Reflection Essay

Samantha Sugerik
JOMC 232
Client: Agape Way
This semester, I was actually enrolled two service-learning
courses; they were both very different experiences. The other course
required me to tailor all assignments towards my client work. However,
what I think benefitted me the most in Public Relations Writing is that I
was able to learn the material before executing that same writing
mode for the client. This allowed me to really learn the basics before
tailoring my writing to a client, which I think was very beneficial in the
writing process.
I think the most challenging part of this experience was working
directly with and for a client. It was a great learning experience, but
something I had never done before. I interned this summer for an
agency, and although I did have contact with the client frequently, the
ultimate person assigning me work was my boss at the agency.
Likewise, my other service-learning course had very limited client
contact so this was a completely different experience. This presented
challenges in that I had to learn how to communicate with someone
outside of the field of public relations about things inside the field of
public relations. I also had to learn to be able to deal with limited or
unclear contact. Overall though, I think it was an effective, but difficult
at times, real-world example of what it will be like to interact with
clients in my future endeavors and how to be an effective

communicator with different audiences (in this case, the client, my

teammates, and the professor).
I really valued the breadth of the writing modes that I covered
both in this course and specifically for my client. I think that I now have
a nice toolbox of writing techniques that I can use in internships and
jobs; I can also use the writing skills I learned and my improved
understanding of grammar across any writing that I do in life.
Regarding my clients PR efforts, I think that as a non-profit,
Agape Way has a really great cause. However, I think in the
communications department, the organization is definitely lacking.
Agape Way would benefit from more effective social media, from
reaching out to on-campus Christian and charity groups, and from
consistent branding across all channels. The organization could use
media releases and flyers to reach out to potential volunteers and
donors, especially on the UNC campus. Overall, more focus on donor
outreach and consistency would be key to successful donor and
volunteer relations for Agape Way.