The Search for my Unicorn

Walking onto the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s campus four years ago, I was determined. I was in search of an elusive “passion.” I had no idea what I wanted to do. Much like the mythical unicorn, a “passion” to study seemed just out of reach, improbable of being real. I wanted to walk into a class and realize, “This is it; this is what I want to do with my life!” I envied my friends who had concrete dreams and career plans of being a doctor or a high school teacher. I knew that I loved people, writing and embracing my creative side, but I couldn’t figure out how to translate that into a major.

My academic advisor came to know me well, as I switched my major from English to Pre-Business to Management in Society. With each new major I declared, I found bits and pieces of things I enjoyed, but it still felt like something was missing. As the end of sophomore year came around, I decided to sign up for a class in one concentration I hadn’t considered: public relations.

It was an Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations class. I only vaguely knew what PR entailed at the time, but I figured, why not?

My Light Bulb Moment

That class was a game-changer for me.

I realized I could have a job that encompassed so many of my interests. I could tell a client’s story through writing, brainstorm creative campaigns and engage with people in a field of work that was constantly evolving. Working with real-life clients was especially exciting, since I could see the tangible effects that my work had for different organizations.

As I worked my way through various PR classes, I finally found what I had been looking for at UNC-CH. It wasn’t a single light bulb moment or a swift discovery. The more I learned, the more my interest in PR turned into passion. I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the creative side I got to use.

What Comes Next?

I wear a lot of different hats: writer, people-person, adventurer … even competitive jump roper and fitness instructor. With PR, I have found a concentration that allows me to engage with everything I love. I can do videography for my jump rope club, I write blog posts about my travel and fitness goals, and I can help others tell their stories, too.

I am looking forward to continuing my learning as an intern at Clairemont Communications this spring. As I finish up my last semester of classes at UNC and get ready to enter the “real world,” I am unbelievably excited for what comes next.

Written by Clairemont intern Alex Davis-Isaac, a senior at UNC.