On August 3, 2013, I graduated from The University of Alabama with my master's degree in advertising and public relations. I did it. I'm a master!
A year ago I packed up my car and moved 700 miles away from everything I knew and everyone I loved to start a new chapter of my life. I moved into an apartment in Tuscaloosa by myself, and I struggled for weeks on end trying to get used to being on my own. I started my graduate program with one goal: work hard and get that degree. But through the long days, sleepless nights, endless papers and near-impossible exams, I gained so much more. I fell in love with the incredible town of Tuscaloosa, but mostly, I fell in love with my amazing classmates. They are an incredibly talented and amazing group of individuals, and I would not have survived the program without them. When I had no one else to talk to, I had them. When no one else understood the pressure or the frustrations I was feeling, they understood. When I just wanted to give up and say "screw it," they reminded me why I was there. I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today without the support of my classmates and fellow masters.
For a year I complained how much I hated the program, the classes, the professors and everything else in between. And despite how much I complained, I now know that getting my master's degree was the right decision. When I was giving my final presentation to my client on July 31st, I knew that I had the knowledge, talent and abilities to conquer the PR world. The campaign my partner and I developed wasn't perfect by any means, and looking back there are things I wish I had added and changed. BUT, I never would've been able to do that a year ago. The creative elements, designs, advertisements, social media ideas and overall campaign we put together is a direct result of the knowledge I gained during my time at The University of Alabama.
A year after moving into my apartment in Tuscaloosa, I'm back in Florida and living with my boyfriend. It isn't easy being back, and I miss Tuscaloosa terribly, but there's truly no place like home. I'm ready to take on the PR world, and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Thank you Alabama for a truly incredible year. ROLL TIDE!
