Writers, Make Your Mark!

      Have no fear; it is just a red pen. As public relations students at Illinois State University, it is engrained into us that we must be excellent writers to be successful in the industry. The problem is, however, you cannot become a better writer without taking action and actually writing.
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      There seems to be a common theme amongst underclassman, no one wants to write. In a way, I can relate. When I was a sophomore in the ISU Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, I was a member of the relations committee. I was so afraid every week when we met, that I would be called on to write something for the blog. It was that little voice in my head telling me that my writing was awful, and anything I had to say meant nothing. There was a fear that someone was going to take that dreaded red pen to something I had put a lot of work into, so I sat in the back and kept my writing to myself. That is one of my biggest regrets as an underclassman.

      Now, as the president of ISU PRSSA, I have a new perspective. I see that little voice get the best of my fellow classmates and members of our Chapter. The beauty of being a part of our organization is that it allows members to be challenged in all aspects of public relations. No matter what “committee” you choose to go to each week, does not mean you are limited to just that. I encourage everyone to take a step out of their comfort zone and try writing more than just papers for class, and truly make your mark. There is so much talent flourishing within the ISU PRSSA Chapter, that it would be a waste to not put it to good use with the blog.

      Writing has, and always will be the most important skills to have in public relations. When you land that first internship or job, you will be expected to know how to write, and do it well. Now is the time to put your work out there and grow as a writer, because the worst thing that can happen is… you will be successful.

​Written by Krista Bilow