It’s always good to have goals. I had many of them when I was a student-athlete back in the day and it really helped me keep focused on what I want to accomplish as well as having a sustainable mindset for what I needed to get done each day. Whether it was making a certain mark in the shot put or winning the state meet in high school or making the All-American team for college or placing at the Olympic Trials, all of these activities helped me overcome challenges and obstacles while keeping my eye on the prize.
Fast forward a few years after I retired – I started setting goals for myself in my new chapter of life in the field of public relations. One of my goals ever since I started the PhD program at the University of Tennessee in 2007 (has it been almost seven years?!) was to make a difference.
Making a difference can be interpreted in a variety of ways I suppose, but I wanted to aim high for what I could potentially do in the profession I was entering into as a professor, scholar, researcher, and consultant. This meant taking each student that walked into my door under my wing and showing them all that PR and social media had to offer them. This meant helping others in research and teaching so they can become a better professor by sharing resources and best practices. This meant always looking ahead and setting goals for myself for publication numbers, conference papers, and consulting opportunities professionally.
However, when you are faced with the fact you have reached one aspect of your goal in making a difference, the feeling is overwhelming and truly humbling. I did not realize that I would see this now, but a friend and PR student (Caitlyn Johnson), let me know via Twitter that I was quoted in the well established and recognized PR textbook called THINK Public Relations latest edition. The quote in which was featured in the textbook was part of a blog post I did for PRSA a few years ago.
When I saw this, I was really excited and honored all at the same time. I remember writing this post for the Comprehension PRSA blog and wanted to share some best practices and tips on what professionals – both researchers and practitioners – can do to bridge the gap when it came to the growing expectations we have now in the field. This has been a point of view I have had ever since I started in the PhD program, and I am truly amazed that my quote is now featured in a textbook used not only around the US, but around the world as well.
Yes, I would definitely consider that making a difference. 🙂 This motivates me even more to continue working hard, being dedicated to the profession that I enjoy being a part of, and mentoring and helping others both in research and in the classroom. Special thanks to Caitlyn for sharing this with me and thanks to the authors of the textbook for including this in their latest edition.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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