Trapped in the Box

Creativity, my biggest enemy at the moment.

Before I transferred into the School of Journalism and Graphic Design as a public relations student, I used to think I was pretty creative. When watching my favorite show Law and Order, I'm always the one among my friends to correctly guess the outcome of the episode. Since I'm always called upon to help someone decorate a room or help with an arts and craft project, I was always labeled as the "creative one."

It was this very summer I realized that I wasn't as creative as I thought. I was asked at my internship to help come up with a name that could be used for a donation campaign they would use for their 10th anniversary. The plan basically would ask for donors to give $10 for ten months in honor of IPF's tenth year of service. The development coordinator originally named it 10-10-10. She asked me what I thought of it. I told her her it sounded like Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan.

I was given the task of coming up with a new name for the campaign. So you can imagine how shocked I was when I couldn't come up with a good one. I had some ideas, but none were creative or thought provoking enough (I'm so not sharing the names I came up with). I wasn't embarrassed, just more so disappointed. Here I was all along  lying to myself, and the worst part was it's not like you can teach your self to be creative, it's truly is a talent in my eyes.

My dominant side has to be my scientific side, which now presents a problem for me. Usually for classes, I study the material take a test and pass it. With PR it's so different. Not only must you know the scientific elements, but your own creativity is what makes one successful. 

I don't want to blame the school system, but I must say that they do limit a persons creativity. I went to a community high school where we were forced to wear mundane uniforms, and mainly learned FCAT skills. The same boring routine everyday until test days were over. This was the same routine for four years, and I do think that might have stunted my creativity a little. 

As corny as this may sound I admire J.K. Rowling's creativity. I started reading the the Harry Potter series when I was 10 -years-old. It was given to me by a woman my mother used to work as a Christmas gift since she knew how much I loved to read. From the very first page I was entrapped and thrown into a world with new words and interesting cultures.

What I admire most is that when I read the last book at age 17, it still had the same effect on me when I was ten. I never felt like I was reading a book, it was more like being transported to another world. It's quite strange that I remember what age I was and what grade I was in when I read each book. That's saying something! The fact the she was able to create such a vivid and realistic world based on a unrealistic subject as magic always made admire her as a writer. Though I hardly ever publicly admit, she is one of my favorite authors.

Books ARE Judged by Their Covers

I had some down today and decided to visit some of my classmates blogs. I must say I was thoroughly impressed with the majority of what I saw. I  read about a fellow wedding crasher, and a young lady whose drive and ambitions mirror my own. Delmarche over at Celebration of Healthy Living wedding post was so easy on the eyes and the mind. It didn't feel like I was reading about a wedding ceremony, but actually there in attendance with her. Whitley's post at Women Rule moved me with her very detailed plan for her future and reminded me of the way I plan to reach my own goals. 

With the good there is always some bad. I was very disappointed with the visuals of both blogs. The right side of my brain wouldn't kept nagging me the entire time. I've always been a visual type of person. There is so much beauty in the world, and I believe that life shouldn't be filled with dull moments. Although the words were filled with life, the visuals almost put me to sleep.

I bet you looked at this picture before reading the post...keep reading and its purpose will be discussed.

Sorry that I fooled into thinking that we were going to discuss the photo above. However, it proves a point that people like visuals, but do not like to be mislead. Delmarche's blog is about healthy living, but the background is pink with hummingbirds. In my opinion, they have nothing to do with each other.  Whitley's blog is opposite of Delmarche 's. She does have a background, but it all reads as "noise". Having too much going on in the background is just as bad as not having enough. 

Both ladies should think about changing the tone of their blogs. Some post read as a classroom assignments rather than a blog post. If people wanted to read an essay or a news story, they would do so. I think blogs are meant to humanize subjects, events, and companies. That is what makes them so popular.

On a brighter note, If there was a way that Knight of Troops could partner with both events, I would be ecstatic. We could use Celebration of Healthy Living's healthy food tips and fitness ideas to educate our guest about the importance of their health. Women Rule would be such a great asset in the form of public relations. I'm sure these women could help us spread the word about Knight of Troops.

Three heads are better than one. So what do you say ladies? You call my people I call yours? :) 

- Widnie

Hope for Humanity

"Nobody who serves, nobody who fights for this country should have to fight for a job or a roof over their heads when they come back home," President Obama.  

When I was approached by FAMU's ROTC department to plan this event, I just knew I couldn't tread lightly. Most companies that put on events, usually have a ulterior motive. From increases in notoriety to even sale increases. I sat down with the department chair and asked what does the department want to gain from this event. His response was simple. "I want our soldiers to know that we are here for them." Nothing more and nothing and nothing less. I was very impressed.

He informed me that in the first 165 days of the year 2012, 164 people serving in the military committed suicide. That is about one per day.  This is highest it has been in ten years. In 2011 there were a total of 9,000 homeless veterans in Los Angeles alone. The morale of active duty soldiers and veterans is low, and Knight of Troops plans to help turn those numbers around.

Knight of Troops has partnered with with Joining Forces, created by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, and is rolling out a brand new program at Knight of Troops. I can't disclose all the details yet, but the program will serve as a network of veterans and  current soldiers working together for all those who have served.

Even though the ROTC department only has one goal for the evening, they will still gain lots in the end. Coverage of this event will shine a positive light on department. People will be able to see how the organization is working for the betterment of FAMU's troops. 

Knight of Troops is just an event that will kick off a life long promise to serve those who have served us.

It was very difficult for me not to feel connected to this event because of how genuine they are. It's not everyday you meet people who want nothing more than to help others and gain nothing in return.

