a Communications program, there is no excuse as to why your internship coordinator is so displeased with your writing.

It’s not enough to implement a PR campaign, you have to write out a plan.

It’s not enough to shoot a demo reel, you have to write a script.

And if you’re in Communications to be a journalist but have no inclination toward writing, please leave now.

Tired and Tried, the job search continues…

I’m really singing the post-graduation blues lately and its left me uninspired, slightly less motivated, and having more pity parties than I normally care to attend. And being uninspired, less motivated, and self-loathing is the last thing an inexperienced job seeker needs to be.

Here I am, 22-years young, in a much better position than my parents were at my age, educated (and seeking further education), and generally optimistic about what fruits will become of my labors. I graduated nearly three months ago and have been on three interviews with a victory for a part-time position at Canisius College, where I work now. Along with Roswell.

Neither job is bad but neither job could support my small family alone. I posted on my Facebook wall today that I just want one job. Not two, not three part-time jobs. ONE. I’m not opposed to hard work or holding down a second job, as long as I know that at least one could wholly support us. I don’t have the benefit of a large family who can throw down “spare” money to help me out. I’m largely alone in maintaining a roof, heat, electric, and other utilities. I’m alone in this but I’m not alone and it’s scary.

The traffic in job searching is so congested. I’m competing against those with years of experience and a succinct and in-depth knowledge about what I want to do. And they’re unemployed. And likely with larger families than my own. The key here: they need less training, thus are more desirable.

Nothing I’m saying here is new nor is this an extreme case of post-graduation blues. It’s simply a singular, anecdotal message that’s indicative of a nation world-wide problem. (I recently read an article about a girl job-searching in Greece- this is where my saying “It could always be worse,” applies. –Sorry, can’t find the article, I read it hours ago.)

I don’t know what else I can do to change my situation. And if you have any suggestions, please feel free to tactfully let me know. I’ve professionally networked, I’ve interned, I’ve gotten degrees, I read, I search, I woefully pay to attend lectures, seminars that will grant me further knowledge in my field. All to no avail!

Is there really such a thing as being too experienced? Do I really have to appear less qualified to be considered for a position? This has been brought up in one of my pity parties that I dragged someone to. When she said this to me, I looked at her with my straightest face and said, “Are you F*#&!ng kidding me?” The idea that all this time I’ve spent to be knowledgeable of public relations, social media, marketing, and advertising, is too much appalls me. Please don’t tell me there’s such a thing as being too qualified as an entry-level person…

Actually, do tell me. Just know that it’s going to sting me.

I’m so thankful to have such an amazing fiance who is willing to listen to me complain about this same thing week after week. It may have something to do with the fact that he’s a certified Art Teacher in a society that rids their schools of art first. He’ll rub my shoulders every time I get discouraged and reminds me that I’ve only been out of school for 1 2 3 months now and that it takes time and that I’ll see that I’ve freaked out over nothing in the long run. Dear, sweet Mr. Sam, without him and the faces of our furry children, I’d be in a much more desperate place.

I’m going to continue to wait this out. I have so many resumes out there, something has to come up. Something more career-oriented and full-time.

I don’t ask for much. I want experience in my field, a steady paycheck, health benefits, and an opportunity to start my family. And by start my family, I mean furry children and finally celebrating our decision to spend the rest of our lives together.

Life continues to test me. I’ll just have to keep being strong I suppose. I’m just frustrated.

In the meantime, I have to take the time in my day to get rid of the stress and remind myself that my life, though tough at times, is really not that bad. Yes, I still appreciate it.

Essentially, this is how I feel most of the time.

Protect Seneca Exclusivity Rights in New York State!

As an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, I have received certain benefits that have helped me to sustain an acceptable standard of living after the death of my parents, stay medically covered, and help to fund my college education. The standards were high to maintain funding and I exceeded them as a result. I tend to take challenges and run with them. I never took the opportunities presented to me for granted. I am lucky to be part of such a Nation.

It is thanks to the economy of the Seneca Nation that I am in the good spot I am now. Though life events have taken me every which way, financially speaking, I have been head above water thanks to the Nation.

This is why I ask that anyone reading this will take the time to contact New York State legislators about the issue surrounding exclusivity rights of gaming to the Nation. The exclusivity rights were purchased and legalized. New York State agreed that all slot machine and video gaming machines west of Route 14 (west of Geneva, NY) are solely for the Seneca Nation of Indians. Now, New York State is challenging it by attempting to bring in out-of-state gaming enterprises to set up shop.

