About Me:
Jazmine Clark is a driven advocate who is committed to bringing about positive change through effective communication. She has a deep understanding of the impact of racism on public health and has dedicated herself to ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized. Jazmine holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinematography from Full Sail University, where she refined her skills in visual storytelling. Pursuing a Master's degree in Public Relations is a natural step in her journey to empower individuals and communities through effective communication strategies. Her ultimate goal is to educate the next generation of communicators on how to engage with and empower marginalized communities effectively.
Intention Statment:
During the next year, I will embark on an exciting journey as I pursue my master’s degree in public relations. With a strong background in digital cinematography and extensive experience in content creation and advocacy, I am excited to continue to explore the transformative power of communication.
My pursuit of higher education is driven by a desire for personal growth and a commitment to creating positive societal change. As I immerse myself in courses focused on crisis communications strategies, media relations, and reputation management, I am excited to explore the latest tools and techniques in public relations. Enhancing my storytelling alongside me advocacy skills will empower me to support marginalized communities more effectively.
In addition to mastering the theoretical aspects of public relations, I am dedicated to translating my learning into tangible outcomes. I am determined to establish new routines that foster academic excellence and personal well-being, ensuring I make the most of my time in school. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of building a personal brand that reflects my values and aspirations. I am committed to leveraging my skills to cultivate a strong and authentic presence in the professional world.
One of my most significant aspirations for the next 12 months is to gain teaching experience. I'm passionate about teaching and sharing my expertise with the next generation of communicators. By serving as a mentor and guide, I aim to inspire students to harness the power of communication for social good and equip them with the tools they need to make a lasting impact on the world.
As I embark on this journey, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for the opportunities. With dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of curiosity, I am confident that the next 12 months will be a period of immense growth and fulfillment, both personally and professionally.
Inspiration Post 1
The Power of Asset Based Framing
“The fact of the matter is we all want the same things. And deficit Narratives and Stigmatization are what's preventing us from seeing each other as assets. Philanthropy has a responsibility to not reinforce that. In fact, we must reinforce a narrative that says that we actually all have shared interests.” - Trabian Shorters
Trabian Shorters is a renowned social entrepreneur and advocate for equity and opportunity. As the founder and CEO of BMe Community, he has dedicated his career to building caring and prosperous communities by investing in the untapped potential of Black men and boys. His communication theory of asset-based framing has changed the way some of the world's largest philanthropy organizations communicate today.
Shorters, T. (2022). “you can’t lift people up by putting them down”. - trabian shorters. Website of Trabian Shorters Thought Leader and Creator of AssetFraming. https://trabianshorters.com/
Inspirational Post 2
I love listening to Brittany Packnett Cunningham speak. Her message about the importance of confidence and how some people are put off by it when it isn't coming from their preferred archetype leader truly resonates with me.
"Permission births confidence, Community nurtures it , and Curiosity affirms it." - Brittany Packnett Cunningham
Cunningham, B. P. (2019, April). How to build your confidence -- and spark it in others. Brittany Packnett Cunningham: How to build your confidence -- and spark it in others | TED Talk. https://www.ted.com/talks/brittany_packnett_cunningham_how_to_build_your_confidence_and_spark_it_in_others
Career/Graduation Goal
I aspire to become a college educator.
I want to Develop a course on Communicating with Marginalized Communities within one month of graduation.
Step 1: Research how to develop courses and curriculum.
Step 2: Diagnose the need.
Step 3: Create an outline: Vision, focus, objectives, and student needs.
Step 4: Find and develop experiences and resources that meet your objectives.
Step 5: Organize the learning experience: Develop plans, methods, and processes.
Step 6: Develop Evaluation
Public Relations in a Digital World
During my journey through the "Public Relations in a Digital World" course, one assignment stood out as particularly rewarding: the creation of a public service announcement (PSA). This task allowed me to merge my film degree with my public relations education, resulting in a comprehensive and impactful project. I developed a campaign titled "Public Health Is," which included a website featuring information about public health, templates for contacting state legislators, and social media graphics for sharing. Adding a video element to the campaign truly brought it to life, and I am incredibly proud of the final product.
One of the most valuable topics covered in the course was researching and developing our websites. This practical exercise transitioned us from theoretical concepts to real-world applications. Owning a website in my name felt like a significant step toward future financial independence and professional credibility. Setting up and personalizing my website was a fulfilling achievement and a practical skill that I will carry forward in my career.
The knowledge I acquired this month has equipped me with several essential tools for the public relations industry. Learning how to set up social media profiles, create effective PSAs, and build websites are fundamental skills that every PR professional should master. These tools are crucial for managing and promoting a brand effectively in today's digital landscape.
