As a freshman in high school, I was told to enjoy high school while I could because it would go by in the blink of an eye. When I graduated high school, I could not be more glad to move out of my hometown and to explore something new. While I share the excitement of the unknown with my younger self, I find myself wondering how I am already in this position in what truly feels like a blink of an eye.
I was lucky enough to find Scripps PRSSA as a freshman in college and to attend one of the first meetings of the fall semester. I sat in the back of the room with my computer open, said hello to just one other student, and only made it to about half of the meetings because that’s just how hectic freshman year is. I spent sophomore year attending meetings through a screen which was a challenge at first but, honestly, the other members made it so much fun that I actually looked forward to logging on for meetings and “socials” online. My junior year was my first full in-person year of college which took some adjusting but it turned out to be the best year of my life. This year I have the honor of serving the Chapter as Chapter President and I am somehow graduating in just under two months now?
This is not a pitch to join Scripps PRSSA but a pitch to all of the juniors, sophomores and freshmen that are tired after a long day of classes, a night out or two, a breakup, family issues, other organizations or any other reason you might be tired, to go to that meeting. To push yourself to meet and truly connect with other students because they are going through the same life changes as you. I have realized that these four years of my life may be the only time in my life that I am able to live surrounded by other young adults who are rapidly changing and learning who they are as individuals.
I have become a much better leader, friend, partner and individual overall by choosing to spend my time with dedicated individuals like those that are in Scripps PRSSA. I challenge college students who have time left to surround themselves with those who challenge them but that also lift them up. That is the community that I have found here in PRSSA and I hope to carry that energy with me into my life come May 6.
So cheers to life changes and to PRSSA. Trust me, it will go by in the blink of an eye. 😉
Signing off from the Scripps PRSSA Blog one last time,
Olivia Strauss, Chapter President 2022-23
