The Dark Hours of PR

As I leisurely strolled home from the gym this afternoon, the long awaited spring sun some how invited me to think about PR in my life outside of my studies. I thought back to what I would call my first experience doing public relations work. Unfortunately, it was not an enjoyable experience.

During the fall of my senior year at Eastside Catholic High School all of my time was devoted to football and anything close to it. I was a starter on the team and a prominent leader in the ranks. After one of my best performances in a win against a cross state rival, my celebrations were short lived when I heard the news of the tragic death of one of my teammates. Brian Hill was a sophomore on the team, a very nice, goofy hard-working kid and the son of one of my mother’s dear friends. He and friend who went to Newport High School (the public school in my area) were both killed when Brian’s lost control and hit a tree while on a joy-ride before the game that night. My friend John Sirlin and I took it upon ourselves to step up and lead the memorial services and gather the community. It was a big story in Seattle, because of the multitude of people it affected. I was ASB representative at the time and this is the first time I can remember doing what you could call public relations work.

Constantly in the weeks following the tragedy I was asked to give statements to reporters, speak at vigils and services and give interviews to local news stations, all the while representing my school and the student body community. As painful as this was to do, I do feel it was a key factor in the development of my passion and understanding of public relations. The hardest part was the attention. I did not want to be that guy in the spotlight speaking for many, and at times it was frustrating and too emotional. However, I realize now that public relations is not always easy. In fact, it may be one of the most trying professions at time.

It makes me wonder what kind of stress comes with the profession? If you are a practitioner and a tragic incident comes around, how can you always make sure that you are displaying yourself and those you represent with out displaying too much emotion or frustration? R.I.P Brian Hill #72.

~ by patrickfoulon on May 19, 2008.