Semester Wrap-Up — GVSU PRSSA – Grand Valley State University Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America

Cold weather, warm soup, late nights, exams, and the promise of it all being over soon - December has arrived. Along with all of these things comes the overpowering need to reminisce on a semester passed. So, be prepared for a journey of ups and downs as we backtrack through the past semester.

GrandPR had a busy year this year with a full slate of clients and young, hungry PR pros chomping at the bit to hone their skills. This semester’s clients ranged from a small web-series (Lucky Jay) to the West Michigan Humane Society. With such a range of clients, a variety of services were required. Website were designed, social media was overhauled, press releases were written, and all of it was done by students with the skill of professionals.

Reflecting back on my first semester at GrandPR (yeah I am a rookie at this), I can’t help but be thankful for and impressed by my peers. Very few people understand the work that goes into a firm like GrandPR, and added to jobs, classes and personal lives, it can be overwhelming at times. Yet everyone involved with GrandPR produces amazing work for their clients.

On a more personal wrap-up note, this is my second to last semester as a student at Grand Valley. Looking back on my college career, I see many things I did right and just as many that I did wrong. The following is just a quick bit of advice I wish I could pass on to my younger self. Hopefully it helps someone else in a similar situation.

1. Don't worry if you aren't sure about your major - you will figure it out. I changed my major second semester of my sophomore year and never looked back.

2. Make friends and keep the good ones close, especially if they are in your major. Your friends are going to be your main support system, and a lot of them won't understand your individual struggle like the friends in your major.

3. Get involved in your major: clubs, internships, the works. As previously mentioned, I changed my major half way through school, but I didn't get really into it until the second semester of my junior year (GrandPR and PRSSA).

4. Enjoy this. It will be the best years of your life so far, I promise.

December is here, but have no fear, the time of presents and family is near. As this semester reaches its end, take some time to reflect, and smile about the times that have passed.

Happy Holidays!

Cameron is a senior at Grand Valley majoring in advertising and public relations. He currently serves as an account associate for GrandPR and is a member of the Grand Valley PRSSA Chapter. Originally born in New York, Cameron has moved five times and owes his breadth of different life experiences to this constant change. He looks to build on these experiences and his future career with another move to a big city post-graduation. Avid outdoorsman, festival goer and die hard New York Rangers fan Cameron is always looking for new passions to immerse himself in.