Interview Tips

By: Jolie Chene  

Do research on the company

Check on LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media for recent posts and current updates about the company. Take a look at the website, and understand its key messages and mission statement. Research any clients, big projects and the company focus. 

Understanding the job

Reading over the job description on the website or LinkedIn, wherever you found the job listing. Know the requirements and expectations of the job.

Prepare questions

Prepare at least three questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. Try to avoid basic questions or things they may have already answered. The best questions will come from the research that you do on the company.

Dress appropriately 

You should dress business professional for an interview unless suggested otherwise by the interviewer. A blazer and dress pants, a suit, or a dress is preferred. If an interview is virtual, make sure your background is clean, the lighting is good and no distractive noise.

During the interview

Be sure to stay engaged during the interview. Keep good posture and body language. Use good eye contact and ask any questions you have. Confidence always leaves a good impression, stay positive in your answers and be confident in everything you say.

Follow up

Send a follow-up email or mail a letter to the person who interviewed you. Thank them for their time and let them know you are excited about the position.

PRSSA Duck Derby

By: Ella Peirzecki

On April 10 students of the PRSSA chapter at Central Michigan University are hosting a Duck Derby fundraising event. The Duck Derby is an annual event. It will take place at Soaring Eagle Waterpark in Mount Pleasant at 9 p.m.

On the night of the event, more than 1,400 rubber ducks will race down the Soaring Eagle lazy river. The owners of the first three ducks to cross the finish line will receive prizes.

The first-place duck will win a two-night stay at the Soaring Eagle Waterpark. The second-place will receive a gift card basket. The third-place finisher will win a $75 gift card to the CMU bookstore.

This is the first time PRSSA is hosting the event. Previously, PR Central, CMU’s student-run PR firm, ran the event.

PRSSA members Abby Jenkins and Kendall Weishaupt are in charge of planning the event.

Weishaupt said, “it’s been difficult because PRSSA doesn’t normally do this. Usually PR Central hosts it. I’m not someone who wants to do event planning, but I think it’s really cool that we have the ability to get this experience.”

Jenkins said, “buying ducks is a really cheap way to win a good prize and help students meet their fundraising goals,”.

The club is fundraising to go to the PRSSA International Conference (ICON) which will be held in California this year.

Weishaupt said, “the fundraiser is a great way for friends and family to get involved with PRSSA and ICON is a great professional networking experience.”

The goal is to sell all of the ducks we have.

Vice President Katie Haley and Immediate Past President Leona Falconer helped to host last year's Duck Derby through PR Central.

Falconer said, “we actually do it after the water park closes. So, it’s just us and the ducks. It’s fun to watch.”

Haley said, “it’s a fun bonding experience and an event for the whole club to be able to do together. It really is a great fundraiser for us.”

The chapter will host a Facebook livestream during the event for anyone who wants to see the rubber ducks race down the lazy river. To become the owner of a duck, you can purchase one from PRSSA for $2. The ducks can be purchased at this link or on the CMU PRSSA Instagram page @cmuprssa.

Culturs Central Recap

By: Jolie Chene

Since October, students of the PRSSA chapter at Central Michigan University have been working on bringing the magazine, Culturs, to CMU’s campus. Our goal was to bring Culturs Magazine to the attention of students who would benefit from it.

At CMU there is a large audience of international students. We decided this would be the best group to spread the mission of this magazine with. Throughout our implementation period we worked to get in touch with and hear the stories of international professors and students here on campus. 

We worked with the International Student Organization to have a cultural workshop. During this time students shared their stories and struggles of being a third culture adult and a student in a brand new culture. We learned from them about resources on campus, their home cultures, different education systems and much more. During this workshop we got the chance to learn first hand what it is like to be a third culture adult on our campus and in America.

Our team was also divided to interview many international professors and students at CMU and share their stories. They shared about culture shock, moving to a new country, past jobs and working in other countries. These interviews allowed us to get real stories and experiences from third culture adults and to get a better understanding on what it is really like.

Throughout these past few months we got the chance to learn and fully appreciate a variety of other cultures and get a better understanding of the culture shock and transitions that third culture kids and adults go through. We got the chance to spread Culturs Magazine to an audience that benefits from it while also gaining knowledge about new cultures. In addition to spreading the message of Culturs across CMU’s campus, we also spread awareness of what international students and professors go through to be a part of our community and culture of CMU.

