DETOUR

Me at the conclusion of my commencement ceremony

(FL-D Sen. Bill Nelson and me)

A lot has happened since I last posted. I completed an awesome internship with Becker & Poliakoff, I was placed on two law school wait lists including my top choice, I had an great and relaxing summer, I completed my last year of the Emma L. Bowen Foundation, I graduated summa cum laude from Florida A&M University with a bachelor of science in public relations, I volunteered in my school's division of journalism office and was offered a job, and I was one of 10 student journalists chosen to go to the White House at the end of August. Yet, I was not offered admission into any law program. Yeah. Sad. I know. But being the public relations professional that I am, I came up with a contingency plan, or a backup plan. I still have my heart set on going to law school, but I just have to get there by using a different route.

After attending my last Emma L. Bowen Conference in June, I met an executive from Bright House Networks. After telling her my career goals, she invited me to have lunch with her and her colleague who is the vice president of government and industry affairs for the cable company. Although it took us two months to finally have the lunch (scheduling differences), the experience was worthwhile. Through them, I learned how to continue to build my personal brand, I learned about more careers in the media industry, as well as the value of networking.

In addition, I decided to pursue a master's degree in public administration or public policy, for after completing the internship with the law firm, I developed a strong interest in lobbying. Currently, I am researching graduate schools in my home state and how to study effectively for the required entrance exams. As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I am a bad standardized test taker, however, I know I am not dumb or stupid (in my opinion, the test are lol).

By pursuing an MPA/MPP, I will be able to gain work experience in the field I intend to pursue a career in, and hopefully the skills I gain through the program will make me an even stronger candidate for law school when I decide to apply again (within the next 2 years) and provide me with the skills to do well on the LSAT.

I'm excited for this detour in my journey to law school. I just pray that it works out and that it becomes a fulfilling experience.