Meet the 2013-2014 Treasurer: Ryan Smart

What has been your favorite Illinois State University PRSSA memory?

Fall semester, ISU PRSSA toured FleishmanHillard’s St. Louis headquarters as a Chapter. It was a lot of fun, because it was our first time traveling outside of Chicago for an agency tour. We came back with new perspectives on agency life and public relations in general. After the tour was over, we went to the City Museum in downtown St. Louis. We had the chance to bring out our inner child and get out of our comfort zone. I feel like that was the one time in my three years in PRSSA that I bonded with everyone on a tour.

If you could go back to your freshman self and give him some college advice, what would it be?

As a freshman, I was a biology major. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I did know that I did not want to be a biology major anymore. I had always loved writing and telling a story through different lenses. I wish I had discovered public relations a year earlier so I could have had an additional year as a member of ISU PRSSA.

Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

It is hard to predict where I see myself in 10 years, but I know what I would like to do. I would prefer to live in a big city because I have always lived in a suburb or small town.. Living in a big city is ideal because it would push me out of my comfort zone and allow me new opportunities. I hope to be working and established in a corporate public relations position by then. I would also like to have a big comfy house, a family, and a golden retriever.
 
Since public relations tends to involve a lot of writing, how do you combat writer’s block?

To combat writer’s block, I basically have to look deeper into my emotions. Since I was young, writing has always been a way to express myself. Whether or not it is a topic I am passionate about, I still find writing to be a release from daily stress. I am always up-to-date on the news and refreshing my Twitter feed. I use those channels as inspiration for my writing.

What is one thing you absolutely could not live without?

I could never live without the constant support from my family and friends. I would not be the person I am today without them pushing me, although it has stressed me out at times. They push me to be a better person every day, and I cannot thank them enough for their support.

What is your favorite TV show?

People always make fun of me, but my favorite show is “Vampire Diaries.” I believe it has great writing and tells a great story, which is what I look for in a television show. I love the story about the teenage girl who falls in love with two vampires. If a television show does not pull me in right away, then I am not interested.

Would you rather be able to read minds or instantly teleport to any location?

I would definitely rather be able to teleport to any location because if I was able to read minds, I do not think I would be challenged. Reading minds would take the guess work out of life. The ability to teleport to any location would allow me to travel quickly. As a public relations major, there are so many things on my plate. If I could teleport to a different place it would make life so much easier.

What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

Wow, I did not expect that question! I would say the weirdest thing I have eaten is sushi, because the texture was so weird, but I ended up falling in love. In my life, the things that I am most reluctant to try or do end up being the things I enjoy the most.

If you could be reincarnated as any type of animal, what would it be?

If I were to be reincarnated as any animal, it is a toss-up between a lion and a golden retriever. I feel that those two animals together represent my personality. I would choose a lion because I am very loyal and protective and would do anything to save my family and friends. I would also choose a golden retriever because they love people unconditionally and are pleasant to be around.

Who is your celebrity idol?

My celebrity idol is Justin Timberlake. He is in my favorite movie, “Friends with Benefits,” and he is a great actor. I have always been a fan of ‘N Sync and then grew up watching him become a solo artist. I think he is an all-around talented entertainer. 


Questions composed by Becca Williams