Pushing Through the Final Stretch of the Season

 As our softball season starts to come to an end, it's honestly kind of crazy to think about how fast it all went. We're down to our last few weeks, and while this season hasn't exactly gone the way we hoped, with a current record of 9-22, it still has been an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. 

This year has definitely come with its fair share of adversity. There have been tough losses, long days, and moments where it felt like nothing was going our way. But at the same time, those challenges have pushed us and taught us a lot about resilience and patience. It is easy to stay positive when you are winning, but it says a lot about our team that we are still showing up and trying our best even when things are hard. What's made this season special for me has been the people. My teammates are the reason I can get through it all. No matter what our record says, the memories we've made and the support we give each other mean way more. My friends on this team are something I truly won't forget about this season. 

Right now, I am actually sitting on the bus writing this during a rainy day after we just beat Wilmington. We're waiting to see if we'll get our next game in, and as of right now, our coaches want to wait. If we are able to get our game in once it stops raining, we won't be done until around midnight. Which is a long day of softball! Even though our record isn't where we wanted it to be, I'm proud of how we've kept going. With only a few weeks left, I want to soak in every moment with this team. At the end of the day, it isn't about wins and losses; it's about the people and memories that come with it. 

Social Media Marketing Overview

 Social media marketing has become a huge part of how businesses connect with people today. In the Stukent Social Media Marketing textbook, it explains how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, YouTube, and X are not just for entertainment- they are powerful tools for building brands, reaching audiences, and driving engagement. The book gives a good overview of how marketing has shifted from traditional methods, like TV ads, to more digital strategies that focus on relationships with consumers. 

One of the main ideas from the book is that social media marketing is all about creating and sharing content that attracts and engages a specific audience. Instead of just trying to sell something right away, businesses focus on building trust and connections with their followers. This can include posting videos, photos, and stories, and even responding to comments to keep communication going. The goal is to make the audience feel involved, which can lead to loyalty from customers. 

Throughout the chapters of the book, it talks about different platforms and how to effectively manage them. Social media is always changing, and businesses have to change too. One platform that has changed a lot is X, which used to be called Twitter. In the book, it explains how X is still a strong platform for businesses because it allows them to connect with people quickly. Even though the name changed, the main purpose of the platform has overall stayed the same. 

In conclusion, the Stukent Social Media Marketing book shows that social media is more than just posting content; it is about building relationships, using data, and creating meaningful interactions with an audience. As social media continues to grow, understanding these concepts is important for anyone interested in marketing today. 

More Than A Game: Strikeout Cancer Day

 This past Saturday, our softball team played in a Strikeout Cancer game, and it ended up meaning a lot more than just softball. The day was about honoring anyone who has had cancer, but also about honoring Dave Hielman. Dave is the donor of our softball field. He was recently diagnosed with a pretty severe form of cancer and has been fighting. Dave has made a huge impact on our program. Even though the outcome on the field was not what we wanted, the overall experience was about something much bigger. 

We played against Mount Union, which is a ranked team, so we knew going into it that it would be a challenge. We ended up losing both games, which was definitely tough. Of course, no one likes to lose, especially at home, but at the same time, it did not take away from what the day really stood for. Even though the scoreboard did not go our way, we still competed and gave effort throughout both games. Playing a strong, ranked team pushed us and showed us areas we can keep improving on moving forward in the season. What made this day so special was the purpose behind it. Strikeout Cancer was about raising awareness and supporting those who are affected by cancer. Being able to play for something bigger than ourselves really put everything into perspective. We were able to raise thousands of dollars, which is amazing. Knowing that the money is going toward something so important made the entire day feel like a success, regardless of the outcome. 

Overall, this past Saturday was about much more than wins and losses. Even though we lost both games, the impact of Strikeout Cancer Day will last a lot longer than the results on the field. It was a reminder that sports can bring people together for something meaningful, and being a part of that was something I will not forget. 

