Category Archives: COMM content in current events

#UDcommFUN: Sydney Scheiner’s Summer Experience as an Orientation Leader

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It’s plain and very simple. Being a 2014 Orientation Leader has thus far been the greatest experience of my life. I didn’t expect this. I expected to have been fortunate enough to be hired to wave foam fingers in people’s faces. I thought I was getting paid to be (borderline obnoxiously) energetic about UD.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Being an OL was the most transformative, unparalleled and beautiful experience I have ever had and I was fortunate enough to do it with 21 incredible student leaders by my side. It was exhausting, but worth it, frightening, but challenging, and a yearlong journey, but over in a blink. Here are the top 5 things I learned throughout my time as an OL.

5. Orientation Leaders can have the same effect on each other that coffee does. We were up every morning at 5am. That’s right. At Trabant by 6:15. We had a morning meeting, we had our ritual pump-up chant and then we ate breakfast. By 7:15 we were expected to be in “Orientation Mode.” That would be: smiles on, energy way up, and ready to literally dance outside as a way to greet the students and families. A common question we got was, “How much coffee did you drink this morning?” The answer was always, “None. This is just our job.” Being surrounded by the OL’s created perpetual energy. We all fed off of each other and it never ran out. When one of us was slightly down, someone would swoop in and pick them back up. As a whole, we were a well-oiled machine crafted to create energy.

4. There’s something called the Fishbowl Effect. When you take on a leadership role (especially one where you meet all 4,000 incoming freshman), you are surrendering yourself to the Fishbowl Effect. This is the effect of everyone in the room watching you, even when you think no one is. The OL’s wear bright gold polo’s, so you really can’t miss us. We had to be aware that probably at any given moment, there was at least one pair of eyes on us. Those could be the eyes of our fellow Leaders, a student, or maybe a parent. Embracing the Fishbowl Effect has had a lasting impression on me. I’m now more aware of my everyday actions, like what I post on social media or how I express my opinions. The fun thing about being an OL is that we knew this, so we wanted all eyes on us so we could represent UD the best way we could.

3. There are a lot of meals you can make with chicken. After our first two weeks of training, we were left on our own for dinner. This was the first time I had to truly cook meals for myself. It’s pretty simple: Go on Pintrest. Bake at 350. Add asparagus or something.

2. Other people share your thoughts, and even your fears. We had this amazing thing called Retreat. You may have been on one before. What I learned at the OL retreat is that I am not alone, and therefore, neither is anyone else. I was able to share stories with my team because I knew they could identify with me. Some people told me they were feeling the same way I did, for example, about the pressures of being a leader. This was one of the first times I expressed some feelings I had with a group of people and what I have taken away from it is that I’ll never be afraid to share feelings again. There are people who are feeling the same way you are. It sounds cliché, but you truly will never know you are not alone until you consciously choose not to be. I was so pleasantly surprised by the responses I got and it truly changed my life.

Finally…

5. Trust the process. This would probably be the most important thing I learned during my time as an OL. I used to find myself thinking about the third step before I even completed the first, resulting only in me being overwhelmed. Worry only about the first thing you need to complete and then progress from there. You don’t always need to know the end result. If people you trust surround you, then trust that what you are doing will turn out the way it is meant to. Trust your co-workers, trust your instincts.

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Sydney Scheiner is a junior, Interpersonal Communications Major from Old Bridge, NJ. She is one of the Student Coordinators for the Office of New Student Orientation, a Blue Hen Ambassador and also serves as the Program Director for the University of Delaware Chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America. She loves anything related to coffee or music.

Want to apply to be an Orientation Leader?
Applications are now available at www.udel.edu/students/nso/
Applications close at 4:00pm on October 15th. 
 
For more information, stop by the kiosk in Trabant from 11-2 on Tuesday, October 14th.

 

#UDcommPR: 7 PRSSA-UD Representatives Will Attend PRSSA 2014 National Conference

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The following blog post was written by Natalie Hines, senior mass communication major and current president of PRSSA-UD. Read further for exciting news!