The international student athlete experience

By: Emily Meyers

Angelina Horn is an exchange student-athlete at Central Michigan University from Ludewigsfelde, Germany. She came to the United States on a scholarship to run track.

“I mainly chose to come here to run because the support system for athletes here is way better; especially to those who are students as well,” Horn said about why she ultimately decided to travel abroad to run. 

She began running in fifth grade after her PE teacher told her it would be worth a shot because she was fast and would be good. She didn’t have any other extracurriculars at the time, so she tried it and fell in love with the sport.

Now, attending a college 4,127 miles away from home, she competes in triple jump and, occasionally, the 4x1. 

“When I came to the US, I think I was more scared of the culture shock, but it wasn’t as big of a difference as I expected,” Horn said. “Everyone was really welcoming. I would say I adapted pretty quickly. Sometimes it’s hard because you’re leaving your whole support system at home behind, but it was really easy to make friends here because I had the whole track team behind me.”

The most memorable difference for her is the open mindedness Americans have compared to people in her country. 

“Americans are a little more open to getting to know people they don’t already know,” Horn said. “In Germany, it takes a little longer to get to know somebody, but here people are more open minded. At least in the beginning.”

Cultural crossroads: A journey from Nepal to America

By: Megan Mearnic

Shashwat Maharjan embarked on a transformative journey when he chose to pursue his undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University. Despite hailing from Nepal, he felt drawn to the United States due to his comfort with the English language, the abundance of scholarship opportunities and the academic environment. However, his transition to American culture was not without its challenges.

Upon his arrival, Maharjan encountered cultural shocks, particularly in aspects like food choices and social interactions. Adjusting to the warmth of strangers' greetings and navigating unfamiliar social norms took some time. Fortunately, he found solace in the welcoming community of Nepali students, who shared similar experiences and introduced him to familiar cuisine, fostering a sense of belonging.

Despite the initial cultural adjustments, Maharjan quickly appreciated the differences in the education systems between Nepal and the U.S. He found the American approach to teaching, which emphasized visual learning and diverse assessment methods, to be more conducive to his academic growth. As a graduate student, transitioning from structured classes to research-intensive work presented new challenges, but he embraced them as opportunities for personal and intellectual development.

Navigating social dynamics in the US proved to be another learning curve for Maharjan. While forming connections within academic and professional circles enriched his experience, he initially struggled with informal hierarchies in professional settings, such as addressing older colleagues by their first names. Nevertheless, the support and guidance of peers and mentors played a pivotal role in helping him navigate these cultural nuances.

Throughout his educational journey, Maharjan has had the opportunity to experience life in different corners of the U.S., from the academic atmosphere of Mount Pleasant to the vibrant energy of San Diego during his internship. Despite the varying climates and lifestyles, he found common threads of familiarity and hospitality, which further enriched his cross-cultural experience.

Bridging cultures: Jinhee Lee’s journey of cultural transition

By: Shirley Olatunji

Professor Jinhee Lee’s family photo in South Korea.

Professor Jinhee Lee is a fascinating individual whose life weaves through diverse cultures and academic landscapes. Originally from South Korea, Jinhee Lee warmly invites us into her world, sharing the unique journey that led her to becoming a professor in the United States.

Jinhee Lee offers a captivating insight into her South Korean upbringing, emphasizing the collective nature of her community. In her hometown, shared experiences held more significance than spoken words. She vividly describes the intimate definition of family – parents and children – shaping the warmth that characterized her formative years.

"In our community, we perceive ourselves as members of groups - university, occupation, family – those kinds of things are more important than individual identities."

As she delves into her life as an international student in the United States, the challenges of adapting to a culture valuing individualism come to light. She shares an example of the struggle she faced during introductory sessions or small talks, where expressing fun facts about herself became a symbolic battle against the cultural shift she experienced in the U.S.

"In South Korea, we do not really do a lot of “small talks” which I had to get used to moving here. Also, the fun facts question is very hard to answer because I didn't think about interesting things about me because who I am is not very important." 