The Social Dilemma

 The Social Dilemma on Netflix shows how social media is affecting people in ways we don't realize. The first half of the documentary mainly focuses on how these apps are created and why they are so hard to put down. It made me realize that social media is not just something we use for fun, and it is designed to keep us on it as long as possible. 

In the beginning, the film introduces people who used to work for big companies like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. These are the same people who helped create features like likes and notifications. Hearing from them was interesting because they admitted that these apps were built to grab our attention and keep it. The main idea is pretty simple: social media companies want people to stay on their apps as long as possible because this is how they make money. The longer we scroll, the more ads we see, the more money they earn. One of the biggest things talked about in the first half is how addictive social media is. Things like notifications, likes, and endless scrolling are all designed to make us keep checking our phones. It is almost like we do it without even thinking. The documentary also explains that we are not really the customers-we are the product. Our data is collected and used to target ads specifically to us. That was honestly one of the most eye-opening parts because it shows how much these apps actually know about us. 

Another important point is how algorithms control what shows up on our feeds. They track what we like and interact with, then only show us similar content. This might seem helpful,  but it can actually limit what we see and keep us stuck in our own bubble. This can be a problem because it can shape what we think and believe without even noticing it. The documentary shows that this can lead to misinformation and even cause people to become more divided. 

Overall, from watching the first half of this movie, it shows that social media is much more powerful than it seems. It is designed to be addictive. It tracks everything we do, and it controls what we see. After watching it, it definitely made me think more about how much time I spend on my phone and how these apps are actually influencing me. 

How YouTube is More Than Just Posting Videos

 Video marketing is a really big part of social media today, especially on YouTube. It's not just about posting random videos anymore; there's actually a lot of strategy that goes into creating a successful channel. One thing that stood out to me is how important it is to have a clear focus when making a YouTube channel. You can't just post anything and expect it to do well. Most successful creators stick to a certain type of content and target a specific audience. That way, people know what they're getting when they watch your videos. The content also has to bring some kind of value, whether it's entertaining, helpful, or just something people enjoy watching. 

Another big thing is consistency. Posting regularly really matters because it helps build your audience and keeps people coming back. It also shows the platform that your channel is active. On top of that, having a consistent look and style makes your channel feel more put-together and recognizable.  The YouTube algorithm is super important. It basically decides what videos people see. Things like watch time, likes, comments, and how many people click on your video all play a role. So it's not just about making a video, it's about making one that people actually want to watch and stay engaged with. Stukent states that "YouTube's overall strategy involves promoting channels and videos that make people come back to YouTube again and again, and ultimately engaging for a long period of time". 

This topic was cool for me to learn about because when I was younger, I always wanted to be a YouTuber. I used to love filming videos of myself, whether it was little vlogs or just talking to the camera for fun. I never thought about any of the strategy behind it; I just enjoyed doing it. Now I realize there is a lot that goes into it than I thought. Overall, learning about YouTube Marketing made me see it in a totally different way, and in content creation, you have to be able to stay consistent and understand how platforms work behind the scenes. 

Easter Weekend at Home

 This past weekend, I went home for Easter, and it was exactly what I needed after a busy and stressful few weeks. Being able to step away from school and spend time with the people I love meant so much to me. On Friday, I got to catch up with one of my hometown friends, which was really nice since we don't see each other as much anymore. We spent the afternoon together driving to get my hair cut, which felt like a little reset, and then we grabbed Chick-fil-A for lunch. It was such a single day, but it felt good to just relax, like we always used to. 

Saturday was a fun and busy day. I went shopping with my mom, which is something I always enjoy doing together. I got some new summer clothes, which made me really excited for the warm weather. We also stopped at Plato's Closet to drop off some clothes I don't wear anymore. Later that night, we went to a really nice sushi restaurant that was new near me. After that, I got to spend time with two of my other friends. We went to the movies and saw Reminders of Him, and we were the only ones in the theater, which made the experience even more fun and memorable. 

