By: Mayla Lohnes
Jasmine Gollezade
Age: 23
Major: Public Relations
First semester in PRSSA.
What did you like the most about the entertainment PR panel?
I never really thought about doing entertainment, before this panel, and never really thought it’s something I’d be interested in. But after tonight, the panel put the thought in the back of my head like ‘Why not?’ I just always thought that entertainment would be about more flashy stuff and glam. And, I mean, I don’t mind being in the limelight, but not 24/7. I felt like that’s what entertainment is all about. But after tonight, the panel gave me a different light on what it is all about and made me consider looking into it.
What is your favorite thing about PRSSA?
I would have to say the networking. I feel like the people who are PR majors, and not in PRSSA are missing out so much. But definitely, the networking. PRSSA gives me the supplies and the steps to get me into the field I want to. I want to be able to earn that.
What do you hope PRSSA is able to bring to the table, in the future?
The panels don’t speak to my level of interests, necessarily. I’m an avid backpacker. It’s really fun. Whereas some of the other panels, like makeup…. I like makeup, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not just something I want to do. I like Urban Decay. It’s just not something I want to get into. I would love to see panels involving more outdoor things. The panels [as of late] haven’t really interested me.
Where did you backpack last?
I went to Orchards McGee Creek in Inyo National Forest, with my dog. It was 2 nights and 3 days. I used to make fun of dogs on Instagram and now I’m here with my dog on Instagram. Follow my dog on Instagram: @OllieBlueBoy. He’s an Australian Shepard, and an ambassador for Kurgo Dog Products (currently sold in Petsmart).
What has been your favorite panel, so far?
The first one, with Urban decay and Blizzard. It was really interesting. It being the first panel, it opened my eyes up the most (to the industry). With other panels, I feel like I’ve heard some of the same topics addressed now. And this was the first panel, so it was all new. But the other panels give a different perspective on similar ideas, so that’s always nice to hear. But yeah, the first panel definitely set the tone.
One big takeaway from being in PRSSA?
Network more. It’s important to focus on networking. PRSSA isn’t focused on teaching, as much as it is about networking.
What are your hobbies?
I go backpacking with my dog and my boyfriend. I’ve been camping since I was little. I’ve learned that if you can master camping, and get that down, then you can move on to backpacking. It took me two years until I was ready. There is no one around you for miles. The first day we did 11 miles. And the backpack alone weighs about 20 to 30 pounds.
What branch of PR do you see yourself working in, and why?
I’m still figuring out if I want to get into nonprofit or not. My dream job is to work for Patagonia. Patagonia or REI. REI is in Washington, and Patagonia is in Ventura. I just want to work in something, involving the outdoors. With some of the other panels [in PRSSA] I’d have to do my research for some of those jobs. But with Patagonia, I already know about it and am passionate about it. I don’t have to fake it to make it.
What is your motto in life, that you’d like to leave us with?
“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”
Name: Summer Dominguez
Age: 21
4th year
Major: Public Relations and CTVA-Film
First semester in PRSSA.
What has been your favorite panel, so far?
I’m looking forward to the entertainment panel, the most, because of my interests in film. I’m also familiar with a lot of the people on the panel. I think knowing someone’s universal message and standards really helps with every single department. I like the topic of managing crisis communications, even if there are no major problems happening. The lady from House of Blues spoke about needing to be able to balance image management, as well, and what you represent when working with a company. I think with any company that translates well. Regardless if I work in PR and film or production and film, the work still has to be appropriate for a world audience, especially in this day and age that’s growing toward more world exposure. I’m glad I went to this panel, because of the teacher for the comm class. Just to see that he is a CEO and knowing what to expect from that class makes me want to take that course. Not very often do you get to work with the CEO so that has its connections and perks. There’s a lot to learn from that.
What do you look forward to most in your career, after graduation?
Before I studied for PR and CTVA, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. But being in college, you are studying something. And being in this club, you are learning how to network; which is especially good in PR. My goal is to get in the door. What door that may be, I don’t know. I would be happy to work in almost anything in PR. My goal is to get my foot in the door and keep my options open enough to realize there is a door there in the first place. I don’t know what I will be most successful at until I know what I am good at.
What do you hope PRSSA is able to bring to the table, in the future?
Sometimes I wish the panels were every Wednesday! The tours also seem to fill up really quickly. Early bird gets the worm. Sometimes if I miss a panel, or I don’t get to the opportunity to sign up for a tour quick enough, then I miss out on a cool tour. And, I think it’s great to be able to talk to the panelists, but it would also be awesome to be able to talk to my fellow PRSSA members, as well. Some of them are involved (in the industry already), so it would be nice to be able to talk to them and see their strengths and be able to connect with them as well.
What do you like the most about PRSSA?
I really do like the panels, and coming to all of them. I like that we get the opportunity to be able to talk with the panelists and network afterwards. I like how this club brings in professionals that currently work in the business. The communications industry encompasses so many jobs and departments that it can be overwhelming to get an idea about where I think I would fit in. The panels give me real-life insight as to what my job could be like. I hadn’t thought about taking Comm 497T (one of the communication classes being offered next semester), but after hearing the professor speak at the panel, it really encouraged me to enroll in it. And that’s just one of the many opportunities PRSSA has given me.
What are your hobbies?
I like to make films and shorts. It’s a huge process, so I don’t do it very often. I also do photography. I also like to draw and do a lot of art. I can do it at 2am, but it can also take hours. I’m also interested in dance and swim. And I like to dance. I’m a part of the Salsa Club, on campus, as well.