Jinhee Lee guides us through the corridors of academia, comparing South Korea and U.S. university systems. The shift in student-professor dynamics stands out – a transition from a structured hierarchy to a more interactive relationship. She narrates a specific incident where adapting to the American style of questioning and discussion in class posed a unique challenge, requiring her to find her voice in the academic discourse.

“I'm shy and introverted, but I became more introverted and not very confident in my classroom because I'm from a different culture. Since other people could not understand me very well, I lost my confidence. After a while I became more confident and realized that I could ask and answer questions in class. So, I would advise every international student to be confident in themselves regardless of whatever situation or the student-professor dynamics wherever they are.”

Lee unveils the support systems that played a pivotal role in her journey. University organizations and the Korean student community provided more than just guidance through legal processes; they became lifelines of belonging.

"They had some kind of event to introduce our culture to other students and then gather together.  I could also talk to members of those organizations. And they gave out tips and advice about how I can deal with some kind of situation and get some information about living and everything. It was very helpful and supportive during my graduate school year."

Jinhee Lee  reflects on her role as a professor, highlighting the cultural difference in how students address professors right from her days as a graduate student. 

“In South Korea, there is a formal structure of how you address professors; however, in the US, there are different flexible ways of addressing your professors.”

As the conversation shifts to cultural diversity on campus, Jinhee Lee illuminates the limited exposure students have. She emphasizes the significance of organizations like Culturs in promoting cultural understanding. In a heartfelt conclusion, Professor Jinhee Lee shares her wisdom with students, urging them to embark on journeys of cultural exploration. She injects a bit of dialogue into her advice, recalling a moment when she advised herself to "just be confident" in the face of cultural differences.

"Most students are from Michigan, and in my class, usually I have very few students from other cultural backgrounds. So usually, I advise them to travel outside of Michigan to see different people and different cultures.”

Professor Jinhee’s narrative unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of cultural experiences. Her journey, embellished with personal anecdotes, academic adaptation and a quest for cultural understanding, resonates in a world where interconnectedness is paramount. 

Professor Jinhee’s experience stands as a captivating reminder that unity in diversity is not just achievable but enriching, especially within the realm of education.

Brazilian graduate student navigates his identity as a Third Culture Kid

By: Kendall Weishaupt

Andrei Smoler Coelho, a film theory graduate student and graduate assistant, defines himself as a Third Culture Kid (TCK). A TCK is a person who has spent a significant amount of their developmental years outside of their parents’ culture. He was born in Brazil and has lived in three countries, 14 cities and moved 24 times within those cities.

As a TCK, there is a lot of uncertainty around where you could go next while trying to understand your identity. When Smoler started his undergraduate degree, he went to a seminar about multiculturalism. This seminar addressed the topic of TCKs. Smoler talked to the speaker afterward and that is when he found an identity as a TCK. He realized his experience is one that many others go through.

It was difficult at first for Smoler when he first arrived at CMU because of the difference between American universities and Brazilian universities. In his experience, CMU has been a welcoming place for international students, and it helped him integrate into the culture. Michigan is a more traditionally American state compared to other states Smoler has lived in the U.S., and he feels CMU has gone out of its way to make it a safe and welcoming environment.

He explained how many TCKs can feel left out and as if they are not part of the larger culture, so resources like Culturs are a great way to bridge the gap. Culturs is helpful for multicultural people to see stories like theirs and a good way for others to learn about hidden diversity and multicultural experiences.

Smoler explained, “I am at a point where I am comfortable with who I am as a TCK and I accept it and use it to my advantage.”

Joining the Mount Pleasant Community

By: Emily Meyers

Whether you’ve been gone for a while or it’s your first time ever being in Mount Pleasant, I’m sure you’re wondering what there is for you to do. I was in your shoes once, too. 

I grew up in a super small town with 2,000 people, so while I’m sure Mount Pleasant may seem boring, I can assure you I am pretty much a professional at finding unusual things that are fun.

In the realm of things you may not consider doing every day, you could go to Valhalla Axe Throwing to get in some reps throwing axes with your friends. You could go to The Jump Station which is a trampoline park.

You could always try thrifting as we have lots of discount shopping stores such as Burlington, TJ Maxx, the Salvation Army and Goodwill. College kids love finding cute cheap clothes – you can even completely restyle the clothing item! Get creative!

