Category: Uncategorized

3 Ways to Make Your Life A Little Easier During the Pandemic

By Aliah Tayyun

In case you forgot, we are in a pandemic. This is nothing new to us and it certainly is not something that we expected. As we try to navigate the new norm as college students, there seems to be more obstacles than solutions. I know for me, as a senior, this has been the most trying semester in my college career. As we begin to adjust to our virtual reality for the long haul, here are a few tips to help keep you a little more sane than you were yesterday.

1) Time management is your friend. I know you know, but time management is key in prioritizing a busy schedule. Even if we are not physically moving from class to class, we need to be intentional in how we balance school, work, and social interactions virtually. In this new era of learning and working, we have to carve out space to become fully focused and aware of what we are doing. Distractions are everywhere, especially online, so try turning your computer or phone on “Do Not Disturb” and get back to a more manageable workload.

2) Organize your space and day. Organization is crucial in staying on top of tasks and completing assignments. But this can also span into your workspace. In the new  virtual norm, most of our “workspaces” are our bedroom desks or maybe even our couches, but wherever it is, try to keep an organized space. This can help you feel more confident and intentional about how your day is going to go. It is also a little less awkward when your professor asks when you did your laundry last as they stare at the heaping pile of clothes behind you in Zoom class.

3) Breathe. This one is tricky. Life is so hard right now and there are so many factors that are contributing to our stresses: the anxieties of life, school, work, safety, friends, family and so much more. It feels like they are constantly breathing down our necks and there is no escape. The light at the end of the tunnel might seem impossible, but trust me, you will find it. Our newfound struggles can be tiresome, so find ways that can help you cope. Maybe it is cooking, reading, working out, sleeping, watching TV, talking with a friend or taking a long shower. No matter what it is, you deserve it. Do not ever feel guilty for putting your own health and needs first; it is not worth losing either of these things in the path to success.

This new era of our life might seem impossible, but we will make it to the end. Moving forward, I do not want to add any extra pressure or extra things to your list, so take or leave these tips. As we try to navigate our life in the virtual era, myself included, we must take our time and do what is best. Your efforts will soon be rewarded and just know that every day is a new day!

Aliah Tayyun is a senior public relations major and sociology minor from Nashville, TN. She is currently employed as Creative Director and Social Media Manager at Beneath The Skin Inc., a local nonprofit. If she is not working or going to school, you will most likely find her in the kitchen whipping up a new Pinterest recipe.

4 Ways to Become a News Junkie in College

By Lucy Walsh

As a PR student, I feel like the same piece of advice I sometimes hear over and over is “you have to become a news junkie!” While this is a great way to become a better communicator, more attuned to aspects of media relations and even a more informed citizen, this sometimes seems easier said than done. There’s so much information out there, and we all only have so many hours in the day and minutes we can spend scrolling! Here are my best tips for working smarter, not harder, to build some news junkie habits. 

 

  • Use the resources at your disposal, and remember your student discounts. First things first, check the library. A little known fact is that Belmont students have free digital access to a ton of periodicals through the Lila D. Bunch databases, so make sure to use the resources that you’re already paying for through your tuition! Also, any news site operating on a subscription based model most likely offers a discounted rate for college students if they sign up with their university email address, so keep that in mind as well.

 

  •  Find the format that’s right for you. You might not feel engaged reading print newspapers or sitting down to watch the evening news, and that’s okay! Be open to alternatives and test out what’s right for you. Two things I’ve picked up lately have been subscribing to newsletters like The Skimm and Morning Brew, which can deliver concise updates to your inbox every morning. Also, daily podcasts like “The Tennessean” and “The Daily” (produced by “The New York Times”) are easy to turn on when you’re driving or walking. Take some time and find your fit!

 

  • Check your facts and check your bias. Do yourself a favor and make sure you’re reading both accurate information and diverse perspectives. This might mean taking a little extra time to confirm the information you’re reading, but I think we all can agree that accuracy beats efficiency every time. Use fact checking sources like Snopes, FactCheck.org and AP Fact Check to confirm that the info you’re reading is the best of the best. Meanwhile, make sure you’re looking at a mix of local, regional and national news, and try to seek out outlets that can represent multiple political, cultural and geographical points of views. 

 

  • Follow campus news. Make sure you’re reading up on our campus community! Follow accounts like @belmonttoday for daily news, and take some time to read stories from our student news organization the “Belmont Vision.” Most importantly, keep up to date with content from Belmont’s Office of Communications. Particularly during debate season and a time of COVID-19 precautions, campus communication is more important than ever! Take a look at their website, and open your weekly Bruin Breeze email as soon as it hits your inbox. 

Keep these tips in mind and take the time to develop the daily habits that best fit your media needs. In no time you’ll become a tried and true news junkie, and you’ll be a better PR student and practitioner because of it! 

Lucy Walsh is a senior public relations and publishing student from Evansville, Indiana. Alongside her duties as the editor of the PR at Belmont blog, she is an active executive board member of Belmont PRSSA and Belmont Ambassadors. She can typically be found listening to the full discography of Taylor Swift, walking Belmont Blvd. or writing snail mail to her friends and family. 