This course has been a great experience, providing me with theoretical and practical knowledge. The assignments and topics covered have prepared me to work confidently with professionals in the public relations industry. I am excited to apply what I've learned and continue developing my expertise in this ever-evolving field.
WRITING FOR INTERACTIVE MEDIA
This writing class has helped transform my research writing skills into a format that resonates with digital audiences. I feel like I have improved my public relations expertise by learning to understand the types of stories journalists are looking for and how to craft these stories. This knowledge is invaluable as it allows me to effectively communicate with a broader audience and adapt my writing to meet the demands of digital media.
My natural inclination towards analytical thinking often led to a more structured writing style. The diverse ideas presented by my classmates has broadened my perspective and improved my storytelling. Writing about innovative business practices, historical events, or community challenges can diversify my writing style. The constructive feedback from my peers has been particularly beneficial, enabling me to view my articles from different angles and improve their overall quality and engagement.
Transitioning from the academic style of APA citation to embedding links directly into articles was initially challenging. However, I now realize the benefits of this approach. Linking to other sources and having different sources link to your content can boost website traffic and enhance the credibility of your writing. This interactive aspect of digital writing is something I am excited to continue practicing. By making my writing more engaging and interconnected, I can provide readers with a deeper understanding and a more immersive experience.
In summary, this class has not only refined my writing skills but also equipped me with the tools to effectively engage digital audiences. The experience has expanded my understanding of how to create compelling content that captures the attention of readers and enhances their online experience. I look forward to continuing to develop these skills and applying them in my professional endeavors.
Innovative Public Relations Tools and Resources: A Reflection on August’s Learning Journey
When I first read the title Innovative Public Relations Tools and Resources course, I had a pretty clear picture of what to expect. I imagined it would dive into the world of social media strategies, analytics, and the essential online tools needed to kickstart a successful PR business. With the digital landscape constantly evolving, I knew these elements were crucial for building a strong PR presence. My hope was that this course would offer practical insights that could be directly applied to real-world scenarios.
As the course progressed, it not only met those expectations but went far beyond them. One of the standout aspects for me was learning how to create engaging social media content and how to schedule it across multiple platforms. This knowledge couldn’t have come at a better time—I recently stepped into a new career where I'm in charge of managing social media content creation and scheduling. Thanks to this course, I now have a solid understanding of what type of content will resonate with our clients and how to post at just the right times to maximize engagement.
The hands-on experience of setting up professional social media profiles was another highlight. A small yet significant task, like adding my photo to my logo, completely transformed the look and feel of my social media pages. It made everything appear so much more polished and professional! Plus, the introduction to the capstone project and thesis offered a glimpse into what’s on the horizon for my academic journey. Knowing what’s coming has allowed me to start preparing early, and that’s given me a lot of peace of mind.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the course was a LinkedIn Learning module by Guy Kawasaki called How to Rock Social Media. His no-nonsense approach to social media setup and content strategy was exactly what I needed. Kawasaki's tips on balancing different types of content for a successful social media presence were pure gold. I’ve already bookmarked his advice to revisit whenever I’m working with clients in the future. It’s a resource I know I’ll come back to time and again.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about how the knowledge I’ve gained in this course will boost my career as a public relations professional. Crafting engaging content and strategically managing its distribution is such a vital skill in today’s PR world. This course has laid a strong foundation for me to build on as I continue to grow in this field. I feel more confident than ever in my ability to deliver impactful PR strategies, both in my current role and in future endeavors.
Reflecting on everything I’ve learned this month, I’m incredibly grateful for the depth and variety of knowledge I’ve gained. The tools and resources introduced in this course have already started to shape my professional practice, and I know they’ll continue to do so in the future. For anyone looking to up their PR game, especially in the digital space, I can’t recommend this course enough.
References
Kawasaki, G. (2015, May 19). Facebook tips - Guy Kawasaki on How to Rock Social Media [Video tutorial]. LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/learning/guy-kawasaki-on-how-to-rock-social-media/facebook-tips-2?u=50813145
Unlocking the Power of Metrics: My Journey in ROI and Public Relations
When I first entered the Social Media Metrics and ROI course at Full Sail University, I had a clear set of expectations. I anticipated learning advanced public relations techniques, mastering digital tools, and gaining insights on how to better measure the effectiveness of communication strategies. What I didn't fully expect was the emphasis on return on investment (ROI), and how crucial it would become to my understanding of effective PR campaigns. I was eager to learn how to measure the true value of PR efforts and translate those metrics into meaningful data that clients and executives could appreciate.
Three Key Takeaways from This Month
Metrics and Their Real-World Applications: One of the most biggest lessons I’ve learned in the past month is the true significance of metrics in public relations. While I always knew that tracking metrics was important, I hadn’t realized the depth of analysis required to fully understand them. The course taught me not just to track impressions, clicks, and engagement, but also how to correlate these numbers with broader business goals. This shift in perspective means moving beyond simple analytics toward understanding how metrics reflect brand perception, customer loyalty, and, ultimately, return on investment.
