Friday was an absolute whirlwind. The day started with presenting in a panel on why Jenny Walton is an awesome professor. We could've been there for days, but there was another professor being recognized, and the session was only 75 minutes.
Then, Molly Eickholz, Northern alumna and panelist at Jenny's recognition, presented her research on how advice can affect someone after their partner has committed an act of infidelity. She talked of positive and negative face and how different advice strategies can affect these faces, in turn having an effect on their mood. The research was very interesting, and she did a wonderful job presenting the information.
After that, it was time for lunch and my presentation. I put the final touches on my PowerPoint and went through our maze of a hotel to find the room in which I was scheduled to present. My session was a poster session. This means it was set up similar to a science fair. About 50 scholars had either posters or a PowerPoint to attract attention from other scholars roaming around the area. Those presenting were assigned a number and given a section of bulletin board. Coincidentally, Jenny Walton and I were right next to each other, which was perfect! The two of us ended up talking for most of the session, as not many people were roaming around. Probably because no one could find the room! (The hotel layout was an absolute mess.)
Sunday, Jeni Kmic presented her research on a Twitter analysis of the 2012 presidential candidates. In my opinion, she did an incredible job. She had great research and was very engaging toward the audience.
Now, we both changed out of our professional clothing and are ready to head to the airport. Washington, D.C. has been nice, but I'm ready to head back to Dayton and start my Thanksgiving break! I'm just a few hours and one plane ride away!
Congratulations, Alexa! It's incredible that you presented at a national conference as a sophomore (with a paper you wrote as a freshman, nonetheless). Conferences are great opportunities to refine your public speaking skills, network with other presenters and attendees and stay up-to-date with industry trends, plus an interesting perk is getting to spend time with professors outside the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited that your involvement with the PR department and PRSSA has helped you attend not one, but two, conferences this semester, and I can't wait to see where you go from here!