On Sunday, I got to see all of my family for Easter. My mom, aunt, grandma, and I went to church in the morning and then had a brunch afterwards with the rest of my family. It was nice to sit together, talk, and just enjoy each other's company. After brunch, I had to head back to campus, which is always a little sad, but I left feeling refreshed and grateful. Overall, it was such a great weekend. Being able to go home, take a break, and spend time with my loved ones reminded me how important those moments are. It was the perfect way to recharge before getting back into the routine of school. 

The Importance of LinkedIn

 In today's digital world, having a professional online presence is very important. One platform that stands out for this is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is widely used by professionals, companies, and students to connect, build networks, and promote themselves or their brands. Even though I understand how important it is for the path I want to be on, I do not have a fully set-up LinkedIn account. As a communications major with a pubic relations minor and exercise physiology minor, I have not yet taken a class that walks me through creating a LinkedIn profile step by step. Because of that, I feel like I am missing some of the key knowledge needed to make my profile appealing. While I have an account, it is not complete, and I know that improving it would help me professionally. After reading the chapter,  the book states that "LinkedIn was founded in 2002 by Stanford graduate Reid Hoffman after he gained years of experience working in Silicon Valley at companies like Apple and PayPal. Hoffman founded LinkedIn on the philosophy that people needed a platform to take control of their professional lives, finding the right people and information to conduct business. "

 LinkedIn plays a huge role in marketing, especially when it comes to personal branding and networking. Businesses use the platform to promote their services, share updates, and connect with their target audiences. It is also a place where marketers can build relationships.  LinkedIn is focused on professional content, making it more effective for career growth and business connections. It is the most popular social networking platform for job seeking and business professionals to connect and engage with individuals and brands worldwide. LinkedIn is an extremely impactful platform for marketing. Even though my profile is not fully complete yet, I recognize how important it is, and I plan on updating my account in my free time. As I gain experience through courses and things like the social media workshop, I hope to build a profile that will help me with my future career goals. 

Social Media Workshop

 On Friday, my Principles of Social Media class got to go to a workshop and hear different speakers talk about their experiences with social media and how they incorporate it into their everyday work.  The workshop first started off with a Keynote from Caroline Schumacher, who was a communications major. She currently works at Give Kids the World in Orlando. During this keynote, Caroline talked about how it is important to be yourself and to not be someone different online and in person. She embraced the importance of being a leader and reminded us that there are hardships with becoming one, like always being vulnerable. I enjoyed what she had to say because she was very authentic and honest with us about her life and what it took for her to get to where she is now. 

After the keynote, I went to Amy Arnold, a social media manager, and Kelly Savage, a director of social media and engagement, for my first session. They talked about the differences between organic and social strategies and posts, and how to use them effectively. I enjoyed listening to this because we had talked about it in class before. The next session I went to was with Tim Stried, who is a director of media relations for OHSAA. This was my favorite session. He works for the athletics communications office, which is something that interests me a lot. I want to work in sports, so being able to hear what he had to say was exciting. During his session, he talked about the dos and don'ts of social media posts. He made sure we knew to not reply to comments and not make posts based on political or religious viewpoints, which makes sense. 

After this, we had a lunch break, and all ate Olive Garden in the Chapel. After the break, we had two more sessions left for the day. The third session I went to was with Shannon Caldwell, a senior strategist and population health marketer. Shannon works for Mobile Health Locator. In her session, she talked about marketing goals and the differences between paid, earned, shared, and owned tactics. The last session I went to was with Tyler Louth, a CEO in marketing.  During Tyler's session, he talked about the impact of AI and how it is the new internet. He also talked about ways to have better marketing experiences. 

Overall, I had a very good day. It was interesting to hear what everyone does in their jobs and how they got to where they are. It opened my eyes to many fields that I can go into with what I am studying, and that excites me! I am glad I got to experience my first social media workshop!