There are lots of great local places to eat. Pixie’s and Jon’s Drive-In are great options for classics that everybody loves. 

Michiganders are super nice, so if you have more questions about the area – ask! People who grew up or live full-time in the area often give great, unknown ideas for places to visit.

Welcome to Mount Pleasant!

Multicultural Resources at CMU

By: Kendall Weishaupt

Central Michigan University strives to create an inclusive campus for everyone. All multicultural, third culture and international students have a place on our campus. 

A great resource that centers around multicultural student needs is the Multicultural Academic Student Services (MASS). MASS is a “comprehensive office that provides academic, personal, social and cultural support to students.” Everything from registered student organizations, scholarships, mentors, events and cultural celebrations can be found in this office. 

Another great resource is the International Students and Scholars unit within the Office of Global Engagement. This unit offers resources for international students on finances, health insurance for international students, community resources, scholarships and more.

To learn more information about MASS and all of its resources, visit the website: https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/multicultural-academic-student-services

To learn more information about the International Students and Scholars resources, visit the website: https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/international-student-scholars

Trying to Find an Internship

By Emily Meyers

It’s the age-old struggle that tons of people all over the globe are facing. Finding an internship. It seems as though every internship is competitive and there are so many decisions you have to make before even applying. Where do I want my internship to be? Do I want to find a paid internship? What do I want to gain from the internship?

I would love to centralize this to just college students, but it’s not just college students. So if you’re reading this and you’re not a college student, don’t fret, because this is for you too. You’re not alone.

At this point, I’ve applied to too many internships to count. I have so many interests in the PR world. I’m stressed and confused. I need an internship for this summer, but I still don’t have any leads. 

Thankfully, I’m surrounded by some pretty great peers who are also struggling to find an internship. I think it really helps to have a supportive community around you, most importantly knowing that you’re not alone. 

I think the most difficult part of trying to find an internship is thinking that you have to have one planned months in advance, like you did when you chose the college you wanted to go to. That’s just not how it is in the professional world. At the end of the day, you’re trying to find a type of job, so the odds of you finding one months in advance are pretty slim. 

To the reader- if you are stressed about this like the rest of us, take a deep breath. You got this. We’re all in this together. We will find an internship (there are tons of them). 

The Glass Ceiling in Public Relations

By Amelia Gouin

Public relations is traditionally a woman-dominated industry. Is there still a glass ceiling? 

70% of the PR workforce is women, but women only hold 30% of the leadership positions (Women & Leadership).  

The glass ceiling can be defined as “an unofficially acknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, especially affecting women and members of minorities” (“Glass Ceiling”). In other words, women are less likely to hold leadership positions in the workplace.  

The glass ceiling can also refer to workplace harassment, the gender gap and microaggression. The two main factors that contribute to the glass ceiling are gender stereotypes against women and a lack of mentors. 

Implicit bias and gender stereotypes against women can be apparent anywhere. If a man and a woman have equal skills and apply for the same job – depending on the interviewer – they may be more likely to choose the man due to their own implicit bias. A lack of mentors can come into play when women are not supporting each other in the workplace. Women must stick together and uplift each other in the workforce.  

So how can we combat this? 

Being Aware 

Women individually need to be aware of the glass ceiling and how it affects their own work environments. Pay attention to your management/bosses. Are they predominately male or is it diverse? Taking note of how your workplace is set up can help you when trying to break through the glass ceiling. Bond with your female coworkers and support one another. Encourage each other to ask for the promotion.  

Male coworkers can also help by being aware of how your female coworkers are at a possible disadvantage to you. Being supportive of your female coworkers can go a long way. Use your voice to stick up for others. If you notice possible bias against your female coworker – speak up. 

Be Confident and Take Risks 

Men are much more likely to ask for a promotion. Women a lot of times are much more hesitant to apply for a job or ask for a promotion unless they meet 100% of the criteria. Men only feel like they need to meet 60% of the criteria.  

Women must be confident in their abilities. Don’t count yourself out before you get a no. Apply to jobs you love and ask for that promotion – the worst that can happen is you receive a no.  

