Up and Atom. This is better than Radioactive Man.

Social media. What is that? Watch this. In 2 minutes and 28 seconds, you’ll get it.

Four months ago, I couldn’t tell you anything about it. I wasn’t ever technologically inept but social media and web 2.0 were foreign terms. Essentially, it is about how the Internet has become a growing force in the PR industry and that, at this point in our quasi-careers, we need to jump on the bandwagon. As a class of 40 individuals, I could sense the confusion, the hesitation and the rebellion.

Four months later, social media isn’t such a new thing. In fact, it’s an old thing! I thought Twitter was a fad but turns out I use it everyday. Email, youtube and facebook were all building dust in dirty old corners of the virtual world and now, the entire class is taking part in the viral. We are viral… well, okay maybe not quite yet.

Recognizing that new PR students are going to be creeping into this program with equally wide eyes, I feel compelled to provide them with a few tips, or maybe warnings.

1. Don’t rebel. Recognizing that social media is not a fad, but in fact, an opportunity for us to be able to thrive in the work place, find jobs and create greater professional (and personal) networks. Get on board.
2. Contribute. Signing up for whatever accounts isn’t going to help you or anyone else. Being a contributor (if not a leader) is the way to really get something out of all this web 2.0.
3. Take your time. Don’t rush into it. Half the confusion that arises is because you have no clue what you’ve just signed up for or what it is used for. Take the time the learn about it and most importantly, learn how it benefits you. It is all about you afterall.
4. Invest in yourself. Don’t force yourself to follow PR professionals or read PR blogs if that doesn’t interest you. Start with what does. Like fashion? Follow some fashion blogs. Like cats? Follow @ICHCheezburger on Twitter.

Essentially, don’t stress. Social media is a simple concept but can seem overwhelming because there are SO many applications that connect you with an even larger number of people. Isn’t that an opportunity? If you could get your foot in the door with the world, why not? Get on board. Better yet, get ahead. You never know, you could become the next social media guru.

Need more tips? Check out Shelley, Maria, Dhruv, Meg and Amanda’s posts.

Why?

Dear Humber PR,

“Special interest groups: groups of individuals or organizations that share a common focus or goal, that have a single, common concern. They come together.” – Barrie Doyle

I always assumed we had a common goal – become successful PR practitioners. Alongside the nature of the program, making friends and having fun is assumed right? Not today.

In the last month, I’ve found myself in a hard place. I’m a strong person. I’m often a very professional person but recently, the lines between professional and personal have become very blurred. Emotions are in play. I recognize and embrace the fact that we all have different personalities, but today, I think I’ve just reached my end. I respect differences, truly I do. What I find difficult is trying to negotiate over a battlefield that was created over…? That’s the thing. What started it all? Why aren’t we talking about? Why can’t we work it out?

I’ve never been in a situation where a compromise couldn’t be met, especially when it came down to perceptions. That’s what it is. Misperceptions and misunderstandings have escalated to a point of seeming hatred and resentment. I didn’t ask for this. Because I didn’t know your name, I didn’t say hi. That doesn’t make me unfriendly. I feel like I have found myself in the middle of this conflict/misunderstanding/debacle and I don’t want to be there. I try, I always try, to level the playing field. Today, so much has made it clear that it just won’t work.

I don’t understand why those who have seen this happen don’t help. I feel like this misunderstanding is only growing with the help of our mentors, our teachers and our friends. Shouldn’t they help us? Don’t they want to see us all succeed – professionally and personally? I’ll take the blame and accept when others want to choose someone to target. That’s fine. But today, not anymore.

I just can’t wrap my head around why communicators cannot communicate. I think, for once, we just need to come together and realize that what’s happening is bigger than it is and was created over nothing. Maybe I’m just naive but I though this industry was about building relationships, not tearing them apart before they begin.

I’m just… disappointed and feeling let-down. Will anyone step up and turn the tide?

Eng residence pt1

A night at the Eng residence o’ fun is pretty ridiculous. There are 4.5 of us. Every day is a new adventure. A thrill ride really. For tonight, here are the characters/people/the fam jam.

Dalai Lama? Dad?

Dalai Lama’s Twin.
My dad’s a senior-ish. He turned 60 this year. A trait that has been passed down is his face. My grandfather had the face, my dad has the face, and now I possess this face. It’s no ordinary face. It’s the dalai lama’s face… but puffier. I unfortunately have the same puff-ball face features I had as a child and looking at my dad, looks like they are here to stay.

My dad has just started to bald. To protect his noggin, he wears a beanie cap during the fall, winter and spring seasons. Yes, that would be three entire seasons. It’s hideous. If you see his green Toyota Corolla (yep) driving in the middle of the road, that’s him. Say hi.

