#nowplaying: Sound Track to My Life

This post stems from a recent piece I read from Josh Morris and a Q&A session with Kanye West during his Storytellers piece for VH1.

On Twitter we use the hashtag #nowplaying as a life soundtrack of sorts. Even though we might not listen to music 24/7, there are songs and CDs that can provide a foundation for emotions or events within our lives. Currently, my favorite song has been Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys. Yes, it is a huge hit for everyone across the nation but it hits a little harder for me lately.

I leave for New York City on Sunday and I know it’s going to be far more than just an “experience.” It will be a life lesson, inspiring and hopefully, a place I’ll be residing in the near future.

The looping piano keys, vibrant rhymes and emotions in Empire State of Mind are chilling. Knowing that I will be in a city that can make or break me physically and mentally is scary. This could be the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had.

After watching the Kanye interview I started playing some of my favorite songs. Touch the Sky was first on the playlist. With his personality shining through the lyrics and beat, it makes me feel like I can achieve anything. I feel like it’s in my DNA to Touch the Sky. His Storytellers version is far more intriguing than the original. The difference, you can feel his emotions in the song. And yes, Kanye has emotions, sometimes.

Songs play an integral part in all of our lives. They tell stories and express feeling. Some songs move people to do amazing things, while others resonate within us.

I want to know what songs you play to get amped up? Which songs inspire you? What songs sum up how you feel right now?

NYU – Almost There

Finally, in about a month, I’ll be studying at New York University. Not only will i be able to study at one of America’s top universities, but I’ll also be living in the greatest city in the world.

As P .Diddy said it:

“it’s a city that eats people alive.”

I am freaking stoked, I can’t wait! I’m really excited, and even though I have a lot riding on this opportunity- grades, internships, money- it will all be worth it. I’ll admit, I’m afraid of meeting the fail whale. But I know I will make the best out of any situation.

Reality is starting to set in, so I have to prepare. In just a few short weeks I’ll be unpacking in my dorm and awaiting orientation. I need to find internships opportunties, update my cover letter & resume, and absorb as much information about public relations and NYC as possible.

I’m hoping that I can meet students who are looking to get the same thing out of the program as I am. I know it be tough but definitely a situation where i need to step up and show what I am made of.

I refuse to be eaten, dead or alive.

My Holiday List

So here is my personal holiday gift list of items I would love to have. This list might work for other students too, but if not, then more for me! These are in no particular order, except for the first one.

1. SXSW Ticket- Based on the influence of someone awesome, Sydney Owen, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to be at SXSW. The only thing stopping me is the 400+ ticket price…

2. AP Style Book – I already have one, but I want/need a more recent copy. Mine is outdated and falling apart, so a new book would come in handy. I could always go for the iPhone App, but nothing beats the feel of a good book.

3. Flip Cam – I’ll be at NYU for the spring semester. A Flip Cam would be a fun way to document my journey while I’m there. The size and quality would be perfect while I’m traveling.

4. Laptop Case - The laptop case that I have now is old and shabby. Aside from that, it has no pockets. A new one that is a little more stylish and functionality would be extremely useful.

5. Amazon Kindle – I haven’t played with one yet, but they seem awesome! I can carry around one device that allows access to any e-book available, that I buy, of course. No more broken back from carrying 60 pounds worth of textbooks.

6. Power Pad – I spend twice as much time using my electronic devices than I do charging them. Cords are a huge pain when they are tangled and get in the way. The Power Pad eliminates all the stress of cords! Just throw it on the Power Pad, with the proper charging “case,” and I’ll never need cords again!

7. NetBook – Similar to the minimalist and all-in-one idea of the Amazon Kindle, a NetBook would be an excellent alternative to lugging around my laptop. Even though I have a 13” MacBook, I still have to carry around the charger and case in the same bag as my books.

8. Putting the Public Back into Public Relations by Brian Solis and Deirdre Breakenridge- I loveeeeee social media. This book is all about social media. I just want to own it now.

9. Business Card Case – Before the PRSSA National Conference I bought 1,000 business cards with the intent of giving out as many as a could in San Diego, CA. Well, I still have tons sitting in their box. I need a small, stylish case that I can take anywhere while protecting my business cards from getting damaged.

10. Dress Shoes – It has nothing to do with PR, supplies or tech gadgets. But I love shoes and I love timeless pieces. I need/want a pair of great dress shoes. If my clothes look great, my shoes have to look excellent.

Twitter: 140 Characters Create Infinite Opportunities

We all know that Twitter has blown up since their beginning, but the amount of capabilities it offers was something that no one saw coming.

Today my teacher @cherissef told us why she has been so busy lately, thanks to Twitter. She was listed on ConversationAge’s 100 PR People Worth Following on Twitter, and since things have gone straight up for her. She’s gained hundreds of followers and her email inbox is flooding. The one article, that was widely read, has changed her life in PR for the better.

Now I have classes intergrating Twitter into our lessons, in our PR Research class we use Twitter to post questions during lecture. Yes, we can use our phones for something in class! My PR Research and PR Writing class has created hash-tags so we can chat outside of class, post questions, offer interesting articles, etc.

I love this social media age we are living in now. I bet that if I were not on Twitter I could still find job placement and internships in PR. It might take a lot longer and be more work, but it could happen. It seems as though Twitter or SM as a whole isn’t neccesarily something that can hurt you. To go off the adage of “its not what you know, but who you know,” Twitter can help someone in the situation of not konwing anyone. It can even help you find a job!

Twitter and SM are great because it can help me and all other aspiring Professionals to build our online presence and brand. It helps us to meet professionals in the field who are already doing what we dream of doing. Finally, for us who don’t know a lot of people or don’t have friends and family in those positions already, we can go out and makes those connections ourselves, without leaving our house.