Women must speak up. Be vocal at your place of work. Show that you care and have good ideas. Don’t settle for what others are doing if you have new takes on something.  

The glass ceiling in PR isn’t going to be fixed tomorrow. The more people aware of it, the better we can work together to combat it. Remember to be aware and be bold. Stick together with your coworkers and support one another. We can continue to end the glass ceiling one workplace at a time.  

Work Cited

Navigating the Silent Struggle: International Students and Mental Health

By: Megan Mearnic

Second language anxiety 

“Keeping up” with conversations and understanding cultural references has proven to be difficult with international students and can result in second language anxiety. This can lead to many international students choosing not to call on or off-campus offices, including resources that can help improve mental health issues. 

Academic and work stress

Six percent of international students have reported an increase in health issues impacting their academic performance-- and nearly 83 percent of these cases were “mental or psychological.”   

Acculturation differences

Adapting to a new culture can be a daunting process. Adapting to a new society can contribute to mental health struggles of international students. The clash of cultural norms and values may create a sense of displacement, further impacting their well-being. 

Reluctance to seek mental health services

International students often find themselves less motivated to seek services for health related issues, largely due to their unfamiliarity with the local medical system, different cultural norms and the stigma attached to seeking help.

Importance of Multiculturalism and Feeling Seen

By: Shirley Olatunji

Imagine a world where we all dance to the same tune and beat, a world where no one stands out, or everyone looks alike, sounds alike, does things the same way, has the same food, has the same language and has no innovation; that is what a world without multiculturalism would be. However, just a slight change in food, language, the establishment of another culture, or a new innovation makes the world more beautiful and filled with unique personalities, people, countries and more. People become excited to move from the usual norm to experience a different life. This establishes the importance of unique people and cultures, making life rich and unique.

As humans, we yearn for recognition, connection and relationships, which define us as whether we are seen or not. This feeling does not make us terrible, but is rather a feeling that becomes natural even as we stand out in the world. Everyone wants their uniqueness out in the world as one of the human needs is self-actualization, where we want to feel and see the extent to which we have grown and how far we have achieved our goals and aspirations. Remember that you are not alone if you feel the urge to be seen.

Many people see the beauty of multiculturalism in festivals, multicultural events, singing and dancing in different languages and cultures, and colorful outfits particular to different cultures. I put it to you that it is a lot more than that. Multiculturalism is not about recognizing that our differences are only showcased or coexisting with those different cultures, but should give meaningful connections, understanding, shared experiences, strength, empowerment and hope for the bright future ahead of us. 

Highlighting the importance of multiculturalism and its value to our society is imperative, especially among students.

Vast culture and global awareness: Multiculturalism brings about a wide range of cultures, clothing, traditions, languages, food and more that allows individuals to learn from one another, thereby expanding their knowledge and understanding. This vast culture helps foster appreciation and valuing of diverse cultures, creating global awareness.

Inclusivity: Multiculturalism promotes creating environments for people with diverse backgrounds to feel accepted and respected. This inclusivity not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities and institutions.

Building a Supportive Community: Multiculturalism allows individuals to connect with others with similar cultural backgrounds. This connection helps to provide a sense of belonging and support.

Cultural Celebrations: The cultural events and traditions that are celebrated allow one to foster a sense of pride in one's culture during those events and festivals within the community.

Remember that our differences are not weaknesses but strengths that make us unique and stand out. This is the multiculturalism that we should celebrate and experience in our community. Let's embrace a society where we feel seen, heard, respected and valued because multiculturalism defines the beauty of our society.

Let's keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts on the importance of multiculturalism and feeling seen in the comments below.

Chinese professor finds balance in the “in-between”

By: Leona Falconer

Chunbo Ren in Yantai, Shandong province in eastern China during sabbatical leave.

More than 15 years ago, Chunbo (Richard) Ren embarked on a journey that would shape his life in ways he could have never imagined. Leaving behind his home in Beijing, China, he set out for the United States with a singular goal in mind: to pursue higher education and earn his Ph.D. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of determination, a respected professor at CMU and, most recently, a Culturs Central ambassador.

