Reflection on My PRSSA Experience
Being a member of PRSSA has had a profound effect on me, how I view my education, and my future career. It has been a privilege to help and support members of our Chapter at meetings, events, and conferences. I look towards this upcoming school year and am honored to use my experiences and passion for public relations and our Chapter to serve as American University’s (AU) PRSSA Chapter president. While it has been difficult juggling my school work, internships, free time, and my time assisting our Chapter, I know that the reward is worth the effort.
The main thing I am looking forward to at the start of our fall semester is how I can utilize my skills and knowledge to help our members not only achieve their fullest potential, but also fuel their passion for public relations. The power of public relations is ever-expanding and continues to be an important part of how we communicate as a society. Not only are we communicators, but we are the gatekeepers and guardians of ethical, professional, and truthful communication practices. PRSSA provides members with a space to interact with other aspiring professionals as well as a way to learn, experience, and fall in love with communicating. As the upcoming president of our Chapter, it is my privilege and honor to help encourage and push this relationship and its benefits to its fullest potential for our members.
As I begin to apply my leadership skills in this position, both professionally and personally, I plan to learn and grow in the same way that I hope to encourage others. I believe that acting as our Chapter president will not only help instill within me the right tools and intellect to become a leader, but also allow me to help instill these tools within our Chapter members. As I grow as a Chapter president, I hope to also grow as an individual, a professional, and a public relations practitioner. Additionally,I hope to encourage, support, and help our members to do the same. Words cannot explain how grateful I am to have this opportunity, and I cannot wait to serve as AU’s PRSSA Chapter president this year.
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Jenna DePellegrini is a senior majoring in Public Relations and Strategic Communications with a minor in history. She is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has been a member of PRSSA for three years; since her freshman year of college. Jenna is graduating a year early and has worked hard to make every semester count, actively participating in PRSSA events, showcases, and award ceremonies. Jenna also traveled to San Diego this past year to attend the 2019 PRSSA International Conference, where she was able to network and learn from other talented students and professionals. Jenna has also had an internship with Strauss Media Strategies and was planning on working with Pittsburgh’s CLO Theatre Company this summer before it closed its summer season. Jenna looks forward to serving as Chapter president of PRSSA, and can’t wait to see everyone in the fall-- either in person or online.