My Journey as a Writer

With the completion of my online feature writing course I believe I have grown in many ways as a writer. I know it’s only been three weeks, but I have indulged in different writing styles and have written different types of articles that I have not done prior to this course. Writing personality, follow-up, and how-to articles have been a blast! I really found much use in the 2011 edition of Writer’s Market which I wasn’t aware even existed. Everything about feature writing excited me to the fullest because knowledge is power and I’m a writer so I should know these thingsJ

 Writing will continue to be the epitome of me. I love the ability it provides you to express yourself. Through words a form of expression is accomplished that doesn’t entail being verbal. I’m best at expressing myself through words, which aligns with my love for writing perfectly. Although writing is something I enjoy doing there is still so much more I need to learn and grown upon.

 My last semester of undergrad will help to add unto my writing skills. Not only will my last semester consume of expanding upon my knowledge of writing, but so will this be done for the rest of my life. For as long as I possess a love for writing do I hope to expand upon this knowledge and learn all that I possibly can so I will be able to apply it to different aspects of my life. Writing is fun it allows you do so many different things. Writing can also be difficult especially when you’re overcome by things such as writer’s block, but even then there’s always a solution to coming up on top. When writing is a desire embedded in your heart nothing will stop you from learning all that you can to improve upon your skill.

The Journalist at Work

When I was younger my mother would always tell me that I was born to a writer. I didn’t quite gasp what she meant by this until I reached my sophomore year of college. I found myself indulging in campus involvements that allowed me to express my writing desires and enrolling in courses which allowed me to do the same. I asked my mother not too long ago how she knew I would grow such a bond with writing. She told me since she could remember I’ve always loved to write. I would always go beyond what was asked of me when it came to writing essays or papers. When I discovered I possessed this love for writing it allowed me to express a side of me I didn’t even realize existed. I found myself excited about writing poetry and screenplays. Writing truly allows one to express themselves in ways unimaginable. Words are very powerful and when they’re expressed on paper I believe they’re even more powerful. Writing allows me to express myself in a way that I may not be able to express verbally. Through my online course of feature writing I hope to obtain all the knowledge I possibly can and apply it to future encounters with writing. Our most recent assignment is to complete a personality profile on any individual outside of our normal frame of reference. I’ve conducted interviews and written articles for both the Royal Purple and Marketing and Media Relations so the interviews I’ve had with my interviewee came with ease. It actually excites me to learn about the accomplishments and successes of other individuals. I’ve come up with ideas to develop personality profile by looking at examples provided to get a better idea of what direction to go in. Overall I hope to do well in this feature writing course. Balancing work, an online course, graduate school applications and being on the job search can all be very overwhelming. Nonetheless I’m confident I will come on top as usual because after all it’s all about how you manage the time you are given.

Bryon Riesch

Bryon Riesch, graduate from Marquette University can best described as an individual who knows not to let situations get the complete best of him. Riesch graduated with a double major in Spanish and information technology. His life took a turn for what most would consider the worst, but it doesn’t fit well to describe it as just that because he learned to play best with the hand he was given. In 1998 Riesch had partaken in a slip and slide activity which left him paralyzed. Although he has full feeling in his toes, he has no use of his legs, wrist or fingers. Riesch spent 3 months in the hospital and 27 days in the intensive care unit. “Life wasn’t exactly easy,” he said. After recoving from this life changing event he prepared himself mentally and physically to return back to Marquette to learn to deal with his disability.

The most important thing I have learned after hearing Riesch speak to my Tactics ll class is that one who isn’t able to do some of the things you are capable of doing shouldn’t be considered as one with a disability. I think of it as ability not disability. We have abilities that are unique and could be different from an individual sitting across from us. I believe it’s what makes us our own person. I was intrigued by Riesch’s ability to deal head on with his accident. He didn’t let it consume the individual he was or let it completely alter his life for the worst. I was mostly surprised at how involved Riesch is. He has worked for the Goodwill Industry, Northwestern Mutual and currently employed as project manager for a family business insurance company.

What a personality does Riesch has! When he first began speaking to us I thought he was about to go into a journey that would have us all in tears. The complete opposite took place. Riesch was able to make light of his situation with a joke, but still have us aware that what has happened to him has changed his life forever. Riesch was able to create a humorous atmosphere just when it was needed By no means was his story meant to make us feel sorry for him. It was very easy to see that the personality he has now is the same as it was prior to his accident.

Riesch along with his friends and family started the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation to create awareness and most importantly to find a cure through funding the latest research. To date, the foundation has raised over $2 Million for medical research towards finding a cure for paralysis.

 I truly appreciated the message presented by Bryon Riesch. Rather we are aware of it or not we all have disabilities, it’s what makes us the unique individuals we all are.

Want to learn more about Bryon Riesch?  You can visit him here or on LinkedIn.

Trish Skram

My Tactics ll class was yet again blessed with a presentation from a PR professional. Trish Skram, 2006 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater gave excellent insight into the world of blogging.  She received her degree in Marketing and Arts and Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. By day Skram is a new media and public relations manager for Mercy Health System and by night she’s the owner and brand visionary of “PR Gal.”

While in college Skram, like many students saw a need to obtain an internship in her field of study. She landed an internship for Mercy Health System her junior year of college. Upon graduation she was offered a full time position as the media specialist and the manager of PR.  Not only does Skram wear many hats for Mercy Health, but is also a professional blogger for the Gazette and Wisconsin Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society . I honestly think she doesn’t sleep! It’s very inspiring to see a woman taking on so many different roles and shine in each. She is definitely one to admire and aspire to be like.