You can contact Senator Mark Grisanti and Senator Sean Ryan on the SenecaMeansBusiness website. (Contact them!)

New York State and the American government should be ashamed for their treatment of the Haudenoshaunee and other Indigenous people in this country. They can do a lot of good by ceasing all threats to Seneca business, and bottom line, the Seneca people.

Whether or not you are for gaming, I hope that you are for the fair treatment of the Seneca people and governance. I hope that you see why it is imperative for all Indian nations that the United States government(s) honor Indian treaties.

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The Seneca Nation of Indians has become Western New York’s sixth-largest employer. They have become an economic powerhouse, creating 6,000 jobs and supplying $125 million a year in payroll. The vast majority of Seneca-created jobs are held by non-Natives which makes it a necessity that they grow and prosper for more than just the Seneca people.

You can learn more about the facilities of Seneca Gaming on their website.

For additional information about the Seneca Nation of Indians and their history, current community efforts, and other services outside of gaming, click the link.

#SupportTheSenecas

The Winter Blues Sets In– Fitness Woes

My fitness goals have to be met solely in the gym domain until the temperatures rise to a comfortable 50 degrees. I went for a run this afternoon and just four minutes into it I began to cough uncontrollably and my throat began to feel sore and swollen. The wind and cold air combine to hurt me.

I’m not sure what else to do because I don’t always have time to hit the gym but a quick 20 minute run around the neighborhood should be an easy feat. So sad. Le sigh.

Without the wind, I’m sure I could have at least gone a half an hour but the wind knocked the wind out of me.

The purpose of this post is to get some advice from some avid winter runners. Help!!

Daddy’s Girl

This isn’t the timeliest of blogs but here’s a little something about what I’ve experienced this New Year’s weekend.

As of December 31, it’s been three years since my father passed away. One of my biggest teachers and best influences in my life, it’s been incredibly difficult dealing without your father. Especially as a self-proclaimed Daddy’s Girl, sometimes I feel like I’m missing a piece of my heart.

But the good news about having gone through a third anniversary is that it was easier. Not quite easy but it was easier to go on with my day. I spent a fraction of the time thinking of that last day I had with him. By the end of the night, I was able to focus on the festivities of New Year’s Eve and looking forward to the future.

To all my friends, family, and Twitter pals who have experienced loss recently, it does get easier. It’s going to take a lot of time but if you trust in your strength, you’ll get through it. My father and mother raised me to be self-sufficient, strong, and independent and because of those traits, I’m doing alright.

Enjoy the family and friends who are still here.

I know my parents would be infinitely upset with me if I didn’t.

How to be a Sabres fan on a budget

This is just a fun little post on how to be a Sabres fan on a budget. The game itself is an expensive sport to participate in and being a fan isn’t so cheap either. Hopefully, I get a job soon so that this won’t be such an issue anymore and we can afford to get cable and all will be right in my world.

The lack of cable and TV highlights of games causes a visual disconnect. I have no idea what Erhoff or Kassian actually look like. Sure, I could look them up online but I spend my time reading game notes/highlights. I don’t actually flip through .jepgs and .gifs of players. And the only time I YouTube things is when they’re MAJOR highlights, like when Miller got ran down by Lucic. That was worth letting a video load while I’m working.

Anyway, since I don’t have the live game feeds to ever enjoy. This is how I maintain to myself that I am a true Sabres fan.

And no, I can’t afford to go to a bar and just watch the game. Beers aren’t cheap.

1. Erect a shrine in honor of the Sabres using your favorite Sabres memories. A book by former Sabres PR guy Chris Weiland, a framed autographed poster of about 6 players circa 2008, Sabres wine glass, and credentials from Sabres/World Juniors internships.

2. Talk about your experiences as often as you can. Because seriously, my internship with the Sabres was probably the best time I had during my time in college.

3. Read game stories and recaps from multiple different sources just to make sure nothing was left out.

4. Constantly check GameCenter Live for updates on league leaders and goaltending leaders. It’s still good to be in on the news.

5. Watch games at the gym even if it’s not a Sabres game. Because it’s not just Sabres love (though it kinda is) but it’s hockey love (which it really is).

6. Stay glued to Twitter on game nights and find real quick if the team is on the ups or the downs. The real time feed that comes in from the swarms of Sabres fans I follow keep me up to date, sometimes better than if I were…

7. Listening to the radio in the car or online. That Rick J. Love him.

Oh there might be more ways I remind myself I am a fan. But forgive me, they just lost 3-1 to New Jersey and I have to go to sleep now.

