Meet the 2015-2015 Blog Chair: Melaina Chromy

She brings the best work out of our members, and her love for current events and strategic communication will help her become successful in the world of political communication. Meet the Illinois State University Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America’s blog chair, Melaina Chromy.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a junior transfer student majoring in public relations and minoring in political science. I love writing and communication—especially analyzing and creating strategic messages. For as long as I can remember, dinnertime at my home has been the time where my family rehashes their day and discusses current events. This “current event environment” has developed my love for political communication. Sitting around the dinner table with my family discussing what certain politicians meant by what they said, and how they were communicating to achieve their goals, helped create my desire to be a public relations major. When I am not caught up thinking about what I would say if I was the White House press secretary, I love spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, and drinking coffee.

What has been your favorite experience in ISU PRSSA?

I recently went on my first tour with ISU PRSSA. I loved connecting with other members outside of Chapter meetings and learn from public relations professionals. The experience was invaluable professionally. This day was my first time driving into downtown Chicago, which was quite the experience! The members packed in my car may have been traumatized by the battle cry I let out when I had to suddenly change lanes downtown.

What is one thing most people do not know about you?

I am in love with British television and a PBS junkie. I absolutely adore murder mysteries. When summer approaches, my Sunday nights are reserved for “Masterpiece Mystery.” There is a certain depth to British murder mysteries that is not common in American television; I love dissecting and analyzing the puzzle. I am a fan of “Inspector Lewis,” “Grantchester” “Miss Marple,” “Endeavour,” and “Wallander,” to name a few.

What are your responsibilities as blog chair?

As blog chair for our Chapter, I assign blog posts to members, then edit and publish them on our website. Staying on top of various deadlines is important, and my time management skills have grown as a result. Most of my time goes into editing blogs. I enjoy putting my writing skills to work and bringing out the best in our members’ work. When I see common AP style errors, I discuss them at our relations committee meetings. I also discuss current events that may relate to the public relations industry.

What are three things on your bucket list?

1)      I love ice skating but have never been to an outdoor rink. Rinks are often crowded, and I love to skate fast so my dream is to visit The Forks in Winnipeg, Canada. The Forks is the longest ice skating rink in the world. The huge skating “rink” is located on the frozen Assiniboine River and Red River. I would love to skate as fast as I want over a long distance.

2)      I want to visit Jerusalem because I have heard it is a life-changing trip. I think it would be amazing to visit a place that would materialize my faith and give me the opportunity to experience a different culture.

3)      I really want to see the northern lights. I do not know what country in which I want to see them, but as long as the scenery and food is good, I am game.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope I will be married and living closer to my family in Calgary, Canada. I would love to live near the Rockies or in the Pacific-Northwest. I hope I have a successful career and that I love whatever public relations work I am doing. Life can change so much in a short period of time. It’s hard to plan the future, but I think it’s important to dream and be open to whatever opportunities life throws our way. 

Questions composed by Tyler Krivich

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