Dear PRSSA members,
The Public Relations Student Society of America has and always will be about inclusivity. At Ball State University we hope that our efforts to educate and foster emerging professionals resonates well with those aspiring to break into the industry.
Being of Mexican descent, whether explicitly brought to my attention or not, I’ve always been actively aware of my surroundings and often being regarded as the “other” in the room. Sometimes it makes me uncomfortable but with the help of the organization I’ve realized that being the “other” in this space isn’t always associated with exclusion. Instead, it can be a learning opportunity and a demonstration of the value of diverse perspectives in the PR industry.
I’ve always been wary of owning my own achievements throughout my budding career because of the implications it may come with. It’s the implied notion that by being the “other” I shouldn’t be able to exceed beyond the majority group, which most of my peers represent. However one shouldn’t be afraid of embracing their own achievements. You shouldn’t be afraid to explore a career path because you may not find representation in the majority. The change starts with being the outlier and then making it the norm.
Being a leader in the organization isn’t the end of an effort for diversity in the chapter or industry — it’s just the beginning. I hope to foster a diverse group that continues to carry out efforts of inclusion. The solution isn’t a diversity program. Rather, it’s the effort to represent a diverse set of experiences to further the industry from its current standing.
Be bold, be brave, and never let anyone take away your willingness to foster your own excellence.
Sincerely,
Isaac Reynoso
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