2010 is coming to an end where 2011 is just around the corner, and it has been really wonderful spending time with my family over the holidays. From eating amazing and fabulous food prepared by Dad to working on research and teaching, it has been a great holiday so far. 🙂 Many things happened this past year that I am very thankful for and really have appreciated. Here are a few things that I have enjoyed this past year:
Presenting at Conferences: 2011 was the year for presenting at various conferences from Rio de Janeiro to San Francisco. It was really a wonderful opportunity to speak and talk with fellow researchers, students, and professionals about some of the growing issues facing public relations, but also addressing the need for more research in social media within the discipline. Plus, it was great networking at these events and making new friends in the process!
2010 was also the first time where I was presenting at conferences for government agencies – which was a great learning experience and opportunity for me. I also got to travel to Boston (APS), Morgantown (IMC Weekend), Detroit (Crisis & Risk Seminar), Denver (AEJMC), Virginia (DHS Conference), Minnesota (NCFPD Meeting), and San Francisco (NCA) as well.
Teaching: This past year, I was able to teach two classes at the University of Tennessee (PR Cases and PR Principles) and the PR Concepts and Strategies course at WVU in the IMC Graduate Online Program. It was great working with students and discussing current issues and implications of new technology and public relations strategies and practices – it is very rewarding and very fabulous!
Passing Comps & becoming ABD: For my friends and family, everyone knew that the early part of 2010 was all about preparing and studying for my comprehensive exams. I passed them during the Spring semester, and became ABD (All but Dissertation) in August. Right now, I am finalizing my dissertation, which is focusing on the message and source effects of crisis messages in a food safety crisis. It has really been a fun research study to work on – and I will be finishing it up by early 2011.
Traveling: As I mentioned earlier, I had the chance to do some traveling this year both here in the US, but also internationally as well. Kristin and I had the chance to go to Rio de Janeiro in May for the Reputation Institute Conference, and it was amazing! From drinking coconut drinks on Copacobana Beach to hiking up Sugar Loaf Mountain – we really had a great time seeing Brazil.
Family: The Freberg family has been busy as well for 2010 – it has been great spending the holidays all together in California. From baking fabulous and amazing meals (YUM! Jenny Craig will have to understand 🙂 ) to going to the movies to spending time with each other – it has been really wonderful. I am very thankful and lucky to have an amazing family with Mom, Dad, Kristin, and Karla!
So, 2010 was definitely a busy year for me, but a fabulous one at that! 🙂 I am looking forward to the upcoming year – I am sure that 2011 will be wonderful! A lot of change will happen – but that is very exciting!
Hope you all are having a wonderful day and happy holidays! Merry Christmas!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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