The Power of Pinterest: Why It's a Great Marketing Tool

 Pinterest marketing is something I feel like a lot of people overlook, but it can actually be really effective. Most people think of Pinterest as just a place to find recipes, outfit ideas, or aesthetic pictures, but it is also a powerful marketing tool for businesses and creators. One reason Pinterest marketing works so well is that it is very visual. People are naturally drawn to pictures, so having pins that are aesthetic can make a huge difference. Unlike other social media platforms, Pinterest is more about discovering ideas than just scrolling through updates. This means content can stay relevant for a long time instead of disappearing after a day or two. 

Another thing that makes Pinterest different is that it works more like a search engine. People go on Pinterest looking for specific ideas or inspiration, which means they are already interested in what they are searching for. Because of this, businesses can reach their target audience more easily by using keywords and creating content that matches what people are looking for. I also think Pinterest is less stressful compared to other platforms. You do not have to constantly post every day to stay relevant. If you create good content, it can continue to get views and engagement over time. This makes it a great option for people who want to grow a brand without feeling overwhelmed. 

Pinterest marketing is a really useful tool that more people should take advantage of. It allows you to reach the right audience, share creative content, and grow over time without as much pressure. Even though it may not be as popular as other platforms, it definitely has a lot of potential.

Balancing It All: Staying Positive Through Stress

The past few weeks have been some of the most stressful days I have experienced in a long time. Between school, sports, and trying to maintain some form of social life, it sometimes feels like there is not enough time in a day. Even though it has been a lot recently, I am doing my best to stay positive and keep a good mindset, even when things feel overwhelming.

With the season just starting, things have already become very intense. We have had eight games in the past week alone, which has been physically exhausting and mentally draining. Practicing and games take up a lot of time in your day, which leaves a little amount of room for rest or doing other things. Even though it gets hard at times, being a part of the team is something I am grateful for, and I remind myself that these busy moments are part of the experience I signed up for. At the same time, my school workload has been pretty heavy. Keeping up with assignments, studying, and trying to maintain good grades while balancing everything else has been a challenge. On top of that, I still want to have a social life and spend time with friends, which makes time management even more difficult. 

Recently,  I have been staying up past 12 a.m. almost every night just to keep up with everything. This has made days feel exhausting. On top of this, my best friend decided to step away from softball because it was too much for her with school. Even with everything going on, I am choosing to stay positive. I remind myself that not everyone gets the opportunity to be involved in sports during college. I am thankful for the chance to grow, challenge myself, and be part of something bigger than myself. Although it is not easy, I am determined to keep a good mindset and continue doing my best in every area of my life. Being a part of this has allowed me to mature, have time management, and grow as a person. While I may not have everything figured out yet, I know that I am learning and improving each day. I will continue to stay grateful for this opportunity and keep pushing forward with a positive attitude. 

Why Snapchat Still Matters for Marketing

 Snapchat is actually a really useful platform for marketing, especially if you are trying to reach younger people. In the Stukent book, it talks about how social media should be engaging and real-time, and Snapchat fits that perfectly because everything is quick and interactive. One reason Snapchat works so well is that the content disappears. This makes people want to check it right away so they do not miss anything. Businesses can use this post to offer limited-time deals or quick updates that grab attention. It creates urgency, which helps keep people interested. 

Another big thing is that Snapchat feels more real compared to other platforms. The Stukent book explains how people like authentic content, and Snapchat is not super polished, so it feels more personal. Brands can connect with their audience by posting behind-the-scenes content or just being more casual. Snapchat also has features like stories, filters, and lenses that make content more fun and interactive. According to the book, interactive content usually gets more engagement because people are actually involved instead of just scrolling. Snapchat is especially strong for reaching younger teens. If a brand's target audience falls into that category, Snapchat should definitely be a part of their marketing strategy. But if the audience is older, it might not be as effective compared to other platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. 

Overall, Snapchat is a strong marketing tool if you use it the right way. If your target audience is younger, it can help you connect with them in a more real and engaging way. Even though it may not work for every audience, for the right demographic, it can be one of the most effective platforms out there.