All donations can be made to the “Samantha might lose her mind if she can’t turn on MSG and watch the freakin’ games” fund.

Dear 16 Year Old Me,

In light of a pretty touching PSA about skin cancer/melanoma, I decided I wanted to write a little letter to 16-year old Sam. This is not meant to lighten what that PSA did since I’ve never gone through anything quite like that, but it was inspiring nonetheless.

Dear 16-Year Old Sam,

First things first, be nicer to your parents. You do a pretty good job, and you are just a teenager with hormones raging, but you can always be nicer. They’re doing the best they can. They’re more than just Mom and Dad, too. They’re Art and Zenna. They may be a little resistant to show that side of them, but take interest. They’ll appreciate that, too. And remember, they always said “We won’t be here forever,” for a reason.

Another thing, you just got out of your first stint at Cornell Summer College. You are not an Ivy League student just because you went into that program. Yes, your acceptance and completion there is worth being proud of. But you don’t know everything. You are not prepared just yet for the rigors of college. There is nothing wrong with attending Buffalo State. I promise, you’ll be there someday and it will have turned out to be one of the best decisions you made. Also, don’t let it go to your heart when your Mom gets upset that you want to transfer there from another school. She’s only human and she only wants what she thinks is best for her daughter.

Don’t force yourself to be more outgoing than you are. You see how gregarious your best friends are and you see the attention they get. Don’t worry! Honestly, you find more people like you once you leave high school. You’ll find them instantaneously, after a year of adjusting, or even by the time you graduate. Sometimes, you even befriend people you went to high school with but never got to know them until you realized your similarities in college. You are an extrovert to your own degree. And as cliché as this sounds, you’ll later appreciate these words: “The people who matter don’t mind and the people who mind don’t matter.”

Please don’t worry about boys. You’ll see in about 7/8 years that boys at 16-years old are kinda gross. You’ll date a little and see that even some boys at 18/19 years old are kinda gross. But there will be that one. The one that accepts you for who you are. He’s there. And if you can imagine, he’s already 21 😉

And lastly, I understand it’s hard not to see the media messages and think differently about what you think you’re expected to look like. But you know what? You’re beautiful. You’re right where you need to be at 16-years old. And to be honest, that girl you think is beautiful is just as self-conscious as you are, but for other reasons. The very definition of beauty varies from person to person. You’ll learn and you’ll be happier when you do.

Dear 16-year old Sam, this is not the tell all. And I’m sure 30-year old Sam will have much, MUCH more to add to this. For you and for me.

Sincerely,

22-Year Old Me.

Tips from a Professional Intern

If only you could make money from a title like “Professional Intern” because then I would be in a much better position.

Internships are supposed to be an integral part of the college experience. It offers real life experience with that safety net of college credit to comfort you and keep you from falling on your head if you’re not ready for the big leagues yet. Internships are supposed to be the gateway to networking and establishing your personal brand. It also helps you narrow down your career choices and/or helps you determine what you are capable/willing to do.

Alright. Well this pretty much reinforced everything my mother ever told me about the “real world.”

Number one: “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” My mother was a wise lady. She also happened to work in PR (with no degree, grumble grumble) as a program manager for Good Schools for All. She was also a graduate of Leadership Buffalo in 2005. She also worked with The Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo (which pretty much works with every organization you can think of in Western New York.) Well now, Mrs. Nephew, you were right. (Also, the apple doesn’t seem to fall to far from the tree, eh?)

Number two: “You never know until you try.” This was usually in response to denying a food choice of hers, but it’s applicable here, too. I might have never known how much I like agency life had I not interned at Eric Mower and Associates. I might not have known that I like working in college athletics had it not been for the Buffalo State Sports Information Office. And I might have wanted to go into graphic design or production, but now I know I don’t thanks to Time Warner Cable. It’s just not my thing.

Since my first semester at Buffalo State in 2008, the importance of internships was preached to me. Man, I tell ya, if I was a church-going gal, I’d be the example for holy living because I took what was preached to me and ran with it.

Why do I think I have any authority in this matter?

Well, I’m not saying I do. But after nine internships, I think I’ve got a handle on how to get the most out of one. (However, I continue to learn ways to get even more from them. That’s just learning, folks. It’s never-ending.)

