I graduated from Long Beach High School in 1980. To be honest, I didn’t like it. I loved learning but I didn’t like the teachers and the administrators. However, there were a select few who I admired.
With no financial help, I worked my way through college and graduate school and landed a job at a large public relations firm. I wanted to own my own public relations firm. I set my mind to accomplishing the task at hand and I did it.
There were so many obstacles that came my way. But I had a focus. I was determined to do something with my life and have a promising career.
I wished I had support and help from my high school teachers and guidance counselors. If anything they discouraged me more than encouraged me.
That is why I decided to form the HJMT scholarship for a graduate at Long Beach High School who wants to go into the public relations field.
A few weeks ago at academic awards night at the high school, I went and presented the scholarship. It felt so good to see the student and meet her. Of course, I invited her to be on my Blogtalk radio show. I also gave her a copy of a book I wrote about social media.
“Please stay in touch,” I told her. “I know you don’t know me but I may be able to help you in the future.” She said she would. I hope she does.
I told the guidance counselors that night that I will be increasing the scholarship amount but wanted to be able to participate in the judging process.
So, we’ll see what happens next year. I may just have a YouTube video contest. Now wouldn’t that be interesting?
* Hilary JM Topper, MPA is president and CEO of HJMT Public Relations, Inc. She is an active blogger on HilaryTopper.com and has a radio show on Blogtalk Radio. Further, she is president and founder of the Social Media Association. For More information on SMA visit https://www.facebook.com/socialmediaassociation.
