{"id":584,"date":"2023-10-02T22:09:13","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T22:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/prssa\/?p=584"},"modified":"2023-10-09T21:11:46","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T21:11:46","slug":"flying-high-with-orange-countys-diverse-community-pr-spective-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orgs.emerson.edu\/prssa\/2023\/10\/02\/flying-high-with-orange-countys-diverse-community-pr-spective-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying High With Orange County\u2019s Diverse Community – PR-Spectives Monthly Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flying High With Orange County\u2019s Diverse Community\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

By: Evan Tom<\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n

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As I was beginning my search for a summer internship in Orange County, a viral TikTok video on the East Coast caught my attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sophia Celentano, a student at the University of Virginia, drew controversy for her video of her flying approximately 600 miles each way from her home in South Carolina to her internship in New Jersey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While viewers expressed confusion about the logistics of her commute \u2014 myself included \u2014 she was quick to explain how it makes sense when factoring in the cost of living in New Jersey. After seeing this, I began thinking about the lengths people are willing to go to for valuable internship experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As we both are likely wrapping up our internships and returning back to campus in the coming days on the East Coast, I can\u2019t help but reflect upon my own internship journey that wasn\u2019t characterized by an outrageous commute like Celentano\u2019s. However, my experience was transformative in its own right, utilizing the communication skills I picked up at Emerson College in Boston to serve the community that shaped me into who I am today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Switching Tracks\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

I made the leap from a part-time remote PR internship for an award-winning agency based in New York City with clients in the urban music industry to working full-time at OCTA as a diversity outreach intern. I found myself immersed in a completely different world. Gone were the celebrity DJs \u2014 replaced with diverse families learning about how to access public transportation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stepping into my role at OCTA, I immediately recognized the potential in the emerging work of diversity outreach and community relations. As I engaged with diverse communities in Orange County, I spread awareness on our bus system, freeway projects, paratransit services and active transportation to keep residents moving \u2014 giving families numerous ways to get to work, school, appointments and other important destinations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Diverse Interactions with OCTA\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Some of my earliest involvements centered around participating in community events \u2014 CalOptima Resource Fair in Anaheim, OC Pride in downtown Santa Ana and the Juneteenth Festival at Centennial Park in Santa Ana \u2014 with traditionally underserved community members. From handing out resources to hearing feedback from community members, I began to learn more about fostering genuine connections and understanding with the public. During my summer, my team and I engaged with approximately 20,000 people at 36 business and community events.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I was even able to attend large business events such as BizCon with the Asian Business Association and the Vietnamese Business Forum where I discussed OCTA business opportunities with small and diverse business owners. During the duration of my summer internship, I assisted and attended 23 community and business events that reached a whopping 20,000 people. Many of which included elected officials, OCTA board members and business and community leaders I interacted with. I found myself at the crossroads of many interactions with influential community figures that forged meaningful connections and collaborations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Empowering Through Communication and Design\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

However, my role at OCTA went beyond <\/span>just <\/span><\/i>attending events. Much to my surprise, I began contributing to many more projects such as OCTA\u2019s <\/span>On the Move <\/span><\/i>blog and newsletters to our Diverse Community Leaders group where I got to sharpen my written communication skills. Going to events was one thing, yet it was through writing that I was able to fully communicate the impact my team leaves on the community in which we serve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, I was given many opportunities to explore the intersection of my love for communication and design. The art of creating infographics, flyers and ads merged seamlessly with my role as I transformed information into captivating visuals that conveyed important messages at just a glance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I quickly learned that these materials were not just for aesthetics, they were tools used to empower audiences with vital information on OCTA resources, projects, programs and opportunities. I also learned that they can be used for engagement, often designing materials such as photo frames and props for events that captivate participants and create meaningful experiences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Saying Goodbye to an Unforgettable Summer<\/b><\/p>\n

When entering this season, I was not envisioning a role at OCTA. To me then, OCTA was merely the \u201cbus company.\u201d Now, I understand how public transportation is a pillar in the community. Projects and programs such as OC Bus, OC Streetcar, OC ACCESS and freeway improvement projects are highly influential to everyday life and keep Orange County moving. With a fourth-generation Chinese father and a mother who immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala, I am an example of the diversity that makes Orange County so unique and vibrant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although I am sad to be moving on from this internship, I will be leaving with newfound skills, a widened perspective and an unwavering commitment to community \u2014 excited to utilize the skills I gained here in my next personal and professional endeavors. The unforgettable experience I had serving Orange County\u2019s vibrant and culturally rich community allowed me to see the world this summer without having to fly anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

About the author<\/h5>\n

Secretary<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Evan Tom <\/b>(He\/Him), Sophomore, Public Relations Major<\/em><\/p>\n

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Evan is a second-year Public Relations major with an interest in Journalism and Marketing Communication, seeking to expand his knowledge and professional skills. To achieve this goal, Evan has actively participated in PRSSA and the American Marketing Association and is excited to serve as the Secretary for Emerson’s PRSSA chapter. His involvement with PRSSA has strengthened his passion for the industry and provided him with ample opportunities for professional growth and the skills needed for a successful career in PR. Evan has held a Public Relations internship at Mezz Entertainment, an artist management and consulting firm in New York City. During this internship, Evan honed his skills in researching ideal platforms, pitching clients to media outlets, crafting promotional materials, and establishing key contacts throughout the music industry. Additionally, Evan is a member of GRAMMY U, a program that fosters connections between college students and industry professionals, providing them with essential tools and opportunities to kick-start a career in the music industry. In his free time, Evan loves listening to many different musical artists and aims to combine his passion for music with communications, by pursuing a career in music PR.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Connect with Evan<\/a><\/p>\n



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Flying High With Orange County\u2019s Diverse Community\u00a0 By: Evan Tom   As I was beginning my search for a summer internship in Orange County, a viral TikTok video on the East Coast caught my attention.\u00a0 Sophia Celentano, a student at the University of Virginia, drew controversy for her video of her flying approximately 600 miles … <\/p>\n

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