So, if you're reading this right now, you obviously know that I write for Odyssey. What some of you might not know though, is that I'm a public relations major at Waynesburg University. As most public relations majors are at Waynesburg, I'm involved my university's Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter or, as everyone calls it, PRSSA. Through PRSSA, I've had the privilege to attend an event in Pittsburgh, Pa. for the past two years called Professional Development Day, which is held by Pittsburgh's Public Relations Society of America Chapter.

Have Your Voice Heard: Become an Odyssey Creator

Through this professional event, I've learned a lot of beneficial information about the public relations field and how to be most successful in that, but the three words that stuck the most with me this year were ones that were not limited to being applied to my major. These words were spoken from the mouth of Steve Radick, Vice President and Director of Public Relations and Content Integration at Brunner in Pittsburgh. He's also the President of PRSA Pittsburgh, and one of the most personable, real public relations professionals that I've conversed with. As he sat on a panel with other professionals and gave advice to a crowd of young, aspiring public relations practitioners in the room, he at one point made the simple statement, "Be unabashedly you."

Now, I have a passion for public relations, I really do. I care about how companies communicate their messages and mission statements to others and present themselves professionally. I'm a fan of it. But when it comes to presenting ourselves as individuals to others (especially in a professional setting), I think we turn stale. We assume that staying professional equates to acting overly reserved and that revealing our true selves should only be done after we've gone home for the day. I'm not a fan of that. I don't think it's worth compromising my personality just so I can get on a future employer's good side or have a more socially acceptable résumé. I promise that I'm not trying to sound rebellious. I just don't want to turn into a "professional" robot who says all of the right things but isn't genuine! Do you feel me?! That's what I appreciate the most about Steve Radick - he's unconventional and genuine. He constantly and consistently endorses showing off what makes you unique, and not being ashamed of it.

So, be proud and passionate about what you do and how you do it. I honestly don't know exactly what I want to do with my life yet, but I do know that I want to be both of those things and, most of all, stay true to myself. Whatever you're working towards or whatever your future profession may be, don't get swept up in the pressure of conformity. Don't settle or become something that you're not just to please other people. BE YOU.