For reference, I’ll tell you where I have interned but for privacy’s sake I won’t really go into what I did for them. Also, all opinions here are my own and don’t reflect that of a single one of these places listed. Okay? Let’s go.

1. Eric Mower and Associates

2. Time Warner Cable Sports Network

3. Buffalo Bills

4. Buffalo State College Sports Information Office

5. Roswell Park Cancer Institute

6. Buffalo Sabres/Buffalo Bandits

7. IIHF World Junior Championships

8. Elmwood/Bidwell Farmers Market

9. Buffalo State College Institutional Advancement.

Whew! Okay, now that that’s done. Here are some tips I have for interning. Be it you’re just thinking of getting one, have already had one, or are moving on to your 10th.

Consider this your so-many-months interview.

I haven’t gotten a job out of my internships, per se, but I have seen it happen. Quite a few friends of mine were hired at the completion of their internships for entry-level positions. This is huge! Especially with how hard the economy is. But just remember, even if you’re in a position like me where you didn’t get an offer sheet, they remember you! That is if you’re doing this right.

Be who you are and it is what it is, but remember this is one long first impression.

Don’t be rude, duh. Don’t be gross, duh. Remember to be funny, but never crude, duh. Your supervisor might only be two years older than you, but you’re not friends. (Not yet, anyway). Don’t try to be the person they wish you were. It’ll never work if you try too hard to be someone who will fit in at your internship placement if you really don’t fit in.If you’re a hireable person, you’ll come off that way. Relax and be comfortable 🙂

You get out of it, what you put into it.

My production internship lead me to realize that I don’t want to go into production. What I got out of it was what production is really looking for from public/media relations professionals. I built from that. I may not be able to create cool news tickers or anything like that, but I know what I’ll need to know when I need something from the media. Same thing from my stint as a journalist. I may not want the life of a journalist, but I know what they need from me. What’s better is that I understand WHY the need it.

There is no such thing as a stupid question!

Okay, well there might be some stupid questions. But if you’re not 100% sure how to build a media list or know what resources you need to build it, ASK! Clearly, if you’ve been hired as an intern, you’ve demonstrated the basic skills they require of you. They don’t expect you to know everything. Even if you feel like you should know way more than you do. Learning is an ongoing experience. You’ll see seasoned pros referring to their AP Stylebooks.

Go above and beyond.

There aren’t nearly enough fingers and toes around me to count how many times I’ve done something to show my dedication to my placements. Even if it’s something as simple as asking “Do you need anything else?” or just saying “If you need any volunteers, please let me know.” I’ve volunteered to do so many extra things on the side of these internships because A. they remember this and B. it’s extra experience to gain. It’s as simple as that.

Know your placements policy on social media. Don’t just sign the waiver. Understand it.

Yes, I had issues with over sharing on social media. Thankfully, it didn’t cost me my internship because if it had I might have become a devastated and disgruntled college student. Know what I say? Play it safe. Don’t really talk about your placement. Period. This is totally up to you, use your best judgment, but I’ve been basically living by this rule since my close call. Know what your employer wants. Have your own social media ethic. I became nearly obsessed with the topic since said close call.

You don’t have to like them, but you do have to work with them.

This one is courtesy of Mrs. Nephew. She’s been telling me that since my first group project in Kindergarten. She’s told me that I won’t like everyone I work with, that’s inevitable, but I will have to work with said people. Maybe I fumbled with this one at one point, which would have been to the dismay of Mrs. Nephew, but I never not worked with someone just because we didn’t get along. Those times I fumbled with working with others, not my proudest moment(s), but I learned. Again, that’s why we get internships before we enter the real world!

And last, but not least…

Have the time of your life.

I consider my entire college experience (academically and professionally) a positive one because of my internships. I’ve had so much fun with my different experiences. Working with sports professionals, media professionals, and some of the most influential people in Buffalo, has been a rewarding experience. To say it was just a rewarding experience seems to lessen how I actually feel about my internships.

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I’m pretty sure there are some more insightful things I could provide but I’m in between taping shows at my current internship. It’s almost time to get back to work.

Also, I won’t get to my 10th internship. I graduate in two weeks and my time has come and gone in undergrad.

Although, there’s always graduate school…

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Edited from my smartphone: Gotta love these things.

One of my favorite lessons I learned being an intern?

People are so incredibly helpful and willing to help a hardworking college kid. This area, Western New York and Buffalo, is full of the most amazing people who I’m proud to say I’ve worked for. Such beautiful souls and plentiful minds. Never be afraid to ask for help!