Virtual Preview Day Do’s and Don’ts

By Lucy Walsh

While comfort levels vary concerning travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, high school students navigating the college search process are taking on a whole new experience than those who’ve enrolled before them. This is most likely one of the biggest commitments they have ever individually gotten to make, and they’re doing it at ages 16-18 during some really peculiar times! Even five years later I can remember how much anticipation and sometimes stress I put on myself to reconcile if the best choice, safest choice, most fun choice, most cost effective choice and most growth-inducing choice could somehow all line up to be the same thing. By some miracle, Belmont has been able to become all of those things to me, and now serving as a Bruin Recruiter for Belmont’s Office of Admissions I get to help prospective public relations students navigate the same thing. After having the first virtual Preview Day of the 2020-2021 academic year under my belt, I finally feel qualified to share some advice on how to make the most of the college admissions processes, even if you’re doing it from home for now! 

 

DON’T: Forget to register in advance!

Signing up online is a simple process, and it ensures that Belmont will be expecting you. While this is a no cost event, reservations are still required so admissions counselors and academic colleges can prepare accordingly. Also, this creates a BU4U account that can be used to schedule future visits or even apply to the university during a high school student’s senior year! To register for an upcoming preview day, visit http://www.belmont.edu/admissions/visiting/previewday/index.html. 

 

DO: Consider academics!

While you might not have to pack your car or book a flight, it is still best to put some work in before a virtual visit. One of the most important things to take a look at is what major or academic college you might want to visit during our academic sessions. Listing a major on your registration isn’t like signing a marriage certificate- you aren’t in any way making a binding or lasting commitment! However, it’s always a good idea to have a starting place that lines up with some of your interests. 

 

For example, I love speaking to prospective students interested in public relations, but I would also never hesitate to refer them to our friends in the media studies or marketing departments if they decided they wanted to explore related fields! Additionally, you might think you could see yourself as an entrepreneur, but then learn that a degree in creative and entertainment industries or Christian leadership could help get you to that goal. That’s what these visits are all about! Pick a starting place, but feel free to explore. Learn more about each academic college here: http://www.belmont.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools.html. 

 

DON’T: Think that you can’t get a well rounded touring experience virtually.

When you think about it, people have traditionally chosen restaurants and booked vacations virtually all the time. While making a four year commitment is a bit bigger than a weekend getaway or dinner reservation, you can still apply some of those same skills to scoping out services within things like dining services and residential life. Engage with the virtual tours, and put your Yelp and VRBO stalking skills to work! You can watch virtual residence hall and campus tours here: http://www.belmont.edu/admissions/visiting/online-info-sessions.html. 

 

DO: Make it personal!

The entire collection of staff, faculty and current students hosting Preview Day and other admissions events are truly there because they want to spend time helping you feel at home on Belmont’s campus, so engage with them meaningfully with any questions you have! No one wants you to feel like just another muted mic in a Zoom room, so speak up if you need clarification or have a really specific concern. We love hearing people ask about things like what it might be like for a student moving from Chicago who hasn’t spent a lot of time in Nashville or how a student could potentially blend their love of both music and politics. 

 

On the other side of the coin, feel free to ask staff and students about their own personal Belmont experiences! Some of my favorite Preview Day memories have come from personal moments where parents have asked my advisor why she wanted to teach at Belmont instead of her former state university, and I vividly remember students wanting to know about my own experience going to a different college as my twin brother. In my opinion, the people are truly what makes Belmont University special, and I promise that we want to get to know you as you might want to get to know us! 

 

At this time, it is undetermined if Preview Days for the rest of the academic year will be able to operate in an in-person capacity, but mark your calendars accordingly to join us on November 7th and 14th! However, I am sure that with these do’s and don’ts in mind that you can make the most of any virtual, hybrid or on campus experience that those days may hold! To learn more about preview days, contact the Office of Admissions or Dr. Kevin Trowbridge. 

 

Lucy Walsh is a senior public relations and publishing student from Evansville, Indiana. Alongside her duties as the editor of the PR at Belmont blog, she is an active executive board member of Belmont PRSSA and Belmont Ambassadors. She can typically be found listening to the full discography of Taylor Swift, walking Belmont Blvd. or writing snail mail to her friends and family. The photo included in this post was taken during the November 2019 Preview Day.

 

Lessons in PR & Spirituality

By Caroline Bougher

When I imagined myself graduating college, I envisioned landing a dream public relations job in Washington D.C., living in an apartment in the city and applying the knowledge I’ve learned over the past four years into the start of my career. Unfortunately like everyone else, COVID-19 drastically changed these circumstances. Instead, I was forced to finish my degree and internship at Delight Ministries from home, and begin a long season of applying for jobs and waiting.

I became saved during my senior year of high school and college led me to grow even closer to God. However I have always struggled with putting God first in my life. Spending time in prayer and in the Bible was always something in the back burner of my brain. Once I moved back home, I knew quarantine was going to be a tough and transformative season, and made it a priority to grow closer to the Lord and put Him first. I set up a corner in my room as my “prayer corner” and dove into devotionals each morning. I began to enjoy the stillness of the season and wanted to help others find the peace during a crazy time.

