Recently, I was both honored and humbled to speak to up-and-coming mass communications and public relations students at LeMoyne-Owen College, the only historically black college (HBC) in Memphis. I received the kind invitation from my mentor and former journalism professor Lydia Lay, who – for years – has invested in the futures of countless young professionals. (How awesome is she?)
The subject I was invited to speak about was the importance of content creation and deadlines in the professional world of news, marketing, public relations and media relations. Also, we reviewed social media marketing in corporate communications, along with a few fun stories to accompany.
As I stood there talking to starry-eyed students who looked like I did only a few years ago, I was amazed and taken aback by how time flies and the fact that I was speaking to our “future.” Although they were listening to me today, they are tomorrow. Tomorrow’s mass communications professionals comprised my captive audience.
I had already floated into the classroom because, from the time I parked, walked the campus, and entered the building, I was already overcome by nostalgia. I’ve heard it said that smell is the greatest sense tied to memory. Steele Hall has a unique aroma that after one breath, I was a student again myself – rolling backpack behind me and all.
Here I stood, met by gazing eyes and listening ears of some of LeMoyne-Owen’s finest students, and I was encouraged by them and energized by their potential. I wondered if they saw the greatness and potential that lies within them, like I saw gazing back as their speaker.
Needless to say, the public relations person talked through the entire class (and then some). I apologized for my long-windedness, but I hoped (and prayed) that someone was helped by the career information and/or handouts that I shared.
This speech was a part of my self-resolution to give back through volunteer hours dedicated to tomorrow’s professionals. Whether speaking or reviewing resumes and cover letters during my lunch hour or even writing professional biographies in the middle of the night, I want to invest in our future because Someone invested in me.
Thank you, LeMoyne-Owen College Mass Communications Department, for your warm invitation and your listening ears. You make “tomorrow” look so bright. Keep up the good work!