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Hi, my name is Natalie Hines and I am the president of the Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter at the University of Delaware, an award-winning and nationally recognized Chapter throughout the organization.

We are pleased and fortunate to announce that we will be sending seven members of our Chapter to attend the PRSSA 2014 National Conference from October 10 to October 13 in Washington D.C. The conference’s theme this year is titled, “Intersections: The Meeting Place of Communications and Culture.” PRSSA-UD representatives include:

Natalie Hines, Senior, Mass Communication (President)

Keri Betters, Senior, Interpersonal Communication (Public Relations Director)

Laura Hepp, Junior, Mass Communication (VP of Professional Development)

Allison Lane, Junior, Interpersonal Communication (Meetings Coordinator)

Allie Kory, Junior, Mass Communication (Operations Director)

Katherine Bartell, Sophomore, Communication Interest (Finance/Fundraising Director)

Julie Millisky, Sophomore, Communication Interest (General member)

The National Conference is the largest annual event gathering public relations inspired students from an array of colleges and universities. Students arrive ready to network not only with public relations professionals from across the country, but with their future colleagues; other PRSSA members.

Professionals lead a variety of sessions tailored to several types of public relations including sports, healthcare, restaurant and corporate communications. Other leadership workshops, career exhibitions and celebrations bring the brightest public relations students together for a weekend of a lifetime.

PRSSA-UD and our generous sponsors have allowed me to attend two national events; PRSSA 2014 National Assembly and PRSSA 2013 National Conference. These experiences have truly shaped my professional and personal career goals. I have witnessed the personal success students achieve when they arrive in a new city, meet other PRSSA students and make connections with professionals. To say National Conference has changed my life would be a sincere and honest statement.

We would like to thank our sponsors who provided scholarships for seven young professional women attending National Conference this year. They include:

Please view our sponsor video from last year! To follow the event, join the conversation via social media with the hashtag, #PRSSANC, and follow our Chapter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our website, www.prssaud.com.

2 Internship Opportunities: WorldCom and CHOP

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Two exclusive internship opportunities for our Communication students are listed below! Check back each week for more!

1. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute is pleased to announce the 4th year of The CHOP Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP).  CRISSP is a 10-week competitive summer internship program for undergraduate students interested in careers in the biomedical sciences.  The internship is designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge, practical training in academic research, and critical exposure to pediatric-focused career trajectories under the direct mentorship of CHOP faculty.  Full time immersion in a lab or research group allows interns to experience science and discovery first hand.

CRISSP offers opportunities in basic, clinical, behavioral, and translational research.  In addition to completing an independent research project, interns learn basic techniques and gain exposure to how research is conducted under the direction of CHOP faculty.  Interns present their independent research project at a commencement event open to the entire research community.  A stipend will be provided.  The program runs June 1 to August 7, 2015.  Additional information is available on our website: http://www.research.chop.edu/programs/crissp/.

Applications will open in November. Up to 25 students will be accepted.

Independent internship

2. WorldCom Public Relations GroupScreen Shot 2014-10-08 at 9.56.28 PM

 

 

#UDCommFUN: Internship with Seventeen Magazine

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Calling all interns! Seventeen is looking for Winter Marketing Interns in New York City.

See below for details and how to apply!

SEVENTEEN – MARKETING INTERNSHIP 
(Winter 2014 Term, For Credit / Unpaid) seventeen

Details:
-Will train with the Creative Services Managers and marketing staff at Seventeen on project-based advertiser proposals and program executions (e.g., creating custom blog posts, sweepstakes, videos, photo shoots, etc. for advertisers)
-May attend informational “Lunch and Learns” with the Seventeen Editor in Chief, Ann Shoket, Seventeen Publisher, Jayne Jamison, and members of the Seventeen Marketing and Advertising teams
-Assist with organizing and executing promotional events (e.g., casting models, stylists, photographers, etc. for advertiser, mall and campus events)
-Assist with organizing promotional event collateral (cover blow ups, gift bags, counter signage, etc.)
-Assist with Seventeen’s contest and sweepstakes execution (e.g., contacting winners and organizing prizing)
-Help manage Seventeen’s online promotional listings with staff
-Assisting with the upkeep of the Seventeen’s promotional social media sites, including our Style Pro Facebook page and promotional YouTube channel
-Help research and brainstorm with the Marketing team for upcoming promotional programs

NOTE: All intern applicants must be enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college and be able to receive college credit for the internship. The Seventeen Marketing internship is an unpaid internship opportunity.