ROI has always been an executive-level term, often associated with financial returns. However, through the course, I discovered that ROI in PR is much broader. For public relations professionals, ROI encompasses not just revenue but also brand awareness, audience engagement, and long-term relationship building. One key lesson came from my exploration of Guy Kawasaki’s 'How to Rock Social Media' course. Kawasaki emphasizes that while metrics are important, the most valuable returns often come from building trust and credibility over time—something that can’t always be measured in dollars and cents but is vital for long-term success.
Correlating PR Activities with Tangible Results: Learning how to connect program activities, like campaigns or content strategies, with measurable results was another pivotal moment for me this month. I learned to utilize tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to track the performance of specific PR initiatives. For example, if I launch a campaign aimed at increasing community engagement for a nonprofit like The Urban Collaborative Project, I now understand how to track audience growth, measure engagement, and present these results as a clear indicator of success to stakeholders. The readings from 'Social Media and Public Relations: Eight New Practices for the PR Professional' were particularly helpful in reinforcing this concept, especially the chapter on mastering metrics.
How ROI Insights Will Shape My PR Career
The information I’ve learned about ROI this month will be invaluable as I move forward in my public relations career. First and foremost, understanding how to calculate and communicate the return on investment for PR campaigns positions me as a more strategic partner for my clients. It gives me the ability to show them the tangible results of their investment in public relations, whether through increased brand awareness, engagement, or conversions.
Incorporating these ROI techniques into my workflow means I can now offer more comprehensive reports, highlighting the success of specific strategies while also offering insights into areas of improvement. This helps foster long-term relationships with clients, as they can clearly see the impact of my work on their overall business objectives. In particular, my goal to become a thought leader in PR by moving brands from the "inform" phase to the "inspire" phase hinges on my ability to demonstrate these connections through metrics.
The lessons I've learned, particularly around tracking audience engagement and creating narratives through numbers, are fundamental to my growth as a PR professional. These skills will not only help me manage client expectations more effectively but also empower me to deliver campaigns that are data-driven, innovative, and impactful.
Conclusion
This month’s exploration into ROI has provided me with the tools to measure success more effectively and articulate it in ways that resonate with clients and stakeholders. From understanding the intricacies of metrics to correlating PR activities with tangible results, I am more equipped than ever to elevate my public relations practice. With a deeper understanding of ROI, I can now ensure that every campaign I launch has a clear, measurable goal—and that I can prove its value every step of the way.
Kawasaki, G. (2021). How to rock social media. LinkedIn Learning. https://www.linkedin.com/learning/how-to-rock-social-media
Media Relations
My media relations class was an incredible learning experience that sharpened my PR skills. I loved diving into the process of researching journalists and crafting a thoughtful media list—it felt like solving a strategic puzzle. Watching the media kit come to life was deeply satisfying and showed me how small, intentional details create a polished final product. When I had to pivot on a project, I gained valuable insights about managing deadlines, staying adaptable, and communicating clearly during unexpected changes. While it was a challenge, it ultimately made me more confident in my ability to handle pressure. This class not only deepened my expertise in PR but also gave me practical tools and experiences that I know will make me a stronger professional.
Reputation Management Strategies
In my Reputation Management Strategies class, I gained valuable insight into the prevention and response responsibilities of public relations professionals. While PR is often associated with shaping and maintaining a brand’s public image, this course emphasized that effective reputation management requires proactive planning and strategic crisis response.
Public Relations - Masters of Art
Earning a Master’s in Public Relations is no small feat—it’s the result of late nights, countless revisions, strategic thinking, and, let’s be honest, more caffeine and snacks than we’d like to admit.
It's important to recognize not just our academic achievements but the dedication, resilience, and passion that brought us here. Public relations is about connection—it’s about bridging gaps, telling stories that matter, and building trust in a world that needs it more than ever. Throughout this journey, we’ve learned how to craft narratives, measure impact, and engage with audiences in meaningful ways. But beyond the reading, writing, and recording, we’ve learned the power of authenticity, adaptability, and advocacy.
We did not reach this moment alone. To our professors, mentors, friends, and family—thank you. Your guidance, support, and unwavering belief in us made all the difference.
As we step into the next chapter of our careers, let’s take what we’ve learned and use it to create positive change. Let’s push the boundaries of what PR can be. Whether we find ourselves in corporate boardrooms, nonprofits, media, or beyond, let’s continue to tell stories that inspire action, amplify voices that need to be heard, and uphold the integrity of Public Relations.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! The world is waiting for us—let’s go make an impact.
Credits:
Full Sail University Public Relations MFA journey