In 2008, Skram took on the challenge of blogging and has been doing it ever since. She shared that blogging is essential because it generates content, establishes expertise, helps grow ones networks and offers a place for people to engage. What I found to be very interesting was that through her study she discovered that 55% of corporations use social media to seek job applicants. Skram presented a lot of useful and essential information about social media and the power of blogging. She mentioned that blogging may not be something you enjoy to do, but it will definitely be worth the push you may have to give yourself. She also provided us with hot topics to discuss if you’re ever at loss of words, 10 best/worst, tips and tricks and how to’s.


You can receive more tips about blogging and the essentialness of utilizing social media by connecting with Trish Skram at the following:

Twitter: @TrishSkram

Email: TrishSkram@gmail.com

Also like her PR GAL on facebook!!

Amy Paul

On Tuesday, Sept. 20 my Tactics ll class was blessed with the presence of Amy Paul. Paul is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  She graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Communication with an emphasis in public relations and minor in music. She can be depicted as your ideal student. She took full advantage of the “door of opportunity.” Paul was actively involved in campus activities, worked hard and made worthwhile connections. She shared with us her secretary position for PRSA and how it prepared her for the field of public relations.  What I admired most about her story was that she didn’t have it all figured out from the start. She didn’t start off with a desire to study public relations, but once she gained experience from a class or two she discovered it was a perfect fit for her. This gives students like me hope. You may not have it all figured out your freshman year, but don’t let it scare you or frustrate you. Take a class or two in your area of interest to get a better feel for what you could spend a lifetime doing. I believe all of Paul’s college experiences have helped shaped the woman she has become and the work she does today. She worked her butt off in college and it paid off well.  Paul said her internships, involvement on campus, networking and hard work helped her to achieve her current position at Milwaukee County. She is currently the Public Relations Assistant in the Milwaukee County Executive Office with her duties including: social media management, press releases/media advisories and monitoring media coverage. She also works for the Milwaukee Admirals which involves her assisting with hockey events, managing/ creating websites and much more! Paul does it all. Her story is so aspiring and I hope to accomplish half of what she has. I’ve got the campus involvement, networking and internship part down so far! She is a prime example of what hard work and dedication can bring to you. Paul encouraged us all to get involved!! Seek internships, paid or unpaid!! Network!! Lastly play hard, but work harder!! I’m taking her advice, so should you!!:)

Please follow Paul on twitter to learn more about her and her fabulousness @AP2005

I'm back with the latest!

What an amazing summer did I have! I successfully completed two summer courses, performed well at my internship and currently preparing for my mom’s wedding in Las Vegas. Finding the time to complete two summer courses was a bit much at times, but nonetheless totally worth it! I took up Persuasion and Tactics l. It was a juggle, but I think there would have been no better time to satisfy 6 credits towards my major of public relations. Both classes were so worth my time and energy. I learned worthwhile information and insight into the world of public relations. I don’t have enough words to describe my experience interning for Froedtert Health. Just knowing that the work I completed would be of much use to the Planning and Strategic Support team brought about much pride and satisfaction in every task completed. I was exposed to an excellent healthcare environment. Interning for the department of Planning and Strategic Support presented great networking opportunities and contributed greatly to my newfound interest in working for a healthcare industry upon graduation. I think what’s so amazing about studying public relations is that it can be used in just about any profession. Who wouldn’t benefit from an individual with a PR background? Exactly, everyone would benefit! Aside from my summer my mom will be getting married on the 16^th of September! I get to experience Vegas for the first time and an unforgettable moment with my mom! I’m so excited! What I’m even more excited about is beginning my senior year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. A lot of great experiences have come my way with being a public relations major and minoring in English writing. I’m very confident if I stay on top of my A game, this will be a great school year and even better semester.

AP Stylebook

What exactly is AP Style?

I would define Associated Press Stylebook as an essential tool to be used by everyone who has a voice that needs to be heard. Everyone is capable of displaying written work to the public, but not everyone puts their work out in a way to be understood. AP Style is such a popular aspect of writing that it attracts those who rely on it as well. I believe your work is more prone to be acknowledged if it follows AP Style. It's an extended version of the dictionary. Anything you hope to find is instilled in the AP Stylebook.

Why is it important to follow AP Style?

I think before you can follow AP Style you have to become familiar with it. Once you become familiar with it, it will become a second nature to adapt to its style. Those who apply AP Style in their work appreciate others who do the same. http://alberscommunications.com/2010/09/ap-never-goes-out-of-style/ I think the saying “you are the company you keep,” fits AP Style perfectly. Those who follow AP Style attract others who do the same. Using AP Style is essential to all writers, publishers and those appreciate well written work.

How can knowing AP Style help you as a PR practitioner?

Knowing AP Style can help you as a PR practitioner majorly! Being familiar with the top 15 correct journalistic principles to writing is a great start. http://web.ku.edu/~edit/ap15.htm Knowing AP Style is impressive and contagious. Seeing one who incorporates AP Style in their work and receives positive feedback encourages one to adopt the methods of AP Style as well. Knowing AP Style and applying it to your work can go a very long way.

How does knowing AP Style make your news releases and fact sheets more relevant?

Knowing AP Style makes your news releases and fact sheet more relevant because the information presented in them will be in correct format. No one is interested in reading work that doesn’t have correct or up to date formats. PR professionals and employees are for sure to have adopted AP Style so when they note it in your work, they’ll definitely be impressed and tentative. All it takes is being familiar with the basics to get one off on the right foot with AP Style and making it relevant in all aspects of your work. http://lcctorch.messageforums.net/topic31-the-basics-of-associated-press-style.html

How would you react if you were given an AP Style quiz during an interview at an agency?

I wouldn’t be surprised one bit! The adopting of AP Style has become very popular! My only hope would be that I’ve retained all I needed to within such a rich text to do well on the quiz.