Ren's roots trace back to Yantai, China, where he spent his formative years before venturing into the bustling city of Beijing. There, he immersed himself in the world of public relations, honing his skills with Weber Shandwick, a global marketing communications agency. Throughout his time with the firm, Ren worked with many major health care and consumer clients, such as Pfizer, Bayer Healthcare, P&G, L’Oreal and Nestle.

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of agency life, Ren nurtured a dream, one that would lead him across continents and oceans. He was intent on furthering his education in the U.S. and earning a Ph.D.

Ren was ultimately accepted at Washington State University to earn his doctorate in health communication. This meant leaving behind Beijing – and everything he had known his entire life – for a brand new start. The journey began with a life-changing flight from Beijing, China to Pullman, Washington.

"I was definitely nervous, but most of all extremely excited to be starting a new chapter," Ren reminisced. "I took pictures of everything on my flight over, and I remember thinking, 'this is the start of my dream.'"

Ren not only had to adjust to a whole new country and culture, but found the most staggering change to be going from a big city to rural farmland. The transition from the sprawling metropolis of Beijing to the rural landscapes of Pullman proved to be a monumental adjustment. 

"It is challenging to leave behind your home country for a brand new lifestyle, especially going from a large city like Beijing to a small town," Ren reflected. "But I was determined to stick it out for my education."

As an international student, Ren is considered a Third Culture Adult, a term used to define individuals who travel extensively or live in global locations after the age of 18. Being a part of this group often presents challenges, especially as these individuals struggle to find a balance between their native culture and the one they are presently living in.

While the initial months were a whirlwind of excitement and discovery, the novelty soon began to wear off and Ren was confronted with the reality of his situation. He was in an unfamiliar environment with an incredibly stressful amount of school work.

The rigorous demands of his doctoral program, along with the nuances of American life, posed mental and emotional challenges. The struggles of being an international student truly began to set in.

Cultural differences, incidents of discrimination and language barriers tested his resolve. Yet, it was during these trials that Ren discovered his resilience and pushed on for his education.

Learning a new culture and lifestyle takes time. Adjusting to American life was a process, and one that Ren embraced wholeheartedly. He discovered a passion for travel, using all of his free time to visit other parts of the U.S. and to learn more about his new home.

Even when others were rude or discriminatory, he refused to let it affect him. During his first Halloween at WSU, he was observing the festivities with a large group of international students, as it was their first-ever Halloween. Unfortunately, they were harassed by a group of domestic students who yelled at them, attacking their Asian heritage.

“Some of my friends were very upset,” Ren said. “But I just remember thinking that I was there for the right reasons, and had just as much of a right to be attending school as the boys who yelled at us. I try not to let those with closed-minded views affect me.”

Ren also dealt with language barriers. It was not only challenging to constantly be internally translating, but trying to understand American slang as well.

"I hardly spoke my first year," Ren admitted. "But as I immersed myself in teaching as part of my Ph.D. work, I found my voice and my passion for education."

Upon completing his doctoral studies, Ren embarked on a new chapter as a professor at Central Michigan University. For over a decade, he has dedicated himself to shaping the minds of future PR professionals, infusing his classes with international perspectives and cultural insights.

As CMU is a rural, predominantly white institution, he works to bring a diverse perspective to its students and the campus community whenever possible.

"As a Chinese professor at CMU, I do my best to bring my culture into the classroom and share it with the students," Ren explained. "I use international case studies and guest speak in classes related to diversity and culture. Before the pandemic, I also coordinated an exchange program between CMU and Yantai University, the school located in my hometown."

Yet, amidst his integration into American academia, Ren remains grounded in his roots. While he acknowledges America as his home, he cherishes the influence of his native culture, recognizing that it will forever shape his identity.

"I tried so hard to know the American culture and act and think like an American," Ren said. "But eventually, I came to terms with the fact that I grew up in a different country and will always have that influence. I think as long as you appreciate and enjoy the culture, trying to make a positive contribution, that is all that matters."

In a world marked by borders and boundaries, Ren continues to bridge cultures and foster human connection.

For international students that relate to Ren’s story and want to see more like it, check out Culturs Magazine.

How to Start up Your Own Blog

By: Sofia Randazzo

Blog writing is a crucial component to public relations. Whether you’re working for an agency or in-house, you’re bound to write a blog a few times in your career. And what’s better practice than starting a blog of your own? If you have ever wanted to start your own blog page but don’t know where to start, here are a few steps to get you into the blog writing game. 

