As a public relations student, I direct a lot of attention to the relationships in my life and use those relationships to keep me focused and driven. I always say how fortunate I am to have such amazing people and mentors in my life. Outside of my immediate family, I have many people who I consider family because of the unconditional support and guidance they've given me and how positively they've influenced my life.
This year has been chaotic, but I am confident that I have persevered because of the support from all of my families. This blog is dedicated to all of those who have made this year as successful for me as it was and who have had such an amazing impact on my life.
1. The Immediate Family
Those of you who know me can attest to the fact that the only two people I love more than myself are my parents. It's impossible for me to express how grateful I am for their unconditional love and support. I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for their mentorship the past 21 years. I've always said that I've had two of the best role models to look up to, and I attribute my work ethic, drive and leadership ability to them.
2. The Dysfunctional Family
When I arrived at Ohio Northern three years ago, I found the three biggest idiots and decided it would be a great idea to become best friends with them. So please meet my three best friends: dumb, dumber and dumbest. Which one is which? Your guess is as good as mine.
You could argue that these three have been large contributors to the increase in the amount of gray hair on my head. Even though they stress me out to no end, I really wouldn't have it any other way. Believe it or not, these three nimrods are three of the most loyal, trustworthy, caring and fun people I've ever met. They're good for me. I know these three will always have a strong presence in my life. They're special people, who I really care about.
But I really wish they were smarter sometimes...
3. The Chapter Family
Last year, ONU PRSSA was a group of Ohio Northern public relations students. This year, ONU PRSSA was a family of Ohio Northern public relations students. In reflection of my junior year, I spent more time in the PAC lab with these incredible people, than I did with my girlfriend and roommates. I realized this year how important PRSSA was to me and how passionate I was about the chapter, and I attribute that to the amazing chapter members I was privileged to work with this year.
My ONU PRSSA family pushed me to be better on a local and national level, supported me throughout my many PRSSA endeavors and most importantly brightened my day every time I was around them. I am so proud and honored to be a member of ONU PRSSA, and I know that I will always remain close with these chapter members. It was a great year, and I thank all of you for making it so special.
4. The Volleyball Family
For those of you who have read my blog at all this year, you know that last season was not the greatest for ONU men's volleyball. We rebounded in a big way this year. Last year, we played as a unit of individuals. This year, we played as a team all focused on the same goal. We became a family, and that was a major factor in our success.
This season reminded me of the reason I play volleyball: my passion for the game and how much fun I have when I'm playing volleyball. I'm so proud of the team and what we accomplished this year. These guys have made me a better player, leader and person. We experienced so much together as a family, and I'm so excited for what's in store for the future.
5. The New Family
This April, I ran and was elected to the 2011-12 PRSSA National Committee. This year's committee commented on how close they became as a committee and how they considered one another brothers and sisters. At first, I was skeptical. However, I have a feeling that I'm going to have one of the best years of my life with these nine PR rockstars.
We haven't yet started our term yet, and I already feel like I've known these guys forever. I'm so excited to work with nine individuals from across the country who are as passionate and excited about PRSSA as I am. I'm confident that we're going to have a successful and memorable year.
6. Lost Family
This January, my grandfather passed away at 90 years-old. My grandfather was a jack of all trades, and he could do it all. He was a teacher, a coach, an artist, a soldier and most importantly a loving husband and father. Grandpa Ralph was a no nonsense man, who experienced so much during his life. The most admirable characteristic that my grandfather possessed was his commitment, loyalty and love for his family. He was a great man.
Some don't consider dogs family members. I completely disagree. This January, my dog Smith had to be put down. Smith was my right hand man. He never had a bad day and was always looking out for me. Smith lived a great long life and was a family and community favorite. I miss him, but I feel so fortunate that Smith was a part of my childhood.
A family friend and personal role model of mine lost her seven year battle with brain cancer two weeks ago. Erin was a remarkable person, who embodied the word fighter. Throughout all the adversity and turmoil, she fought through with sheer bravery and a smile on her face. She was inspirational to hundreds of people. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on forever
Death is a dark and scary word. However from each passing, we have the opportunity to reflect on the qualities that make these people special. Grandpa Ralph, Smith and Erin all possessed qualities that made the people around them better, which is why they were so loved. I will miss them, but will always remember and love them.
7. Graduated Family- Every year, hundreds of students walk across the stage in the field house to receive their college degrees. The past two years, I've said goodbye to several friends. However, this year, I have to say goodbye to four best friends.
Ladies and gentlemen Brittany Bogart. She has either served as the best or worst influence of my college career. Either way, she's one of my best friends. Brit is probably one of the most selfless people I have ever met. Brit always puts everyone else in front of herself. She is loving, caring and most importantly a TON of fun. Some of my most memorable and enjoyable nights have been spent with Brit.
If you know public relations, you know Renee LeGendre. If you know Renee LeGendre, you like Renee LeGendre. Renee is one of the most genuine, caring, intelligent and thoughtful people I have ever met. She has made me a better practitioner, student, leader and person. I am so thankful for the three years I got to spend with Renee, and I know that our friendship won't end here.
Abby Schaller was the first girl I met at Ohio Northern. As soon as she walked through the door of the men's volleyball house during my overnight, I knew that we were going to be friends. Sure enough, I was right. Abby is one of those exceptional human beings who never has a bad day and you always have fun with. I look up to Abby and admire her optimistic and laid back approach to life. She's a gem, one that I'm really happy I came across.
Everyone has a partner in crime, mine happens to be Ellen Keough. You want to talk about always being on the same wavelength, this pretty much sums up my relationship with Ellen. I can always count on Ellen to take a trip to the nearest fast food establishment with me. She's stood by my side and has supported me during the good times and the tough times. Ellen is a good person and a good friend, and I am so grateful to have her in my life.
The four girls are those quality friends who you just hope that you come across in life. I'm a better person for knowing them. Next year won't be the same without them, but I know that they will always be important people in my life.
8. The Woman
They say behind every good man is a great woman. I'm not sure if I'd call me good, but I do know that my girlfriend is incredible. For those of you who know me, you can attest to the fact that I can be a lot to handle, but she seems to do it extremely well. I would be completely sunk without her. She is my rock. She is the type of person who I strive to be like. I could go on forever, but this blog is getting a little long: she's a special person.
As you can see, I have some great people in my life who I owe everything to. This blog is my way of thanking all of you for aiding in my personal success and happiness. I have a big and great family and that family has made this year as great as it has been.
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