Momma.
Next, is the 80lb karaoke lover, my mom. She believes that she was born to perform. She sings alongside the television and radio. If you’ve ever heard Cantonese opera, you’d know it is high-pitched. I mean, HIGH-pitched. Windows shatter. She’s learning how to shake her booty. We once bought a hip-hop dance VHS (that’s how old it is). She still practices. One day, she’ll be the next Chinese-Canadian idol? She likes to wear my old clothes but will splurge on a designer purse or expensive something that she’ll wear once. She has a thing for massage furniture. We have two chairs AND a bed. It’s weird.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Techie.
My brother is a techie. He built his own computer and proceeded to build me one. He has refurbished a least a dozen computers. All of which he has wanted to keep. We have a computer lab in the spare bedroom. It’s weird. My brother takes on hobbies pretty heavily. He bought a pool table when he wanted to become a pool shark. He built a gym in our basement after getting his black belt in Tae Kwon Do (all the boys do it, my dad is a quadruple kick-yo-ass). He works out for 3hrs a day and has abs. It’s also weird. He also has a knack for derogatory terms.

The Token Asian.
Not so token in a whole family full of them, but usually, I am the only asian in a group of people. Yes, Chinatown freaks me out. Too. many. asians. must. stand. out. (something about the power of conformity). I’m the youngest. I’m the only one to have gone to post-secondary education and beyond. I am the rebel. I drink alcohol, I have a tattoo, I moved away from home at 18, I refused to be a doctor. The list goes on and it’s always “aiii-yahhh” (watch this to get a jist). I act as a constant reminder of what happens when you have kids: screaming, laughing, money wasting. I studied Women’s Studies and Psychology. Big into diversity. My “speciality” (is that what I’d call it?) is LGBTQ equality and education. I believe in equal rights and freedoms. Freedom to drink, tattoo, move out etc.

Common is a dog.

LOLCAT
This LOLCAT can has cheezburger. Last is the 0.5 of the group. Common. He’s the cat. I got him as a gift to myself for convocation. He’s my first real pet (the stupid goldfish and the many dead TMNTs don’t count) and he’s awesome. He’s not the average cat, he’s more like a dog. He hates being alone but loves banging on the door when someone’s in the bathroom. He once ate a rubber band. He knows his name and few commands such as “bug” if shrieked. He is the third child I’m sure my parents always wanted and if they didn’t, well someone’s got to clean his poop.

Up next: Eng residence pt2 – the shenanigans begin.

Snowy.

I was driving home yesterday with my window open, just a crack. I was listening to Common. It reminded me of last summer, when the snow melted. I remember being overjoyed that I could speed through the melting snow and not worry that my SUV would go flipping through the road. What a good feeling.

Well, the snow hasn’t come yet (please don’t come) so I have a few more days of being able to drive without scraping off my car or giving myself an extra 20 minutes because everyone else will be driving 40 km/h. I kind of like when the snow begins to disappear. Spring is always a happy time – even if it’s just institutionalized and the thought of happy bunnies and chickies is what I’m supposed to be thinking. It makes me happy, so what’s wrong with that?

Wordle.

Kelis.

Remember this? This is how I feel right now. Well, hate is a strong word.

Silence is Not Golden.

I have a women’s studies degree with a background in LGBTQ education. A hot topic presentation sparked a discussion about gender and sexuality politics. It reminded me that my passion is in people.

Penelope Trunk makes me wonder about silence.

@penelopetrunk

Penelope Trunk tweeted about her miscarriage at work. An uproar ensued. She, like all individuals with access to the Internet, has the ability to voice whatever she wishes to the virtual world. Is what she said wrong? The nature of the Internet is that those with access have “freedom”, or at least, a voice. Can it be too much? Her audience feels that way. Why are they shocked that she revealed such an intimate subject? Is it because it’s different that we decide to revolt? It’s untraditional. It’s a deviation from the norm. It’s not the first time that’s been said either. Stretching the societal realm of possibility is a requirement for new ideas and identities to exist in public (rather than just in private).

I think Penelope Trunk challenged her audience, and simply by being herself. This is both important and revolutionary. Testing the boundaries of societal norms is often criticized but what develops, intentionally or unintentionally, is a social change movement. What is okay to voice? Does it change per province, country, continent? If not voiced, what remains silent? Is it okay to be silenced? A strong society is one that actively pushes boundaries, questions norms and continuously redefines itself.

Maybe it’s about courage. Maybe it’s about us.

G.L.A.M.O…..

You know the words.

This morning, on my usual drive to Humber, I popped in an old CD. I made a series of CDs two years ago for Orientation Week. Being at the all-girls college didn’t necessarily lead to the best impressions so the blaring music from our lil’ hill was a good way to omit cool down to main campus. Well, at the very least, to give us the chance to dance. Fergie’s glamourous was on the CD and it came on this morning. What a great way to start a 9:30am drive.

It reminded me of the amazing times I’ve had at UWO’s notorious O-Week. Sleepless nights, hungry bellies and cheering. Doesn’t sound like the best fun but it was. For anyone that has been apart of it, they’ll understand. Some teams get disgruntled, some become political machines, but for me, it was about trying something new. I was never the type to be involved in these sorts of things. Heck, I hated my own O-Week. I nearly peed at my interview. I still remember shaking as I presented my uber dorky “creative piece.” It wasn’t creative. It sucked. Regardless, I made the team and it changed my life.