The first step to creating your own blog is to have confidence. If you have always dreamt about letting your thoughts out on paper then a blog is a great platform to do so. Having that confidence and not caring what other people would think is the first step to starting a blog.

Next, you need to create a site. I used Wordpress for my blog because they have pre-made website themes, but I have also used Wix and Medium which are also great website builders. What you first need to do is develop an overall theme for your blog site. For me, I went for a more girly/pink theme since it best represents my personality. Pick one that best describes the content you’re planning to post along with your personality. 

Then, you come up with your blog name and create a logo. For me, I plan to write about PR news and advice along with fashion trends and insights. I was stuck on creating a name that combines both PR and fashion. I asked Chatgpt, which eventually helped me come up with my name, PRistaChic. I created my logo on Canva, but any creative platform will do the trick. I used Canva because I look at the templates for inspiration, but if you have the creative mind to create one from scratch then go right ahead!

After creating my name and logo I inserted pages, or categories, into my website. This is a great way to organize your pieces into different categories if needed. Since I am writing on multiple different topics, I created categories to keep my work organized and help users better navigate through my website.

Lastly, get to writing! I recommend taking a night to brainstorm a bunch of different blog ideas and place them into your drafts. That way when you are in the mood to write, you have a few ideas already laid out for you so you don’t need much time to think. Don’t be afraid to write, edit and publish. The first time you publish may be scary at first but think of it as an accomplishment and a great starting point into your PR career. 

Culturs Key Terms

By: Jolie Chene

The language that Culturs uses to describe its “in-between” community is of utmost importance. In today’s society, assessing someone based on their appearance is not enough. Here are some culturally fluid definitions to understand Culturs and its audience better.

Cross Culture Kid (CCK): A person who has lived, or is living with multiple culture environments, including minorized individuals living within majority cultures. 

Adult Cross-Culture Kid (ACCK): A current adult who grew up as a cross-culture kid.

Missionary Kids: Children of missionaries who traveled to missions domestically or abroad.

Third Culture Kids (TCKs): A person who has spent a significant amount of their development years outside of the parents' culture. First culture is an individual’s passport culture. Second culture is considered the culture that a child has grown up in. Third culture is a result of the person's life experience – the culture that they most belong to. Third culture is often where individuals feel community. 

Third Culture Adult (TCA): Individuals who travel extensively or live in global locations after the age of 18.

Domestic TCK: Children who moved to various regions within the same country while growing up. Having to relearn ways of being, mainly through speech, dress and action.

Refugees: Internationally nomadic group not characterized by a parents occupation. Displaced from their home land, by force or by choice.

Immigrants: People who moved to another country different from their homeland to stay permanently.

Expatriate (Expat): Leaving one's native country to live elsewhere. Sometimes meaning to renounce allegiance to their native country.

Military B.R.A.T.:Children of the military who move with their parents within or outside of their home country. Often experiencing other cultures and the culture of military lifestyle itself.

Non-Military Foreign Service: Children traveling with their parents to different countries in non-military government roles, diplomatic corps, civil services, foreign service, etc.

Diplomat Kids: Childrens whose parents are members of the home country political framework while living on foreign soil. 

Traveler: Those who travel expecting differences among intracultural and intercultural, however not immersing in these cultures for an extended period of time or long enough to integrate the culture as their own.

International Business Kids: Children whose parents work with multinational corporations take them away from their home country.

Borderlands: A citizen of one country that is very close to another. Often the two cultures spread into each other. Creating a separate culture from either home country.

Multiracial: A family that consists of two or more races to which they identify. Within race there are also cultural norms that can greatly differ.

Multiethnic/multicultural: A family that consists of two or more cultures.

To learn about more culturally fluid terms, check out: https://issuu.com/culturs/docs/8859-1542651282/42

What Is Culturs?

By: Leona Falconer

Culturs is a global brand with a mission to enhance community and foster human connection of culturally fluid communities. This includes multiethnic, multicultural, mixed race and geographically mobile people.

