All posts by Crechka Sanchez-Ramirez

Career Reflections

Career Reflection

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I came to this study aboard opportunity without having any knowledge of the business world or about PR related. From the first zoom session I had, I gained a basic understanding of what CSR is. But it was my time in Dublin, where I got to physically see and get to know a board of workspaces and organizations, and how they associated themselves under CSR. My first understanding of this concept was that CSR only applies in business organizations, but after going to these meetings in Dublin, I concluded that CSR can be applied in any work environment. As a personal note, I may not be a PR major, but I did receive some insight that I may have to consider for my future career.  

 One thing that stood out to me the most from our meetings was how each one stuck to their morals and what they stand for. Me and my classmate were talking about this concept and how amazing it is that these organizations tend to stick to their morals and reject those that don’t meet them, like the Thinkhouse. We realized we can find a future work environment that represents us, meets our personal morals, and cares for us as their employee.  

Our visit to Alice PR was a meeting that stood out to me the most. It made me realize how PR can directly impact and relate to me. In simple terms, PR is our form of communication to get insight and understanding of who the organization is, what they stand for and what their values are. Which allows us to understand what we are supporting and working for.  

During this visit to Alice PR, they mentioned the “game changer”. Which is a sport event for raising awareness. During this meeting, it clicked to me that this concept sounds familiar to me. The Phillies baseball team did a partnership with CHOP to raise awareness to the down syndrome communities. This baseball event allows Phillies fans to become aware of the down syndrome community and allows families with down syndrome individuals to have a moment of connection and have easy access to resources and support. This example made me aware that I get my information from PR. The connection to CHOP was a real life example. I became a supporter of CHOP, and I eventually became a volunteer but it’s all due to PR. I noticed their values, what they stand for, their inclusivity, their support toward the communities, which made me want to be part of it. Therefore, I can understand just how PR can influence my decision making and my career.  

Dublin On Your Own

Navigating through memory lane

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During our visit to the Botanical Garden, me and Kelly had to wander off on our own adventure. As I walked around and explored the environment, I felt like I was walking down memory lane and revisiting my younger self. Not many people know this about me but as a kid I grew up loving maps. And it all started from a school field trip to the Longwood Garden, which is similar to the Botanical Garden. What made my Longwood Garden experience such a strong core memory was that we had to use a physical map and a compass to guide us around the garden to complete a scavenger hunt. It was a unique experience, although my group may not have completed the scavenger hunt in first place, I knew I gained something new that I would forever treasure. My trip to Longwood Garden had inspired a new habit of mine, which is to become aware of what direction I was facing (cardinal direction) and how easily I can navigate around different places.  

 During our trip to Dublin, I do admit that it’s the first time where I didn’t know where I was facing. It kept bothering me for the first few days, eventually I forgot about it up until my visit to the Botanical Garden. I haven’t revisited the Longwood Garden after that school field trip, therefore being present at the Botanical Garden felt so unreal to me. Reliving my experience made me realize just how much I love my navigation skills and how easily I can remember my way around cities and maps. 

  And as a bonus experience, I did a mini scavenger hunt at the Botanical Garden. Kelly texted me to meet up again and a little fun fact about Kelly is that she can easily get lost with her sense of direction, which apparently, I had forgotten. I had shared my location so that she could find her way to me, but after a few minutes I noticed that she was taking a long time to arrive. I checked her location, and she seemed to have gotten farther away. We then came up with a conclusion that I should be the one to find her. And this experience made me feel like I was my 11 year old self again trying to complete this scavenger hunt.  

CSR in the Wild

CSR, Advocacy or Sustainability Communication Scavenger Hunt

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During our trip in Dublin, we can all agree that Henrietta Street was an emotional tour. I came across this sign at their front desk. The location provides fidget toys for the public to help them reduce any stress or anxiety throughout the tour. The only concerns for this sign is if everyone is welcome to grab a fidget toy (such as grown individuals with Autism, ADHD or any other mental/anxiety conditions) or if this is meant for only young children. In addition to this, there was no sensory box that was out in display or any guidance on where people could receive a toy.

Professional Visits, Workshops, etc.

Alice PR Blog Post Reflection

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I did assume that PR is mostly involved in the image or reputation of the company or business that they represent. Throughout the Alice PR meeting, I learned that it has more to do than that. My biggest take away from this meeting is the connection they develop and build. Such as using sport to spread awareness. Although Alice PR provides full services, Alice PR also has to do their research towards the client, to ensure they can have an impact on the client’s business. Alice’s PR clients were mostly about raising awareness such as education, gender rights, and diversity. Which brings a sense of authenticity throughout the company and employers.  

The activity that we did during the meeting was interesting. Throughout the meeting, couldn’t help but to think that it is similar to what some psychology majors do when we’re trying to convince the target to participate in research studies. In addition the concept that I thought was interesting was about learning the Alice Ask events. There were events designed for colleagues, clients, etc. in which they shared information with the beginners. Alice’s PR meeting mostly focuses on sharing information throughout the task events but I would like to explore what are some sustainable practices throughout their own work space.

Professional Visits, Workshops, etc.

AIB and Goodbody Clearstream Blog Post Reflection -Crechka S.R

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Three things that I thought was interesting was that there are some impacts and consequences for not achieving the net zero commission by 2030. It’s a concept that not many people may not know and that includes me. Secondly, I did assume that businesses have to maintain a balance on how much they share with the public such as their progress toward sustainability. But after today’s meeting, I learned that being transparent with your progress and letting the people understand it, is the best business practice, even during a downfall moment. Lastly, learning about rooftops spaces in Dublin. I wasn’t aware that it’s a big thing in Dublin. I think it just shows how committed they are to the environment and sustainability by having gardens and bees on the rooftops. 

During today’s meeting I noticed a strong commitment to the community. They highlight the society and community as their top priority. Most societies hold a discrimination against autistic individuals so I was amazed to see in their slide that they included autistic individuals as part of their priorities. During the meeting, Katie mentioned if they had to choose between reputation or their support to the community. They will choose the support of the community over their reputation which I thought was interesting.  

Overall, a concept that I would like to learn more about is their progress toward net zero commission by 2030. The due date is a little over four years. And especially since they highlight being transparent as the best business practices, it would be interesting to see some examples of their media. 

Meet Our Bloggers

Crechka’s Intro Blog

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Hi everyone !! My name is Crechka Sanchez-Ramirez. I’m really excited for these Dublin trips. And I hope I get the chance to meet and connect with everyone throughout this trip. I am a psychology major, heading to my last academic year. Even though my major isn’t directly related to the PR world. I am glad to have this opportunity to step out and explore what’s outside my major. 

Something that I look forward to from this trip is to gain new insight and perspective about the sustainable practices that are taking place in Dublin. I am quite familiar with Mexico locals sustainable practices and can definitely see how it differs from the USA practices. And well I’m a curious person that I would like to explore and understand what are some local sustainable practices that are being used in Dublin. And in related to the course, I would like to have a better understanding on how sustainability can be applied in companies. I’m also excited and look forward to engaging and learning about Irish culture, especially in first hand experiences. 

Something about myself is that I am an adventurous person in which I tend to create vlogs videos as a way to look back at my little adventures. So there’s some chance that you guys might see me around recording or editing videos. In addition, I enjoy reading and watching movies. My current favorite book is “Secret History” by Donna Tartt. I strongly recommend it to everyone if you guys haven’t read it yet. Overall, I’m excited and hope to connect with everyone throughout this Dublin trip.