Many people say that O-Week changed their lives but more people say that it’s overrated and that sophs are insane. Yes, sophs are but that’s the joy in it. Through O-Week, I found my best friends and more importantly, I found myself. It’s corny. It really is but it’s true. The experience and the friendships opened my eyes to the most important things in my life.

This post isn’t the best read, but it’s an online thanks to the people that mean the world to me. You know who you are.

Mullet at 23.

Being 23 and living in my parents’ house is … refreshing? That’s not the word I’m looking for.
After five years of (glorious) freedom, moving back home was easier than I anticipated but I was expecting to be a rogue demon in their usual routines. It’s sort of like that.

Turning 19 away from home, and at the University of Western Ontario must have been daunting to my parents. I had no idea what I was in for, but my many nights and mornings spent recuperating with greasy mcdonald’s breakfast says it all. I like to think that many of the most exciting times happening in the various student homes that I’ve lived. For example, I moved out of my parents’ house, barely able to boil water or cook eggs. Many would say I still don’t know how, but I survived and didn’t (always) go hungry. I’m not a chef, but give me a loaf of bread and I’ll survive. I wasn’t the wisest kid, but I had fun. Isn’t that what being young is about? And at least I’m still here with all my pieces.

Now that I’m 23 and irking closer to 24 (yikes), I’m feeling the heavy burden of responsibility. Regardless of my “fun,” I’m pretty responsible. Living under a roof that isn’t rented feels very different. I think it’s obvious since it’s Saturday night and I’m blogging in my bedroom while the cat cleans his face on my bed. I feel compelled to ask my parents if I can go out and moreover, I’ll listen to their hasty no’s. It’s guilt. Parents have a keen ability to make their kids feel guilty for living a life, or “being young.” My parents have the heightened ability to say no while having it translate to “what are you kidding? why would you even ask? are you THAT irresponsible AND dumb? cmon, did we raise you like this?” God forbid I have a beer. They call me immature the minute I crack a bottle open. I don’t even want to know what they’re thinking when I carry a 1L bottle of wine out of the house. Well, I do know. They ask me to call home at midnight.

Living at home does have its perks though. The free laundry and cleaning has turned me into a mess. I swear I had a dream about cleaning a sink or a toilet. I’m a bad helper. My mom works part-time so Fridays are often our mom-daughter days. It’s something new in our lives. When I first moved out, I was about rdy to pack my bags and move out forever. Growing older, making my mistakes and realizing what my parents have done for me has made me this big parental suck-up. I feel bad doing things they don’t approve of (though they disapprove of EVERYTHING). My dad still hasn’t seen my tattoo. He’ll slice it off my body if he does. My mom secretly told me she’d get one if she wasn’t so old…. well, and then lectured me for 20 minutes about how I couldn’t have just gotten something small, I had to get the world’s biggest tattoo. For the record, it’s not THAT big…. well. Moving on.

As much as I sometimes grunt about living here, I’m grateful for the queen-size bed, parental love and evening chit chats. Never before has my dad sat down beside me to ask “what’s up?” during my usual Project Runway marathons. I feel like I’m catching up on all the times I missed. But (there is a but), I still want to be young and to live my life to the fullest. My parents sense the rebel in me, and in most cases, they know what has happened/is happening/will happen. Living at home, at 23, is like a mullet. Business in the front, party in the back. You know what I mean.

Nicholifav.

Youtube has become one of my favourite daily sites. It’s vivid, engaging and covers a broad spectrum of interests. Recently, I’ve come across Nicholifav. According to his Myspace, Nicholi is apparently 19 years old, an aquarius and from Harlem. Well, regardless of the facts, Nicholi is this young boy who lip syncs to popular songs in the istore. He has 12, 886 subscribers, but his channel has been viewed just about 230,000 times. Wow.

Why is he interesting? Because all he does is sing. I think he’s charming. I came across it in a Sunday night stretch of youtube artists. He updates his channel quite often, featuring the best songs of the time. Everything from Kid Cudi’s Day n Night to Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA. Recently, Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance has been hitting the scene and of course, Nicholi was on it. The thing that gets me is that this kid has the confidence of the queen. He sings and dances while in the istore at a computer station. His clever smile lets you know that he clearly loves what he does and doesn’t care who is in the background gawking. I think half the fun of these videos is watching fellow istore shoppers react to his shtick.

Loving his moves

I think Nicholi proves that you don’t need a purpose online (again, the nature of the Internet and lolcats); all you need is a little personality and some interactive segments. I think that as Youtube continues to be my favourite e-hotspot, I need to start moving on my vlog idea. I’m a visual learner, well quite frankly, I’m a lazy reader so why not just watch a 2 minute video? Nicholi is inspiring me. I may not be dancing and singing but maybe I’ll develop something that is my signature.

Really, watching this kid’s videos is as entertaining as googling cute kittens online. I think I have a knack for funny facial expressions and he has quite the expressive face. His dance moves become repetitive but in my dancing world, I call that signature. The moral of the story is: get on Youtube and watch more videos of Nicholifav because he is always recording new songs, gaining new istore friends and updates frequently. I think he’s been reading about personal branding.