Even as a Late Bloomer, It’s Never Too Late to Join PRSSA

Written by Melissa Aragones

Before I became a PRSSA member last fall, I hesitated to join. I thought, “I’m graduating next spring. Is it too late to join? I just became interested in PR. Is this the right path? I don’t know anyone. Will I make new friends?” These fears haunted my mind until I realized they were excuses to stay in my little bubble. So, I took a small leap into this chapter’s Instagram DMs and sent my worries to the co-president, Emma Galloway. Her kindness encouraged me to join, and I knew I was in the right place from then on.

Once I paid my $55 membership fee, I gained so many benefits. I learned the difference between agency and in-house PR. I learned key strategies from several guest speakers for their clients and companies. I got to tour ABC7 Studios and The Wonderful Company. I went to the Amazon Prime series premiere, Cruel Intentions. I got to network with PRos from different industries. I met many lovely people in the club and became friends with them. Best of all, these experiences made me realize that I want to pursue PR as my career.

From these surreal experiences, I want you to know that it’s never too late to join PRSSA. Being a paid member gave me these opportunities, and the benefits made it all worth it.

Benefits of Being a Paid Member

● Join a Slack channel where you can connect with fellow PRSSA members.

● Attend workshops, company tours, and chapter events throughout the semester.

● Access exclusive scholarships for members.

● Connect with a mentor.

● Meet and network with PRos from several industries (music, sports, entertainment, etc.).

● Build your writing portfolio through this chapter’s blog or PRSSA’s Progressions Blog.

● And more!

You get to experience these things for only $55. That’s a deal, and it’s one that you don’t want to miss out on. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “You don’t see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” If I hadn’t taken that first step, these experiences wouldn’t have happened. The basic PR foundations I learned and the amazing experiences I had this spring also wouldn’t have happened. You can take that first step too.

No matter when you join or where you are in life, we all start somewhere. Who knows what will happen to us in the future? We don’t know what it may hold, but making a choice for your future will yield many unexpected rewards. Even as a late bloomer, you can start growing to your full potential. When a gloomy cloud may hover over your head, you can blossom into a stronger version of yourself than before because the sun will shine through. So, rather than deciding that it’s too late, you start something amazing.

About Melissa

Melissa Aragones (she/her/hers) is a senior at California State University, Northridge, who will graduate in May as a Communication Studies major. She currently works as a social media manager and peer coach for the Mike Curb College’s Peer Coaching Program. In her free time, she enjoys watching K-dramas with her mom and doing Pilates. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.