Sometimes, I hate explaining to others that after law school I will practice law in the public service sector. I have to hear that I'm not going to make a lot of money or I will not make enough to pay back law school loans. As mentioned in a previous post, I want to practice law for the Innocence Project in New York. I am very aware that I will never make six figures, and I think it bothers others more than it bothers me. 

My favorite quote is "Some people are so poor all they have is money." I was raised in a household where I was taught to never value money or material things. As long as you have a place to live and something to eat everyday, you are automatically blessed. This mindset has allowed me to view the world a little differently than my peers. 

I've always wanted to help people in some kind of way, and I know working for the Innocence Project I will change lives in a major way. People who have been wrongfully incarcerated usually have one thing in common. They are poor and can not afford "good" lawyers. It's not fair or morally correct that money can buy one's freedom. By working at the IP I know I can help those fighting for true justice.

When I die, I can't take money or materials with me. However, the lives I will affect with my legal work will always have a permanent imprint in this world. 

What do you want out of life? Please comment below.

-Widnie

Manage Time...Wisely

When I'm making plans for Knight of Troops, it's quite difficult not to think about other events that I have attended. Due to the fact that I am quite the homebody there weren't many to choose from. However, a Time Management Workshop I attended last fall did stick out among the rest. 

The School of Journalism and Graphic arts hosted the event which targeted students who had difficulties balancing different tasks. I couldn't have been happier to attend. I was SO ready to get rid of the procrastinator in me. Between having a part-time job and having a full schedule, I felt there weren't enough hours in day. 

Described me perfectly

I've been to several workshops before, but because I didn't feel like I was at a workshop, I truly enjoyed this event. The instructor, Christy Crump, was relatable  and refrained from lecturing. She was very hands on with the handouts she distributed. Every single document I received was useful. I loved that we worked through the handouts at the event, which allowed me to better process the information I was learning. 

For Knight of Troops, I want the guest to be just as engaged as I was with this event. I believe  The Secret to Time Management was so successful because the instructor made sure we were involved in the teaching process. Although I am planning a gala, I want the guest to feel as if they apart of the planning process and the event and not just observers. 


Now that we've got all the kinks ironed out, we will begin to discuss Knight of Troops in more detail next Friday. Stay tuned!

- Widnie

The Ability to Perform

I'm ecstatic that you all have joined me in the second installation of the blog. Now, I know you guys are ready to learn more about the event, but it's important that we get to know each other before we move on with further details. 


I am a rising senior public relations student who has many different skill sets and abilities. As of now, I have taken an introduction to public relations course and am currently enrolled in  public relations communications. I am well versed in the world of writing and social media. The camera and editing training class I took allowed me to become familiar with broadcasting, and a basic photography class has enhanced my abilities to take a good photo. 


I am a member of  Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). PRSSA is made up of more than 10,000 students in over 300 chapters in the United States. Currently,  I am the PR intern at the Innocence Project of Florida, a non-profit law firm that uses DNA to  exonerate those who have been wrongfully convicted. My responsibilities include managing their Facebook page and contributing to  their blog.  I have helped put together and edit their  bi-annual newsletter and currently I am helping the development coordinator plan their annual fundraiser which brings in a bulk of the funding for the organization. 
  

When I express my interest in law to others, I am always met with the question "Well what are you doing in PR?" It is then I must explain that to be a great attorney one must have impeccable writing and speaking skills, which mirrors the field of PR. For now my main goal in life is work for the Innocence Project (New York), the first and largest of all innocence projects in the United States. 

I have begun to study for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). With my current g.p.a, I must score above a 170 (out of 180) in order to attend New York University School of Law, which is my first choice. During my time in law school I plan to intern with any public defenders office in New York to learn more about the system. After law school I plan to work for a criminal defense law firm for a couple of years to sharpen my skills and eventually gain employment with Innocence Project. I want to be as prepared as possible when I reach my goal, because I believe that innocent men and women who have been incarcerated deserve the cream of the crop representing them.  


Now that you know so much about me, I think it's only fair that you tell me a little about yourself.  What are your dreams and aspirations? If you are living out your dream, feel free to tell me about that too! 

-Widnie  

Welcome

Greetings, and welcome to FAMU ROTC's Knight of Troops' blog.

My name is Widnie Sainvil, a fourth year public relations student from the sunny city of West Palm Beach, Florida. When I'm not stressing about school and work, I am either reading (anything by John Grisham) or annoying my neighbors with my loud music. As a child of an immigrant from Haiti, I have had the privilege to visit Haiti every summer since I was child, and I am completely in love with country. I hope to save enough money and retire there one day.

Knight of Troops is a fictitious event  apart of a six week project in my Public Relations Communication class. Writing is the most imperative and critical element to ensure success for PR professionals. PR communications is a course that focuses on how to write as PR professionals. Over the next six weeks students will learn how use the most efficient mediums to reach target publics. Students will learn how to write a press release, fact sheet, backgrounder, and many other tools that perfect the craft. When this project is completed each student will have a complete media kit and social media strategy.

FAMU's Knight of Troops is a gala that FAMU's ROTC department has asked me to plan. The gala will celebrate honor all FAMU students who are military veterans or are currently serving in the armed forces.  As a reader you will have exclusive access to behind the scene moments of planning this spectacular event, and I will be your eyes and ears throughout the process. This blog will be updated every Friday until July 27, 2012. The event will take place at Hotel Duval on November 10, 2012. There will be an open bar, great entertainment, and a keynote speaker you won't want to miss. 

Check back  next Friday to learn more! 

-Widnie