The Culturs brand is all about those who are culturally “in-between,” focusing on representing “hidden” rather than “visual” diversity. Its target audience is culturally fluid individuals who straddle multiple nationalities, ethnicities, races or cultures.

Community building and human connection are the foundation for Culturs. It aims to be a safe space for those that struggle with their identity. Within Culturs, they can meet and connect with others that come from similar backgrounds and share cultural fluidity.

Culturs brings people together by covering topics ranging from human interest stories, education, travel, pop culture and, of course, culture! These stories are produced through Culturs Magazine, including both print and digital options, as well as CultursTv.

In addition to media, Culturs has an online shop with culturally diverse products, such as dinner party kits, cooking supplies and bath and body products.

One hundred percent of Culturs profits help to support cross-cultural education worldwide. It helps to fund global philanthropic groups, provides free magazines to educators and allows free access for all to the digital magazine.

To learn more about Culturs, visit cultursmag.com.

Filling Some Big Shoes

By Emily Meyers

I recently took over the Director of Publications role for our PRSSA chapter. I’m sure those reading this have no idea who I am, so let me introduce myself. 

My name is Emily Meyers. I’m a first-semester senior majoring in public relations with minors in  BCA and communications. I’m from a small town in the very northeast corner of Indiana.  

I joined PRSSA for the first time last semester after wanting to for the past year and a half. I never had the confidence to do it. I’m not sure why I couldn’t work up the nerve earlier, but I’m here now so it all worked out. 

Sofia, the previous holder of this position, is incredible. I’ve often found myself looking up to her since I’ve known her. She has just always seemed so sure of herself. It’s amazing. 

For those of you who haven’t met her, know that she is a great person, and following after her seems like a pretty daunting task. I can’t thank her enough for making this transition so flawless and being there whenever I have questions.  

I’m so excited to take on this position and being able to work with Kyra. I continue to kick myself for not joining PRSSA three semesters ago as I planned. I’m so glad I finally did and I can’t wait for the opportunities this gives me.

Working in Athletic Communications

By: Josie Ransley

For the last year and a half, I have been involved in Central Michigan University’s Athletic Communications department. Since the beginning of my sophomore year of undergrad, I have spent my time interning under the creative side of A-Comm.

During my time with CMU Athletics, I have been involved in a multitude of projects. Whether that’s creating graphic packages for gymnastics or running in-game social media for volleyball, there are a lot of different responsibilities I take on within the department. However, on a day-to-day basis I find myself in the office working on graphics.

Going deeper into what I do, I spend a lot of time getting to know teams and their personalities. Understanding the atmosphere of the team helps create content that markets the team to potential incoming athletes. My public relations background aids me in this process by providing me with an understanding of how to communicate effectively on social media. Connecting with the fans/public is an integral part of athletic communications, especially in today’s competitive social media setting. Providing content that reaches specific audiences and knowing what to post on which social media all comes into play at my job.

Within my integrative public relations major, there are many classes that have helped me get to where I am in CMU athletics. My integrated major gave me the tools necessary to find this job and excel within it.

Overall, this job has been an amazing opportunity and taught me many things. The main lesson I have learned from my time in athletics is how vital a communications department is. Without a department focused on communicating and connecting to the public, many schools athletic programs would fall.

A Reflection After Attending PRSSA National Conference

By: Katie Haley

On October 13, 2023 myself and four other chapter members traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to attend PRSSA National Conference, ICON. This was my second and last National Conference and it was nothing short of incredible. I approached the weekend with an open mind and eager to expand my knowledge in this industry.

I was truly inspired by the wisdom shared by profound professionals. The conference committee lined up speakers from all different backgrounds. This is what makes conferences such a unique experience. We get to hear from professionals within all the different avenues PR has to offer. We heard from speakers such as Amanda Brooks from ESPN, Gina Laughlin from Delta, and Keisha Monqiue, a music publicist in Nashville just to name a few. Each speaker shared their distinctive stories and passions within their work. We also had the opportunity to network with other PRSSA chapters from across the country. We were able to discuss, share and brainstorm ways we can overcome challenges and continue to grow our chapters.

Walking away from this conference I feel confident in this career I am pursuing and know I am exactly where I need to be. I encourage all PRSSA members to consider attending next year's conference. I know you won’t regret it!