By Erica Stonehill
Friends had a knack for making us laugh and teaching us a lesson at the same time. Some takeaways were simple, others were more complex. Regardless, ten years later and one year into my college career as an Ohio University Bobcat, I’m still learning something from those quirky, twenty-something New Yorkers.
Not everyone is a Scripps kid
As hard as it is to believe, some people can graduate high school and make it to college without actually understanding simple rules of grammar and spelling. Just remember to take deep breaths and remind yourself that not everyone can be as awesome as we are.
Remember to give yourself a break
With the title of PR star also comes the title of workaholic. We are sending emails while simultaneously writing press releases and blog schedules. It’s what we love to do, but it’s also exhausting work; and it’s not until we lie down for our four hour nap at night, that we realize how absolutely drained we are. Always take time to give yourself a little TLC, because espresso can only get you so far.
You don’t always need a plan
We are planners. We set goals, we make lists, and we overuse Post-it notes. It’s who we are. In the event that we don’t know what’s coming next, we freak out; and while it’s extremely beneficial to be as prepared as we are, it’s not always necessary. It’s okay to go with the flow and see where life takes you. Half the fun of being in college (especially at OU) is the unknown!
You’re never too old for Hall(OU)ween
We go to Ohio University. We know this.
Things don’t always go as planned
You may stay up all night perfecting a pitch or drafting six incredible tweets for an account, all for your higher-up to trash it and tell you to start over. It’s like a slap to the face (or kick in the crotch) but after a quick scream in your pillow about how underappreciated you are, you better suck it up and create something even better. The client is the boss, whether they liked your plan or not.
Be a hat
The best thing about being a Bobcat (and more importantly, a Scripps kid), is that people expect you to be unique. We’re hard workers but we know how to have fun. Make sure to let that shine through, not only on paper, but in person as well! You’re personal brand is who you are and what makes you different. In a world full of shoes, be a hat!
Follow Erica on Twitter at @estonehill13