During college I had written a blog that discussed my faith, advice and trials I went through, and published a devotional story for Delight Ministries. Many people had come up to me and told me these stories have affected them in some way, that I wanted to grow my blog even further and help others during this season. 

During quarantine, I decided to create an Instagram page, @createdbycare_, that encouraged college and young adult women that they are cared for by Christ and have a purpose. I started off by creating graphics on InDesign with motivational words and scripture aimed at bringing people closer to God. I ended up writing a few more blog posts, created a Pinterest account, and an Etsy page where I sold mugs that said “created for a purpose”! 

However, over time I felt burned out. I had put in so much effort and wasn’t getting as many results as I had hoped for. I fell into the bad habit of spending time in my prayer corner with God and posting about what I had read that day. I was comparing myself to other Christian bloggers and was only posting to get content posted. My heart wasn’t in it anymore and I abruptly took a break from my account.

 While I’m not completely done with @createdbycare_, I’ve learned that it takes time to effectively grow a brand. Even though I was using the tactics I learned in my public relations classes, I wasn’t seeing overnight growth and felt burned out. Ultimately I think it’s because I was doing what I thought other people wanted and was trying to grow it as fast as I could, instead of figuring out what I wanted my brand to look like. 

There are millions of opinions out there telling you what to do, but if you aren’t loving the work you’re doing you won’t feel fulfilled and can’t help others. While I’ve stepped back and shifted my focus to applying for PR jobs, I plan to return to @createdbycare_ stronger than ever with a refreshed vision and mindset to create a community where we grow with The Lord together.

Caroline Baugher is a 2020 graduate of Belmont University, where she studied both public relations and journalism. She originally hails from the great state of Virginia, and she has a strong passion for women’s ministry. She is a published blogger and has contributed to devotionals for Delight Ministries. 

4 Things to Consider When Going “From Here to Anywhere”

By Lucy Walsh and Marisa Davis

While the beloved Belmont adage of “from here to anywhere” inspires adventure and curiosity of post-grad life, sometimes this message can seem easier said than done. Logistics can be tricky, sometimes the stars don’t align and adulting can be hard. However, with enough confidence and planning, Belmont PR grads can successfully make the leap from being a student of the classroom to a student of the world. To learn more about a recent alum who did just this, the PR at Belmont blog interviewed Marisa Davis, a 2020 public relations alumna who recently relocated to New York City.

What are some professional considerations to take into place when considering a cross country move? How do you think about making the jump?

I know something that people had told me was that “It’s harder to get a job somewhere else if you’re not living there, since companies don’t want to wait for you to relocate.” I’ve heard that it’s easier to at least have an address of where you’re wanting to move so you have an address for your resume. It can play a big part in  getting considered for new jobs.

Also for me, the dance industry specifically is small in a lot of cities with only one or two companies that would have a PR or communications employee. New York definitely has the most opportunity and arts organizations that would have a big enough team and budget. So, even though my post-grad internship isn’t in performing arts right now, I’m still gaining the skills to get to do that and apply them eventually to my industry, and I’m here in case anything in my area pops up. It would give me a leg up on people located in other parts of the country.

From a social standpoint both personally and professionally, what should people know about branching out to a new city where they might not know as many people?

I moved here with people from Belmont, and one of which I have been friends with since freshman year! That was a pretty easy built in friendship base. I think that I also have enough acquaintances from past experiences that I can hopefully form friendships, which is a good skill wherever you go. With a city like New York, it can be a hard city to meet people since a lot of people are doing their own thing and have a mindset of minding their own business. But, I do think that a lot of offices have a good culture of being open to having relationships and friendships forming within and anywhere they can. You just have to be open to that.

What were logistical things that people might not take into consideration until they’re in the midst of their move? How can people make something as daunting as packing up their entire life as easy as possible?

I feel like my experience was so different since it happened so quickly. I got an apartment and an internship and moved up here within two weeks, and COVID-19 precautions on top of that was interesting as well. Because I did Belmont East I had flown up here with only the essentials, and that was helpful in knowing what I absolutely needed and what could wait for now. Living pretty minimally and knowing what you want takes care of all of the big stuff. Having your own frame of reference is so helpful in any context. Even though it did happen so quickly, I knew that it was something that I wanted to happen and that I could reasonably do.

What would you say to someone who has a dream location but is afraid to take the next step? How can you take some of the anxiety out of this life change?

It was definitely scary for sure. COVID-19 made it more scary, but it was less scary for me since I had already lived in New York through Belmont East. Having friends and people behind you who support you definitely helps! There are so many Belmont connections, and I feel like alumni are all over. They can be so helpful as both friends and colleagues, but you have to do the work to reach out. I know that Belmont alumni have Facebook pages and mixers, so taking the time to go to those is definitely important as well!

Marisa Davis is a 2020 graduate of Belmont University, where she studied both public relations and dance. After completing two internships in New York City as a member of the fall 2019 Belmont East cohort, she has recently moved back to the city that never sleeps. She loves the performing arts, University of Tennessee football and chai tea.