-If interested, please forward your resume, cover letter, and dates of availability in the winter to simparato@hearst.com.

 Please include answers to following questions in the body of your email (NOTE: there is no minimum or maximum word limit to your responses).
-Have you ever read Seventeen? If so, what is your favorite thing about the magazine? If not, why not?
-Articulate your interest in marketing and advertising.
-What ad campaign/promotion has stuck in your head recently and made you think about and/or purchase a product? Why?
-What challenges do you believe face the magazine publishing industry today, and in what ways do you think these challenges can be conquered?
-Why do you feel like you would be an ideal candidate for a Seventeen Marketing Internship?

Tell Your Story: Dr. Danna Young Speaks at Drexel University

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Dr. Danna Young, an Assistant Profesor at the Department of Communication, visited and spoke at Drexel University on Tuesday, May 6. Her talk, entitled “Satire, Citizenship, and the Strong Case of Irony,” was a part of the Drexel “Great Works Symposium.”

In her talk, Dr. Young specifically discussed satire and parody, focusing on Colbert’s SuperPAC and his coverage on the Citizen’s United decision. Dr. Young also referenced the recent drama of the Twitter “#CancelColbert” trend and how irony is a dangerous rhetorical device.

danna young drexel u

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‘Like’ The Department of Communication on Facebook

Celebrating 40 years as a Department.                                                                        Join the conversation with the hash-tag: #UDCOMM40

Tell Your Story: Francesca’s 2014 Boston Marathon Experience

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Congratulations to Communication student, Francesca! She recently ran in the 2014 Boston Marathon. Check out her post below to find out how she won.

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To people outside of New England, Patriot’s Day is just like any other Monday.  To New Englanders, Patriot’s Day is Marathon Monday, the greatest day of the year. From Hopkinton, MA, all the way to Boylston St. located in the heart of the city, streets are packed with runners and spectators from all over the world, covered in both sweat and filled with smiles.

It’s hard to think that just one year ago, Marathon Monday was nothing like this.  On April 15th, 2013, I was sitting at my desk at my internship in Wilmington, Delaware when my boss came running into my office.  Knowing that I was from the area, she informed me there was an explosion at the marathon finish line. I quickly called my family and friends who were in the city that day, but could not get a hold of any of them. I knew something was wrong.  Two bombs went off at the finish line that day, killing three people and injuring over 260.  As the events of that week unfolded, I had never felt more helpless in my life. I just felt like I had to do something. IMG_0781

As a full-time student, I never imagined I would have the time to train for a marathon.  But, here I am. I ran the 2014 Boston Marathon for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and for all of those affected by last year’s events. With the help of my amazing friends and family, I raised over ten thousand dollars for an extremely worthy cause and took part in restoring the finish line for the city of Boston. The range of emotions felt on Marathon Monday can hardly be put into words, especially during this year’s event. The nerves you feel on the bus to the starting line.  The pain that your body encounters around the halfway marker.  The tears you form when you think about the lives that were tarnished from last year’s tragedies.  And finally, the happiness that consumes you when you cross the finish line on Boylston St.

My favorite moment of the marathon was finding my friends and family along the course. It came at mile eight, where I found my longtime family friend, with an enormous sign, “Go FRANNY!” It came at Mile 21, after the infamous three-mile incline titled “Heartbreak Hill,” where I found my best friend, screaming, crying, and sending me on my way.  And it came at mile 25 where I found my parents, sorority sisters, and University of Delaware friends, chanting my name.

Although the 2014 Boston Marathon was my first marathon ever, it will certainly not be my last. This year, the marathon ensured that we will always remember the victims, honor the heroes, and pray for those affected.  I am truly blessed to have been able to run in this historic event and experience such a life-changing event.  See you next year!

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